RoadVitals

2021 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
101
+2 complaints in 30 days
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
34
Reports on file since Feb 23, 2021

What this page shows

Our database holds 101 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 101 · page 1 of 5

Fuel system
Filed Nov 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut off with the message "Battery Level Low" displayed. The contact scanned the vehicle with an OBD-II scanner and retrieved a diagnostic trouble code associated with the fuel pump. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V013000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.

NHTSA ID
11775709
Incident
Oct 28, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Oct 17, 2026

Vehicle engine "sputtered" last night on the roadway, made it home then car would not restart. Repair engine light warning came on at time vehicle engine "sputtered". Vehicle will be at Dyer Chevrolet in Vero Beach, Florida on 10/19/2026. Fuel pump module is not providing fuel to engine resulting in engine not starting - See NHTSA Campaign Number 23V013000

NHTSA ID
11771811
Incident
Oct 16, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Oct 12, 2026

The fuel injector module had to be replaced. My car stall while driving and I was stuck at work for over 2 hours waiting to be towed home. I work 40 min from where I live, so there was no getting back home without a tow. The car would not start because it was showing that I had no gas, when in fact I had a half a tank. Had to pay $264.50 for my car to be towed home from work. I would like to be reimbursed for something that happened from the factory. I am attaching the receipt.

NHTSA ID
11770531
Incident
Oct 6, 2026
Electrical
Filed Oct 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.

NHTSA ID
11769863
Incident
Sep 30, 2026
Mileage
54,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 6, 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.

NHTSA ID
11769348
Incident
Sep 24, 2026
Mileage
20,800 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceFuel system
Filed Sep 30, 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.

NHTSA ID
11767976
Incident
Sep 29, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Sep 25, 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.

NHTSA ID
11766935
Incident
Sep 18, 2026
Filed Sep 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.

NHTSA ID
11764564
Incident
Sep 15, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Sep 14, 2026

Fuel pump power control module

NHTSA ID
11764166
Incident
Sep 2, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Sep 13, 2026
Crash reported

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.

NHTSA ID
11763928
Incident
Feb 13, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Aug 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.

NHTSA ID
11758331
Incident
Aug 20, 2026
Electrical
Filed Aug 19, 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.

NHTSA ID
11758041
Incident
Aug 17, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Aug 13, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11756705
Incident
Jul 31, 2025
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 18, 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.

NHTSA ID
11751317
Incident
Jun 26, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 8, 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.

NHTSA ID
11749103
Incident
May 8, 2026
Mileage
86,000 mi
ElectricalFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 5, 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.

NHTSA ID
11748322
Incident
Jul 4, 2026
Electrical
Filed Jun 16, 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

NHTSA ID
11744599
Incident
Jun 12, 2026
Powertrain (other)Seat belts
Filed Jun 4, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11742225
Incident
Apr 1, 2025
BrakesEngine
Filed Jun 4, 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.

NHTSA ID
11742151
Incident
Apr 10, 2026
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed May 29, 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)

NHTSA ID
11740881
Incident
May 13, 2026
Fuel system
Filed May 26, 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)

NHTSA ID
11740256
Incident
May 14, 2026
Seat belts
Filed May 1, 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.

NHTSA ID
11735095
Incident
Mar 15, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Apr 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.

NHTSA ID
11733877
Incident
Apr 26, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 16, 2026

REPLACED A PROPELLOR SHAFT AT 59,000 MILES 8/23/2025. PAID $859.00. UNAWARE THIS COULD HAVE BEEN REPAIRED AND COVORERD BY A MANUFACTURERS WARRANTEE. SIX MONTHS LATER MY MECHANIC(1) AND CAR DEALER(2) RECOMMEND A BODY CONTROL MODULE AND POSSIBLE REAR DIFFERENTIAL REPLACEMENT ESTIMATED BETWEEN $1500-$3500. THIS VEHICLE STILL HAS LESS THAN 69000. THIS HAS BEEN A HARDSHIP AFTER PURCHASING A NEWER VEHICLE SO I COULD HAVE FEWER REPAIRS TO MY BUDGET.

NHTSA ID
11724768
Incident
Aug 23, 2025
Engine
Filed Feb 26, 2026

The check engine light came on and the engine lowered performance because the intercooler froze and cracked. Despite there being a service update to stop that from happening, we were never informed of the update from Chevy, only once it had happened did they tell us about the update and included it in the repair cost.

NHTSA ID
11720694
Incident
Jan 28, 2026

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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