Chevrolet is dedicated to making reliable and safe vehicles, but even with the best engineering and safety efforts, problems can occur. When safety problems arise, automakers like Chevy issue recalls so the safety issues can be fixed and drivers can get back on the road.
Are there any timing chain recalls on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?
As of August 2020, there aren’t any timing chain recalls on any model year of Chevy Traverse. However, Traverse owners note several complaints about 2010 through 2012 Traverse timing chain problems.
The Chevy Traverse doesn’t have any timing chain recalls, but we’ll cover the issues related to timing chain wear, how it develops, and what you can do to keep your Chevy Traverse running smoothly.
Premature Timing Chain Wear – 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
Some 2009 Chevrolet Traverse owners began to notice that their check engine lights were coming on. The reason? The SUV’s timing chain was stretching out, leading to ongoing problems with cam sensors and actuators.
The overall problem occurred with 2007-2009 GM SUVs, including the 2009 Chevy Traverse and similar vehicles with 2.8L and 3.6L dual overhead cam engines. Chevrolet initially believed the timing chain wear was happening because the engine computer wasn’t sending them in for oil changes often enough.
They sent out notices to 2009 Traverse owners notifying them that they should take their SUV to the dealer for Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 10287, which would reprogram the ECM (Engine Control Module).
After the 2010 model year, Chevrolet used new timing chains and reprogrammed the ECM to bring vehicles in for more frequent service and oil changes.
More than an ECM Reprogramming Could Be Needed
But Chevy Traverse owners still reported timing chain problems after their SUVs were serviced under the Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 10287. It turned out that the problem was with the timing chain on some, but not all, 2009 Traverses.
Owners were still bringing their Traverses into dealers running rough, with their check engine lights on. If the timing chains stretched badly enough, their vehicles were completely losing power on the road.
Fortunately, Chevrolet realized the problem and issued a Special Coverage Adjustment — Timing Chain Wear #11340C. Dealers were instructed to replace the timing chain on affected vehicles and reprogram the ECM. Making these repairs fixed the problem.
2009 Chevrolet Traverse and Special Coverage Adjustment Rules
GM’s Special Coverage Adjustment covered no more than 10 years or 120,000 miles. Owners of a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse with more than 120,000 miles aren’t covered under the Special Coverage Adjustment. Owners are now responsible for timing chain repairs because the problem did not result in a full recall.
How Do You Handle an Open Recall on a Chevrolet Traverse?
There aren’t any timing chain recalls for any model year of Chevrolet Traverse. But if you’re not sure if your Chevy Traverse has an active recall, you can visit the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s recall check site and enter your car’s VIN.
You will then see which recalls are active for your vehicle. The GM Recall Center also lets you search for any recalls through My.Chevrolet.com.
