Owners have reported 5 crashes and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox's electrical system. Complaints frequently mention problems with the infotainment system, including audio failures, unexpected volume changes, and touchscreen malfunctions. Additionally, multiple owners describe issues with the vehicle's power systems, such as unexplained engine shutdowns and inoperable power locks. Some reports involve water leaks impacting electrical components like the fuse box, potentially leading to safety concerns. These issues often arise at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 11,000 miles, and others around 55,000 miles. Buyers should be aware that these electrical problems can affect vehicle functionality and safety features.
Owner complaints11
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues related to the power train, with several complaints highlighting transmission and drive train problems. Symptoms described include severe wobbling and vibration, failure to accelerate beyond certain speeds, and the inability to switch gears correctly. These issues often emerge around 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Safety implications are noted in some cases, such as a vehicle failing to go into park and unexpectedly lurching forward, as well as incidents where the car shuts off while driving. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly if considering a vehicle with mileage within the reported range.
Owner complaints10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues related to engine performance and electronic displays. Complaints often describe the vehicle "choking" or "chugging" as if it might stall, with some instances of the car stopping unexpectedly, particularly concerning when driving at highway speeds. Electronic display issues include screens becoming unreadable or malfunctioning, affecting visibility of safety warnings and other critical information. Additionally, multiple owners mention problems with the auto stop-start system, reporting a delayed restart that can lead to near rear-end collisions. These issues appear at varying mileages, and some owners note recurring problems shortly after purchase. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control and visibility of important alerts.
Owner complaints6
ENGINE
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox report several engine-related issues, with common symptoms including unexpected stalling and loss of power. Complaints frequently mention the check engine light activating, often accompanied by the vehicle shutting off while stopping or losing power at high speeds, with one report indicating this occurred at 50 mph. These issues appear at varying mileages, from as low as 8,800 miles to over 87,000 miles. Some owners also describe high oil consumption and problems with the turbocharger, particularly in cold weather. Safety implications are noted, as stalling and power loss occur in traffic, posing potential hazards. Buyers should be aware of an active recall related to the fuel pump module, which may contribute to these issues.
Owner complaints4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report issues with the fuel system of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, specifically involving the fuel pump and fuel tank pressure sensor. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the vehicle jerking, stalling, or entering limp mode, sometimes accompanied by a whining sound during acceleration. These issues have been noted at mileage as low as 39,113. In some cases, the vehicle fails to start or stops completely, requiring towing and fuel pump module replacement. Safety implications are highlighted, as sudden power loss could pose risks if occurring on busy roads, although no crashes are reported.
Owner complaints4
STEERING
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox report issues related to the steering system, with multiple complaints describing a grinding noise and vibration in the steering wheel during sharp turns from a standstill. This problem is linked to the electric dual pinion rack and pinion steering gear, which some owners have needed to replace, only to experience the same issue again within a few months. Additionally, some reports mention the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly, posing a potential safety risk on highways. These issues tend to occur early in the vehicle's life, as one owner noted a recurrence just two months after an initial repair. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these steering-related complaints, as they may impact driving safety and require attention from a dealership or service center.
Owner complaints4
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly related to the brake rotors and brake assist system. Several complaints describe a noticeable vibration when braking at high speeds, attributed to warped rotors with hot spots, occurring as early as 21,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners experience a loss of brake assist, leading to a hard brake pedal and reduced braking power, often around 32,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of near-miss incidents due to sudden loss of braking power and unintended engagement of the electric parking brake, causing vehicle swerving at highway speeds. This information is critical for potential buyers considering the braking reliability and safety of this model.
Owner complaints3
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with air bags failing to deploy during crashes. Complaints describe scenarios where vehicles experience significant impacts, including rear-end collisions and side impacts, yet the air bags do not activate. These incidents occur at various speeds, including 15 MPH and 20 MPH, and involve both frontal and side collisions. Reports include three crashes with two resulting in injuries, highlighting potential safety implications. The failure mileage in one case is approximately 18,000 miles, though another instance involves a rental vehicle with unknown mileage, suggesting that the issue may not be confined to high-mileage vehicles.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints3
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox report issues with water accumulation inside the vehicle, particularly on floor mats in both the front and second-row areas. This is often linked to potential leaks from the A/C water hose, moonroof, or luggage rack seals. Complaints typically emerge around 25,000 to 68,000 miles. Additionally, a significant safety issue is noted where a front driver's wheel detaches while driving, leading to a loss of vehicle control and resulting in an injury. Buyers should be aware of these potential water intrusion issues and the isolated but severe wheel detachment incident when considering this model.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints2
SEAT BELTS
Owners report issues with the seat belts in the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, particularly related to their failure to engage or retract during collisions. In two incidents involving crashes, one at approximately 11,000 miles and another at 88,365 miles, the seat belts did not function as expected, leading to injuries. Symptoms described include the seat belt not engaging, resulting in the driver being propelled forward and striking parts of the vehicle. These failures are associated with safety implications, as they contributed to injuries during the accidents. Potential buyers should be aware of these seat belt issues when considering this vehicle.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
