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2020 Chevrolet Traverse: shudder or vibration when accelerating

11 of the 235 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse describe shudder or vibration when accelerating.

owner complaints
11
of this car's complaints
5%
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 54 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Shudder or vibration when accelerating by model year

What owners say

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Transmission · WA

I own a 2020 Chevy Traverse with currently 16,000 miles. I am currently dealing with a know shudder issue that has returned. I have already taken the vehicle under warranty to the dealership where the transmission was replaced on 6/29/2022 at 4919 miles for “catastrophic failure” where the fluids were dark, burnt, and several burnt up clutches. Then the torque converter was replaced separately on 9/20/2022 at 8106 miles for engine shudder. Took the vehicle again in on 7/21/26 for shudder returning at 16,450k miles where diagnostic shows dark, burnt fluid, with metal debri. Repair recommendations are to flush again and if not fixed to again replace the torque converter. There are no open recalls on my vehicle when there should. There is the most recent bulletin, Bulletin No.: 23-NA-072 dated May 2023 that covers the 2020 Chevy Traverse for TCC Shudder: (Typically seen on 4th-5th Upshift as ISS Oscillation) which is referenced on my last car diagnostic report. This car is basically brand new and should never have needed a brand new transmission, torque converter replacement and still having shudder problems. These vehicles need to be recalled for their power train.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Transmission · WA

I own a 2020 Chevy Traverse with currently 16,000 miles. I am currently dealing with a know shudder issue that has returned. I have already taken the vehicle under warranty to the dealership where the transmission was replaced on 6/29/2022 at 4919 miles then the torque converter was replaced separately on 9/20/2022 at 8106 miles for engine shudder. This vehicle is practically brand new. I reached out to GM with no help other than to pay to have it diagnosed again at the dealership. There are no open recalls on my vehicle when there should. There is the most recent bulletin, Bulletin No.: 23-NA-072 dated May 2023 that covers the 2020 Chevy Traverse for TCC Shudder: (Typically seen on 4th-5th Upshift as ISS Oscillation) This car is brand new and should never have needed a brand new transmission, torque converter replacement and still having the exact same problems as before.

Filed May 12, 2026 · Transmission · PA

2020 Chevrolet Traverse started to shudder and hard shift between 25 to 30 miles per hour. Vehicle only has 64,925 miles on it (4,925 miles above warranty). Vehicle was taken to garage and told the torque converter along with valve body was needed to be replaced. The torque converter malfunctioned right after warranty expired due to mileage and could have left my family stranded on the side of the road. The components have been inspected by Chevrolet manufacturer and they deemed they needed to be replaced and replaced them. No lights or anything came on the only sign was the shudder and hard shift which if not taken in immediately could put the owner past the warranty mileage. Vehicle was purchased brand new and routine maintenance conducted.

Filed May 12, 2026 · Transmission · WI

I have 37,000 miles and have taken it to a Chevrolet dealer for all suggested routine maintenance. It started shuddering so I took in to dealer. They said known issue and may need a new torque converter which would cost approximately $8500. They suggested I try changing the transmission fluid even though suggested at 45,000 miles. They said to drive 200 miles and see if it goes away. I haven't yet put 200 miles but am very concerned there is a bigger issue with the Traverses out there and afraid this is a band-aid and feel a recall may be inevitable. Just wanted to share with you.

Filed Mar 28, 2026 · Transmission · IA

2020 Chevy Traverse High Country Exhaust bank 1 and bank 2. Transmission shudder.

Filed Sep 2, 2025 · Transmission · GA

I recently had to replace my transmission (2020 Chevrolet Traverse) due to shuddering from manufacturer's fault in assembly process. Now I'm having to replace the transmission in my mother's 2018 Chevrolet Colorado that has less than 65k miles. These issues cause power loss while driving. I was in the middle of passing another vehicle when my vehicle experienced power loss. This is a HUGE safety issue, not only for my family but many others that I know that are experiencing or have experienced the same issues. I have 3 family members that have had to have the same repairs as well as over 40 acquaintances. I had assumed with the thousands others that I've chatted with on facebook and reddit that this would have been a recall, sadly, GM/Chevrolet doesn't seem to care that it is their fault that their consumers are having to spend THOUSANDS of dollars to correct an issue that leaves the manufacturer at fault. With the thounsands experiencing the same issue, i feel that those that have already had to spend money should be reimbursed.

Filed Aug 26, 2025 · Transmission · CA

Severe transmission shudder, issues accelerating. Torque converter failure is very common with this vehicle, even with following routine scheduled maintenance. There is no engine or MIL light on and symptoms appeared out of nowhere. Failing to be able to safely accelerate can cause accidents, putting lives and property at risk. Looking information up online will show that this is a very common issue with this model year and transmission.

Filed Apr 30, 2025 · OK

The car violently shudders when it attempts to shift from 1st to 2nd gear. This happens every time I drive the car and I'm unsure what's wrong with it. I am unable to accelerate quickly when attempting to drive on the highway or when making a turn and am afraid of being hit because it won't accelerate shift gears as it should. I've taken it to the Chevy dealership twice, and the issue was not addressed as requested so, I researched online and learned that this is a common issue in Chevy Traverses, and it doesn't seem to be fixed, even after dealership intervention. I'm wondering if this is why the dealership is hesitant to address the issue. I am concerned for my family's safety.

Filed Nov 24, 2024 · Transmission · NY

The transmission on my 2020 Chevrolet Traverse has experienced severe shuddering problems when shifting gears. The vehicle is not old and the integrity of the safety of the vehicle puts myself and my family at risk whenever driving it now. The dealer quotes approximately $8,000 for a fix and a similar search online sees other customers with the same issues. Chevrolet should recall the affected vehicles and not force the consumer to pay out of pocket for the repairs.

Filed Aug 28, 2024 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered. In addition, the contact stated that the gear shifter sometimes failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed May 10, 2022 · Transmission · MO

Transmission shudders when warmed up. After driving Transmission will shudder pulling hills. It becomes worse and more noticeable the longer it is driven and when hot out. Numerous times after driving for a few hundred miles and then stopping, the vehicle will shudder trying to take off. Has been back to the dealership 4 times now for the same issue. First time was told it needed a torque converter, when taking it in to have the torque convertor changed a TSB was located advising to change the transmission fluid instead (January of 2022). After about 1000 miles issue has came back. Dealership is unable to duplicate it due to it being worse on hot days and unable to drive for long periods of times. There have been numerous complaints after researching online about this with the Chevy traverse. This vehicle has almost left me sitting in the middle of intersections due to Shuddering.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 18, 2021 · 639 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place may chafe against the transmission case, possibly resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
Risk
A transmission fluid leak can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the screw and clip, and inspect for signs of contact with the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1‑800‑488‑0359.

Recall number 21V817000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Buick Customer service at 1‑866‑608‑8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

Recall number 20V668000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse shudder

Is shudder or vibration when accelerating a common problem on the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse?

11 of 235 owner complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse (5%) mention shudder or vibration when accelerating. The model year with the most reports is 2018.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse?

There are 2 recalls and 54 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse

Check engine light 38Fuel smell 11Backup camera 8Stalling 8Transmission failure 8Jerking 7Seat belt 5

All model years of the Chevrolet Traverse

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