While newer Chevy Traverse models are mostly reliable, early first-generation units have engines known to fail at an average of just 100,000 miles. Even more common, steering complaints make owning models from 2009 to 2012 a bit too risky.
Key Points
- The Chevrolet Traverse replaced the Trailblazer in 2009 and is now the automaker’s only full-size crossover with three rows of seats, slotted between the Equinox and Tahoe.
- Be cautious of Chevy Traverse models from 2009 to 2012, which have an excessive number of NHTSA complaints about faulty steering components.
- Owners also mention Traverse models from this range have engines that are likely to fail before 100,000 miles and costs an average of $6,400 to replace.
- First-gen. Traverse units also have several recalls. 2009 is the worst year with eight. These concern improperly-attached airbags, a falling liftgate, and faulty seatbelts.
- Chevy’s second-gen. Traverse arrived for the 2018 model year. The SUV initially saw a few transmission problems, but 2019 and newer units are reliable and dependable.
Chevy Traverse Owners Commonly Complain of Steering Problems with Early First-generation Models
Chevy debuted the Traverse SUV in 2009, replacing the longstanding Trailblazer as the brand’s only full-size crossover.
Owners praised first-gen. models (2009 to 2017) for being spacious, efficient, and comfortable. Unfortunately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows owners complain of widespread steering problems in models from 2009 to 2012.
Manufacturer communications to dealers show the power steering pump can leak, emit strange sounds, and make it tough to turn the steering wheel at low speeds. Some owners also report having to replace the rack and pinion system.
A class-action lawsuit was eventually launched. In response, GM did not issue a recall. Instead, the automaker extended coverage on affected models to warranty the faulty parts. Owners who have paid for the repair mention spending $1,500 or more, with the issue typically showing around 110,000 miles.
First Few Years of Chevy Traverse More Likely to Need a New Engine at 100,000 Miles, Costing Over $6,000 on Average
Models from 2009 to 2012 also have issues with engine failure. Registered engine-related NHTSA complaints total nearly 200 for 2010 alone. Owners report the dash lighting up the oil indicator or displaying “Service Stabilitrak” before the engine gives out.
Owners mention techs replacing the timing belt for over $2,000 or the starter for about $800. Most mention replacing the engine at around 100,000 miles for about $6,400.
Other engine complaints about early first-gen. Traverse models mention reduced engine power and excessive oil consumption. The latter is likely the cause of many failure reports.
“I just had the oil changed…I only drive it on the weekends…so I know I was nowhere near the mileage to have another…” shares one Traverse owner. “…driving home from the store…it kept stalling…My husband took it and got an oil change done, and it was bone dry!!”
An engine without oil is an engine that’s likely to seize. No recall has been issued to cover any of the problems contributing to the mass complaints of engine failure.
Airbag, Liftgate, and Seatbelt Recalls Issued for Some First-generation Chevrolet Traverse Models
Opt for a Chevy Traverse from 2009 to 2013, and you may find issues with the side airbags not deploying in a crash. The problem is from the airbag wiring harness not being mounted correctly. GM issued a recall in 2014 on nearly 1.2-million GM units for this concern.
While only affecting 108 units, Chevy issued another recall for Traverse models from 2010 to 2019 over side-impact airbags not being attached to the vehicle. Techs will inspect the SUV and realign or replace the weld nuts to secure the airbags.
In models from 2009 to 2012, the rear liftgate struts may wear, allowing the gate to fall. As a result, GM recalled nearly 700,000 units. A software update fixes the issue.
What started as an investigation into seatbelt cable failure eventually led to a recall on nearly 1.35 million GM vehicles. In these, the flexible steel cable that holds the seatbelt in place can fail, increasing the risk of injury in an accident. Techs will inspect the seatbelt lap pretensioner and replace it if needed.
Chevy’s Traverse SUV Struggled Early on, but Most Second-generation Models are Problem-free
Looking at second-gen. Chevrolet Traverse models (2018 to present), most are pretty reliable. Units from 2018, though, reportedly have transmission problems. In these, the new nine-speed tranny may light up the “Shift to Park” message on the dash.
Some owners have also had the tranny fail with as little as 5,000 miles on the odometer. Thankfully, the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty should cover the issue. From 2019 onwards, the Chevrolet Traverse has no further transmission-related problems.
Avoid Chevrolet Traverse Models from 2009 to 2012 Over Powertrain Problems, Aim for Units from 2017 or Newer for Fewer Issues
The Traverse crossover was a beloved addition to the Chevy lineup, which had previously only offered the Tahoe SUV or Uplander minivan as third-row family options. While earlier years struggled with engine and steering issues, models from 2014 onwards have been mostly problem-free.
Just be careful of models from 2018, which feature a new nine-speed tranny that owners report had a problematic first year.
If you do land on an earlier first-gen. model, have techs inspect the power-steering pump for signs of a leak. You should also inspect the rack and pinion steering mechanism. If a problem is found, be sure to ask if your vehicle is covered under Chevy’s warranty extension.
For more information on the reliability of the Chevy Traverse and how long the SUV will last, be sure to check out our previous article.
Photos: Chevrolet
