2021 Chevrolet Equinox

The 1.5L LYX turbocharged four-cylinder engine is known for consuming oil at an alarming rate, sometimes requiring a quart or more between oil changes. Running low on oil without warning can cause accelerated engine wear, turbocharger damage, and in severe cases, engine failure. This issue has persisted across multiple model years of the Equinox.

GM recommends using Dexos Gen 2 full synthetic oil and monitoring oil levels frequently. Some dealers perform an oil consumption test to document the issue. If consumption exceeds 1 quart per 2,000 miles, engine piston ring replacement or short block replacement may be authorized under warranty.

In cold weather conditions, the intercooler on the 1.5L turbo engine can ice over, causing the engine to stall, run rough, or lose power. Diagnostic trouble codes related to boost pressure, mass airflow, and throttle position may appear. This affects 2018-2022 Equinox models with the 1.5L LYX engine.

GM issued TSB 21-NA-229 recommending installation of a winter cover for the lower grille opening to prevent intercooler icing. The cover is provided free of charge at any GM dealership. Updated intercooler designs may also be available.

The 9T50 nine-speed automatic transmission can develop a noticeable shudder or vibration, particularly at speeds between 25-50 mph during light acceleration. Owners also report harsh or jerky shifts, delayed engagement from a stop, and occasional gear hunting on hills. The transmission fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture, which degrades its friction properties.

Transmission fluid flush and replacement with updated fluid per TSB 18-NA-355 procedures. If the shudder persists after fluid service, the torque converter may need replacement. In severe cases with internal damage, a complete transmission replacement is required.

The 1.5L turbo engine frequently triggers a P1101 diagnostic trouble code indicating mass airflow (MAF) sensor performance issues. Owners notice engine hesitation, rough idle, reduced power, and the check engine light. The code can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose, often returning after being cleared.

Clean or replace the mass airflow sensor. Inspect the air intake hose and connections for leaks or cracks that can cause unmetered air to enter the system. Check the PCV valve and crankcase ventilation system, as oil contamination of the MAF sensor from excessive blowby is a common root cause. Reference TSB 20-NA-227 for related driveline vibration diagnosis.

The fuel pump module can fail, resulting in insufficient fuel delivery to the engine. Symptoms include hard starting, engine stalling at low speeds, loss of power during acceleration, and eventual no-start conditions. The issue can occur without warning and leave owners stranded.

NHTSA Recall N222372310 covers replacement of the fuel pump module. Dealers replace the defective fuel pump module free of charge under the recall.

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

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.

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 recall is N232403240.

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. The fuel pump module may not consistently provide sufficient fuel to the engine, resulting in an engine stall.

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

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.

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.

Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

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.

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.

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.