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CarComplaints.com Notes: There are serious power steering concerns for the Traverse. Data shows that owners are having a difficult time with their power steering quitting, particularly at low speeds.

9.8

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$6,400
Average Mileage:
103,750 miles
Total Complaints:
16 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace engine (14 reports)
  2. not sure (2 reports)
2010 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems

engine problem

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2010 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Comments

problem #16

Apr 072019

Traverse LTZ 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 212,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I had the timing chain replaced. Drove the car 3000 miles, then the motor seized while driving 200+ miles from home. Paid to tow to local mechanic, bearing spun and welded to crank. Estimate on block and labor only is $6200, not including any other parts that may be needed. Check engine light flashed once, loss of power, made it to the shoulder without getting hit. Oil full, Valvoline Full Synthetic is the only oil used since 68,000 miles. Water full as well.

- Tammi B., Gun Barrel City, TX, US

problem #15

Mar 252019

Traverse LT 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,019 miles

2010 Chevrolet Traverse died while driving. Towed to dealer and vehicle was found to have a seized engine. Engine had no oil in it. Regular oil changes with records and no evidence of any oil leak. Repair quote $13,200. No warranty, no discount, and no assistance.

- Jason F., Green Cove Springs, US

problem #14

Jan 092018

Traverse LT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,983 miles

At roughly 79900 miles, the check engine light would come on and go off. It never stayed lit at all times. I had an appointment to have it checked, but the night before it was to go to the shop, the low oil, stop engine came across the dash and the bell started at 79983 miles. The engine was sounding as if there was no oil at times and then everything would go off and it would run fine. I made it roughly 5 miles when the engine stopped working, the vehicle stalled and would not start again. I had it towed and I have a blown engine.

To get an engine that is a rebuild with a warranty, it will cost me $6500.00 to repair and I still have a loan out on the vehicle as I have had it for 3 years. GM will not stand by their product because it is outside the 5 year/65K mile warranty, the dealership will open a case (but believes nothing will be done) when I provide all my service records. I have always maintained this vehicle and had oil changes done at 5K miles. There was oil in the engine at the time of the stall.

- Amy M., Penn Yan, NY, US

problem #13

Jan 132017

Traverse LTZ 3.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,556 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The engine began to make strange noises so I brought it to a local Chevrolet dealer. They said the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. Many others had this problem according to my research so I had them replace the engine at a cost of $7560.00. I hoped that Chevy would help cover this as a 2010 Traverse 111,556 is relatively new. No help, no recall so I absorbed the cost. Not happy with GM.

- Michael C., Delmar, US

problem #12

Sep 062017

Traverse LS 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,353 miles

Took the Traverse to the dealer until the warranty ran out in 2015. Faithfully changed the oil. Started hearing slight ticking noises in the motor. Checked the oil. It needed a quart. I went to Jiffy Lube to get it changes as I was at 14% of oil life left. That was Tuesday Sept 5th. On Wed the 6th I'm on my way to work on the noise is getting LOUDER. A loud ticking noise. Then the engine light came on. I got to work and called the mechanic. He said bring it in. I only got three miles before the noise was just terrible ans I was losing power. Limped off the road and parked it. It wouldn't turn over. DEAD. Called a tow and had it taken to the mechanic. Three guy looking at it for an hour+. Looking at work sheets. The owner come out and says I need a new engine. With the tow and loaner car, my tab will be $7,100.00 The owner tells me this is his 4th or 5th GM engine he's replace. Two weeks ago it was a Caddy. All similar engines. I'm a Chevy guy and this one hurts!

- smitty#12, Carol Stream, US

problem #11

Jun 202017

Traverse LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,500 miles

Here is another 2010 traverse with a blown engine at 66,500 miles. Car was serviced regularly , oil changed with more than 50% oil life remaining, according to the computer. Major problems started when warranty ran out. Last year the power steering rack (dealer charge was $2000) and washer motor failed. Last week the car failed to start. Got it jumped and took it to the dealer. Replaced battery, still wouldn't start. Needed a new starter and cable (melted) - $805.00. Next day went into town and it died on the way home. My mechanic said engine was blown. Dealer wanted to check if it was the timing chain. Dealer confirmed that the mechanic was right. Would do nothing more for me than give me $4,000. on a trade in. Called GMC. Their rep got the so called facts and history on the car from the dealer and said they could not do any better. Supposedly I missed an oil change. Told him I had the oil changed by my mech. a few times and had the records to prove it. That didn't change their position. Two years ago I got a letter from an attorney stating that the 2010-13 traverses were falling under the Lemon Law. At that time I didn't have any major problems, just some minor ones. Now it is too late to do anything about it other than let everyone know that GMC DOES NOT stand behind their products, even though their communication letters always say "your satisfaction with our product is very important to us."

- Frank S., Manheim, US

problem #10

Jul 102016

Traverse

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Had this in the shop twice before for timing chain problems. Now with only 55,000 miles and past the warranty, the engine failed!!! No help from GM or dealer who had repaired the timing chain problems.

- dlfrie52, Baltimore, MD, US

problem #9

Apr 202017

Traverse LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,000 miles

We have a 2010 Chevrolet Traverse. This car did not have any problems accept replacement of the ac a few years ago which was too quick. We loved this vehicle until it suddenly shook dead without any warning. It could have killed my family if it had done it while crossing the road. We took it to the Chevrolet shop. They informed us that it needs a whole new engine. They had no idea why so many parts in the engine would suddenly fail: 4 o2 sensors, crank shaft position, time chain, catalytic converter, sensor module, and more. How do you go from a perfect driving Suv to total engine failure without warning? As I look up all the consumer complaints, I notice that I am not the only one this has happened to. I think Chevrolet should have to make this right. I still owe a ton on this vehicle that I cannot drive. Total cost to fix: $10,500.

- Leah T., Mobile, AL, US

problem #8

Dec 192016

Traverse LT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

I purchased this car in October 2016 with 60,000 miles on it. After two weeks, I had to take it back twice for issues with electrical and ignition problem which ended up with a new starter being put in after two weeks of bickering with the dealership. Then in December 2016, as I am driving home, no engine light, nothing, the car just stops as I am driving down a highway at 65MPH. After two tows and a line of S@#T from the dealership about me being 900 miles out of warranty, I was informed that the timing chain came off and caused total engine failure, bent rods. The new engine, once we tracked one down cost a total of $4700 to have installed. I will never buy Chevy again. Such BS!!!

- Christopher G., bensalem, PA, US

problem #7

Feb 102017

Traverse

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,680 miles

In October of 2016, the check engine light came on on my 2010 Chevy Traverse. I promptly took it to the dealership to have it looked at. At that time I was told I needed my timing chain replaced, which I did. This repair cost me $2,000. The car had been running fine until February 2017, when the check engine light came on. Mind you, the car was running fine when the check engine light came on this time. I once again took the car in to have it checked out and was told it needed to have carbon build-up cleaned from 3 of the cylinders. This would also require a tune up and an oil change. Total cost $715. I picked the car up the next day and got a mile away from home when the engine started knocking horribly. The next day, Saturday, I had the car towed back to the dealership to have it looked at. The following Monday, I received a call telling me I would need a new engine at a cost of no less than $6500. WTF! The car only has 106,000 miles on it! After investigating, I have found other people that have had this problem exactly. Now I'm looking at a car I still owe money on that is a giant piece of worthless metal. Thanks Chevy for producing quality vehicles and raping the middle class. I'm really hoping there is a class action lawsuit or a recall coming down the road. I don't have the money to throw at this, and if I did I wouldn't. Who's to say if I put another engine in it it won't have the same problems? I'll be contacting GM, Chevy or whoever to complain too (not that it will help at all). My advice, DO NOT INVEST YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY IN A CHEVY!

- Dustin B., Markleville, IN, US

problem #6

Dec 022016

Traverse LS 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have had nothing but problems with my 2010 Chevy Traverse since day 1. The dealer added warranties that I did not want and never covered anything. The check engine light and traction control light "service stabilitrak/service traction control" came on all the time. The dealer always said it was fine, nothing wrong with it. I always did the oil changes on time, using synthetic oil, which is not cheap.

On 12/2/16 I was on my way to Walgreens, then planned to meet my brother to do Christmas shopping. When I went to get in the turn lane I felt like I had no power steering, no brakes, nothing it was as if my car died. I put it in park and tried several times to start it. Then it kept trying to start itself, the ignition would click and radio would come on, but it would not turn over. After a few times of my traverse trying to start itself, I could smell something that smelled like electric burning (best way I can describe it). I got out of my car in fear it was going to catch fire.

I called my brother, who is a mechanic, and told him what was going on. He came to where I was stranded and opened the hood, the burning smell was stronger and it was very hazy, he tried to jump it so we could get it out of the middle of the road. It would not start, a cop showed up and said we had to move it or tow in. The officer blocked the road and my brother was able to roll it backwards and into a bank parking lot. He checked the battery, starter, and a few other things (not much he could do without tools).

My traverse stayed in the bank parking lot over the weekend. Monday my brother had it towed to his work and told me my engine was blown, "catastrophic engine failure" most likely the timing chain but he wont know for sure until he can really look at it. I have to wait until I find a new engine to go in it for him to do anything.

I was shocked to hear that because the Chevy dealer I went to said the Traverse would easily last 250,000+ miles. If I trade it in as is I will only get a few hundred for it, a new engine costs $3,900-$6,000 and I still owe quiet a bit on it. I called GM to complain and they said I have to take it to a dealer and it only costs $100 to have it diagnosed and they can quote me a cost to fix it. So I have to PAY to have it towed to the dealer, PAY $100 to tell me what I already know, let them quote me over $6,000 to PAY to fix it, and then PAY to have it towed away.

Now I am looking for a used engine (and a new car) I just want to get rid of it. In the meantime I am borrowing my brothers 1996 2dr Honda civic to take all 3 of my kids (all still in car seats) to daycare so I can still get back and forth to work. I feel so taken advantage of, this was my first and last Chevy, I will never buy a GM ever again!!

- Denise T., Hillsboro, MO, US

problem #5

Nov 122016

Traverse LTZ 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,635 miles

So, car was making a nasty noise with engine light on. Brought it in, at 115,000 miles and was told with all the codes it was timing chains. Contacted Chevy customer service and there was no open recalls on my 2009 Chevy Traverse. Well, a few months and 3000 miles later, a knocking noise started and I got it into the dealer. Well what do you know, I now need a new engine. So, after spending 1800 for timing chains, im looking at 5000 for an engine. Are you f*cking kidding me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What in the f*cking f*ck here. Checked back with sh*tty chevy customer service and no recalls. Cmon, How can this be? I will never own a chevy as long as I live due to their sh*tty customer service and unwillingness to help.

- Ryan W., Whitehall, MI, US

problem #4

Mar 112016

Traverse LS 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

Had nothing but issues for three years with the traverse. GM Canada was completely not wanting the car back from me and only offered a $2000 credit to a wonderful ne GM product. I think not. Fool me once, thanks GM

- pescodab, Calgary, AB, Canada

problem #3

Apr 042016

Traverse LS 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

2010 Traverse with 110,000 reduced engine power, stability traction control came on. Called the dealer explained the scenario message had gone as I shut car off was told to wait until the message appeared again then come in. Waited 2 weeks car continued to drive rough, finally called dealer back explained I no longer felt safe an appointment was made day of appt. car would not start had to get it towed in to be told my oil was low, timing chain had slipped. No change oil light came no sensor.

Then was told it had not only slipped but I would I would need a new engine. The cost out of pocket would be $7000. I explained I had been advised to continue driving the car until the light came back on, explained no low oil had come on and was told never to trust those lights!?! Asked how we would know if the engine was a total loss as it had never "burned" oil as they stated, no knocking noise etc. They said well we don't but we would be masking the problem.

GM says I am over 100k will not help only acknowledges wrong advice was given and apologizes for no sensor's coming on. Car has been sitting a week it seems as if the timing chain issue and the stability traction/reduced engine power needs to be recalled on the this year along with the 2009 as I see many others having problems as well. It will probably happen many years down the road after I have sunk thousands on repairs to stay on the road.

- andimarie, New Richmond, WI, US

problem #2

Mar 302016

Traverse LX 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,600 miles

MAJOR HEADACHES WITH MY 2010 CHEV TRAVERSE WITH SO MANY ISSUES INCLUDING RECALLS AND THE TIMING CHAIN BEING REPLACED/REPAIRED RECENTLY. AND NOW, THE ENGINE FAILED....IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. UNFORTUNATELY I'M BEYOND MY WARRANTY OF 5 YEARS / 100,000 MILES. COST WITH LABOR TO REPLACE THE ENGINE IS ABOUT $7,000 +. IT'S NOT WORTH IT AND I STILL OWE $4,800 ON THE LOAN. THE DEALER STATED THE TIMING CHAIN ISSUE WAS NOT RELATED TO THE FAILED ENGINE, BUT I'M NOT SURE. I'M JUST FRUSTRATED WITH THE TRAVERSE.

- Gregorio P., Florence, NJ, US

problem #1

Aug 232015

Traverse

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,623 miles

I was told that my vehicle stopped on me due to timing chain issues. I was first told that the timing chain was stretched and it would cost $2695 to be fixed from the dealership. After that I was then told that the truck needed to have a new engine put in due to metal shaving being inside the engine block, again issues not the fault of the owner.

I am getting no assistance from GM and I was told that my vehicle is not under warranty because the engine was built in 2009, although it is a 2010. The 2009 Traverse were recalled for this same specific reason. Your telling me that the 2009 were recalled but your saying mine was not recalled although it still has the 2009 engine in it that was recalled.

I am so disappointed in my first Chevrolet vehicle. I will never buy another one. Hindsight is 20/20 but I am now aware of how GM operates. Never had a vehicle ever go out on me with only 80,000 miles.

- youngin, Indianapolis, IN, US

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