The purpose of this page is to help you quickly identify the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. This was the fourth model year of the first generation Equinox.
There have been no recalls issued on this particular year of Equinox, which is a huge step up from the 2007 model year, which had 4 recalls.
Navigation:
Non-Drivetrain Related Problems
Biggest Issues With the 2008 Equinox
- Hesitation- The 2008 Equinox has been known to have ignition issues. It’ll sputter and and misfire. Replacing the plugs and wires will typically fix the problem, although a few of them are extremely tough to get to. Here’s a video on how to go through the entire plug swap.
- Key Stuck in the Ignition – The early Equinox has always had problems with the key and the ignition. In 2005, they had a recall on that model year because it would fall out. In 2008, the problem was that it would get stuck in there.
- Airbag – A lot of people have reported issues with the airbag sensor not properly registering with the NHTSA. Always be careful when little ones are riding up front that the passenger airbag has been shut off.
- Torque Converter Stops Locking – The locking clutch on the torque converter is a known area of weakness with this transmission. It is well known that the clutch is a little too small for many applications. More on this below.
- Power Door Locks – The power door locks have been known to work intermittently. The most common cause of this problem is the actuator.
2008 Equinox Engine Problems + Specs
The ’08 Equinox was available with one engine. It was the LNJ V6, which was a carryover from the previous model years. The motor was manufactured in China.
The power output of the LNJ V6 remained a respectable 185 hp at the rear wheels and 210 foot pounds of torque, which remains unchanged since it’s launch in 2005.
| 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Engine Specs | |
| Type | 3.4L V-6 |
| Block | Iron |
| Heads | Aluminum |
| Ignition | Coil on Plug |
| Fuel Delivery | Sequential Multi Port Fuel Injection |
| Horsepower | 185 @ 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 ft lb @ 3800 RPM |
| Compression | 9.5:1 |
Source: Edmunds
Misfiring
The number one issue with the 2008 Equinox engine is misfiring after an accumulation of mileage. Typically, new plugs, wires, and coils will cure the problem. It is a common enough problem to note and report for this model year.
2008 Equinox Transmission Problems + Info
The 08 Equinox was equipped with the Aisin AF33 transmission. It was made in China and found it’s way into not only General Motors vehicles, but also Volvos, Suzukis, Renaults, and Nissans. There are no Equinox specific problems for this year, but the common problems with this transmission are listed below.
It is considered to be a fill for life transmission. That means that as long as it is operated under normal conditions, it will not require any transmission fluid change.
No Torque Converter Lock Up
The locking clutch on the torque converter is a known area of weakness with this transmission. It is well known that the clutch is a little too small for many applications.
When the torque converter refuses to lock up gas mileage suffers. The vehicle will also travel down the highway at a higher RPM. If you ever drove an older American car with an automatic transmission, you’ll know the feeling. You hit the gas and the rpm rises, even though the transmission isn’t downshifting.
No Forward Gears at All
A surprisingly common problem with the AF33 is the loss of all forward gears at one time. This is usually caused by a loss in line pressure. Common causes of this problem include:
- Bad front pump
- Bad pressure regulator
- Valve body (valve stuck)
Fluid Leak
It’s common for any transmission to develop a leak with enough mileage under it’s belt. Some common areas that the Equinox’s transmission leaks:
- Pan gasket
- Torque converter hub
Faulty Solenoids
Solenoids are devices that are used to control the flow of transmission fluid throughout the the transmission. There are many solenoids in the AF33. When one goes bad, the Equinox can not properly operate. A solenoid repair is not the most expensive repair. But, it can take some work to get to it.
Gear Ratios
The AF33 equipped in the 2008 Equinox has is not a true overdrive transmission. It’s final gear ratio is a 1:1 direct drive ratio. The necessary fuel economy is achieved through a very modest 2.48 final drive ratio. The gear ratios were brought a little bit closer together in 2007, which led to improved shift feel.
| 2008 Equinox Gearing | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | 5TH | REVERSE |
| 4.58 | 2.98 | 1.95 | 1.32 | 1.00 | 5.02 |
Identification
If you’d like to confirm that the transmission in your Equinox is the AF33, go ahead and pop open the glove compartment. You’ll want to check out the RPO codes in the glove compartment. You’ll either have the FWD or AWD version of this transmission. Find these codes on the tag to tell you which one that you have. The AWD Equinox takes a one mpg hit from the driveline drag from four drive wheels.
- M09- Front Wheel Drive
- M45- All Wheel Drive
Drivetrain- Other
A/C Compressor– The A/C compressor on the 2008 Chevy Equinox is known to have a high failure rate, since these are 10+ year old vehicles now, it’s only more likely that it’s an issue that you may come across when owning or buying one.
NHTSA Recalls: 2008 Chevy Equinox
There were no recalls issued by the NHTSA for the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox.
If you are would like to schedule service for any recall, or confirm that they have been done, contact Chevrolet customer service at:
1-800-630-2438
-or-