According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009-2026 Chevrolet Traverse has 37 documented known issues, with 16 rated critical. The most serious are Incorrect Transmission Sun Gear Causing Half-Shaft Disengagement (Recall 23V172000) ($0-$0 repair), Side Curtain (Roof-Rail) Airbags May Not Be Properly Attached (Recall 21V246000) ($0-$0 repair), Front Seat Belt Flexible Steel Cable Fatigue and Separation (Recall 14V266000) ($0-$0 repair), Recall 09V073000: Traverse Shift Cable Clip May Be Unseated (FMVSS 102/114 Noncompliance), Airbags May Not Deploy - SDM Left in Manufacturing Mode (Recall 18V774000) ($0-$0 repair), Intermittent No-Crank / No-Start from Connector X203 and Wake-Up Faults ($150-$900 repair), Loss of Power Steering Assist from Hydraulic Power Steering Pump Wear. at .
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.
Campaign #23V04200002/02/2023
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
Campaign #23V17200016/03/2023
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
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What are the most common Chevrolet Traverse problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009-2026 Chevrolet Traverse has 37 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Incorrect Transmission Sun Gear Causing Half-Shaft Disengagement (Recall 23V172000), Side Curtain (Roof-Rail) Airbags May Not Be Properly Attached (Recall 21V246000), Front Seat Belt Flexible Steel Cable Fatigue and Separation (Recall 14V266000). Of these, 16 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
The 2009-2026 Chevrolet Traverse has 37 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 16 issues are rated critical: Incorrect Transmission Sun Gear Causing Half-Shaft Disengagement (Recall 23V172000) and Side Curtain (Roof-Rail) Airbags May Not Be Properly Attached (Recall 21V246000) and Front Seat Belt Flexible Steel Cable Fatigue and Separation (Recall 14V266000) and Recall 09V073000: Traverse Shift Cable Clip May Be Unseated (FMVSS 102/114 Noncompliance) and Airbags May Not Deploy - SDM Left in Manufacturing Mode (Recall 18V774000) and Intermittent No-Crank / No-Start from Connector X203 and Wake-Up Faults and Loss of Power Steering Assist from Hydraulic Power Steering Pump Wear and Start/Stop Accumulator Missing Bolts Causing Transmission Fluid Leak / Loss of Propulsion (Recall N202313440) and Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX) and Radiator Inlet Hose Quick-Connect Coolant Leak on the 2.5L Turbo LK0 — Overheating and Limp Mode and 6T70/6T75 3-5-Reverse Wave Plate Fracture — Loss of 3rd, 5th and Reverse Gears and 2.5L Turbo LK0 Engine Stalling Under Investigation (GM Bulletin PIP6102) and Phantom Automatic Emergency Braking and False Forward Collision Alerts (Third Generation) and Hydraulic Steering Gear (Rack and Pinion) Internal Seal Leak — Fluid Loss and Groaning Assist and Camshaft-Driven High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Direct-Injection 3.6L) — Long Crank, No-Start, Low Rail Pressure and Over-Cured Continental Tires Can Break in the Sidewall or Lose Tread (Recall 21V115000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Traverse problems?
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Traverse issues range from $0 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Incorrect Transmission Sun Gear Causing Half-Shaft Disengagement (Recall 23V172000), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
Filter:
When Issues Typically Appear
AC Compressor Premature Failure
21K-70K
9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder (9T65)
36K-54K
Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX)
80K-120K
038K75K113K150K mi
GM recalled 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse — a span covering essentially the entire first generation and the first two years of the second — because the side curtain airbags may not be properly attached or secured to the roof rail. An improperly retained curtain airbag can fail to deploy along its intended path in a side impact or rollover, or can deploy out of position, so the occupants it exists to protect are not covered. Nothing about this is visible or detectable to an owner during normal use; there are no warning lights and no symptoms, which is precisely why it is worth checking. This is separate from the later 22V210000 roof rail airbag harness connector recall on 2020-2022 vehicles and from the 20V446000 diffuser recall on 2020 models.
Common Symptoms
No owner-detectable symptom
Airbag warning light in some cases
Curtain airbag may not deploy in a side impact or rollover
How to Fix
Free safety recall — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or contact any Chevrolet dealer referencing NHTSA campaign 21V246000. Dealers inspect the roof-rail curtain airbag attachment and secure or replace as necessary at no charge. Because the vehicles in this range are now old enough to have passed through several owners, many have never been presented for the repair — run the VIN even on a well-maintained example, and re-run it after any headliner, roof or A-pillar trim work, since improper reassembly reproduces the same condition. Owners of 2020-2022 vehicles should check 22V210000 instead.
GM recalled roughly 1.3 million vehicles including 2009-2014 Chevrolet Traverse because the flexible steel cable that anchors the front outboard seat belt to the seat frame can fatigue and separate. A separated anchor cable means the belt has no lower attachment point — the occupant is effectively unrestrained in a crash even though the belt latched normally and the vehicle showed no warning. The cable fatigues through repeated seat adjustment and normal belt loading over years of use, so failure rates climb with age and with how often the seat is moved. This is one of the largest and most consequential campaigns in the Traverse's history and, because it affects vehicles now well into the used market, remains substantially unrepaired.
Common Symptoms
Fraying or broken strands at the front seat belt lower anchor cable
Seat belt anchor feels loose
No warning light — failure is silent
How to Fix
Free safety recall — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a Chevrolet dealer under NHTSA campaign 14V266000. The dealer inspects the front outboard seat belt anchor cables and repairs or replaces them at no charge. Owners can perform a rough self-check by inspecting the anchor cable at the base of each front seat for fraying or broken strands, but a visually intact cable does not clear the vehicle — only the recall inspection does. Have this verified on any used first-generation Traverse before purchase; the repair is free but a separated anchor is not survivable to discover in a crash.
NHTSA recall 18V774000 (GM campaign 18365) covers certain 2019 Traverse vehicles (and sibling Encore/Spark/Trax) whose Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) was never switched out of factory 'manufacturing mode' before shipment. With the SDM in this state the airbags will not deploy in a crash, and seatbelt reminders, event data recording, and automatic post-crash notification are also inactive — a serious occupant-protection defect even though only a small build window was affected.
Common Symptoms
Airbag warning light behavior may appear normal yet airbags are disabled
Seatbelt reminder chime inoperative
No post-crash automatic notification
How to Fix
Take the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer to have the SDM reprogrammed to the correct operating mode free of charge under recall 18365 / NHTSA 18V774000. Owners can verify their VIN's recall status on NHTSA's site or by calling Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. No parts replacement is required — it is a software/configuration fix.
Third-generation Traverse owners report the forward collision system alerting and the automatic emergency braking system applying the brakes with no obstacle present — on open highway, over bridge joints, and past roadside objects. One NHTSA complainant documented more than sixty phantom collision warnings and roughly ten self-braking events. The rear automatic braking system produces the same behavior in reverse, which GM addressed with a calibration bulletin. Related driver-assist faults (Super Cruise and adaptive cruise dropping out) are acknowledged in GM preliminary information with no released fix. A vehicle that brakes itself in traffic is a rear-end collision risk, which is why this pattern is drawing both NHTSA complaint volume and plaintiff-firm attention.
Common Symptoms
Brakes apply on their own with no obstacle present
Forward collision alert with nothing ahead
Sudden deceleration on the highway
False rear automatic braking when reversing
Adaptive cruise or Super Cruise disengaging unexpectedly
How to Fix
Have the dealer verify the front camera and radar are correctly aimed and calibrated — a windshield replacement or minor front-end repair without recalibration is a common trigger and is worth ruling out first. For false triggers while reversing, request the rear automatic braking calibration update in TSB 24-NA-048. Keep the sensor apertures in the grille and windshield clean and free of aftermarket film or badges. If phantom braking continues after calibration, file a complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem with dates and locations — complaint volume is what drives an investigation on a system with no current remedy. Forward collision sensitivity can be reduced or the system switched off in vehicle settings as an interim measure.
GM recalled certain 2020 Chevrolet Traverse crossovers because Continental tires fitted to them were cured for too long during production. On a family crossover like the Traverse, the failure shows up in one of two ways: the over-cured rubber can break in the sidewall and dump the air out of the tire suddenly, or the belt edge can separate and throw the tread off the carcass. Either one can take control of the vehicle away from the driver and cause a crash. The same campaign covered a number of other GM models and Continental tires sold into the aftermarket for 2018-2021 vehicles, so replacement tires bought over the counter can be affected too.
Common Symptoms
Sudden loss of air from a tire
A visible break or split in the tire sidewall
Tread or belt separating from the tire
Loss of vehicle control while driving
How to Fix
The repair is free at a Chevrolet dealer. Dealers inspect the tires on the vehicle and replace any that fall in the affected production range at no charge. Owner notification began March 22, 2021. If you own a 2020 Traverse and are not sure whether the work was ever done, run the VIN through nhtsa.gov/recalls, or call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and reference GM recall number N212329050.
First-year 2009 Chevrolet Traverse crossovers are part of GM recall 09V073000. Some were built with the transmission shift cable adjustment clip not fully engaged. Because the clip is what holds the cable adjustment, an unseated clip allows the shift lever indication and the transmission's real gear selection to diverge. A driver can put the Traverse in PARK, remove the key, walk away, and have the vehicle roll — and may also find it will not restart. NHTSA classifies this as noncompliance with FMVSS 102 and FMVSS 114 rather than a wear-out failure, so it applies to how the vehicle left the factory. 276,729 vehicles were covered campaign-wide across the 2009 GM models involved.
Common Symptoms
Transmission not actually in park when the shifter reads PARK
Vehicle rolls away unattended
Engine will not restart
How to Fix
Free of charge at a Chevrolet dealer: the technician inspects the transmission shift cable adjustment clip and ensures full engagement, and if the clip will not engage, replaces the shift cable at no cost. The recall began on or before March 24, 2009. Chevrolet recall line: 1-800-630-2438. Since a 2009 Traverse has likely changed hands, verify with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls that a previous owner actually had the inspection done.
Certain 2018-2020 Traverse units (with the global front-wheel-drive 6- or 9-speed transmission) left the factory with missing or loose bolts on the start/stop transmission accumulator endcap. This can cause a transmission fluid leak that may progress to a loss of propulsion while driving, and leaking ATF near an ignition source raises fire risk. GM issued safety recall N202313440 (NHTSA 20V-668) covering this defect across multiple GM models, with the remedy beginning December 15, 2020.
Common Symptoms
Transmission fluid leak / spots under vehicle
Loss of propulsion or vehicle won't move
Burning smell from leaking ATF near hot components
Reduced engine/transmission performance
How to Fix
Free recall remedy under GM N202313440: dealers inspect the start/stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing. Owners should check VIN eligibility at NHTSA.gov and have the recall performed; contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
First-generation Traverse models built with the 6T70/6T75 six-speed front-drive automatic use a 3-5-R clutch cushion (wave) plate that on early production was improperly heat treated and left too brittle. Repeated compression cycles during 2-3 and 4-5 shifts crack the plate; once it fractures, the vehicle loses 3rd, 5th and reverse, and the debris migrates through the transmission, plugging the filter and scoring other components so what began as one $50 plate becomes a full rebuild. GM acknowledged the condition with Special Coverage Adjustment #14404, extending coverage to 10 years/120,000 miles for affected build ranges. Owners on Traverse Forum describe the classic progression: a late or flared 2-3 shift for weeks, then an abrupt no-reverse.
On vehicles still inside Special Coverage #14404 (10 years/120,000 miles from in-service date, transferable regardless of ownership), the dealer replaces the 3rd/5th/reverse clutch plate at no charge. Outside coverage, the correct repair is transmission removal and replacement of the 3-5-R wave plate with the updated (correctly heat-treated) part number along with the 3-5-R clutch pack, a full fluid and filter service, and inspection of the pump and valve body for debris. If the plate has already shattered and metal has circulated, a rebuild or reman unit is the only durable fix. Do not simply add fluid or a friction modifier — the failure is mechanical.
Second-generation Traverse models paired the 3.6L LFY V6 with GM's 9T65 9-speed automatic, which exhibits a noticeable shudder/shake felt during 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 upshifts at speeds below ~40 mph under light-to-moderate throttle. GM traced it to torque converter clutch (TCC) re-apply shudder after a shift, accelerated by degraded factory transmission fluid. Left unaddressed, the friction material in the converter wears further and eventually requires converter replacement.
Shudder or vibration felt during 1-2, 2-3, 3-4 upshifts
Shaking under light throttle below 40 mph
Sensation like driving over rumble strips during acceleration
No shudder under hard throttle or at higher gears
How to Fix
Per GM preliminary bulletin, perform a full transmission fluid exchange with fresh DEXRON VI (later guidance specifies Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP), reprogram the TCM with the latest calibration, run the Service Fast Learn procedure, and road-test a minimum of 200 miles. A fluid flush caught early permanently eliminates the shudder; if friction material is already worn, the torque converter must be replaced.
The second-generation Traverse (2018+) uses the GM 9T65 9-speed automatic transmission that suffers from a shudder during light acceleration in the 25-50 mph range. The torque converter clutch chatters during lockup, producing a vibration that feels like driving on a rumble strip. The 9-speed also exhibits harsh downshifts, hunting between gears on hills, and delayed engagement from Park. GM has released multiple TCM software updates to address the shifting behavior, but the underlying torque converter weakness remains.
Shudder or vibration at 25-50 mph under light throttle
Harsh downshifts when coasting
Transmission hunting between gears on hills
Delayed engagement from Park to Drive
Hesitation on acceleration from low speeds
How to Fix
Start with a dealer visit for the latest TCM software calibration — GM has released numerous updates that improve 9-speed behavior. A full transmission fluid exchange with Mobil 1 LV ATF HP (DEXRON HP specification) can significantly reduce or eliminate the shudder. If both steps fail, the torque converter needs replacement ($1,500-$2,500 including labor). Some owners have had success with a complete transmission replacement under warranty. Change the 9T65 fluid every 45,000 miles as preventive maintenance.
The 3.6L V6 (LLT and LFX variants) in the first-generation Traverse is notorious for premature timing chain stretch. The engine uses three timing chains — one primary and two secondary chains driving the variable valve timing actuators. The chains stretch beyond the tensioner capacity, causing the engine timing to slip. Symptoms progress from a rattle on cold start to a check engine light with camshaft correlation codes. If ignored, the stretched chains can skip teeth, causing catastrophic engine damage. The issue typically manifests between 80,000-120,000 miles.
Replace all three timing chains, tensioners, guides, and VVT actuator solenoids. This is a major repair requiring 10-15 hours of labor because the engine must be partially removed or the front cover fully disassembled. Parts cost $300-$600 for a complete timing kit; labor runs $1,200-$2,500. Total cost: $1,500-$3,500. GM extended warranty coverage to 10 years/120,000 miles on some model years (Special Coverage 14311). Always replace all three chains together — replacing just one is false economy as the others will fail soon after.
GM issued Preliminary Information bulletin PIP6102 in February 2026 covering unexpected engine stalling on 2024-2026 Traverse, Acadia and Enclave models built with the turbocharged 2.5L LK0 four-cylinder paired to the MF8 eight-speed automatic. A Preliminary Information bulletin is not a fix — it is GM instructing dealers to capture data because the root cause is not yet identified, which means owners bringing a stalling third-generation Traverse to a dealer may be told nothing is wrong. Reports describe stalls at low speed, during deceleration and at stops, with the engine restarting normally afterward, which makes the condition hard to duplicate on a test drive.
Common Symptoms
Engine stalls at low speed or when coming to a stop
Stall on deceleration
Engine restarts normally after stalling
Loss of power steering and brake assist during the stall
No stored codes / dealer unable to duplicate
How to Fix
There is no released repair at the time of writing. The correct step is to have the dealer open a case under PIP6102 so the vehicle's data is captured and submitted to GM engineering — this both protects the owner's warranty record and contributes to the eventual remedy. Before accepting 'no trouble found', ask the technician to pull and preserve freeze-frame data and any history codes, and to confirm the vehicle has current ECM/TCM calibrations, since stall complaints on this powertrain are also being addressed through software. Owners with repeated stalls should document each occurrence in writing; in states with lemon statutes a repeated unrepaired stall is a strong claim.
Second-generation Traverse owners report the 3.6L LFY V6 consuming oil at roughly 1 quart every 1,000-2,000 miles, with some AWD examples burning a half-quart per 1,000 miles starting around 55k miles. Root causes are worn/coked piston rings and a PCV system that pulls oil vapor into the intake. Because there is often no visible leak, owners discover it only when the low-oil light comes in or the engine runs low between changes, risking accelerated wear if not topped up.
Document consumption with a dealer oil-consumption test (GM now considers worse than ~1 qt/2,000 miles excessive). Early-stage cases sometimes improve by replacing the PCV valve/connector; confirmed ring wear requires teardown and ring/piston service or a short block. Interim management is checking the dipstick at every fuel stop and topping up with the correct dexos1 0W-20/5W-30.
The 3.6L V6 in the Traverse consumes oil at a rate that many owners find unacceptable, particularly on 2009-2017 models with the LLT and LFX engine variants. Owners report consuming 1 quart every 2,000-3,000 miles. The oil consumption is related to piston ring design and the PCV system routing oil vapor back into the intake. The issue is not accompanied by visible external leaks. GM has acknowledged elevated oil consumption on the 3.6L but considers up to 1 quart per 2,000 miles within their acceptable range.
Check oil level at every fuel stop and top off as needed. Use the GM-specified dexos1 Gen 3 approved 5W-30 synthetic oil. An oil consumption test at the dealer involves measuring consumption over a set mileage interval — if it exceeds GM limits, warranty coverage may apply. For out-of-warranty vehicles, using a slightly heavier 5W-40 European-spec oil can reduce burn-off. Severe cases may require piston ring replacement ($2,500-$4,000) or valve stem seal replacement ($1,000-$2,000).
The second-generation 3.6L LFY runs four cam phasers fed by oil-control solenoids. On early C1XX Traverse builds the solenoids stick or screen-clog with casting/machining debris and varnish, and the ECM calibration was itself part of the problem. The result is a set of correlated cam timing codes — commonly P0011 with P0014, P0021 and P0024 appearing together — plus a rough idle, a rattle on start-up as the phasers fail to lock, and reduced power. GM addressed the calibration side with bulletin N192266190 (ECM reprogram). This is distinct from the LLT/LFX timing chain stretch problem: the chains here are not necessarily worn, the phaser control is.
Start with a known-good oil and filter service using dexos1 5W-30 full synthetic — degraded or overfilled oil alone will set these codes on this engine. Then check with a dealer whether ECM calibration bulletin N192266190 is open for the VIN; the reprogram resolves a meaningful share of cases at no parts cost. If codes persist after the reflash, test the cam actuator solenoids for correct resistance and replace the affected solenoid(s) and screens; heavily varnished engines may need the phasers themselves. Only after solenoid and oiling causes are excluded should chain stretch be suspected — and verify it with an actual cam/crank correlation measurement, not an assumption.
First-generation Traverse owners report an intermittent or sudden drop in power-steering assist, with heavy/hard steering especially at low speed and parking, often preceded by a whine from the pump. This is a HYDRAULIC power steering system (engine-driven pump), and the failure is internal flow-control-valve/seal wear in the pump that causes a loss of hydraulic pressure; the vehicle can revert to a manual-effort state. GM issued Special Coverage Adjustment #14329 for this pump-wear condition on 2009-2011 Traverse (and 2008-2011 Enclave, 2007-2011 Acadia, 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook), extending pump coverage to 10 years / 150,000 miles. NOTE: this is NOT the electric-power-steering (motor/column/control-module) issue found on some other GM cars.
Common Symptoms
Steering suddenly becomes hard/heavy
Intermittent loss of power steering assist
Whining noise from power steering pump
Increased effort at low speed / parking
Assist returns after restart
How to Fix
Diagnose the hydraulic power steering system for pressure loss; the fix is typically replacement of the power steering pump (and repair of any leaking high-pressure line or rack). Check eligibility for GM Special Coverage #14329 (10yr/150k on 2009-2011) before paying out of pocket.
Separate from the well-known power steering pump wear, the first-generation Traverse's hydraulic rack and pinion assembly itself leaks. The internal rack seals and the upper input shaft seal weep power steering fluid, often visible as fluid running down the rack boots or dripping from the crossmember. Because the leak starves the pump, many owners replace the pump first and are back at the dealer weeks later. Traverse Forum threads document owners with as little as 23,000 miles being quoted $1,500-$1,750 for a steering gear, and GM ran a special service coverage extension to 100,000 miles on 2009-2011 power steering pump and rack components. Vehicles with the NV7 variable-assist steering option use a rack with an integral solenoid, which complicates parts sourcing.
Common Symptoms
Power steering fluid puddle under front of vehicle
Chronically low power steering reservoir
Groaning or whining when turning
Heavy or intermittent steering assist
Fluid on steering rack boots
How to Fix
Confirm the source of the leak before buying parts — clean the area, dye the fluid, and drive it, because a leaking pump, a leaking high-pressure hose, and a leaking gear all present as the same low-fluid groan. If the gear is the source, the only durable repair is replacement of the rack and pinion assembly (reseal kits are not serviceable on this unit); match the NV7 variable-assist part if the vehicle is so equipped, then flush the system and bleed it fully. Check whether the VIN falls under GM's power steering special coverage extension to 100,000 miles before paying out of pocket. Replace the pump at the same time only if it is also noisy or leaking.
Many second-gen Traverse owners experience random no-crank / no-start events, sometimes after the engine shuts off while driving. GM service bulletins identify two patterns: bent or backed-out terminals at body connector X203 causing loss of communication on the HSLAN data bus with multiple stored DTCs, and a separate intermittent no-crank condition on 3.6L models flagged by crank/relay wake-up codes. The result is being stranded with a vehicle that will not respond to the start button.
Common Symptoms
Intermittent no-crank when pressing start
Engine shuts off while driving then won't restart
Multiple unrelated warning lights / loss of communication
Sometimes restarts after sitting
How to Fix
Have a technician scan for HSLAN/loss-of-communication DTCs and inspect/repair connector X203 for bent or damaged terminals per the GM bulletin; the second bulletin addresses the no-crank codes with module diagnosis and reprogramming. Owners should also rule out the simpler offenders first — loose/corroded battery terminals, a weak main battery, and a dead key-fob battery, all of which mimic the same symptom.
The MyLink/infotainment touchscreen on 2018-2020 Traverse units can go black or freeze (in some cases the radio, volume and USB still function while the screen stays dark) and does not always recover with a normal restart. Owners have traced some failures to blown resistors on the screen's power-circuit board, requiring display/board replacement; software-related freezes are also common.
Common Symptoms
Black or blank infotainment screen
Touchscreen frozen and unresponsive
Radio/audio still works while the screen stays dark
Screen does not recover after restarting the vehicle
How to Fix
Try a system reset (hold Home + Fast-Forward ~10 seconds) or a soft reboot (ignition off, door open, wait ~10 minutes). If the blackout persists, the display board/head unit is replaced; blown power-circuit resistors require the screen or board to be swapped.
Owners frequently report a "Shift to Park" warning that appears even when the transmission is already in Park, often preventing the ignition from shutting off and risking battery drain (the radio stays on and the doors won't lock). The root cause is a weak/failing park switch in the console shifter assembly (often bad harness connectors) that fails to pull the Body Control Module signal low, a defect documented across multiple GM models and addressed in a GM service bulletin.
Common Symptoms
"Shift to Park" message displayed while already in Park
Vehicle will not turn off / radio stays on
Battery drain because the car won't fully power down
Doors will not lock until the message clears
How to Fix
Scan for transmission-range/shifter codes, then inspect and replace the faulty transmission control (shifter) assembly per the GM TSB; check shifter wiring connectors for corrosion. As a temporary workaround, cycle the shifter through drive and back to park, or hold the start button to clear the message.
Traverse owners frequently see 'Service StabiliTrak' and 'Traction Control Off' messages appear together while driving, sometimes accompanied by an engine power reduction. The warning is a downstream symptom rather than a single fault: common triggers are a failing wheel speed sensor, an ABS/EBCM module or wiring-harness fault, or an underlying engine misfire that disables the stability system. The intermittent nature makes it frustrating to diagnose without scanning stored codes.
Always pull DTCs first — wheel speed sensor codes point to a sensor/tone-ring replacement, while misfire codes (P0300-series) mean the StabiliTrak light is secondary and the misfire/ignition cause must be fixed. Inspect the ABS module connector and wiring for corrosion. Resist clearing the light without diagnosis; the fix ranges from a single wheel speed sensor to ignition/coil work depending on the root cause.
GM recalled 2013-2014 Chevrolet Traverse because the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated during manufacture, and the contamination can cause an internal electrical short. A shorted body/chassis control module on this platform produces a cascade of seemingly unrelated electrical faults — inoperative or erratic exterior lighting, dead accessories, no-crank conditions and warning messages — and carries a thermal risk from the short itself. Owners chasing individual symptoms (a dead lamp circuit, a door module that will not respond) frequently replace components downstream of the real fault. The single-module root cause is what makes this worth checking before any electrical diagnosis on an affected model year.
Common Symptoms
Multiple unrelated electrical faults
Erratic or inoperative exterior lighting
Accessories intermittently dead
Repeated blown fuses on one circuit
Warning messages on the driver information center
Burning smell from the module area
How to Fix
Free safety recall — run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or through a Chevrolet dealer under NHTSA campaign 14V614000; dealers inspect and replace the affected chassis electronic module at no charge. Before spending money on any electrical diagnosis on a 2013 or 2014 Traverse, confirm this recall has been completed, because an unrepaired contaminated module will keep producing new symptoms after each downstream part is replaced. If the vehicle exhibits burning smells, melted connector housings or repeated fuse failures in the same circuit, stop driving it and have it towed rather than driven to the dealer.
The third-generation Traverse's 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder LK0 uses plastic quick-connect fittings at the radiator hoses instead of conventional clamps. Owners report the connector at the upper radiator inlet hose weeping and then losing coolant well inside the warranty period — a class action filed in 2026 covering 2024-2026 Traverse, 2024-2026 Acadia and 2025-2026 Enclave with the LK0 alleges the fittings fail prematurely and let the engine run without adequate coolant. Documented consequences run from a low-coolant lamp and a P3075 code through reduced power/limp mode to overheating damage. GM has since extended special warranty coverage on the radiator inlet hose quick connect. This is a third-generation-only issue and shares nothing with the V6 water pump leaks of earlier Traverses.
Coolant smell or residue at the upper radiator hose
Coolant puddle under the front of the vehicle
Check engine light
Reduced engine power / limp mode
Rising temperature gauge
How to Fix
Treat any low-coolant message on an LK0 Traverse as a leak, not evaporation — pressure test the system cold and inspect the upper radiator inlet hose quick connect specifically, where the residue is usually visible as dried coolant around the collar. The repair is replacement of the hose and quick-connect assembly with the updated part. GM's special coverage runs five years/60,000 miles from the original in-service date and transfers with the vehicle, so check the VIN before paying. If the engine has already been operated hot, have the cylinder head and gasket evaluated before assuming the hose fix ended the matter.
The first-generation Traverse (2009-2017) develops A/C evaporator leaks that cause loss of refrigerant and warm air from the vents. The evaporator core, located inside the dashboard HVAC housing, corrodes internally due to moisture and acid buildup from the refrigerant-oil mixture. The leak is slow enough that the A/C may work fine early in summer but gradually loses cooling as refrigerant escapes over weeks. The evaporator is extremely labor-intensive to access, making this one of the most expensive A/C repairs.
Common Symptoms
A/C blows warm air gradually over weeks
A/C works after recharge but fails again
Musty smell from vents (moisture from leak)
Water dripping inside passenger footwell
A/C low pressure reading with no visible leak
How to Fix
The evaporator core must be replaced, which requires removing the entire dashboard assembly to access the HVAC housing — 8-12 hours of labor ($800-$1,500). The evaporator core itself costs $100-$300. Also replace the expansion valve and receiver/drier while the system is apart ($50-$100 additional). Total repair: $1,200-$2,500. As a temporary fix, a refrigerant recharge with UV dye ($100-$200) will restore cooling for weeks to months, but the leak will return. Always check for evaporator leaks before spending money on other A/C diagnostics.
The engine-driven water pump on the 3.6L V6 develops a leak at the shaft seal, weeping coolant from the pump 'weep hole' at the front/side of the engine. GM acknowledged the condition with Customer Satisfaction Program #13079 covering 2009-2013 Traverse (and Lambda-platform siblings Enclave/Acadia/Outlook) with the HFV6 engine (LY7, LLT), noting that operating with a low coolant level shortens shaft-seal life. Water-pump leaks are widely reported across first-gen years through 2017. Left unaddressed the pump can lose enough coolant to cause overheating.
Coolant drips or crusty residue at front of engine
Overheating / high temp gauge
Coolant puddle under vehicle
How to Fix
Replace the water pump (and thermostat/gaskets while accessed), pressure-test the cooling system, and refill with DEX-COOL. Keeping coolant topped to spec extends seal life. #13079 (a coolant-level check/top-off program, not a free pump replacement) applied to eligible 2009-2013 cars until April 30, 2015; otherwise owner-pay.
Every direct-injected 3.6L V6 in the Traverse runs a cam-driven high-pressure fuel pump mounted in the valley that steps rail pressure up past 2,000 PSI. The pump's internal plunger seal and check valve wear, and the follower/cam lobe interface can wear as well, so rail pressure falls below the commanded value. Owners see progressively longer crank times, then a hot-restart no-start, then a hard stumble and reduced power under load. A failing pump can also dilute the engine oil with fuel, which accelerates every other wear item on an engine already known for timing chain and phaser trouble. Traverse Forum carries multi-page HPFP replacement threads across the LLT, LFX and LFY.
Do not replace the pump on the code alone. First verify low-side supply pressure from the in-tank module (roughly 50-70 PSI); a weak lift pump produces the same low-rail codes and will destroy a new high-pressure pump. With supply confirmed, replace the high-pressure fuel pump, its seal and the pump-to-rail line, and inspect the camshaft lobe and pump follower for wear before assembly. Change the engine oil and filter afterward if the oil smells of fuel. Because the pump sits under the intake in the engine valley, plan on significant labor. No recall or special coverage exists for this failure — it is a wear item and is billed as one.
The fuel level sender inside the tank (part of the fuel pump module) can give false readings: the gauge sticks, reads full or empty regardless of actual level, or fluctuates by 1/8 to 1/4 tank as the resistor card contacted by the float wears. Reported across first-gen (2009-2016) Traverse. Separately, GM issued NHTSA recall 14007 for certain 2014 Traverse/Enclave/Acadia built Mar 26-Aug 15, 2013, where defective ECM calibration could misreport the fuel level by up to a quarter tank at both high and low ends, risking an unexpected stall.
For sender wear, replace the in-tank fuel sender / fuel pump module assembly (sender is not sold separately on most years). For the recalled 2014 build window, an ECM reprogram (recall 14007, free of charge) corrects the software-caused inaccuracy. Verify with a scan tool that reported level tracks actual fill.
GM recalled 2023 Traverse along with 2023 Blazer, Acadia, Cadillac XT6 and 2022-2023 XT5 because the transmission may have been assembled with an incorrect sun gear. The wrong gear allows the driver-side half-shaft to disengage from the transmission — the axle simply pulls out of the differential. Consequences are a sudden loss of drive power while driving and, more dangerously, the loss of the parking pawl's ability to hold the vehicle, so the Traverse can roll away after being placed in Park. Owners typically hear a grinding or clicking noise from the front of the vehicle before full disengagement. GM's internal campaign number is N222389310.
Common Symptoms
Grinding or clicking noise from the front of the vehicle
Sudden loss of drive power
Vehicle rolls away when placed in Park
Engine revs with no movement
How to Fix
This is a free safety recall — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with any Chevrolet dealer under NHTSA campaign 23V172000 (GM N222389310). Dealers replace the sun gears at no charge; owner notification letters went out July 27, 2023 with remedy parts available from August 31, 2023. Until the repair is performed, always set the parking brake in addition to placing the vehicle in Park, and stop driving immediately if a grinding or clicking noise develops at the front of the vehicle. Do not accept a fluid service or a 'monitor it' response in place of the recall repair.
Traverse owners widely report the air conditioning blowing warm air after only a year or two of use, caused by refrigerant escaping the system. GM bulletin PIT5710 instructs dealers to leak-check the condenser and, if no external leak is found, inspect the rear auxiliary A/C evaporator. The condenser itself is alleged to be defectively manufactured, and the aluminum tube can separate from or rupture at the rubber hose between the compressor and condenser — the same defect at the center of a GM class-action lawsuit covering Traverse and sibling SUVs.
Common Symptoms
A/C blows warm air
Poor or intermittent cooling
Low or empty refrigerant charge
Cooling fails again shortly after a recharge
How to Fix
Have the system evacuated and dye/pressure leak-tested. Common fixes are replacing the condenser (or the compressor-to-condenser line) and recharging the system; if the leak is internal, the rear auxiliary evaporator is replaced. Upgraded condenser part designs are used on repairs. Repair commonly runs $500-$1,400 depending on whether the condenser, line, or evaporator is at fault.
The dual-zone climate system on the Traverse commonly suffers blend door actuator failures, where one side (often the passenger side or rear) blows warm air while the other blows cold regardless of temperature setting. The plastic gears inside the actuator strip or stick, often producing a clicking/knocking sound from behind the dash; this is a recurring complaint shared across GM models with split climate control.
Common Symptoms
Warm air from one side while the other is cold
Rear or passenger zone won't change temperature
Clicking or knocking noise behind the dashboard
Climate control not matching set temperature
How to Fix
Diagnose and replace the failed HVAC blend door actuator(s) for the affected zone, then recalibrate the climate system. A clicking/knocking sound from behind the dash typically indicates actuator gear failure.
The moonroof feeds rainwater into a rain tray above the headliner that drains through tubes routed down the pillars. Debris clogs the tubes (and tray outlets), so the tray overflows and water runs down the inside of the headliner, dripping from the overhead console, dome/map light area, or near the rearview mirror. Second-generation (2018-2024) and earlier owners report soaked headliners, wet front floors, and damaged overhead electronics. Some cars also have poorly seated/kinked or leaking quick-connect drain hoses that leak even after the tubes are cleared.
Common Symptoms
Water dripping from headliner or overhead console
Wet front carpet / floor mats
Water near rearview mirror or dome light
Musty/mildew smell
Fogged interior glass
How to Fix
Clear the moonroof drain tubes with low-pressure air/water from the top (avoid high pressure that can pop hoses off). Verify hose routing and reseat/replace kinked or disconnected drain hoses and leaking quick-connect couplings; in severe cases the sunroof drain assembly is serviced. Dry the headliner to prevent mold.
The Traverse power liftgate struts lose gas pressure over time, causing the liftgate to drop slowly when opened or slam shut unexpectedly. On models with power liftgate, the electric motor can also fail, leaving the liftgate inoperative via the button. The struts typically fail between 5-8 years, with cold weather accelerating the failure as the gas charge loses pressure faster at low temperatures. A dropping liftgate is a safety concern, especially when loading cargo or with children nearby.
Common Symptoms
Liftgate drops slowly when opened
Liftgate slams shut unexpectedly
Have to hold liftgate up manually
Power liftgate button does not work
Liftgate opens only partway in cold weather
How to Fix
Replace both liftgate struts as a pair ($50-$120 for a pair of gas struts). This is a simple DIY repair — the struts have ball-socket ends that pop off with a small pry tool (15-minute job). For power liftgate models, if the electric motor has failed, the motor assembly costs $200-$500 and requires 1-2 hours of labor to replace. StrongArm and Sachs/Stabilus are quality aftermarket strut brands. Always replace both struts at the same time — they wear at the same rate.
The Traverse is a heavy three-row crossover on a front-drive-biased platform, and the front wheel bearing/hub assemblies are a recurring wear failure across both the Lambda and C1XX generations. The bearing develops a speed-dependent hum or growl that changes pitch when the vehicle is loaded into a turn. Because the wheel speed sensor is integrated into the hub unit, a failing bearing frequently damages or de-tunes the sensor, so the first symptom many owners see is an ABS and StabiliTrak warning light rather than a noise. There is no recall for this on any model year — it is a maintenance-grade failure that arrives earlier and more often than owners expect on this nameplate.
Vibration felt in the steering wheel at highway speed
Play at the wheel when jacked up
How to Fix
Diagnose by road-testing with weight transfer: swerve gently side to side at 40-50 mph and note whether the noise increases when the suspect corner is loaded. Confirm with a dial indicator for lateral play at the hub flange. The repair is replacement of the complete hub/bearing assembly (the bearing is not separately serviceable), including a new axle nut torqued to spec. Seat the wheel speed sensor connector carefully — improperly seated sensors after a hub job are a well-documented cause of ABS lights that were not there before. Replace in axle pairs if both sides have comparable mileage.
A very large share of second-generation Traverse front-end noise complaints that get misdiagnosed as struts, control arm bushings or sway bar links are actually the cradle brace — a flat bar bolted across the front subframe with a single bolt at each end. When the brace is loose, mispositioned or was never torqued to spec, it knocks against the cradle over small bumps and during turning maneuvers, producing exactly the clunk owners associate with worn suspension. GM covers the diagnosis in bulletin PIT5931A for 2018-2023 Traverse. Owners have replaced struts and sway bar links with no change before the brace was found.
Common Symptoms
Clunk from the front over bumps
Rattle during turning maneuvers
Noise that sounds like a worn strut or sway bar
Noise persists after suspension parts replaced
How to Fix
Before condemning any suspension part, follow the bulletin's diagnostic: remove the cradle brace entirely and drive the vehicle over small bumps and through turns. If the noise disappears, the brace is the source — reposition it correctly and torque both bolts to specification, replacing the brace and hardware if the bolt holes are elongated. The bulletin also directs the technician to rule out the genuinely common causes first, so verify strut mount, sway bar link and control arm bushing condition in the same visit. This is an inexpensive fix when found and an expensive one when chased through the wrong parts.
The Traverse has one of the highest rates of AC compressor failure among midsize SUVs. Compressors seize or lose capacity often before 70,000 miles. When the compressor fails, it can send metal debris through the entire AC system, requiring replacement of the condenser, expansion valve, and system flush. Some owners report repeat failures within 8 months of repair.
Common Symptoms
AC blows warm air
Clicking or grinding noise from compressor
AC works intermittently
Compressor clutch not engaging
Burning smell from AC system
How to Fix
Confirm the failure by checking static and running refrigerant pressures, verifying compressor clutch command/power and ground, and inspecting for noise, seizure, or metal contamination in the oil and lines. If the compressor has failed internally, replace the compressor, receiver/drier or condenser assembly (the drier is integrated on many GM systems), expansion valve/orifice components as applicable, thoroughly flush any reusable lines and evaporator, evacuate the system, and recharge with the exact specified refrigerant and PAG oil; also inspect cooling fan operation and high-side pressures so an overpressure condition does not destroy the replacement unit. If debris is present, a simple compressor swap often leads to repeat failure, so a full system cleanout is the correct repair. Typical cost is about $1,200-$2,500 for a complete repair depending on how many contaminated components must be replaced.
On the 3.6L V6 (RPO LFY) Traverse, the evaporative emissions purge valve can fail to fully close, allowing fuel vapor to flood the intake. This causes a P0496 (EVAP high purge flow) code with rough running, hesitation, or stalling at idle, and hard starting after refueling. GM acknowledged the condition and issued Special Coverage N232395300 (15 years / 150,000 miles) to replace the purge valve at no charge on affected 2019 Traverse units.
Replace the failed evaporative emission purge/solenoid valve (free under GM Special Coverage N232395300 on eligible 2019 3.6L units); clear P0496 and verify EVAP system seal. Check for related EVAP codes (P0442, P0455) that can accompany the failure.
On the second-generation Traverse the front (Bank 2) exhaust pipe carries a welded mounting bracket. The weld separates from the pipe and tears a hole in the pipe wall around the bracket. Owners first hear a metallic rattle or a deepened exhaust note under the front of the vehicle, then get a check engine light as unmetered air enters upstream of the oxygen sensors and the ECM reads lean, sometimes escalating to catalyst efficiency codes. GM documented the condition in bulletin PIP5681C and extended warranty coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles for the 2019 model year and, under program N222385510, for the 2021 model year — leaving 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2023 owners with the same hardware and no program.
Rattle or buzz from under the front of the vehicle
Louder than normal exhaust note
Check engine light
Lean condition codes
Exhaust smell at idle
How to Fix
Confirm the leak by inspecting the bracket-to-pipe weld on the front bank with the engine cold — the crack is usually visible and the pipe will be sooted around it. The repair is replacement of the front exhaust pipe assembly with the updated part; welding the old bracket back on rarely lasts because the pipe wall itself has thinned. If the vehicle is a 2019 or 2021, insist on the special coverage program (15 years/150,000 miles, transferable) before paying — dealers do not always volunteer it. Clear the lean and catalyst codes only after the leak is sealed, and re-evaluate catalyst efficiency afterward rather than replacing a converter that was only reading a leak.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
Campaign #22V21000031/03/2022
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
What year Chevrolet Traverse is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Chevrolet Traverse. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2009-2026 Chevrolet Traverse with 37 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse Incorrect Transmission Sun Gear Causing Half-Shaft Disengagement (Recall 23V172000)?
GM recalled 2023 Traverse along with 2023 Blazer, Acadia, Cadillac XT6 and 2022-2023 XT5 because the transmission may have been assembled with an incorrect sun gear. The wrong gear allows the driver-side half-shaft to disengage from the transmission — the axle simply pulls out of… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse Side Curtain (Roof-Rail) Airbags May Not Be Properly Attached (Recall 21V246000)?
GM recalled 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse — a span covering essentially the entire first generation and the first two years of the second — because the side curtain airbags may not be properly attached or secured to the roof rail. An improperly retained curtain airbag can fail to… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2014 Chevrolet Traverse Front Seat Belt Flexible Steel Cable Fatigue and Separation (Recall 14V266000)?
GM recalled roughly 1.3 million vehicles including 2009-2014 Chevrolet Traverse because the flexible steel cable that anchors the front outboard seat belt to the seat frame can fatigue and separate. A separated anchor cable means the belt has no lower attachment point — the occup… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse Recall 09V073000: Traverse Shift Cable Clip May Be Unseated (FMVSS 102/114 Noncompliance)?
First-year 2009 Chevrolet Traverse crossovers are part of GM recall 09V073000. Some were built with the transmission shift cable adjustment clip not fully engaged. Because the clip is what holds the cable adjustment, an unseated clip allows the shift lever indication and the tran… Severity: high.
What is the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse Airbags May Not Deploy - SDM Left in Manufacturing Mode (Recall 18V774000)?
NHTSA recall 18V774000 (GM campaign 18365) covers certain 2019 Traverse vehicles (and sibling Encore/Spark/Trax) whose Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) was never switched out of factory 'manufacturing mode' before shipment. With the SDM in this state the airbags will not deploy in… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse Intermittent No-Crank / No-Start from Connector X203 and Wake-Up Faults?
Many second-gen Traverse owners experience random no-crank / no-start events, sometimes after the engine shuts off while driving. GM service bulletins identify two patterns: bent or backed-out terminals at body connector X203 causing loss of communication on the HSLAN data bus wi… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2011 Chevrolet Traverse Loss of Power Steering Assist from Hydraulic Power Steering Pump Wear?
First-generation Traverse owners report an intermittent or sudden drop in power-steering assist, with heavy/hard steering especially at low speed and parking, often preceded by a whine from the pump. This is a HYDRAULIC power steering system (engine-driven pump), and the failure… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse Start/Stop Accumulator Missing Bolts Causing Transmission Fluid Leak / Loss of Propulsion (Recall N202313440)?
Certain 2018-2020 Traverse units (with the global front-wheel-drive 6- or 9-speed transmission) left the factory with missing or loose bolts on the start/stop transmission accumulator endcap. This can cause a transmission fluid leak that may progress to a loss of propulsion while… Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX)?
The 3.6L V6 (LLT and LFX variants) in the first-generation Traverse is notorious for premature timing chain stretch. The engine uses three timing chains — one primary and two secondary chains driving the variable valve timing actuators. The chains stretch beyond the tensioner cap… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2024-2026 Chevrolet Traverse Radiator Inlet Hose Quick-Connect Coolant Leak on the 2.5L Turbo LK0 — Overheating and Limp Mode?
The third-generation Traverse's 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder LK0 uses plastic quick-connect fittings at the radiator hoses instead of conventional clamps. Owners report the connector at the upper radiator inlet hose weeping and then losing coolant well inside the warranty peri… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse 6T70/6T75 3-5-Reverse Wave Plate Fracture — Loss of 3rd, 5th and Reverse Gears?
First-generation Traverse models built with the 6T70/6T75 six-speed front-drive automatic use a 3-5-R clutch cushion (wave) plate that on early production was improperly heat treated and left too brittle. Repeated compression cycles during 2-3 and 4-5 shifts crack the plate; once… Repairs typically run $1,800-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2024-2026 Chevrolet Traverse 2.5L Turbo LK0 Engine Stalling Under Investigation (GM Bulletin PIP6102)?
GM issued Preliminary Information bulletin PIP6102 in February 2026 covering unexpected engine stalling on 2024-2026 Traverse, Acadia and Enclave models built with the turbocharged 2.5L LK0 four-cylinder paired to the MF8 eight-speed automatic. A Preliminary Information bulletin… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2024-2026 Chevrolet Traverse Phantom Automatic Emergency Braking and False Forward Collision Alerts (Third Generation)?
Third-generation Traverse owners report the forward collision system alerting and the automatic emergency braking system applying the brakes with no obstacle present — on open highway, over bridge joints, and past roadside objects. One NHTSA complainant documented more than sixty… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse Hydraulic Steering Gear (Rack and Pinion) Internal Seal Leak — Fluid Loss and Groaning Assist?
Separate from the well-known power steering pump wear, the first-generation Traverse's hydraulic rack and pinion assembly itself leaks. The internal rack seals and the upper input shaft seal weep power steering fluid, often visible as fluid running down the rack boots or dripping… Repairs typically run $900-$1,950. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2023 Chevrolet Traverse Camshaft-Driven High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Direct-Injection 3.6L) — Long Crank, No-Start, Low Rail Pressure?
Every direct-injected 3.6L V6 in the Traverse runs a cam-driven high-pressure fuel pump mounted in the valley that steps rail pressure up past 2,000 PSI. The pump's internal plunger seal and check valve wear, and the follower/cam lobe interface can wear as well, so rail pressure… Repairs typically run $600-$1,400. Severity: high.
What is the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse Over-Cured Continental Tires Can Break in the Sidewall or Lose Tread (Recall 21V115000)?
GM recalled certain 2020 Chevrolet Traverse crossovers because Continental tires fitted to them were cured for too long during production. On a family crossover like the Traverse, the failure shows up in one of two ways: the over-cured rubber can break in the sidewall and dump th… Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse 9-Speed Automatic (9T65) Torque Converter Shudder on Low-Speed Shifts?
Second-generation Traverse models paired the 3.6L LFY V6 with GM's 9T65 9-speed automatic, which exhibits a noticeable shudder/shake felt during 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 upshifts at speeds below ~40 mph under light-to-moderate throttle. GM traced it to torque converter clutch (TCC) re-ap… Repairs typically run $250-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2018-2025 Chevrolet Traverse 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder (9T65)?
The second-generation Traverse (2018+) uses the GM 9T65 9-speed automatic transmission that suffers from a shudder during light acceleration in the 25-50 mph range. The torque converter clutch chatters during lockup, producing a vibration that feels like driving on a rumble strip… Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse AC Compressor Premature Failure?
The Traverse has one of the highest rates of AC compressor failure among midsize SUVs. Compressors seize or lose capacity often before 70,000 miles. When the compressor fails, it can send metal debris through the entire AC system, requiring replacement of the condenser, expansion… Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse A/C Evaporator Core Leak?
The first-generation Traverse (2009-2017) develops A/C evaporator leaks that cause loss of refrigerant and warm air from the vents. The evaporator core, located inside the dashboard HVAC housing, corrodes internally due to moisture and acid buildup from the refrigerant-oil mixtur… Repairs typically run $100-$2,500. Severity: medium.
