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Chevrolet Traverse jerking problems

155 of the 5,526 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Traverse describe jerking or lurching, most of them for the 2014 model year.

owner complaints
155
worst model year
2014
typical repair cost reported
$5,500
typical mileage
53,700
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Check engine light 54Stalling 18Loss of power 18Transmission failure 10Slipping 10Shudder 9Hesitation 7Harsh shifting 5

Trouble codes mentioned

P182E 2P0700 2P0024 2P0021 2P0014 2P0011 2C0561 2P0797 1P0496 1P0420 1

What owners say

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Electrical · PA

Two issues have been occurring with my car amongst many others, but these are the most recent my vehicle has all seatbelt sensors go off despite no one else being in the vehicle, but me the driver my sensor does not go off. It will not stop beeping or screaming at me until I have to pull over turn off my car turn it back on and essentially reset the system. The other thing my car intermittently when I shifted into park at a full stop for example like in my driveway my foot is fully pressed on the brake, and my car will completely shut off and jerk the car forward and backwards when I shift into park, the engine shuts off but the car was never turned off just shifted in to park. and then resets my entire car all the electrical panels, the dashboard everything goes off-line, then comes back online and I get a message that says to reset driver window, lower window all the way down and raise it back up to which I later found that this meant the entire car program was just reset and started over… This is really frustrating and I fear of something like this happening while I’m actively driving It is not letting me upload the video

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · NJ

My 2016 Chevy Traverse LT with 108,750 miles had issues with the rear brake lights, and the Traction Control light would come on and the Traction Control turns off. A message appears on the dash that shows Service StabiliTrak. When I drive the vehicle to accelerate it shakes, jerks and shudders, and then it rides fine for a bit but the Traction Control is still off. I also noticed that the cruise control doesn't work either. I decided to wait a few more days hoping it would clear out, which it did for a day but the problem returned. I took the Traverse to AutoZone to use an OBD2 scanner and it showed that there is an issue with the braking switch (code C0161-00 ABS Brake Switch Circuit). A local mechanic replaced a fuse and the brake switch but the Traction Control/StabiliTrak issue hasn't been fixed. He's tried everything but the problem won't go away. Apparently this an ongoing problem with many Traverses.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Transmission · OK

The transmission failed after picking up my son from daycare. I pulled on to the main road heading home. It started to speed up and suddenly started jerking back and forth causing cars behind me to slam on their brakes and then the car would not go over 15 mph. A few minutes later the check engine light came on and this is the first time it has come on. Called a tow truck and had it towed to a gm dealership they reproduced the issue and told me the transmission is bad and I need a new one because it is a sealed system it cannot be rebuilt. They quoted me $9900 for a new one and also said the transmission is on backorder with no idea when they will be available. They did not say what the labor charge was. This is outrageous for a vehicle that is less than 5 years old.

Filed Sep 6, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · AR

the vehicle will not register that it is in park, when the engine is turned off a beeping noise reads shift to park - you have to start the engine and shut it off multiple times, or slam the shifter into place to get it register in park. this happens constantly and is starting to get old, and annoying. it is listed as a known problem on the forum group. when the notice to shift into Park is stuck on, the beeping will not stop... Also there is a shudder while driving no matter the speed. They did a transmission service and messed with torque converters but has not done anything. Also will be driving down the road with cruise control and the cruise control with randomly jerk and shut off for no reason. Has happened on the interstate.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Electrical · 3,000 miles · VT

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle jerked and bucked. The contact stated that the safety features were inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact was informed that an unknown sensor had been replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then inspected by a manufacturer’s engineer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer, and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to transport the three minor children. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and two cases were filed. The contact reported the failure by phone and email. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

Filed Aug 30, 2026 · Driver assistance, Transmission · TX

Sudden slamming on the brake automatically when in reverse and there is nothing around the car to cause this. Has happened many times The car will alert that something is too close when turning right by there is nothing there. It is intermittent. When you start the car it the motor reves up very high and will stay there until you push the gas and then it quiets down. This is usually the first start of the day. High and rough idle Super hard intermittent transmission shift or down shifting while normal driving. It jerks really hard and sometime it’s so hard it throws you forward like the brake is being applied. Symbol intermittently shows up on dash. Then goes away after the car has been turned off and restarted. Brakes squeal bad. Acceleration reduction message then check engine light came on 8/30. Roaring loud noise before the light came on. Put 1 gallon coolant in it and light went off. Now runs and idles high.

Filed Jul 30, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 150,970 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping and there was a delay while the transmission was shifting gears. The vehicle was sputtering and jerking while driving. While turning out of a driveway and driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted and informed that there was no recall on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but referred the owner back to the local dealer for assistance. There was no additional assistance provided. The failure mileage was approximately 150,970.

Filed Jul 25, 2026 · Transmission · MO

I own a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving, the vehicle suddenly began jerking very hard during acceleration and shifting. The Check Engine Light illuminated, and the vehicle became unsafe to drive because the transmission was not operating normally. I was concerned that the vehicle could suddenly lose power or fail while driving in traffic, increasing the risk of a crash. I took the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealership for diagnosis. The dealer found the transmission fluid was burned and diagnosed transmission trouble codes P0797 and P0700, indicating an internal transmission problem. Transmission .PDF Before the failure, I experienced harsh shifting and jerking that became progressively worse until the warning light came on. The problem has been confirmed by a Chevrolet dealership. The failed transmission is available for inspection upon request. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this transmission failed prematurely at approximately 68,933 miles. I am concerned that other owners may experience the same failure, creating a serious safety risk if the transmission loses power or fails while the vehicle is in motion.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · AR

Front passenger tire was losing air, on the way to bring it to tire shop dashboard displayed tire pressure sensor, power steering system, TCM notification, Electronic brake control. Got it to the tire shop bought a new tire and they did a diagnostic test it showed TCM passed and failed, lost communication with power steering passed and failed, lost communication with inflatable restraint passed and failed. Once tire was replaced vehicle was jerking with TCM notification coming on and off like the vehicle was sliding.

Filed May 28, 2026 · Transmission · GA

The vehicle jerks/shifts harshly while decelerating and again when accelerating after slowing down. The issue feels similar to the previous transmission shudder concern that was repaired.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported March 16, 2023 · 8,744 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
Risk
A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222389310.

Recall number 23V172000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported February 2, 2023 · 10 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.
Risk
A missing retaining ring on the half-shaft can cause half-shaft inner joint separation, resulting in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left-side half-shaft assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N222390180.

Recall number 23V042000 · Recall details

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

Power train: automatic transmissionReported February 21, 2014 · 355 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Buick owners at 1‑800‑521‑7300, and GMC owners at 1‑800‑462‑8782. General Motors' number associated with this recall is 14048.

Recall number 14V092000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shiftReported March 6, 2009 · 276,729 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General motors is recalling 276,729 my 2009 buick enclave, chevrolet cobalt, hhr, malibu, traverse, gmc acadia, pontiac g5, g6 and saturn aura and outlook passenger vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicles safety standard 102, "transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect", and fmvss 114, "theft protection and rollaway prevention". On some of these vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged. If the clip is not fully engaged, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. With this condition, the drive could move the shifter to "park" and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in "park".
Risk
The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and ensure that the shift cable adjustment clip is fully engaged. In the event that the clip does not engage, the shift cable will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before march 24, 2009. Owners may contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668 and saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

Recall number 09V073000 · Recall details

Questions about the Chevrolet Traverse jerking

Which Chevrolet Traverse years have jerking or lurching problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2014 (33 complaints), 2018 (32 complaints) and 2019 (14 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix jerking or lurching on the Chevrolet Traverse?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $5,500 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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