Chevrolet Traverse engine failure problems

Filed Sep 20, 2026 · Engine · MI

Engine started consuming oil at around 25-30k miles. Now adding 3Q between the recommened oil change period. First realized this when driving on road trip and the engine oil low warning triggered. Driving at night on a interstate - had to pull off and find a safe place to check it. Could of been stranded with an engine failure in the middle of nowhere. Dealer confirms the issue, but GM says 1Q per 2000mi is "normal" in their world. Refuses to do anything when losing 1/2 your oil every oil change internal...

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Engine · 75 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the engine warning light illuminated. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75.

Filed Jul 3, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

I own a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS, VIN [XXX]. This vehicle has repeated safety-related failures involving the engine/cooling system, fuel-injector/misfire system, steering-assist warning system, and electronic parking brake system. The vehicle is currently at AutoNation Chevrolet West Austin, dropped off on XXX, and is available for inspection. Soon after delivery, the vehicle began losing coolant and overheating. This was not isolated. Before the engine was finally replaced, there were at least four documented coolant/overheating-related dealer visits or repair notes: XXX. The problem repeated again on XXX, becoming the fifth coolant/overheating-related visit and resulting in GM/dealer-authorized engine replacement after internal coolant-related findings. Dealer records show low/empty coolant reservoir, overheating, fan-running symptoms, almost one gallon of coolant added, no external leak found, coolant dye added, GM TAC involvement, and internal coolant findings. After engine replacement, the vehicle continued to fail. In February 2026, it displayed check-engine light and “Steering Assist Reduced / Power Steering Reduced.” The dealer confirmed misfire and replaced cylinder 1 fuel injector. In April/May 2026, the vehicle displayed a service parking brake warning; the dealer documented left rear parking brake actuator high current. Now, on XXX, the vehicle is again at the dealer for blinking check-engine light, and the dealer advised the code shows another engine misfire. My family’s safety is at risk. Repeated overheating, engine replacement, steering-assist warning, parking brake warning, and recurring misfire create unsafe drivability risk, especially on highways, merging, intersections, or long trips. I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 18, 2026 · Engine · SC

While driving 65mph, the vehicle’s engine shut off, a ‘Reduced Acceleration Drive with Care’ message showed up and I had to coast to the side of the freeway. Engine would not restart and dealer confirmed a piston contacted a valve and a new engine is needed.

Filed Sep 19, 2025 · Electrical · 52,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the battery warning light and power steering assist warning light illuminated. The steering wheel seized, and the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that eight days later, after stopping at a gas station, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system purge valve had failed. The canister purge solenoid valve was replaced. The contact stated that two weeks later, the alternator failed and was replaced; however, six months later, the failure reoccurred with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was an Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) leak. The SOP solenoid and the Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) canister were replaced. After the vehicle was repaired, the contact stopped by the gas station, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the purge valve had failed. Most recently, the vehicle hesitated, and the engine was running rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact went to several dealers for the repairs, and each dealer retrieved several electrical codes. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and several claims were filed. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

Filed Jun 18, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · 88,071 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lunged forward and stopped while at the traffic light. The contact stated that while driving over 4 MPH, the vehicle seized with the transmission warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about being involved in a crash due to the failure. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 88,071.

Filed May 13, 2025 · Engine · MD

Own a 2019 Chevy Traverse that was bought brand new and properly maintained with regular, synthetic only, oil changes. Engine failed due to “failed rod bearing” at only 55k miles, 3 months outside of Chevy’s regular warranty. While replacing the engine, it was found that the catalytic converter also needed replacing.

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · IL

2018 Traverse. 70k miles. We purchased it brand new at the end of 2017. On [XXX], we were driving home from Michigan the car sputtered and would not accelerate. We were almost hit by a semi that was driving behind us. We were able to pull into a gas station and put the car in park. While sitting at gas station the car shut off and wouldn't restart. No warning lights came on prior to the vehicle shutting down. We had it towed to our mechanic (VIP Automotive- New Lenox, Illinois). The mechanic went through the car and advised that the engine had seized. All fluid levels were fine, no leaks, all scheduled maintenance completed on time. He found metal chunks- not just shavings- in the oil pan. He said he's never seen anything like this and that the catastrophic engine failure had to be due to a defect in the engine. It ended up costing us almost $6,000 to have another motor installed in the car. I contacted Chevy, and was basically told too bad, and that they would not cover or assist with anything. The car was extremely well maintained and I provided a copy of all service records dating back to 2017 when we purchased the car. There are numerous groups on Facebook that have same/similar complaints on the Chevy Traverse (3.6L V6) and Chevy Trucks/SUVs (6.2L V8). I believe they are aware that there are numerous issues with these vehicles and continue to sell them, despite the risk to consumer safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 18, 2024 · Transmission · MA

7-8 mild transmission slips/sticking 3 MAJOR transmission events where the car seized up completely and stopped running. Almost felt like a car crash. Very abrupt stop and almost caused people behind us to rear end us Car is only 21 months old / 17,000 miles. Most recent was in early August. We have not driven car since out of fear.

Filed Jan 10, 2024 · Fuel system · 40,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal following a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to gain forward momentum. The contact stated the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the engine failed to rev as designed. The contact stated that the check engine, parking brake and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as insufficient fuel entering the engine from the fuel pump. The mechanic determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V639000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and referred the contact to a dealer. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.