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Chevrolet · Mid-Size SUV · 2005–2009

Chevrolet Equinox GMT191

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

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

Equinox · Petrol· 185 PS
2005 2009
Stay Away! 1 weakness
Show all weaknesses →
Equinox Sport · Petrol· 264 PS
2008 2009
Be Careful 0 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Chevrolet Equinox (Petrol, 185 PS) has the LNJ (3.4L V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 1 known weaknesses.

The Chevrolet Equinox Sport (Petrol, 264 PS) has the LY7 (3.6L V6) — rated: "Be Careful".

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
Electrical
488 ⚠ 10
Airbags
331 ⚠ 54
Visibility
307 ⚠ 1
Brakes
229 ⚠ 17
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