What is the maintenance schedule for a Traverse?

Keeping your Chevrolet Traverse in top condition is essential for its longevity and your driving experience. To ensure your Traverse runs smoothly, it's important to follow a regular maintenance schedule. This article will provide you with a detailed overview of the recommended maintenance tasks and their frequency for your Traverse.

Routine Maintenance Intervals

The Chevrolet Traverse has a well-defined maintenance schedule that should be followed to keep your vehicle in optimal condition. Here are the key maintenance tasks and their recommended intervals:

• Oil and Filter Change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Use the recommended oil type and quantity specified in your owner's manual.


• Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles or at each oil change. This helps ensure even tire wear and improves handling.


• Brake Inspection: Every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Have your brakes checked for wear and proper operation.


• Cabin Air Filter Replacement: Every 24 months or 30,000 miles. This helps maintain good air quality inside the vehicle.


• Engine Air Filter Replacement: Every 24 months or 30,000 miles. A clean air filter improves engine performance and fuel efficiency.


• Coolant System Service: Every 5 years or 150,000 miles. Flush the cooling system and replace the coolant to prevent corrosion and ensure proper heat transfer.


• Transmission Fluid Service: Every 30,000 miles. This helps maintain the proper operation of your Traverse's transmission.


• Spark Plug Replacement: Every 60,000 miles. Fresh spark plugs improve engine performance and fuel economy.

It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and your specific maintenance needs may vary based on your driving conditions, climate, and the manufacturer's recommendations. Always refer to your owner's manual or consult with a certified Chevrolet technician for the most up-to-date and accurate maintenance schedule for your Traverse.

Keeping Records and Staying on Top of Maintenance

Maintaining a detailed service record is crucial for ensuring your Traverse's longevity and preserving its value. Keep track of all maintenance performed, including the date, mileage, and the work done. This information can be helpful when it comes time to sell your vehicle or if you need to troubleshoot any issues.

Additionally, be proactive about scheduling your Traverse's maintenance appointments. Set reminders in your calendar or use a maintenance tracking app to stay on top of the recommended service intervals. By following the proper maintenance schedule, you can help extend the life of your Traverse and enjoy a smooth, reliable driving experience for years to come.

What is the bad year for the 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. 

How often should I change the transmission fluid on my Chevy Traverse?

The Chevy Traverse transmission fluid change interval depends on driving conditions, but a general recommendation is every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for normal driving, with 100,000 miles being an average for modern automatic transmissions. Severe driving conditions may require a change as often as every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, so it is best to consult your owner's manual. 
Normal driving

• 30,000 to 60,000 miles: A good general range to keep in mind for the fluid change. 
• 100,000 miles: For modern vehicles under ideal conditions, the interval can be stretched this far. 

Severe driving

• 30,000 to 50,000 miles: This is a more frequent interval recommended for severe driving conditions. 

How to determine the best interval for your vehicle

• Consult your owner's manual: This is the most reliable source for specific recommendations for your model year and driving habits. 
• Check your maintenance schedule: Services like brake and transmission fluid changes are often part of major service intervals, such as the 30,000 or 60,000-mile service. 
• Be aware of severe driving conditions: Consider a shorter interval if you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, tow heavy loads, or drive in hot weather. 

What is the most common problem with a Chevy Traverse?

The most common problems with the Chevy Traverse include transmission issues, engine troubles like excessive oil consumption and timing chain problems, and steering and electrical system malfunctions. These issues are more prevalent in earlier models, with transmission and engine problems being a frequent complaint across various model years.
 
Common problems by system 
This video explains the common reliability issues and problems with the Chevy Traverse: 59sNexologyYouTube · Oct 28, 2025

• Transmission: Owners report a range of problems, including rough shifting, slipping gears, and complete transmission failure. Some models have issues with a "Shift to Park" message, especially after shutting down the vehicle. 
• Engine:
  • Excessive oil consumption: Some owners have reported that their engines consume a lot of oil. 
  • Timing chains: Earlier models are prone to timing chain issues, which can lead to a ticking noise and potential failure. 
  • Other issues: Some models experience engine stalling, shuddering, and a check engine light. 
• Steering: Problems include power steering fluid leaks, noisy steering, and a general lack of power steering feel. 
• Electrical: Issues can include a malfunctioning infotainment system, battery drain, and various error messages. In some cases, components like alternators and starter motors have failed prematurely. 
• Other:
  • Brakes: Unusual brake noises have been reported. 
  • Climate control: Air conditioning system problems, such as compressor failure and refrigerant leaks, are also common. 
  • Exhaust: Exhaust leaks and other issues with the exhaust system have been noted. 

What is the maintenance schedule for a Chevy Traverse?

CHEVY TRAVERSE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

• 7,500 MILES—OIL CHANGE SERVICE. The Traverse SUV is incredibly reliable—so reliable, in fact, that you won't need routine service until after the first 7,500 miles on the road.
• 22,500 MILES—AIR FILTER SERVICE.
• 45,000 MILES—THE BIG ONE.
• 97,500 MILES—SPARK PLUG SERVICE.