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 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 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 2009-2017 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.

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 2018-2023 Chevrolet Traverse HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure — Warm Air on One Side / Inconsistent Dual-Zone Temps?

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 p… Severity: medium.

What is the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse EVAP Purge Valve Failure Causing Rough Idle, Stalling and Hard Starts (P0496) — GM Special Coverage N232395300?

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 ac… Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse Intermittent "Shift to Park" Message — Faulty Shifter Park Switch?

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… Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse Infotainment Touchscreen Blackout / Freezing?

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 th… Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse Excessive Oil Consumption on 3.6L LFY (Worn Rings / PCV)?

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… Repairs typically run $120-$6,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2022 Chevrolet Traverse A/C Condenser / Refrigerant Line Leak Causing Loss of Cooling?

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 evap… Repairs typically run $500-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2021 Chevrolet Traverse Service StabiliTrak / Traction Control Warnings with Reduced Power?

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 se… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.

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 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse Water Pump Shaft Seal Coolant Leak (3.6L V6)?

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 sibli… Repairs typically run $700-$1,700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2023 Chevrolet Traverse Engine Oil Consumption (3.6L V6)?

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… Repairs typically run $0-$4,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2024 Chevrolet Traverse Sunroof/Moonroof Drain Clog Causing Interior Water Leak from Headliner?

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 ligh… Repairs typically run $150-$1,700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2025 Chevrolet Traverse Power Liftgate Strut Failure?

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 b… Repairs typically run $50-$600. Severity: low.

Chevrolet · Known Issues

2009-2025 Chevrolet Traverse Problems: 21 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2009-2025 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated July 2026

Share:@au7o.io

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009-2025 Chevrolet Traverse has 21 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX) ($1,500-$3,500 repair), Start/Stop Accumulator Missing Bolts Causing Transmission Fluid Leak / Loss of Propulsion (Recall N202313440), Loss of Power Steering Assist from Hydraulic Power Steering Pump Wear ($500-$1,500 repair), Airbags May Not Deploy - SDM Left in Manufacturing Mode (Recall 18V774000) ($0-$0 repair) and Intermittent No-Crank / No-Start from Connector X203 and Wake-Up Faults ($150-$900 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Traverse problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009-2025 Chevrolet Traverse has 21 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX), Start/Stop Accumulator Missing Bolts Causing Transmission Fluid Leak / Loss of Propulsion (Recall N202313440), Loss of Power Steering Assist from Hydraulic Power Steering Pump Wear. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Traverse reliable?

The 2009-2025 Chevrolet Traverse has 21 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX) and Start/Stop Accumulator Missing Bolts Causing Transmission Fluid Leak / Loss of Propulsion (Recall N202313440) and Loss of Power Steering Assist from Hydraulic Power Steering Pump Wear 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. 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, Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX), typically costs $1,500-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

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 2009-2025 Chevrolet Traverse with 21 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.

All 21 Known Issues

Other Chevrolet Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Traverse problems?

Is the Chevrolet Traverse reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Traverse problems?

What year Chevrolet Traverse is the most reliable?

When Issues Typically Appear

2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse: Intermittent No-Crank / No-Start from Connector X203 and Wake-Up Faults#

2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse: Intermittent "Shift to Park" Message — Faulty Shifter Park Switch#

2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse: Infotainment Touchscreen Blackout / Freezing#

2018-2021 Chevrolet Traverse: Service StabiliTrak / Traction Control Warnings with Reduced Power#

2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse: Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX)#

2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse: Excessive Oil Consumption on 3.6L LFY (Worn Rings / PCV)#

2009-2023 Chevrolet Traverse: Engine Oil Consumption (3.6L V6)#

2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse: Start/Stop Accumulator Missing Bolts Causing Transmission Fluid Leak / Loss of Propulsion (Recall N202313440)#

2018-2025 Chevrolet Traverse: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder (9T65)#

2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse: 9-Speed Automatic (9T65) Torque Converter Shudder on Low-Speed Shifts#

2009-2011 Chevrolet Traverse: Loss of Power Steering Assist from Hydraulic Power Steering Pump Wear#

2019 Chevrolet Traverse: Airbags May Not Deploy - SDM Left in Manufacturing Mode (Recall 18V774000)#

2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse: A/C Evaporator Core Leak#

2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse: Water Pump Shaft Seal Coolant Leak (3.6L V6)#

2018-2023 Chevrolet Traverse: HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure — Warm Air on One Side / Inconsistent Dual-Zone Temps#

2018-2022 Chevrolet Traverse: A/C Condenser / Refrigerant Line Leak Causing Loss of Cooling#

2018-2024 Chevrolet Traverse: Sunroof/Moonroof Drain Clog Causing Interior Water Leak from Headliner#

2009-2025 Chevrolet Traverse: Power Liftgate Strut Failure#

2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse: AC Compressor Premature Failure#

2019 Chevrolet Traverse: EVAP Purge Valve Failure Causing Rough Idle, Stalling and Hard Starts (P0496) — GM Special Coverage N232395300#

2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse: Inaccurate / Stuck Fuel Gauge (Fuel Level Sender Wear + 2014 ECM Recall)#