2021 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a popular compact SUV known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and user-friendly technology. It comes standard with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While liked for its fuel efficiency and ease of use, some owners have reported concerns about engine issues, electrical problems, and other mechanical faults.

Engine

1.5L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported the 1.5L engine consuming an abnormal amount of oil, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warnings, blue smoke from the exhaust, and a burning oil smell.
  • Solution: The issue may involve defective piston rings or valve seals. A repair usually includes replacement of piston rings and potentially valve seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Misfires/Reduced Power
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced engine misfires and reduced power. This can manifest as a rough idle, hesitation upon acceleration, and the check engine light illuminating.
  • Solution: Diagnosis often points to faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors. Replacing the affected components usually resolves the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature turbocharger failure can occur, leading to a significant loss of power, unusual noises from the engine (whining or screeching), and the check engine light illuminating.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported hard or jerky shifts between gears, as well as hesitation when accelerating from a stop or during gear changes.
  • Solution: A transmission flush and software update can sometimes resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or transmission overhaul/replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (flush) - $4,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping between gears, RPMs increasing without an increase in speed, difficulty shifting into gear.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid replacement can help. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or transmission overhaul/replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (flush) - $4,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, Crashing, and Lagging of the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system
  • Solution: Often fixed with software updates or complete replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Update) - $1000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain leading to difficulty starting the vehicle, especially after short periods of inactivity.
  • Solution: Requires diagnosing the source of the parasitic draw. This can involve testing various electrical components and modules to identify the culprit, followed by repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Backup Camera Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Backup camera flickering, not working at all, or showing a blue screen.
  • Solution: Requires replacement of the camera or wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+
  • Recalls: #N232403290

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox can present owners with several potential issues, ranging from moderate to severe. Engine-related problems, such as excessive oil consumption and turbocharger failure, can be costly to repair. Transmission issues, although potentially manageable with maintenance, may require expensive replacements. Electrical problems with the infotainment system and battery drain are frequently reported. While not all vehicles will experience these problems, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential concerns and consider obtaining a thorough inspection before purchase.