What years did Chevy Traverse have engine problems?
Engine problems have been reported most often in the Traverse’s early model years, particularly 2009 through 2012, with some issues appearing in later years depending on the engine option.
Overview of reported issues
To understand which years were affected, this article consolidates data from owner reports, service Bulletins, and recall records. The Chevrolet Traverse has used different engines across its generations, with the 3.6L V6 (and earlier 3.5L) variants being the primary focus of most engine-related concerns. The issues cited by owners and investigators typically involve oil consumption, misfires, and, in some cases, leaks or timing-chain related sounds. Because recalls and service campaigns are tied to specific VINs and production dates, the exact years impacted can vary by vehicle.
Common engine problems by model-year range
The following list summarizes the engine-related concerns most frequently cited by owners and supported in recall/service data. It provides a general sense of which years were more commonly affected, but it does not guarantee that every vehicle in these ranges experienced the problems.
- 2009–2012: The 3.6L V6 era is most often associated with reported oil consumption, occasional misfires, and, in some cases, oil leaks around engine components. These years appear most frequently in owner reports and service advisories.
- 2013–2016: Fewer widespread reports than the early years, but some owners reported oil consumption and sporadic engine performance concerns, sometimes related to ignition components or auxiliary systems that can mimic engine issues.
- 2017–2018: Reports dropped overall as the current-generation engine lineup matured, though isolated complaints about rough running or power loss still appeared in some vehicles, typically tied to maintenance or sensor/coil issues rather than a dominant design flaw.
Conclusion: If you own or are considering a Traverse from any of these years, it’s important to verify engine-related concerns against official recall notices and service bulletins for your specific VIN. A dealer can pull the exact recall history and any outstanding campaigns for your vehicle.
How to verify if your Traverse is affected (VIN-based checks)
Before you rely on anecdotes, use these steps to confirm whether a particular vehicle is subject to engine-related campaigns or has a history of the issues described above.
- Obtain the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the driver’s side door jamb or registration and enter it into the NHTSA Recall Database or GM’s service portal to check for open recalls or service bulletins related to the engine.
- Review the vehicle’s maintenance records for signs of excessive oil consumption, oil leaks, or repeated ignition-related repairs, which can indicate underlying engine concerns.
- Consult a Chevrolet dealer or trusted independent mechanic for a diagnostic if you notice symptoms such as oil consumption beyond normal ranges, engine knocking, misfires, or reduced power.
Conclusion: A VIN-specific recall search combined with a professional diagnosis is the best way to ascertain whether a particular Traverse is affected or at risk for engine problems.
Summary
In short, engine problems in the Chevrolet Traverse have been most associated with the early model years, roughly 2009–2012, with additional concerns appearing in some later models depending on the engine and maintenance history. If you’re assessing a used Traverse or checking your own for risk, rely on official recall databases, service bulletins, and a qualified inspection to determine the precise status for your vehicle.
What years of Traverse to avoid?
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 years of the Traverse are most reliable?
The 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2019-2023 Traverse models tend to have fewer issues. In contrast, the 2009-2012, 2015, and 2018 models have more documented problems. Remembering these model years could save you from costly repairs if you're shopping for a used one.
What year is a good Traverse?
The J.D. Power quality and reliability index of the 2021 Traverse is 87 out of 100, the highest among all model years of the second-gen version, followed by 2022 (83/100) and 2023 (82/100) model years.
What year did Traverse have engine problems?
In 2010 and 2011, the Traverse saw engine issues that gave you a reduction in power, or even stalling out, when driving. If your vehicle were to stall when driving, it would be dangerous as you and others may not have time to react. The steering issue was mainly a problem in 2011.
