The Lemon Index2021 Chevrolet Equinox.
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 50 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 26, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 27 to 28 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Equinox year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2018–2024 Chevy Equinox, 9.4M views. The 2021 is the same generation.
- Infotainment, battery & electrical625K views
Chevrolet Equinox Key Fob Battery Replacement (2018 - 2021)FobBattery · 346K views · 5 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door411K views
2018 - 2021 Chevy Equinox Cabin Air Filter - How To Remove Replace Change Location Chevrolet DIYPYR Automotive · 261K views · 3 videos - Oil changes & service156K views
2014-2018 chevrolet equinox how to reset tpms fastCorsa Auto Repair & Sales Inc · 156K views - No-start: theft light, key & ignition155K views
UNFIXABLE: Crank No Start 2019 Chevy Equinox *Only 60,000 Miles*WatchJRGo · 118K views · 2 videos
Show 3 more
- Transmission & shifter55K views
2018-2025 CHEVY EQUINOX 1.5L Turbo - Drain and fill Bad Transmission FluidPro Tips Plus · 55K views - Fuel pump, filter & tank46K views
2018 Chevy Equinox Fuel Injector Replacement - Complete InstructionsDavid Stumph · 46K views - Oil dilution & oil burning36K views
2019 Chevy Equinox LS 1.5 Turbo EcoTec Oil Consumption Problem Burning oil Not Leaking it.Al Young Cuda · 36K views
Before you buy, watch
Pick or Pass? | Should You Buy a Used 2018–2024 Chevy Equinox?CarMax · 72K views
Top 5 Problems Chevrolet Equinox SUV 2018-2024 3rd Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 57K views
GMC Terrain vs. Chevrolet Equinox Which one should you buy? | Full SUV Comparison 2023"Cars Unlocked · 38K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 100 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Equinox year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 20K to 74K miles on the car (26 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- child seat 2023
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.
- fuel system, gasoline 2023
The fuel pump module may not consistently provide sufficient fuel to the engine, resulting in an engine stall.
- tires 2021
The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.
Show all 4 recalls
- seat belts 2020
Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 698 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This informational bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and…
- This preliminary information discusses the possibility and repair of water entering a…
- This preliminary information addresses a brake noise concern engineering is investigating at…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–2400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
2021 Chevy equinox vacuum pump failed causing the breaking to become impossible to use while operating.
2021 Chevrolet Equinox owner · NHTSA complaint 11495225
More owner reports
There is a vibration and wobble upon acceleration. This issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. It is not an issue with the tires. GM has a service bulletin on the front axles.
NHTSA complaint 11616126
power locks with not lock or unlock with key fob or door buttons, doors will only look with the door buttons after exceeding 60+mph
NHTSA complaint 11451627
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 26; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Equinox year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Equinox problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (20%), transmission & drivetrain (18%) and brakes (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have?
4 safety recalls (latest: child seat). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox get?
27 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2021 Chevrolet Equinox problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 20,100 and 74,000 miles. The middle report was at 55,000 miles, from 26 complaints.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 18% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have?
1.5L 4-cyl.
What Chevrolet Equinox year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2017, 2021 and 2014.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works