2021 Chevrolet Equinox Transmission Problems
12 owner-reported transmission complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (12)
Your driveshaft was replaced at 59,000 miles for $859, which you later learned may have been covered under warranty. Six months later, both your mechanic and the Chevrolet dealer recommended replacing the body control module and possibly the rear differential, with repair costs estimated between $1,500-$3,500—all before your vehicle reached 69,000 miles. These significant powertrain failures early in the vehicle's life have created unexpected financial hardship. The repairs may involve replacing the body control module (which manages various engine and transmission functions) and inspecting or replacing the rear differential assembly.
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Your car experienced severe wobbling and vibration in the front end while driving at speeds between 30 and 50 mph. Your dealer diagnosed the problem as a faulty front half shaft that needs replacement. Chevrolet is aware of this issue and has issued a technical service bulletin about it, but no assistance has been offered yet. Fixing this will involve replacing the front half shaft.
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Your transmission is malfunctioning — the engine stalls randomly, the vehicle jumps during acceleration, and it's not shifting gears properly. This appears to be a known issue affecting multiple Equinox models. Your transmission will likely need diagnostic testing and potentially rebuilding or replacement.
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Your car's driveshaft spline has worn out and disconnected from the differential, which could affect power delivery to your wheels. This is a serious mechanical issue that needs immediate attention. The repair will likely involve replacing the driveshaft or having the spline re-engaged and secured by a mechanic.
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The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 MPH. The contact stated that the engine power reduced message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,371.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the front of the vehicle shuddered significantly, and the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to TSB Number: 20-NA-227. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. The dealer contacted the manufacturer, who advised that they would partially cover the repair because the TSB was not a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
On 2/18/23 our equinox failed to go into park. We couldn’t shut the car off, nor start it back up. Everything electrical was on basically idle mode. ESC - brake control module came across the dash. The dash also kept saying to put the car in park. It wouldn’t go into park. We called for a tow truck to have it taken back to the dealership. When it was taken to the dealership the car was ON. It still wouldn’t shut off. As of 2/21/23 they want $550 for a diagnostics and a dead battery. Of course my battery would die after 2 days of sitting and being on. This is a major safety issue with GM and chevy vehicles. We have 48,653 miles so we’re out of warranty. The dealership didn’t bother to call and ask what happened nor want to listen to what occurred.
Chevy Equinox turned off while in the turn lane. Car would not turn back on. No warning was shown prior to the incident but now there is a solid check engine light. upon googling it seems other chevy's have a fuel pump flow issue causing cars to stall and not turn on. chevy upon inquiring if our equinox has a recall they said no even though other 2021 equinox's have this issue. i believe this is a safety issue, if it is a fuel pump issue how do we know it can't cause the engines to catch fire from improper fueling. this needs to be looked into.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking and wobbling. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the four tires were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then inspected again, and the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the driveshaft or the drive train. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
2021 Chevy equinox vacuum pump failed causing the breaking to become impossible to use while operating.
It was a dark cold (minus 18) morning driving to work. All of the sudden a warning came on. The engine power is reduced mode came on and I went from highway speed to 30 mph instantly. I barely got home. I was terrified and the car would hardly go. Very dangerous. After much research because no dealer could get us in ( three week wait) we figured out what was causing it. Code P0234 turbocharge overboost. The dealer said I was safe to drive it. Still reduced power. After one week it warmed up to 17 degrees and the check engine light came off. I still have reduced engine power. New turbocharge feature for the 1.5 lt equinox. This should have been tested in cold climates. We regularly have 20 below temps and it’s a brand name car. I see a recall coming.
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 up against a curb and a fence. I turned the engine off and placed it in park and I am positive about that. All of a sudden the car lurched forward jumped the curb knocked the fence down and stopped against a tree. Needless to say I was traumatized.