Is the 2021 Chevrolet EQUINOX reliable?

The 2021 Chevrolet EQUINOX has 117 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet EQUINOX?

Top problems: OTHER (16 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (15 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (15 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Chevrolet EQUINOX?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): SEAT BELTS, TIRES, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE, CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Chevrolet EQUINOX?

The 2021 Chevrolet EQUINOX gets 27 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1778. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Chevrolet EQUINOX?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Chevrolet EQUINOX is approximately $1,735/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Chevrolet EQUINOX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Chevrolet EQUINOX has 117 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.2x the segment average of 487. The most common issue is other problems (14% of all complaints), specifically: we just purchased/leased the aforementioned 2021 chevrolet equinox in december of 2020. about a few weeks ago, the car starting swaying towards the left. very dangerous. especially if you are on the freeway. **also there is a tech screen issue. the dash shows a car that will flash green t. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.

2 crash reports 3 injuries

117

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

16 complaints

14%

• WE JUST PURCHASED/LEASED THE AFOREMENTIONED 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX IN DECEMBER OF 2020. ABOUT A FEW WEEKS AGO, THE CAR STARTING SWAYING TOWARDS THE LEFT. VERY DANGEROUS. ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE ON THE FREEWAY. **ALSO THERE IS A TECH SCREEN ISSUE. THE DASH SHOWS A CAR THAT WILL FLASH GREEN T
• front end shakes at 25-30 mph. after 30 it goes away. 35000miles. 4 wheel balanced and no bent wheels or out of round tires.
• I purchased the vehicle in Feb. 2021. About 3 months after I purchased it, I had a message on my screen that the SD card had been removed and it popped up multiple times. I did what the manual said to do which is to hit the check to remove the message but it still popped up. When I took the car in,

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“WE JUST PURCHASED/LEASED THE AFOREMENTIONED 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX IN DECEMBER OF 2020. ABOUT A FEW WEEKS AGO, THE CAR STARTING SWAYING TOWARDS THE LEFT. VERY DANGEROUS. ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE ON THE FREEWAY. **ALSO THERE IS A TECH SCREEN ISSUE. THE DASH SHOWS A CAR THAT WILL FLASH GREEN T”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Chevrolet EQUINOX

Based on 28 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 55K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

SEAT BELTS23/12/2020

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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Chevrolet EQUINOX

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,778

Per month

$148

Per mile

14.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,600/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Chevrolet EQUINOX

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,735

Full coverage / month

$145

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

+4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1735

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet EQUINOX Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2021 EQUINOX, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 117 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: WE JUST PURCHASED/LEASED THE AFOREMENTIONED 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX IN DECEMBER OF 2020. ABOUT A FEW WEEKS AGO, THE CAR STARTING SWAYING TOWARDS THE LEFT. VERY DANGEROUS. ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE ON THE FREEWAY. **ALSO THERE IS A TECH SCREEN ISSUE. THE DASH SHOWS A CAR THAT WILL FLASH GREEN T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: I feel the transmission is defective on this car. There are only 800+ miles on the car. In the morning I pulled the car out of the garage and the car did not feel smooth. I said that seemed awfully odd. I drove the car but nothing else happened. In the evening I parked the car in a parking lot
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: I reported earlier in regards to the turbo going out in cold weather. The turbo was fixed finally (happened before Thanksgiving) on 1/13/22 by the dealer. RMPs are running high (65 MPH - RMPs are 2300) and it isnt shifting properly. wont shift to the next gear.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I take my 6yr to school when we got shocked, I thought it was my clothes, but my child got shocked also, then pick her up from school took her to the doctor for her foot, I merged out to the main road and the SUV cut off no warning lights of any kind I got it back started after three attempts t
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)