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 2023 Chevrolet Traverse owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact's husband leases a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after the vehicle had been parked for approximately 10 minutes, the contact who was occupying the front passenger's side seat turned off the vehicle while the driver's seat was unoccupied. The contact stated that the vehicle started rolling backwards and crashed into a tree that was 100 ft. away. The contact husband, who attempted to stop the vehicle from outside, sustained a partial tear of his hamstring and calf muscle on the right leg and received assistance from an Orthopedic. The contact sustained a contusion on the left hand but did not seek medical assistance. The contact and her husband were able to drive away from the scene and pulled into a parking lot, where the failure was reproduced. The vehicle was then driven to the residence and parked in the garage. …
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the engine Auto Start-Stop system engaged, and the ESC warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving the following day, the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH and gradually decelerated. The vehicle later failed to exceed 6 MPH and failed to respond upon shifting to reverse(R). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where several diagnostic tests were performed, and the dealer determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V172000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to cover half the cost of the repair. …
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at approximately 25-30 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted without warning. The contact then stated that he heard an abnormal buzzing sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was then made aware that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V172000 (Power Train) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving up the driveway, the 4WD and all-wheel drive became inoperable. The passenger's side front tire was spinning and making an abnormal sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sun gear needed to be replaced, a tire rotation test was performed, and the rear differential was replaced. The tire test was performed and failed. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and the engineer informed him that the vehicle was working as designed and that another engineer would be assigned to check the PCU. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after shifting into reverse the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that there was a loud banging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the same loud sound was heard while driving forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was duplicated; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V172000 (Power Train) and linked the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 13,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving in the lower gears and attempting to accelerate, the rear wheels suddenly locked up. The check engine warning light was occasionally illuminated after the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 63,400.
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate the vehicle experienced severe engine shuttering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehcle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the falure but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 125,000.
I was trying to park on a little steep driveway. Somehow I got out of the car when it is D gear. In seconds I realized the car is moving forward and jumped right back in the car, hit the brakes and switch D to P. The car didn't stopped. I remember buckled up sign on display and I did. Then I pushed the start button tried to stop and start it again, the car didn't stopped. The car continued to move down from driveway to backyard down the slope hitting and badly damaging a tramboline and a chair on its way and only stopped after hitting a tree. Then the engine worked when I pushed start button.I was able to reverse back to driveway again. I was lucky the kids were at school and there was a tree stopping the car to fall the little creek at the end of property line. Did I forget the car in auto shut off or simply shut the engine while it is on D? …
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. …
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
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.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
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.
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.
Transmission complaints in other Traverse years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse, 33% of the model year's 93 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › internal › gears (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2023 Chevrolet Traverse transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 23V-172 (automatic transmission, Mar 16, 2023); NHTSA recall 23V-042 (driveshaft, Feb 2, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2023 Chevrolet Traverse transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 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.