2021 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Complaints

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH in traffic, the vehicle stalled, and the power steering and brakes became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted after a long while. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The mechanic replaced the fuel pump; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with fuel pump module failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V013000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ID

11718722

Incident

Feb 4, 2026

Mileage

72,000 mi

CASE NUMBER 11715650 , check engine light went on , and the vehicle reduced speed, I took car into dealership, they said the engine had an ice problem and a repair would be needed, they said that this was a flaw in design, and it should be part of a recall, and that this is a common problem with this vehicle. the cost of a repair would be around $1000.00 . T fill this should be covered by the manufacture because of a design flaw.

NHTSA ID

11715945

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact resumed driving, but the vehicle failed to exceed 55 MPH on the Expressway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a factory defect. The dealer determined that the turbo wastegate solenoid, the charge air cooler, and the TCV wrap needed to be replaced with an aftermarket part. The parts were ordered; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ID

11715650

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

Mileage

52,000 mi

windshield wipers stoppped working while driving during snow event. leaving no visibility.

NHTSA ID

11714969

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

My vehicle keeps jerking/stalling/choking but continues to drive. I went to AutZone (01/28/2026) and they ran a check on it. The report states it has to with a Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor and that an Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Large Leak was detected. I need to know in what direction do I need to go to get assistance in this matter. Do I take to the dealer manufacturer to fix the problem or do I contact a lawyer? I have another complaint that was filed with the NHTSA #11711799 on January 18/19, 2026 and no resolution was made. That complaint is for a problem with the Mass Airflow Sensor pertaining to the fuel system. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.

NHTSA ID

11714042

Incident

Jan 28, 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.

NHTSA ID

11711879

Incident

Jan 17, 2026

While driving earlier in the day, the car choked twice at different times but continued normally. Later in the evening, I left my carport and while driving down the street the check engine light came on and the car choked again like it wanted to cut off but didn’t. I immediately turned around and went home. Not sure what’s going on. I checked my car manual and it says it might have something to do with the fuel system. I don’t know what steps to take next.

NHTSA ID

11711799

Incident

Jan 18, 2026

Fuel pump located in the fuel tank, known recall on other equinoxes of this year and model but not all are covered but it is affecting more than what they are willing to cover putting my safety and other drivers safety at risk.

NHTSA ID

11704417

Incident

Dec 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was driven approximately 500 feet and was parked. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact researched and stated that the vehicle had a known failure in the fuel system. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

NHTSA ID

11700546

Incident

Nov 13, 2025

Mileage

151,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at speeds between 30 and 50 MPH, the front end of the vehicle started wobbling and vibrating severely. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the front half shaft was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed of a TSB related to the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11693524

Incident

Sep 15, 2025

Mileage

80,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and stalled twice after idling, or while coming to a stop. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V013000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA ID

11689844

Incident

Sep 25, 2025

Mileage

61,000 mi

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was approximately 72,170, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 206,352.

NHTSA ID

11689703

Incident

Sep 25, 2025

Mileage

206,352 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, water accumulated on the front seats floor mats and on the second-row floor mats. Upon inspection, the contact found potential white mold under the seats. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The dealer informed the contact that the failure might be related to the water hose to the A/C, or the failure might be related to the moonroof. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending a repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was left in the sun for four days with the windows rolled up, and white mold spread through the vehicle. The contact had not notified the manufacturer of the failure; however, a representative from GM stopped by the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that the insurance company had an adjuster inspect the vehicle at the dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA ID

11686662

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

Mileage

25,000 mi