Chevy Traverse Transmission Problems

in Problems
Black Chevy Traverse on a road

Chevy Traverse by Kevauto - CC-BY-SA-4.0

The Chevy Traverse is a solid mid-size SUV, serving three rows of seating and offering a powerful drive and a spacious interior. However, any vehicle is prone to issues, and one of the most common in any vehicle is in the transmission. If you’re interested in this car, you might wonder - what are the most significant Chevy Traverse transmission problems?

If you’re looking to purchase the Chevy Traverse and want to know about potential issues in the transmission, you’re in the right place. The more you know about this portion of the system, the easier it will be to determine if it’s for you. Read on to learn more about the years with the most transmission errors, the average cost of repair, and other valuable information. 

Quick Answer: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

The Chevy Traverse transmission problems appeared most often in the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 years. Other years are much better when considering the transmission.

Which Years of the Chevy Traverse Have the Most Transmission Troubles?

Although each year of the Chevy Traverses listed had issues, one stands out as the worst. If you want to avoid a used Chevy Traverse with intense transmission troubles, steer clear of this one. There are many excellent choices for the Chevy Traverse that do not have as many faults.

The worst year for the transmission was the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. These issues come up around 80,000 miles, leading to unfortunate symptoms. The most common include shaking, grinding, hard shifting, lack of response, low fluid levels, and more.


NOT JUST FOR CAR SHOPPING

The CoPilot app isn’t just for buying a car - our new CoPilot for Owning tool will help you keep track of recalls and gives you advice on which scheduled maintenance tasks are most important.


Chevy Traverse Years With the Least Reliable Transmissions

If you purchase any year from the 2009-2012 selection, you’re bound to gain transmission troubles. The 2009 version is the most notorious, but there are other issues with the additional years.

According to carcomplaints.com, the 2010 version is behind the 2009 Chevy Traverse. Drivers experienced significant transmission failure and trouble with the power steering system.

Do Chevy Traverses Have More Trouble Than Other Similar Models?

Although there are some transmission errors in the Chevy Traverse, there are no more in its system than in similar models. Stay away from the worst years for the transmission, and you are less likely to encounter a need for these expensive repairs.

According to carcomplaints.com, the most common issue in the Chevy Traverse comes in engine troubles. While they’re on par with other vehicles when looking at the transmission, they are behind the pack in their engine faults.

What Is The Average Cost To Repair the Most Common Chevy Traverse Transmission Problems?

If you want to prepare for Chevy Traverse transmission problems, it’s helpful to know how much they will cost. It’s not a cheap task to fix trouble in the transmission.

According to repairsmith.com, the average cost for a complete transmission rebuild is around $3,068. Smaller tweaks and adjustments will cost less, but none will be cheap.

Signs Your Chevy Traverse Has Transmission Problems

Even with the best care, it’s likely your Chevy Traverse will undergo transmission troubles. There are several clear signs you will find if there’s an issue with the transmission:

  • Leaking fluids: Clear liquid under your car isn’t an issue, but if you notice drips with a red or brown hue, there could be something wrong with your transmission.
  • Burning smell: A burning scent can indicate many things but could show a fault in your system. 
  • Sluggish or minimal response: If your car isn’t performing as well as it should, the transmission could be to blame.
  • Check engine light: This indicator is always a sign there is something off in your transmission or engine system.
  • Clunking noises: Any strange clunking or grinding noises could show something is out of place in your car.

8 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING A USED CAR

So you’re in the market for a used vehicle?  We’ve gone ahead and prepped some essential questions to ask when buying a used car.


How To Avoid A Used Chevy Traverse With Transmission Problems

If you want a used Chevy Traverse but want to avoid one with a faulty transmission, ensure you take the car on a test ride before purchasing it. By driving it around, you’ll be able to see or hear if there are any issues with the Chevy Traverse.

Another excellent measure is to take your potential used car investment to a reliable mechanic. They will notice anything a test drive didn’t reveal, determining if the car is worth your money or not.

Should You Buy A Used Chevy Traverse?

If you pick the right year for the Chevy Traverse, they are an excellent selection. Although they can struggle in the engine department, there aren’t drastically worse transmission troubles in this system than in similar cars. It’s a solid mid-size SUV choice.

Of course, ensure you stick with the newer years of the Chevy Traverse for the best experience behind the wheel. Keep an eye out for potential indicators of transmission issues to ensure you get them repaired before anything spirals out of control.


THE BEST CARS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Whether you’re squeezing into a tight campus parking spot or hauling ten loads of laundry back home, these best cars for college students will get you, your friends, and your stuff where you’re going.


Which Years of Chevy Traverses Are Safe To Buy Used?

If you want to go with the Chevy Traverse, it’s critical to purchase the best years. These offer minimal customer complaints and the fewest transmission troubles.

  • 2017 Chevy Traverse
  • 2019 Chevy Traverse

Chevy Traverse Model Years to Avoid

Of course, there are also Chevy Traverse years to avoid. These hold significant trouble and aren’t worth the investment.

  • 2009 Chevy Traverse
  • 2010 Chevy Traverse
  • 2011 Chevy Traverse
  • 2012 Chevy Traverse
  • 2015 Chevy Traverse
  • 2018 Chevy Traverse

Chevy Traverse Problems: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my Chevy Traverse with transmission problems?

Although it’s possible to drive with transmission troubles in your Chevy Traverse, it isn’t recommended. Driving with faults in the transmission creates a risk for yourself and the other components of your car if something breaks further.

What should I do if I suspect a transmission issue in my Chevy Traverse?

If you notice Chevy Traverse transmission problems, take your Traverse to a qualified professional as soon as possible. They will diagnose your issue and instruct you on the proper repairs before anything gets worse.



Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You

The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.

Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.

The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.