For an SUV that only debuted in 2009, the Chevrolet Traverse has already built an extremely reliable name for itself. Provided it’s maintained, there’s no reason a Chevy Traverse can’t see the odometer roll past 200,000 miles.
Key Points
- The Chevrolet Traverse is split into two generations. The first ran from 2009 to 2017, and the second is still going strong today.
- In general, a first-gen. Traverse can last about 200,000 miles before the cost to keep it running exceeds what it’s worth.
- Going from 150,000 to 200,000 miles is more likely if you routinely service the powertrain, including regular oil changes, new spark plugs, etc.
- Up until 2017, the only offered engine in the Chevy Traverse was a 3.6L V6. An all-new 2.0L four-cylinder was added for 2018.
- Early first-gen. models struggle with powertrains that are prone to fail. The SUV’s 2013 refresh makes later years more dependable options.
How Long will a Chevrolet Traverse Last? Expect 150,000 to 200,000 Miles, or 12.5 to 17 Years for the Average Driver
Before the 2009 debut of the Traverse crossover SUV, Chevy didn’t offer a competitive midsize model that could haul more than five passengers. Sure, you had the Trailblazer EXT and the Uplander minivan, but those didn’t excite.
The Traverse has since solidified itself as a comfortable, efficient, and reliable family vehicle.
If the 2022 model’s nearly $35,000 starting MSRP is more than you hoped to spend, used units make great alternatives. Naturally, this leaves many to wonder just how long a Chevrolet Traverse will last.
Traverse Forum, a site dedicated to the discussion of the Chevy Traverse, shows many owners are reaching 200,000 miles with little issue. Many reports mention rising repair costs past 200,000, often over the engine or transmission. Owner reviews at Vehicle History also regularly boast 150,000 miles or more.
For a driver clocking 12,000 miles per year, that’s about 12.5 to 17 years of service from the average Chevy Traverse crossover.
On-time, routine maintenance is the common theme behind most high-mileage Traverse units. Yet, some years have had more problems than others, making them less likely to last without higher repair costs.
Standard 3.6L V6 Engine in Chevrolet Traverse is Known to Consistently Reach 200,000 Miles, but Routine Maintenance is a Must
Maintaining the engine and transmission is critical to the longevity of any vehicle, as powertrain repairs tend to carry the highest shop bills.
From 2009 to 2017, the only engine available in the Chevy Traverse was a 3.6L V6. Similarly, the transmission remained the same six-speed automatic. The motor was first seen in the 2004 Cadillac CTS and Buick Rendezvous and is still a staple of the GM lineup in 2022.
In general, the 3.6L is a good engine that consistently reaches more than 200,000 miles no matter the model.
Most commonly, routine oil changes are the simplest way to extend the life of a car engine.
Over time, engine oil picks up contaminants, like metallic particles, rust, dirt, etc. The oil filter removes most of the harmful bits but needs replacing, along with the motor oil, every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or so.
For a full maintenance breakdown, including when to flush the tranny oil and replace the spark plugs, be sure to check the owner’s manual. You can also look it up by VIN on GM’s official site.
Chevy Traverse Faces Rough Early Years with Reports of Engine and Transmission Failure, but 2013 Onwards are Mostly Dependable
The first-generation Chevy Traverse ran from 2009 to 2017, but the SUV received a major facelift for 2013, including powertrain reliability updates. The first few model years of the Traverse are now littered with reports of failing powertrain components, including both the engine and transmission.
Looking at reports from the NHTSA, engine failure wasn’t an issue with the 2009 model. Yet, complaints of excessive oil consumption, spark plug coil failure, and engine misfiring were somewhat common.
The real issue with the first-year Traverse is with the six-speed automatic. Car Complaints shows a total of nine mentions of transmission failure for 2009 alone. The unit tends to go out before 90,000 miles and costs around $3,200 to repair.
Engine problems did show up for the 2010 Traverse, as well as for 2011-2012. Far too many complaints mention engine failure. While it does tend to occur after 100,000 miles, it still carries an average repair cost of $6,400. Owners report that despite regularly servicing the engine, the motor seized while driving, presenting itself as an immediate loss of power.
By the mid-cycle refresh, powertrain failure dropped to an all-time low, making Chevy Traverse SUVs from 2013 to 2017 the most likely to reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more.
Updated 2018 Chevy Traverse Adds New Powertrain Options, but Reports of Early Transmission Failure Cast Doubt on the SUV’s Longevity
Chevy debuted a fully-revamped Traverse for 2018. This time around, a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine is offered alongside the 3.6L V6. Few issues have been reported about 2019 to 2022 models, but 2018 did see an alarming number of transmission failure reports concerning the new nine-speed automatic.
The unit tends to fail prior to the 20,000-mile mark. While this is currently covered under warranty, more time is needed to tell if the issue becomes more widespread. Ultimately, the second-generation Traverse looks to be just as reliable as the first.
Photos: Chevrolet
