2021 Chevrolet Equinox: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
On the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, the failure owners report most often is other electrical problem, with 11 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 50,000 miles. Overall it scores 70 out of 100, high risk for a 2021.
High risk for a 2021 — 179th riskiest of the 231 2021 vehicles we can rate. 129 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What owners report breaking
Owners have reported 41 named failure modes on the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, and the three most-reported carry 22% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Other electrical problem leads with 11 reports and about 0.2 per 1,000 vehicles.
Other engine problem follows with 10 reports, median 100,000 miles.
Lane keep or steering assist fault follows with 7 reports.
By system, the reports fall mostly into electrical (20), engine (19) and adas (11).
The mileage the reports cluster at
22 of the reports on the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 50,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 50% by 50,000 miles, 91% by 100,000 miles and 95% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 10,000 and 20,000 miles, which alone holds 18% of the dated reports.
45% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 41. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
What happens when these parts fail
Across the named modes, 4 mention a crash and 5 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.12, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other electrical problem at $250–$2,000, other engine problem at $300–$4,000, lane keep or steering assist fault at $200–$1,600 and other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
23% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 11 | 1 | — | 45k | — | 0.2 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other engine problem | engine | 10 | 2 | — | 101k | — | 0.2 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Lane keep or steering assist fault | adas | 7 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,600 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 7 | 2 | — | 61k | — | 0.1 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 5 | 1 | — | 11k | — | 0.1 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 5 | 1 | — | 55k | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 4 | 4 | — | 22k | — | 0.1 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 4 | 1 | — | 11k | — | 0.1 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Excessive oil consumption | engine | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $900–$6,500 | High |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Infotainment screen failure | infotainment | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $400–$2,600 | Low |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 3 | 2 | — | 72k | — | 0.1 | $200–$900 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Complete engine failure or seizure | engine | 2 | 1 | — | 151k | — | 0.0 | $4,500–$12,000 | Critical |
| Alternator or charging system failure | electrical | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $450–$1,600 | High |
| Loss of power steering | steering | 2 | 1 | — | 59k | — | 0.0 | $600–$2,800 | Critical |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 2 | 1 | — | 84k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Overheating | cooling | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Torque converter failure | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $1,100–$3,200 | High |
| CV axle or driveshaft failure | drivetrain | 1 | 1 | — | 67k | — | 0.0 | $450–$2,200 | High |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Engine sensor failure | electrical | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $180–$900 | Moderate |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Audio or connectivity failure | infotainment | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $150–$900 | Low |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 315 | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Door latch or handle failure | body | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,200 | High |
| Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure | body | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,500 | Moderate |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 1 | 1 | — | 3k | — | 0.0 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Wiper or washer failure | glass | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $120–$800 | Moderate |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Unclassified problem | other | 17 | 2 | — | 6k | — | 0.3 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox draws about 2.3 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 79th percentile of complaint rates among 2021 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 55,682 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2021 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
Recalls on the 2021 model year
NHTSA has issued 4 recall campaigns covering the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, affecting an estimated 61,961 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover child seat:vehicle latch anchor, fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump:control/drive modul, tires and seat belts. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
668,187 vehicles 2023-05-11- Defect
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
- Consequence
- The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232403240.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
23,323 vehicles 2023-01-19- Defect
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. The fuel pump module may not consistently provide sufficient fuel to the engine, resulting in an engine stall.
- Consequence
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372310.
TIRES
9,597 vehicles 2021-08-05- Defect
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.
- Consequence
- Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the tire DOT numbers, and replace any affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782; and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212343560.
SEAT BELTS
470 vehicles 2020-12-23- Defect
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
- Consequence
- If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2021 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2021 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2021 — 179th riskiest of the 231 2021 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
Across the 22 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2008 comes out best at 65 and 2019 worst at 83, with 2021 itself at 70.
If the model year is negotiable, 2008, 2014, 2006 and 2009 score lower than 2021 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2018–2023 generation specifically, 2021 is the strongest year at 70 and 2019 the weakest at 83.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2018-2023 generation, 2021 Chevrolet Equinox scores best at 70 and 2019 Chevrolet Equinox worst at 83.
What this page cannot tell you
129 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 129 reports, 22 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 17% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?
The most-reported failures are other electrical problem (11 reports, median 45,000 miles), other engine problem (10 reports, median 100,000 miles) and lane keep or steering assist fault (7 reports). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
It scores 70 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 179th riskiest of the 231 2021 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2021 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Chevrolet Equinox is best?
Within the 2018–2023 generation, 2021 scores best at 70 out of 100 and 2019 worst at 83. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed