NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Ratings
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 85 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox provides a strong overall safety profile, achieving a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100. This places it firmly within the "Strong" safety band. Most NHTSA crash-test results for this model year are excellent, and all three primary crash-avoidance technologies are standard equipment. The single area preventing the 2021 Equinox from reaching the highest tier of safety is its defect record score of 12.25/20.
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox received an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, sourced entirely from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox ranks 36 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 85 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 36 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox represents a two-point gain over the 2020 model year, moving from 86/100 to 88/100 while remaining in the Strong band. That incremental improvement is meaningful because it reflects real movement within the same rating tier rather than a band change. The crash-protection subscore of 66 out of 70 anchors the index, and the perfect 10/10 avoidance-tech score reflects that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard on this year's vehicle. The pressure point is the defect record subscore of 12.25 out of 20, which is dragged down by four active recall campaigns touching child-seat LATCH hardware, the fuel pump module, factory-installed tires, and seat belts. The fuel pump recall is particularly worth tracking because inconsistent fuel delivery is a failure mode with direct safety implications. The 85 complaints on file, while unverified, show a concentration in the electrical system, powertrain, and engine categories that aligns with the recall activity and deserves attention from prospective buyers. The 2021 model year is not a step backward from 2020, but the defect record component is the clear gap between this vehicle and a higher Safety Index score.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Equinox AWD SUV achieved 5 out of 5 stars overall from NHTSA, with perfect 5-star scores in both the frontal and side crash-test categories. Rollover is the relative weak point at 4 out of 5 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 19 percent and a dynamic tip-test result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15338
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2021 Equinox. The subjects are rear child-seat LATCH anchors, a fuel pump control module that may not consistently deliver fuel, Hankook tires fitted at the factory, and seat belts. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for this vehicle, but owners should verify remedy status for all four campaigns by VIN.
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR23V339000
Risk: 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
Reported 2023-05-11
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE23V013000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2023-01-19
TIRES21V612000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2021-08-05
SEAT BELTS20V811000
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.
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.
Reported 2020-12-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?
Eighty-five owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, including 5 alleged crashes and 5 alleged injuries. The most frequently cited components in these unverified allegations are the Electrical System, Power Train, and Unknown Or Other category, each with 15 reports, followed by the Engine at 14 and the Fuel/Propulsion System at 10.
85 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2021 Equinox has been subject to four safety recalls. These address the LATCH anchors, the fuel pump module, tires, and seat belts. Before any used purchase, the VIN should be checked against NHTSA's recall database to ensure all remedies have been performed. Unresolved recalls present an ongoing safety risk.
- The 2021 model year improved two points over the 2020 Equinox Safety Index, rising from 86/100 to 88/100, both in the Strong band, with the gain driven by crash-test and avoidance-tech performance.
- A 2023 recall specifically targets the fuel pump control module on 2021-2022 Equinox vehicles, citing the possibility that the module may not consistently deliver fuel, a direct operational safety concern.
- The rollover subscore of 4 out of 5 stars, paired with a 19 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, is the only NHTSA crash-test category where the 2021 Equinox falls short of a perfect score.
- Eighty-five unverified NHTSA complaints are on file for this model year, with the Electrical System, Power Train, and Engine together accounting for 44 of those reported allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox places
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Chevrolet Equinox safety questions
Was the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 18.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 85 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Equinox years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15338), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Equinox 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 36 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.