2021 Chevrolet Traverse Problems: 9 Known Issues

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 2018-2023 Chevrolet Traverse, 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.

On the 2018-2022 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LFY, 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. GM bulletin 18-NA-240 also identifies a leak at the A/C condenser receiver/dehydrator tank plug on early 2018 builds.

On the 2018-2023 Chevrolet Traverse, 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 (2018-2023) 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.

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.

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 2018-2024 Chevrolet Traverse, 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.

On the 2018-2022 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LFY, gM PIP5681C documents a possible exhaust bracket/weld failure on specified 2018-2022 LFY Traverse applications. Noise and mixture or catalyst codes can accompany the leak, but do not establish it without inspection. The adjacent Bank 1 pipe can also be damaged.

On the 2018-2023 Chevrolet Traverse, 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.