Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 20% | 5,000 miles |
| 2025 | 15 | 8% | 34,000 miles |
| 2024 | 33 | 23% | 2,000 miles |
| 2023 | 21 | 23% | 55,000 miles |
| 2022 | 19 | 19% | 28,000 miles |
| 2021 | 18 | 20% | 70,000 miles |
| 2020 | 95 | 41% | 82,000 miles |
| 2019 | 65 | 16% | 19,000 miles |
| 2018 | 100 | 22% | 30,000 miles |
| 2017 | 25 | 7% | 39,000 miles |
| 2016 | 31 | 11% | 47,000 miles |
| 2015 | 38 | 12% | 49,000 miles |
| 2014 | 120 | 22% | 68,000 miles |
| 2013 | 46 | 28% | 89,000 miles |
| 2012 | 117 | 33% | 96,000 miles |
| 2011 | 213 | 35% | 85,000 miles |
| 2010 | 186 | 28% | 85,000 miles |
| 2009 | 62 | 14% | 104,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact stated that while making a right turn into the dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because parts were on back order. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 500.
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact's wife stated that while driving 55 MPH, the electronic control system and brake system failure the vehicle decelerated and went into LIMP Mode. The brake pedal became spongy, and while driving, the vehicle coasted to a stop. The vehicle was shifted into park(P), turned off, restarted, and the vehicle operated normally. The failure had reoccurred twice. The contact scheduled an appointment with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 4,900.
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving, approaching a traffic light, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), rear collision warning, service assist, front collision warning, check engine light, and multiple brake warning lights illuminated. The emergency brake failed to function. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the master cylinder failure was diagnosed, and the part was replaced. However, while driving after the repair, a complete brake failure occurred alongside the same warning lights. The contact lost control of the vehicle and traversed two intersections. The contact attempted multiple times to stop the vehicle, and the contact's daughter exited the moving vehicle before the contact stopped the engine by depressing the ignition button. The police were contacted, and a CAD report was generated. …
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that immediately after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle experienced several electrical failures, including the On-Star module malfunctioning. The On-Star module was replaced twice. During the failures, the cruise control feature became inoperable, and the computer updates were not received. Additionally, the battery became drained several times, and the vehicle needed to be jump-started. The contact also indicated the shark fin antenna had ejected from the vehicle while driving. The vehicle also abruptly stopped while driving on several occasions, and while driving, there was an abnormal metallic scraping sound coming from the engine compartment. The radiator hose had failed, causing coolant to leak from the vehicle. The hose was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. …
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to several dealers and the contact was informed that the issue was related to the OnStar feature. The contact called OnStar but was informed that the App was not responsible for the check engine warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and a reset was performed of the check engine warning light. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted without warning. In addition, the contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle, an abnormal, banging sound was coming from the engine. …
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the message "Brake Assist Failure" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the message was no longer displayed, and the vehicle operated as needed. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH at the airport, the failure recurred. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle several times, the failure persisted. The messages "Brake Assist Failure" and "Forward Collision Not Available" were displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive 5 MPH and pulled over to a safe location. The vehicle was towed to the residence. …
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal to accelerate. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a hole in the exhaust system causing the acceleration failure. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the waiting period suggested. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Traverse years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (213), 2010 (186), 2014 (120), 2012 (117) and 2018 (100) model years. Engine complaints make up 35% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Traverse engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Chevrolet Traverse model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Traverse engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the exhaust system (36 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (14).
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.