Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2019 Chevrolet Traverse owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving 3 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle decelerated, and the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle crashed into the brother's vehicle parked in the driveway and pushed the vehicle forward. The vehicle then crashed into a desk before stopping. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while parking the vehicle in the driveway at the brother's residence. The contact and her husband were inside the vehicle at the time of the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact was taken to the local medical center. The contact sustained pain in the right knee. The vehicle was inspected by the insurance company and deemed a total loss. A Police report was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 60,324.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a strong burning odor was present coming from the air vents inside the cabin of the vehicle. Later it was discovered that oil leaked from the vehicle onto the floor of the garage. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 19,000.
When driving at about 50 mph on a highway, there was a loud noise from the rear of the vehicle (something breaking) and the vehicle immediately veered into the oncoming lane (thankfully there was no traffic coming towards us, it is typically a busy road). While braking, I was able to steer it back towards the right, but soon after lost complete control of the vehicle and could not steer. The traverse went into a ditch and rolled with myself and two young passengers. Two vehicles that were behind us stopped to aid. The driver immediately behind me said there was nothing unusual (no smoke, sparks, etc) until we lost control. He checked the roadway where it happened and found a sheered off bolt. When we got the traverse to the wreckers, they lifted it up and within a minute or two found the location the bolt came from. It was the rear passenger side upper control arm knuckle bolt. …
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated, jerked, and failed to respond on some occasions, requiring the vehicle to be turned off and restarted. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked significantly and almost stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had failed to respond upon shifting to reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly's Auto Parts; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was informed that the diagnostic test confirmed that the vehicle was in drive(D), even though the gear shifter was in reverse(R). The dealer was notified of the failure and recommended a diagnostic test. …
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the stabili-trak warning light was previously intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that upon coming to a stop, the vehicle jolted back and forth. The contact stated that upon shifting to reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that upon shifting to drive(D), the vehicle jerked while responding. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was advised that there was an oil leak, but the source of the leak was undetermined. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that there would be a charge for the transmission disassembly and replacement. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop and shifting the vehicle into PARK, the "Action Required Shift to Park" warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off however, the instrument panel lights remained powered on. The contact exited the vehicle and an audible alert was sounded indicating that the vehicle was still on and running. The contact was also unable to securely lock the vehicle. The contact was unable to start the vehicle the following day because the battery had drained overnight. The contact stated that the failure occurred three times previously however, the battery had not been drained on those occasions. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road, and her husband picked her up from the scene. Neither the dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The contact stated that while shifting into park(P) and while attempting to turn off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact drove around and attempted to park the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The shift to park warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the instrument panel was flashing on and off unexpectedly. The transmission was replaced once; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to exceed 23 MPH. Additionally, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed upon parking the vehicle. The contact shifted out and in park (P) several times, and the vehicle responded as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who discovered that the transmission fluid was leaking. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,449.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while shifted to park(P), the vehicle failed to turn off with an error message displayed "Shift to Park" on the instrument panel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic for a second opinion where it was determined that the transmission control module and shifter harness needed to be replaced. Additionally, an inline shifter wiring harness jumper needed to be added. The contact was advised by the independent mechanic that the failure could be related to TSB: 19-NA-206; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting to reverse(R), the vehicle made an abnormal, loud clunking sound. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift out of first gear, and the engine was revving. The vehicle was towed to T&T Automotive, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. Additionally, the contact stated that upon shifting to park(P) and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where the failure was related to an unknown TSB. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
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.
Transmission complaints in other Traverse years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?
NHTSA has 170 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, 41% of the model year's 412 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › lever and linkage › floor shift (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2019 Chevrolet Traverse transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 20V-668 (automatic transmission, Oct 29, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2019 Chevrolet Traverse transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.