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2021 Chevrolet Equinox Complaints

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

97

Total

6

Crashes

0

Fires

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

Most Reported Components

ENGINE
29
FUEL SYSTEM
14
ELECTRICAL
14
OTHER
12
BRAKES
7

Owner Complaint Reports

Showing 25 of 97 reports, crash, fire and injury reports first, then the most recently filed. The full set is on NHTSA.gov.

ODI #11769348

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 09/24/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started bucking and then stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump power control module failure. The contact associated the failure with GM Recall: N252516900. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,800.

ODI #11767976

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/29/2026

Vehicle suffered an intermittent, severe, and dangerous total loss of acceleration while driving in rainy conditions. Upon pressing the accelerator pedal from a stop, the vehicle rolled slowly for 5 to 10 seconds and completely ignored all gas pedal input before finally accelerating. The engine remained at a smooth, dead idle and failed to rev up entirely during the failure, creating an immediate traffic hazard. A scan revealed an active ABS system failure. This dangerous safety hazard occurred less than 4 weeks after a certified GM dealership (Grieco Chevrolet of Fort Lauderdale) performed the official GM Safety Recall N222372310 for Inadequate Fuel Pump Flow on September 4th. The fuel pump recall requires lowering the fuel tank, which sits directly adjacent to the rear ABS wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses. Both GM Corporate and the local dealership have refused to safety-inspect the vehicle's rear wiring harness workmanship for post-recall damage or water intrusion without charging a diagnostic fee, despite the severe driving risk. There were no warning messages or other symptoms prior to this occurring.

ODI #11766935

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/18/2026

On Friday, September 18, my wife was driving down I81 towards Knoxville when the car died on the highway. She pulled over and we had to have a tow truck flatbed the car to a nearby garage to diagnose. They had the car for 4 days and found that there was a low fuel pressure code. They were going to replace the fuel pump but told me that there was a recall on some 2021 Equinox's for faulty fuel pumps so I chose to pick up the car and have it taken to a local Chevy Dealer for their diagnostic as experts. That is where the car is as of the submission of this report.

ODI #11764564

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/15/2026

The vehicle intermittently triggers steering control, brake assist, and parking brake warnings during both highway and city driving, particularly when coming to a complete stop. These alerts are associated with a slight jerk in the steering wheel upon acceleration and a transient locking sensation across the steering, accelerator, and brake systems before functionality is restored; additionally, the check engine light is now illuminated.

ODI #11764166

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/02/2026

Fuel pump power control module

ODI #11763928Crash

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 02/13/2026

I've been having issues since the beginning of 2026. It's saying my car has no recalls but I've found that is does on a part that's been complained about by others. I've had the car repaired multiple times updating the fuel injectors and spark plugs but still the same error codes. Yet and still the check engine light continues to come on. So I looked and found out it maybe the fuel pump after all . I'm constantly refueling at least 3 times a week and also the errors come up inside the chevrolet app as well. This has been frustrating to say the least I hope the dealership repairs this issue without me having to take it back for more repairs.

ODI #11758331

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 08/20/2026

The fuel pump of my Chevy equinox failed while I was driving in the middle of a busy highway causing my engine to lose power putting myself and my passengers in danger along with everybody else on the highway because I could not accelerate and I had to push my vehicle off the highway. Shortly after the engine stalled, the display for the fuel went from reading 3/4 of a tank to empty in a matter of a second. When I tried to restart the engine it would not register that there was any fuel in a tank even though it was 3/4 of the way full. This problem has been identified under the recall number 23V-013 but for some reason my VIN number is not included in this recall, even though it's a well-known issue for this year, make and model. Just before the engine stalled the check engine light came on.

ODI #11758041

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/17/2026

While driving on the interstate, the moonroof glass began opening without any input from the moonroof controls. The power sunshade was still closed at the time. I opened the sunshade manually so it would not interfere with the glass. After the glass opened, I was unable to get it to remain fully closed. When I was able to close the glass, it would reopen on its own several more times. I also heard a clicking sound during the repeated opening and closing. After this occurred, the power sunshade also stopped operating correctly. It would open fully, but when closing, it would stop approximately halfway and leave the front portion of the moonroof uncovered. It would not close completely. There were no warning lights or other dashboard indications during the incident. The only way I was eventually able to get both the moonroof glass and the sunshade to close completely was to leave the vehicle turned off for approximately two hours and then perform the moonroof reset/initialization procedure. After the reset, both the glass and sunshade returned to normal operation. The most concerning part of the incident was that the moonroof glass opened by itself while the vehicle was being driven, without anyone touching the controls.

ODI #11756705

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/31/2025

I am reporting a severe mechanical failure involving the fuel pump module on my 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. My vehicle exhibits symptoms that match NHTSA Recall Campaign 23V-013 / GM Campaign N222372310 (Inadequate Fuel Pump Flow). However, when checking my VIN, GM indicates my vehicle is currently excluded from the official recall population. My car hesitates to accelerate on the highway, will randomly sputter when at a constant speed, I have had a checked engine light come on which was cleared after it being inspected but was not fixed. This creates an extreme hazard and risk of my car completely stalling, or the risk of an accident when trying to accelerate on the interstate or just merging with the traffic flow. Given that the symptoms and component failures on my vehicle are identical to those documented in NHTSA Campaign 23V-013, I request that NHTSA investigate an expansion of this recall to include additional 2021 Chevrolet Equinox models. Additionally, I request General Motors cover the cost of diagnosis and repair under safety recall warranty provisions.

ODI #11751317

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/26/2026

The high pressure fuel pump seized, shattering the camshaft, dropping metal fragments into the cylinders causing total engine failure. GM issued a safety recall for certain 2021-2022 Chevy equinox due to a defective fuel pump modules but it was not accurate. GM is currently facing major class action lawsuits alleging that their equinox fuel pumps are fundamentally defective. The lawsuits highlight that the component fails, causing catastrophic damage and GMs initial recall fixes were inadequate.

ODI #11749103

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 05/08/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on a busy highway, the engine seized, and the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The local Police assisted in pushing the vehicle onto the shoulder of the road. A mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a failed Camshaft position sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later towed to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed timing chain. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that a routine oil change was performed on the vehicle a couple of weeks prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

ODI #11748322

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/04/2026

The electronic brake control module causes the car to no start and goes into limp mode. Cuts off the power to every system in the entire dashboard including the transmission making the car very dangerous to drive.

ODI #11744599

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/12/2026

I have no sound at all no turn signals, no seat belt no nothing, had Chevy in leesburg tell me I need an update did that and being told to replace radio and amplifier

ODI #11742151

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 04/10/2026

I was driving in GA and my low engine power light came on and I lost complete ability to brake. The brake pedal was hard and would not go down. I towed my car to Jim Ellis Chevrolet in Atlanta. They called a few days later and told me I needed extensive engine repairs that would cost over $5,000 but GM would take care of some of it. I paid $1980.00. I went to pick up my car and was nervous because I lost brakes on a highway and was afraid. I asked them if they were sure everything was repaired and I would be safe and they told me it was tested extensively and driven and all was good. I drove around 2 hours after leaving and my engine light came on and my brakes failed again going 70 miles an hour surrounded by semis. I called Jim Ellis and they told me to tow it to Walter Jackson who told me it was a vacuum pump that they would have had to remove during the repairs. In addition there is a class action against GM about these pumps for my year and make of car. I have asked for a refund from Jim Ellis contacting ownership, GM, Service Team and no one will respond to my calls or emails. I filed a customer complaint with GM and they are accepting zero responsibility as well. I paid thousands of dollars between both repairs and rental cars and the least I would like for them putting my life and others around me at risk on a freeway is my money back.

ODI #11742225

POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS — Filed 04/01/2025

My car only has 60,000 miles and it shifts hard. Also my drivers seat belt has issues latching

ODI #11740881

POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 05/13/2026

On way to [XXX] car started hesitating stop at Oreily’s they hooked up said 3rd cylinder was misfiring took to Bruner Chevrolet I told them what the read out said on the 3rd cylinder misfiring they said catalytic converter was messed up and changed it out drove car home still hesitating went back to Bruner Chevrolet I asked them about the recall on the fuel injector module they said my car was not on the recall said it needed the spark plugs and fuel injectors maintenance they did all that then they test drove the car engine light came on said the fuel injector needed to be replaced cost me 866.33 for all this what I want to know if the fuel injector module wasn’t working properly would it cause all of this my car only has 40,800 miles on it INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11740256

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 05/14/2026

My 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, VIN [XXX] , previously showed an active recall related to fuel system and stalling issues. The recall no longer appears under my VIN, but the same dangerous symptoms are happening. The vehicle jerks during acceleration, hesitates, loses power, and stalls while driving. These problems create a major safety concern because the vehicle can suddenly lose power in traffic. The symptoms match the original recall-related issues that were previously associated with this vehicle. I am requesting that the vehicle be inspected for recall-related failures, warranty coverage, special coverage adjustments, or goodwill assistance due to the safety risk involved. I would like documentation showing whether the recall repair was previously completed on this VIN and whether any warranty remains on the repaired or replaced parts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11735095

SEAT BELTS — Filed 03/15/2026

It appears that both driver's and passenger's inertia locking mechanism are defective. They do not lock keeping driver and passenger from going forward into dashboard. I had to make sudden stop the other day, and wife (passenger) went flying into the dashboard and hit her head. After assuming the seat belts auto locked when in use, we were surprised. Since then we pull the seat belts all the way out and release them and have to repeat this step 8-10 times before it catches, and then a slight move forward unlocks the restraint. SOmething isn't right about this, and I'll bet numerous cars are the same way, you only know once you have to stop quickly. I reported to the dealer, but the want $200 approximately just to look at it, and maybe $400-$800 each to fix something that should be covered by GM.

ODI #11733877

STRUCTURE — Filed 04/26/2026

I am writing to report a safety concern with my 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The rear bumper has begun to separate from the body of the vehicle and becomes loose during normal use. This issue appears to be related to how the bumper is attached (clips, fasteners, or design), not due to any collision or damage. A loose rear bumper creates a potential safety hazard, as it could detach while driving or pose a risk to other drivers. I recommend that Chevrolet investigate this issue for a possible defect and consider a recall if this is found to be a common problem among similar vehicles.

ODI #11711879Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 01/17/2026

We were involved in a car accident. We ran into the back of a pickup truck that suddenly stopped on the toll road for another car that was in an accident. Our front end of the car was heavily damaged. Our concern is that our air bags did not deploy. With the amount of damage that our car received why did the air bags not deploy. The state trooper the did the report looked into the car and wondered the same thing. I will attach pictures. We are taking into the body shop tomorrow. They said it maybe two weeks before they start on it. The seat belts saved our lives. The air bags did not. We are taking into the body shop tomorrow. There were no warning signs before the accident.

ODI #11543999Crash

SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES — Filed 09/06/2023

The contact leased a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-35 mph, he made a right turn going across an intersection and collided with a 2012 Ford Focus. The brakes were applied, but the response was too slow. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags deployed. The vehicle was filled with smoke. The driver's side front door failed to open. The fire department was on the scene, but there were no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The air bag struck the driver in the chest. The contact sustained internal bruising, including bruising on her abdomen and on her arms. The driver was taken to the hospital, where medical attention was provided. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer body shop, where it was discovered that the failure was due to the seat belts not engaging. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

ODI #11539391

STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES,AIR BAGS — Filed 05/07/2023

The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the front driver's wheel detached from the vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The air bags did not deploy. The insurance company deemed the vehicle totaled. The contact was injured; she had a concussion. The contact received medical attention. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, no failure was found. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,680. The VIN was not available.

ODI #11524829Crash

SEAT BELTS — Filed 06/01/2023

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while approaching a stop light, the vehicle behind the contact was rear-ended by another vehicle causing the vehicle behind the contact to rear-end the contact’s vehicle, causing minor damages. The contact stated that the vehicle behind the contact had major damages. When the contact was rear-ended the seat belt on the driver's side did not retract at the point of impact, causing the contact to launch forward and struck a sun visor with his head. The contact had sought medical attention for neck pain and for headaches. The contact was unsure if anyone else was injured or if a police report was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,365.

ODI #11461775Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 03/29/2022

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox D2. The contact stated while his wife was driving at 15 MPH in a traffic circle, another vehicle crashed on both the front passenger's side door and the rear passenger's side door of the vehicle. The airbags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's wife did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was then towed to an autobody shop. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

ODI #11448040Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 12/08/2021

The contact stated he was driving a rented 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 20 mph and crossing an intersection when another vehicle t-bone crashed into his front driver's side door. The crash caused him to collide with a third vehicle. No air bags were deployed in his vehicle. The contact sustained multiple injuries and a type 3 AC joint separation on his left shoulder. The contact did seek medical attention at an Emergency Room. The contact also stated the driver in the third vehicle did sustain unknown injuries and was unaware if they seek medication attention for their injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

About This Data

Complaints are filed by vehicle owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They represent individual consumer experiences and do not necessarily indicate a widespread defect.

View on NHTSA.gov