Do Chevy Traverses have bad transmissions?

Not universally. While some owners have reported transmission-related issues in certain model years, the Chevrolet Traverse as a whole does not have a single, across-the-board transmission problem. Reliability varies by year, maintenance history, and how the vehicle is driven.

The Chevrolet Traverse, introduced for the 2009 model year, has used automatic transmissions that have occasionally drawn scrutiny in owner forums, consumer reports, and dealer notices. This article reviews what is known as of 2024–2025, outlining which generations have seen reported issues, common symptoms, and practical steps for buyers and owners to assess and address potential transmission problems.

What generations and issues have been reported

Overview of reported issues

Below is a snapshot of the kinds of transmission-related concerns that have shown up in some Traverse models. These inputs come from owner reports, service bulletins, and recalls, and they do not apply to every vehicle.

• Model years with reported transmission complaints: Some owners of earlier Traverse generations have reported transmission-related symptoms such as harsh or delayed shifting, shuddering at speed, or occasional slipping.


• Symptoms to watch for: Harsh or delayed upshifts or downshifts; shuddering at highway speeds; transmission slipping; unexpected limp-home or limited-performance modes; warning lights such as the check engine light or a specific transmission fault code.


• Remedies and recalls: General Motors has issued service bulletins and, in some cases, recalls or warranty updates to address shifting behavior and related components (for example, calibration software, valve-body work, or torque-converter concerns) on affected model-year ranges.

Concluding paragraph: These issues are not universal across all Traverses. If you own or are shopping for one, verify maintenance history and whether any transmission-related recalls or service bulletins apply to that specific VIN.

How to assess risk and what to do if you own one

Practical steps for risk assessment

Before buying or while managing an existing Traverse, use these steps to gauge risk and plan next actions.

• Check for recalls and bulletins: Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to look up open recalls related to the transmission and review any service bulletins from GM. Monitor NHTSA recall data and dealer communications.


• Evaluate maintenance history: Regular transmission-fluid changes (when specified by GM), filter replacements if applicable, and any software updates can influence transmission performance.


• Test drive and diagnosis: If you notice symptoms like hard shifts, shudder, or slipping, have a qualified mechanic perform a transmission diagnostic, including fault-code reading and, where appropriate, a torque-converter assessment.


• Warranty coverage and goodwill options: Check factory warranty status and any extended-warranty or goodwill repair options. Some cases may qualify for coverage beyond basic warranties depending on age, mileage, and service history.

Concluding paragraph: Being proactive about recalls, maintenance, and professional diagnostics can significantly reduce the risk of transmission-related problems in a Traverse and help preserve resale value.

Summary

In short, Chevy Traverses are not uniformly plagued by transmission failures. While certain model years have been associated with transmission concerns, many owners experience reliable performance with proper maintenance. For prospective buyers, research the specific model year and VIN for recalls and service history; for current owners, stay on top of recommended maintenance, address symptoms promptly, and consult the dealer about recalls or warranty options. A cautious, informed approach typically yields the best long-term results.

Is there a recall on the Chevy Traverse transmission?

Chevrolet Traverse transmission recalls have been issued for various model years due to different issues, including a 2020 recall for a start-stop accumulator endcap with missing bolts, which could cause a transmission fluid leak and potential loss of propulsion. Another recall addresses a 2023 issue where an incorrect sun gear could cause the half-shaft to disengage. Additionally, a separate recall for certain 2020-2021 wheelchair-accessible models involves a potential transmission fluid leak caused by the inner wheel-well shroud rubbing against the transmission case. 
This video explains a potential recall issue with the Chevy Traverse torque converter: 38sTopicMotorYouTube · Nov 14, 2025
2023 recall

• Issue: An incorrect sun gear was used in the transmission. 
• Problem: This can cause the driver-side half-shaft to disengage from the transmission. 
• Consequence: A loss of drive power or potential vehicle rollaway if the vehicle is in park. 

2020 recall

• Issue: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap.
• Problem: This can lead to a transmission fluid leak.
• Consequence: In some cases, this could lead to a loss of propulsion or a fire hazard if the fluid is exposed to an ignition source. 

2020-2021 recall (wheelchair accessible vehicles)

• Issue: The screw and clip holding the inner wheel-well plastic shroud may chafe against the transmission case.
• Problem: This can cause a transmission fluid leak.
• Consequence: A transmission fluid leak. 

What to do

• To determine if your specific vehicle is affected, you can enter your VIN on the General Motors owner's website or check Kelley Blue Book's recall page for the specific model year. 
• If your vehicle is under a recall, the manufacturer will pay for the necessary repairs at an authorized dealer. 
• Bring any recall letters you have received to the dealership, as they contain important information about the repair. 

Which year to avoid Chevy Traverse?

Years to avoid for the Chevy Traverse include the earliest models, particularly 2009-2012, and the 2018 model, due to significant issues like transmission, steering, and engine problems. Other years with known problems include 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015, which were affected by a range of complaints from steering and engine issues to AC problems. 
Early models to avoid

• 2009-2012: These early models are frequently cited for mechanical issues. 
  • 2009-2011: Prone to oil consumption, hard steering, and transmission problems. 
  • 2012: Affected by steering, engine, and AC problems. 
• 2014-2017: While less problematic than the earlier models, the 2015 year is specifically mentioned as having AC, steering, and engine issues. 

Other problematic years

• 2018: This year is particularly noted for transmission, engine, and electrical system malfunctions. 

What to look for instead

• More recent models, like the 2020 and 2021 versions, generally show improvements and have fewer reported problems, according to Powers Swain Chevrolet. 
• If considering older models, the 2014-2017 years are the least problematic within the first generation, notes CarGurus.com. 

What is the most common problem with Chevrolet Traverse?

Common Problems Reported for 2021–2024 Chevrolet Traverse Models

• Transmission Issues.
• Electrical System Malfunctions.
• Engine Problems.
• Brake and Suspension Issues.
• Air Conditioning and Climate Control Failures.
• Interior and Safety System Problems.
• Safety Systems Problems.

What years did Chevy have transmission problems?

Chevy has had transmission problems in several model years, most notably with 2015-2019 8-speed automatics and certain 2019-2021 9-speed transmissions. Other problematic years include 2014-2021 models, with the 2014 and 2021 Silverados frequently cited for various transmission issues like stalling and harsh shifting. There are also reports of problems in newer models, such as the 2025 Silverado, indicating ongoing issues with some 10-speed transmissions.
 
You can watch this video to learn about Chevy Silverado transmission problems and years to avoid: 42sCar ExpertlyYouTube · Jun 4, 2025
Common transmission issues by model year range

• 2015-2019 (8-speed transmissions): These 8-speed automatic transmissions (GM 8L90 and 8L45) have been linked to complaints of rough shifts, jolting, and hesitation. 
• 2019-2021 (9-speed transmissions): Some 9-speed transmissions (9T65) in models like the Chevy Blazer have experienced issues such as slipping between first and second gear, noise, and fluid leaks. 
• 2014-2021 (Silverado): Both major and minor transmission issues have been reported across this range, with customers specifically calling out the 2014 and 2021 models for frequent complaints. 
• 2020-2022 (10-speed transmissions): A recall was issued for certain 10-speed transmissions in diesel engines due to a risk of rear wheel lock-up, which can be preceded by harsh shifting. 
• 2025 (Silverado 10-speed): Newer models are also experiencing issues, such as problems with the valve body in the 10-speed transmission, leading to new technical service bulletins. 

This video discusses a GM transmission recall that affects the Chevy Silverado: 59sThe Car Guy OnlineYouTube · Nov 14, 2024
Specific problematic models

• Chevrolet Silverado: 2014-2021 (8-speed and other issues), 2015-2019 (8-speed), 2020-2022 (10-speed diesel), and 2025 (10-speed).
• Chevrolet Corvette: 2015-2019 (8-speed).
• Chevrolet Camaro: 2016-2019 (8-speed).
• Chevrolet Colorado: 2017-2019 (8-speed).
• Chevrolet Blazer: 2019-2021 (9-speed). 

You can watch this video to learn more about 2025 GM and Chevy transmission issues: 1mThe Car Guy OnlineYouTube · May 30, 2025