What are the most common Chevrolet Traverse problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has 11 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Camshaft-Driven High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Direct-Injection 3.6L) — Long Crank, No-Start, Low Rail Pressure, 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder (9T65), A/C Condenser / Refrigerant Line Leak Causing Loss of Cooling. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has 11 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Camshaft-Driven High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Direct-Injection 3.6L) — Long Crank, No-Start, Low Rail Pressure. 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 $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Camshaft-Driven High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Direct-Injection 3.6L) — Long Crank, No-Start, Low Rail Pressure, typically costs $600-$1,400 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
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 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 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 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 2018-2021 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 2018-2024 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 2018-2023 Chevrolet Traverse Front Exhaust Pipe Mounting Bracket Weld Fracture — Rattle, Exhaust Leak and Lean Codes?
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 vehicl… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. 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 2009-2023 Chevrolet Traverse Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly Failure — Highway Growl with ABS and StabiliTrak Warnings?
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 vehic… Repairs typically run $300-$800. 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.
What is the 2018-2023 Chevrolet Traverse Loose Front Cradle Brace Causing Front-End Clunk and Rattle Over Bumps?
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,… Repairs typically run $75-$300. Severity: low.
