2017 Chevrolet Traverse Problems: 7 Known Issues

On the 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 (LLT), the 3.6L V6 (LLT) 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.

On the 2009-2023 Chevrolet Traverse, 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 engine. 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.

On the 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, 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.

On the 2009-2023 Chevrolet Traverse, 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 and LFY.

On the 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse, 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.

On the 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 (LLT), 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.

On the 2009-2025 Chevrolet Traverse, 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.