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Chevrolet · Mid-Size SUV · 2005–2009 Custom Search

Chevrolet Equinox GMT191

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Chevrolet Equinox GMT191 is available with 2 engine variants — from 188 to 268 hp.

Equinox · Petrol· 185 PS
2005 2009

3.4-liter V6 OHV 2-valve design from the 90s, recycled into the Chevy SUV lineup. Aisin AF33 5-speed auto, 185 hp with modest torque. Known for blown head gaskets around 90,000 mi, milky oil as the first warning. Not a modern engine, even at launch.

  • !! Head gasket failure (3.4L LNJ) from 140,000 km

    Early Gen 1 3.4L LNJ V6 suffers head gasket failures, often around 90,000 mi. Coolant mixes with oil and can destroy the engine if ignored.

    Symptoms: White exhaust smoke, dropping coolant level, overheating, creamy oil on dipstick
    2,500–3,500 $
    Ad 3.4 LNJ head gasketEquinox V6 head gasket set
Equinox Sport · Petrol· 264 PS
2008 2009

3.6-liter High Feature V6 with dual cam and VVT. 264 hp, 6T70 six-speed automatic. Much more modern than the LNJ but shares the timing chain problems of the early GM 3.6 family. Tight and strong when oil change intervals are respected.

No known weaknesses documented.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Aisin AF33 5-speed automatic failure

The Aisin AF33 5-speed in 2005–2006 suffers case wear at the output gear mount, loss of cooler pressure, and complete failures. Often requires rebuild.

Symptoms: Harsh shifts, slippage, loss of drive, transmission limp mode
from 130,000 km
Ad AF33 transmission rebuild kitAisin AF33-5 output shaft bearing
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
2,480 complaints · 2005–2009
  1. 01 Electrical
    488 ⚠ 10
  2. 02 Airbags
    331 ⚠ 54
  3. 03 Visibility
    307 ⚠ 1
  4. 04 Brakes
    229 ⚠ 17
  5. 05 Fuel System
    228 ⚠ 3

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (488 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (331 complaints)
⚠ Visibility (307 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 5 weaknesses have been documented for the Chevrolet Equinox GMT191 (2005–2009) — 1 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. One problem engine: LNJ (3.4L V6). Typical issues affect Gearbox, HVAC, Suspension, Rust.

Equinox (LNJ, 2005–2009) — Stay Away!: Head gasket failure (3.4L LNJ). Power: 185 PS.

What to watch out for with the Chevrolet Equinox? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Chevrolet Equinox GMT191 have? +
The Chevrolet Equinox GMT191 has 1 known engine weaknesses and 4 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Chevrolet Equinox GMT191? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: LY7 (3.6L V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the LY7 (3.6L V6). Problem engine: LNJ (3.4L V6) — stay away!
Which Chevrolet Equinox GMT191 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Chevrolet Equinox GMT191 — rated: "Decent". {description} 264 hp, 6-speed auto, and nobody buying a Chevy SUV in 2008 was asking for the Sport model. Mechanically more solid than the LNJ, but the GMT191 chassis was never built for power. A strange footnote in the Equinox story.
Is the Chevrolet Equinox GMT191 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Chevrolet Equinox GMT191 — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Chevrolet Equinox GMT191? +
The Chevrolet Equinox GMT191 is available with engine variants from 188 to 268 hp. Petrol: LNJ (3.4L V6), LY7 (3.6L V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee