Did you know that the 2009-2012 Chevy Traverse models often have engine and transmission problems? If you’re thinking about buying a Traverse, it’s important to know which years to avoid.
Even the 2018 and 2019 models have issues like the ‘Shift to Park‘ problem. Knowing about these issues can help you make a better choice.
Let’s look at which model years to avoid and why some years are a safer bet.
Key Takeaways
- Stay away from 2009-2012 Traverse models because they have problems with the engine, transmission, and power steering.
- 2013-2016 models, especially the 2015 Traverse, often have expensive AC issues.
- The 2018 Traverse has a ‘Shift to Park’ problem that can be dangerous.
- High repair costs and reliability issues make 2009-2012 and 2018-2019 models less appealing.
- Engine failures and high oil consumption are common issues in 2009-2012 Traverse models.
Overview of Chevy Traverse Issues
The Chevy Traverse, especially the first-generation models from 2009 to 2012, are known for having a lot of problems. These include using too much oil, engine failures, and transmission issues. Engine troubles are common and can lead to the engine completely breaking down.
These models also often have power steering problems, which can make the car hard and unsafe to drive. The power steering issues usually involve fluid leaks or losing steering assist altogether, which can be expensive to fix.
Because of these frequent engine and power steering problems, the early Traverse models aren’t very reliable and can break down unexpectedly. This makes them a poor choice if you want a dependable vehicle.
Most Common Traverse Problems
You often run into engine and transmission problems in the 2009 to 2012 Chevy Traverse models, which can be expensive to fix.
Issues with brakes and steering are also common, especially in the older models.
Plus, air conditioning tends to fail frequently in the 2013 to 2016 models, leading to high repair costs and safety worries.
Engine and Transmission Issues
Certain Chevy Traverse models have a lot of problems with their engines and transmissions, especially those from 2009 to 2012. These cars often suffer from engine failure and transmission troubles. They tend to use up oil too quickly, which can damage the engine or cause it to break down completely, leading to expensive fixes.
Transmission issues like slipping gears and sudden power loss are also common, which affects how well the car drives and can be unsafe. These problems aren’t just annoying; they can also cost a lot of money to repair. If you’re thinking about getting a Chevy Traverse, it’s smart to avoid these years to have a more reliable car and avoid these known issues.
Brake and Steering Problems
Chevy Traverse models from 2009 to 2012 often have problems with brakes and steering, which can be dangerous and expensive to fix. The brakes in these models can fail, showing signs like pulsing and noise that reduce your stopping power and overall safety.
Steering issues are also common, especially with the power steering, making it hard and risky to drive. Fixing these problems can be expensive, costing between $3,200 and $6,300 for brakes and steering repairs.
The 2011 and 2012 models are particularly known for engine and power steering issues, pushing repair costs up to an average of $5,200 to $7,900. These ongoing safety problems make these years less attractive to buyers.
Air Conditioning Failures
One of the biggest problems with the 2015 Traverse is the air conditioning breaking down. This usually happens because the AC compressors melt, causing the whole system to fail.
Fixing this can cost between $700 and $1,100, so it’s both pricey and a hassle. Most of the time, this issue shows up when the car has between 54,000 and 56,000 miles on it.
Here are some main points to remember:
- Melted AC compressors: Often cause the system to break down.
- High repair costs: Usually between $700 and $1,100.
- When it happens: Around 54,000 to 56,000 miles.
- How bad it is: Rated 10/10 because it can be a safety risk.
- Impact on reliability: A major worry for this model year.
Engine and Transmission Troubles
If you’re thinking about getting a Chevy Traverse, you should know that the 2009-2012 models have a lot of engine and transmission problems.
These issues are pretty common and can be expensive to fix, making the car less reliable.
Knowing about these problems beforehand can help you make a better decision and possibly save on repair costs.
Common Mechanical Failures
In some Chevy Traverse models, especially those from 2009 to 2012, you might run into engine problems like losing power, stalling, and using too much oil. These issues can really mess up how the car runs.
Here are some common problems:
- Hard-to-control steering.
- Transmission issues, like rough shifting or no response.
- Ongoing power steering failures.
- Frequent stalling, especially when driving slow or idling.
- High oil consumption, which can wreck the engine if you don’t keep an eye on it.
If you’re thinking about buying one of these model years, be aware of these typical mechanical problems. The mix of engine and transmission issues can ruin your driving experience and lead to constant repairs.
Always check thoroughly when looking at a used Chevy Traverse.
High Repair Costs
If you own a Chevy Traverse from 2009 to 2012, be prepared for high repair costs. These models are known for engine and transmission problems. People have reported issues like using too much oil, engines stalling, and transmission failures.
For 2009 and 2010 models, fixing engine problems can cost up to $6,300. For 2011 and 2012 models, it can go up to $7,900. There are also common issues with the steering column and timing chain in 2009-2011 models, which adds to the repair costs.
With so many complaints about these early Traverse models, you can expect to spend a lot on fixing engine and transmission problems.
Reliability Concerns
Engine and transmission problems are major issues with the first-generation Chevy Traverse models, especially those made between 2009 and 2012. These years are known for problems like using too much oil, engine stalling, and timing chain failures. The 2011 model is particularly bad, often suffering from engine failures that are expensive to fix, which hurts its overall reliability.
- Engine stalling and timing chain problems
- Using too much oil, which damages the engine
- Engines failing after about 80,000 miles
- Repair costs that can be thousands of dollars
- Transmission issues like hard shifting and low fluid levels
These repeated problems make early Traverse models a risky choice if you want something reliable for the long term.
Faulty Brakes and Steering Issues
When looking at the Chevy Traverse, it’s crucial to be aware that the 2009 and 2010 models have a reputation for faulty brakes. These brakes often fail and create a pulsing feeling when you try to stop. This not only makes driving unsafe but also increases your maintenance costs.
On top of this, the 2009 to 2011 models have steering problems. Owners often find it hard to turn the wheel and experience power steering failures, which can be very dangerous, especially at high speeds. People frequently complain about noisy brakes and sudden loss of steering control.
These ongoing issues mean you should be cautious about choosing these model years. Avoiding them can help you steer clear of serious safety risks and costly repairs.
AC and Heater Malfunctions
Along with brake and steering problems, the 2015 Chevy Traverse also has major issues with its AC and heating systems, which can seriously affect comfort and how well the car works.
AC troubles usually start showing up between 54,000 and 56,000 miles, often causing melted compressors or total failures. Heater problems are also common, making the drive uncomfortable.
Fixing these issues can cost between $700 and $1,100, highlighting the need to take care of them quickly.
AC issues: start around 54,000-56,000 miles
Severity rating: 10/10 for impact on comfort and use
Heater problems: make driving less comfortable
Repair costs: usually between $700 and $1,100
Maintenance: crucial for best performance and comfort
Transmission Problems by Year
You should know about the serious transmission problems in the 2009 and 2018 Chevy Traverse models.
The 2009 model often has transmission failures after 87,000 miles, and the 2018 model commonly has a ‘Shift to Park’ issue.
Fixing these problems can be expensive but is important to keep the vehicle running well.
Early Model Transmission Failures
Early Chevy Traverse models, especially the 2009 and 2010 versions, are known for having transmission problems around 87,000 miles. These issues often lead to expensive repairs or even needing a new transmission. The 2009 Traverse also had problems with the steering, making it even less reliable.
Here’s a summary of the problems:
- Transmission issues around 87,000 miles
- 2009 models had steering problems
- 2010 models had a lot of complaints, including power steering issues
- High repair costs due to engine and transmission problems
- Maintenance difficulties for owners of these early models
Considering these problems, it’s best to avoid these years if you’re worried about reliability and high repair costs.
Shift to Park Issue
The ‘Shift to Park‘ issue in the 2018 Chevy Traverse causes the car’s transmission to not recognize when it’s in park. This can be really inconvenient and even dangerous. Owners have reported that the ‘Shift to Park’ message shows up even when the car is properly parked.
This can stop the car from turning off correctly or letting you take out the key. Chevrolet released a fix for this problem with Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #19NA206. It’s important to get this issue diagnosed and fixed to keep your car running smoothly and safely.
If you own a 2018 Traverse, be aware of this problem and think about getting it checked out.
First-Generation Traverse Issues
If you’re thinking about buying a first-generation Chevy Traverse from 2009 to 2011, you might want to think again. These models are known for using too much oil, having frequent engine and transmission breakdowns, and steering problems. Here are some of the main issues:
- Engine breakdowns: These often happen around 88,000 miles and can cost up to $7,900 to fix.
- Timing chain issues: These can reduce engine power and are expensive to repair.
- Transmission problems: These happen a lot and are costly, making the car less reliable.
- Steering problems: Common in the 2009 and 2010 models, making the car hard to control.
- High repair costs: Fixing the engine or timing chain can be very expensive.
Because of these problems, it’s a good idea to avoid these model years.
2009 Traverse Problems
When looking at Chevy Traverse models, there are nine big problems that can affect how reliable and well they perform. Engine and transmission issues are very common, including things like hard shifting and low fluid levels.
Bad brakes are another problem, especially in the worst years for the Chevy Traverse, and they can be a serious safety risk. Steering problems can also make the vehicle harder to control, which is dangerous.
Issues with the AC and heater can make some models less comfortable. Keep an eye out for these problems to avoid buying a troublesome vehicle. Knowing about these common issues can help you make a better choice when picking a Chevy Traverse.
2010 Traverse Problems
Issues with the Chevy Traverse start to improve in models made after 2017. Earlier models had a lot of problems, but newer ones have gotten much better.
Here’s what makes the newer models stand out:
- Better Engine Performance: New engine designs help stop breakdowns and stalling.
- Improved Transmissions: Updated transmission systems fix old problems.
- Enhanced Power Steering: Better steering systems avoid past failures.
- Advanced AC Systems: Modern air conditioners prevent the issues seen in older models.
- Upgraded Safety Features: New safety technologies make the car more reliable overall.
These improvements make the post-2017 Chevy Traverse a good choice for buyers.
2011 Traverse Problems
While newer models have improved a lot, it’s important to know about the specific problems that affected the Chevy Traverse from 2009 to 2012. These models had issues like using too much oil, frequent engine breakdowns, and transmission problems. Owners reported engine breakdowns around 87,000 miles, with repairs costing up to $6,300, especially for the 2009 and 2010 models. There were also common problems with the steering column and timing chain, which led to safety and performance concerns. Here’s a quick summary:
| Year | Common Issues | Repair Costs |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Engine, Transmission, Steering | Up to $6,300 |
| 2010 | Engine, Timing Chain, Steering | Up to $6,300 |
| 2011 | Engine Stalling, Transmission | High |
Avoiding these years can save you a lot of trouble and money.
2012 Traverse Problems
Understanding the common problems in the Chevy Traverse, especially with the engine and transmission, is crucial for gauging its reliability. Traverse owners often deal with major issues in these areas, leading to power loss, stalling, and costly repairs.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Engine problems: These can cause sudden power loss and stalling.
- Transmission troubles: These include low fluid levels, hard shifting, lack of response, and shaking.
- Brake issues: Bad brakes can be dangerous, causing brake failures and pulsing when you try to stop.
- Steering problems: Trouble with the steering can impact safety and make the car harder to handle.
- AC/heater malfunctions: These are common but won’t be discussed here.
Knowing about these issues helps potential Traverse buyers make better choices.
2015 Traverse AC Issues
Besides engine and transmission issues, the 2015 Chevy Traverse often has major AC problems that can really affect your comfort and the car’s reliability. These AC issues usually show up around 54,000 to 56,000 miles and can lead to melted compressors and total system failures.
This doesn’t just make your drive uncomfortable; it also costs between $700 and $1,100 to fix. The severity of these AC problems is rated a critical 10/10, highlighting the potential risks and reliability concerns. Frequent replacements of the AC compressor and other parts add to the hassle and expense.
If you’re thinking about getting a 2015 Traverse, be aware that these common AC issues can significantly impact how well the car works and how much it costs to own.
Second-Generation Traverse Issues
The 2018 and 2019 Chevy Traverse models have some serious reliability issues that potential buyers should know about. These newer models have received a PainRank score of 3.91, indicating a number of significant problems.
Here are some of the common issues:
- Transmission failures
- Electrical system problems
- Engine malfunctions
- Suspension issues
- Infotainment system glitches
These reliability problems make the 2018 and 2019 Traverse models less attractive, even though they come with modern features. Knowing about these issues can help you decide whether these model years are worth the investment.
Reliability Ratings and Repair Costs
If you’re looking at the reliability of Chevy Traverse models, you’ll see big differences depending on the year. For example, models from 2009 to 2012 tend to have a lot more repair costs each year compared to other, more reliable years.
Because of these higher repair costs and lower reliability, these particular years mightn’t be the best choice if you want to keep the car for a long time.
Average Reliability Rating
The reliability of the Chevrolet Traverse is a mixed bag. According to RepairPal.com, it has an average rating of 3.0 out of 5.0, and J.D. Power gives the 2021 model a predicted score of 83 out of 100. While these scores are decent, they aren’t great.
Traverse owners have an 18% chance of facing serious issues, which is higher than some other SUVs. This means you should be careful and do your homework before buying one.
- Average reliability rating: 3.0 out of 5.0
- 2021 model’s predicted score: 83/100
- Chance of serious problems: 18%
- Need for research: High
- RepairPal and J.D. Power ratings: Important
In the end, it’s really important to research the SUV’s repair history and reliability.
Annual Repair Costs
Given the average reliability scores, let’s look at how much it costs each year to keep a Chevrolet Traverse in good shape. On average, you can expect to spend about $650 annually on repairs, which is a moderate amount.
The Traverse has a reliability rating of 3.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal.com, placing it in the middle for midsize SUVs. J.D. Power gives the 2021 model a reliability rating of 83 out of 100, which shows it’s getting more dependable. However, there’s an 18% chance that you might face significant issues, meaning there’s a moderate risk of major repairs.
It’s important to check the SUV’s repair history carefully to understand its long-term costs, given its average reliability.
Best and Worst Years
When looking for a used Chevy Traverse, the best years to consider are 2013, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2022. On the other hand, you should avoid the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2018, and 2019 because they’ve significant reliability issues.
The 2009-2012 models are particularly bad due to problems like high oil consumption and engine and transmission failures. The first-generation models, especially from 2009 and 2010, had a lot of complaints, mainly about engine and power steering problems.
- Best Years: 2013, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022
- Worst Years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2019
- Main Issues: High oil consumption, engine failures
- First-Gen Problems: Engine, power steering
- Second-Gen Issues: Engine, transmission failures
Picking a good year will give you a more reliable and better-performing car.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Chevy Silverado, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Traverse and Chevy Trax. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
Conclusion
Navigating through the Chevy Traverse models can be tricky; some years have more problems like engine failures and transmission issues.
Avoid the 2009-2012, 2018, and 2019 models. Instead, go for the 2013, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2022 models for a more reliable experience.
Follow expert advice to save on repairs and enjoy a smoother ride.
