Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet traverse. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact applied pressure to the accelerator pedal, the engine seized, and the vehicle completely shut off. The contact was able to safely pull over and noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they diagnosed that metal shavings were found in the oil compartment. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000. The VIN was not available.
2009 Chevrolet Traverse: engine failure
11 of the 448 complaints about the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- typical mileage
- 102,000
- recalls
- 0
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet traverse. While driving 35 MPH, the engine seized and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then to an independent mechanic. The mechanic replaced the timing chain, but the failure continued. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that the engine failed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a three year unlimited warranty through the engine manufacturer. The manufacturer of the engine was contacted multiple times and stated that the owner was not available and they could not repair the vehicle. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 187,000.
While driving to work my traverse completely shut down. I had to coast to the edge of the road and then push it into a parking lot. While driving the lights seemed to go dim and the vehicle shut off! . The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who said the timing chain went and when it did it basically blew the engine. A new engine cost more then what I owe on the car. After calling around I found out that mechanics do not like to replace the engine in the traverse because the timing chain issue. My mileage is about 140,000. I called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. I was told they do have a 'special warranty on the timing chain however it's only up to 120,000 miles and I am 20,000 over the special warranty. If engine dies completely at 70mph on freeway a bad wreck can happen this is unsafe and chevrolet should replace these engines.
As soon as my vehicle reached just over 102,000 miles, my engine completely shut down while we were driving our kids to practice. I have taken it to the chevy dealership that has been repairing my vehicle since we purchased it (1.5 years prior to the engine shutting down) and they have informed us we need a completely new engine because the crankshaft is completely blown. When they finally got it started up, it sounded like a bag of hammers being violently shaken. In the 1.5 years that we have had the vehicle, the timing belt has gone out, an electrical issue that caused the car to shut down completely as well, and another repair that my husband handled shortly after we got the car. Chevy has told us we are out of luck and that we have to pay for a new engine. When the dealership checked the value of the vehicle because we were going to try to trade it in, they told us the car, in perfect working condition would only be worth $6,000.00, even though 1.5 years prior, it was worth $20,000. The engine replacement is going to cost us more than the vehicle is worth! From what we have seen, a lot of these cars (same year make and model) are having the same problems and should be recalled completely!
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet traverse. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized. The steering wheel required excessive force. When making a left or right turn, there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The manufacturer was notified and no repair was performed. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet traverse. While turning right at 5 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure recurred numerous times while turning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump failed, which caused the rack and pinion to fail. The power steering pump was repaired under a customer satisfaction campaign, but the rack and pinion was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet traverse. While reversing, the steering wheel seized and required excessive force. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 11/18/15*lj the consumer stated the dealer found that both of the front struts needed to be replaced and have the vehicle alignment done. The traverse could not be driven after the replacement of the failed power steering pump. Updated 2/3/2016 *js
My wife was driving home when the check engine light came on vehicle lost power and stalled and would not restart, vehical was towed to dealer who stated cathlitic converter had failed and would be replaced. Following replacement dealer stated engine backfired during test drive investigation revealed engine failure and had to be replaced luckly insurance covered this repair, following engine repair car was started but still backfired investigation revealed ignition coil was defective.. Reshearch by me on the internet showed problems with ignition coil causing engine and cathlitic converter problem, this problem could be a major safety concern if driving at interstate speeds then this problem occures.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that the power steering assist malfunctioned and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised him that the power steering pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The current mileage was approximately 80,000.
The entire engine failed,seized. Had it towed to the dealership, they reported that it was do to no oil in the engine. The change oil light was on but not a low oil light, there was no oil leakage or smell noted. The car had been acting "odd" for 10 days or so, losing power and making a diesel engine sound while running.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline...
- This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding...
- This service bulletin provides inspection/diagnosis/correction information on a cold start misfire and/or...
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what...
- This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
- This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?
11 of 448 owner complaints about the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse (2%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2011.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?
There are 0 recalls and 194 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
Power steering loss 58Loss of power 42Check engine light 38Transmission failure 18Stalling 13Steering lock-up 13Steering noise 13Misfire 12Whining noise 12Airbag light 11Hesitation 10Jerking 9Won't start 8Grinding brakes 7Seat belt 7Headlights 6Brake failure 5Harsh shifting 5Won't shift 5
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