Print this page

9.1

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$650
Average Mileage:
70,350 miles
Total Complaints:
16 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (12 reports)
  2. replace fuse box (2 reports)
  3. replace fuse block (1 reports)
  4. timing chain (1 reports)
2014 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2014 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Comments

problem #16

Aug 152018

Traverse

  • Automatic transmission
  • 174,181 miles

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

This should be a class action suit for all states no just California for the issue of P1682. Too many of us are on the highway driving when the vehicle decides to shut off. No warning at all, it just shuts off and the steering becomes very hard to control. I hope to God no one gets hit by a semi-truck or any other person because Chevy refuses to take a look at the fact that there is an issue with the pin fit and tension to the fuse box. See BELOW for California Class Action Suit filed! This not only needs to be recalled by Chevy but someone needs to make the product better and more reliable. Replacing and replacing and replacing is not the solution! Someone is going to die! FIX IT before that happens! See below...

February 19, 2020 — A General Motors fuse block class action lawsuit alleges the following vehicles have problems with the tension of the terminals that can cause stalled engines and other electrical malfunctions.

2013-2017 Buick Enclave 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse 2013-2016 GMC Acadia 2017 GMC Acadia Limited The lawsuit includes all consumers in California who purchased or leased any of the above vehicles.

California plaintiff Rebecca Casey purchased a used 2014 Buick Enclave in December 2016 when the vehicle had about 70,650 miles on the odometer. In April 2018 when the Enclave had 89,373 miles, Casey brought the vehicle to the dealer and said the stability and traction warning lights illuminated, with another warning of reduced power after slowing down on a highway.

Technicians tested the Enclave and found diagnostic trouble code P1682 and also discovered the fuse block ignition bus was loose. The dealership reinstalled the fuse block and the plaintiff paid for the repairs.

In June 2018, the plaintiff brought the Enclave back to the dealership complaining about the engine light activating and then going off, a traction control message and also a message about reduced power. This time technicians determined the fuse block was defective and replaced it, again charging the plaintiff for the repairs.

According to the class action, the fuse blocks in the GM vehicles are used to distribute electrical energy from the batteries or alternators throughout the vehicles. Fuse blocks also work as gateways to energy, with relays and fuses controlling the flow of energy.

The plaintiff says a defective fuse block will cause intermittent or complete disruption of energy distribution, causing a vehicle not to start, intermittent stalling and other malfunctions. Metal prongs used with the terminals must be tight to prevent a loss of tension of the engine relay into the engine relay terminal.

The lawsuit alleges if there is a lack of tension in the engine relay terminal that causes the engine relay to loosen, engine vibration in the engine bay can cause the relay to move around. This allegedly causes a loss of electrical power to various engine components, therefore causing the engine to stall.

The plaintiff claims it is difficult to diagnose the issue as loose connections at the fuse block terminal, but General Motors has allegedly known about the fuse block problems based on service bulletins sent to dealerships.

Service bulletin PIP5094 was issued in 2013 concerning the subject, “Prior To Any Circuit Testing" for 2014 and prior GM cars and light duty trucks.

“When testing any circuit for open or continuity resistance, it is imperative that all related terminal pin fit and tension be check when the test steps require disconnection of the connector or component, prior to any component replacement. Always use the recommended terminal test tool during these tests.”

The bulletin further talks about P1682 and P0689 which are fault codes relating to engine function.

In November 2019, GM published bulletin PIT5074M that covers, “All brand, all model 2005-2020.”

“When diagnosing an intermittent electrical concern terminal tension is one of the main culprits, especially when working with very small terminals.”

Then in December 2019, GM bulletin 19-NA-276 was issued and entitled, “Potential Reduced Engine Power Message Displayed and/or Engine Stall With DTCS P1682 and/or P0689 Set.”

“Some customers may comment that the engine stalled and/or a reduced engine power message was displayed. The technician may find DTCs P1682 and/or P0689 stored. The cause of the condition may be poor terminal tension on terminal 51 in X50A fuse block Underhood X3.”

GM told dealers to "replace terminal 51 in X50A fuse block – Underhood X3, with a new terminated lead,” if needed, but the plaintiff says customers are still expected to pay for repairs unless the vehicles are under warranties.

The GM fuse block lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California: Casey, et al., v. General Motors, LLC.

The plaintiff is represented by the Law Office of Robert Starr.

CarComplaints.com has complaints from owners of the GM vehicles named in the fuse block lawsuit.

Buick Enclave Chevrolet Traverse GMC Acadia

- Reuben W., Gainesville, FL, US

problem #15

Jul 052019

Traverse LT 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles

2014 Traverse. The service stablitrack w/check engine lights pop up. All but the battery gauges go to zero. At the same time the car goes into limp mode. The Traverse is doing it more often over the months. It's becoming more dangerous. Did a diagnostics test and YouTube but doesn't seem to have any real answers - someone please help!

- William M., Twin Falls, US

problem #14

Apr 012021

Traverse LTZ 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

General Motors was aware of the problem since 2007 and continued to manufacture with the problem unresolved in future models, and offers no relief to consumers with this exorbitant cost to repair estimated at $4500.00.

- Ed L., Fairdale, KY, US

problem #13

Sep 012020

Traverse LS 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,100 miles

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

Not buying Chevrolet OR any GM vehicle ever. Loss of power, SUV engine rattles and it is annoying. Throttle Body cleaned and seal replaced...problem came back. Replaced ECM... problem came back. Replaced Fuse Box... about to find out if P1682 is gone. I would have stayed loyal to GM if they would have admitted the truth and fix the problem by recalling the vehicles. To me a company that does that wants to help its customers by fixing the defective part.

- 1phil.martinfm, Humble, US

problem #12

Aug 242020

Traverse

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Suddenly lost power at a busy intersection where the speed limit is 45mph. The 2nd time in 2 years the fuse block has to be replaced. I see where others have had the same issue and don't understand why GM has not issued a recall. I will never purchase a GM make again!

- Audrey W., Scottsdale, AZ, US

problem #11

Aug 132018

Traverse

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

Very frightening and dangerous to be driving 75 mph on a busy highway and have all power suddenly go out. Since then I have read of similiar incidents with this make and year and don't understant why GM did not recall the vehicles for repair.

- Audrey W., Scottsdale, AZ, US

problem #10

Feb 142018

Traverse 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

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

The truck looses engine power to the point that you can only go about 15 mile per hour and the message on the dash board reads (traction control needs service reduce engine power) if you turn off the truck then it starts acting normal again so this is a problem because the Chevrolet dealer can figure it out because no codes get stored. Now the truck is getting worst it will full blown just stop and can even control it to pull over because it completely shuts off. Chevrolet can figure it out took it 3 times and I explain the problem I give them the symptoms but they so closed minded that there is no one that can trouble shoot around the symptoms. they act like they never dealt with an issue like this but I know am not the 1st one too have this huge problem it is very unsafe when your vehicle just shuts down on the freeway and you going 70 MPH.

If anyone had a repair done for this type of issue I love to know.

- Cesar C., Lancaster, TX, US

problem #9

Jan 222018

Traverse LS 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,631 miles

click to see larger images

lost power while driving

Time #5 of this occurring.

Picked it up from the Chevrolet dealership on 1/18 after them telling me they couldn't find anything wrong. Temperature: about 50 degrees Time: about 4 pm in Central Indiana about 3/4 full tank of gas...

Nothing significant happening to car before messages/problem. No snow or ice and it was a smooth road with no potholes. I had put about 300 miles on the car since the car left the dealership after breakdown #4. I was about 19 miles into my drive and while coming down an exit ramp at 30 mph, the car suddenly chimed with the engine light and traction control light coming on. The car suddenly starts to reduced engine power while the reduced engine power, service stabil-trak, service traction control messages. Once this happens, the car will only go about 10-15 mph. The engine runs really rough and seems as though it is really struggling to work.

I was able to limp along to a parking lot before I called GM roadside assistance. Did not try turning it off and then back on even though some people have reported this helping temporarily. The car was towed to a local Chevrolet dealership and am currently waiting to hear back about a possible fix.

Car only has a little over 36,000 miles on it. It does this about every 3-4 days. I refuse to put my kids in the car unless I have no other choice as I feel the car is unsafe. I also refuse to take car out of a 20 mile range from home due to the fear of breaking down. This issue has seriously affected my family's life as I always have someone on call in the event I break down and need a ride. I have missed work, missed appointments, and been late to work due to this issue and have caused others to be late to work due to picking me up. Really wish someone would figure out a good fix for this. This is beyond frustrating.

- Aimee H., Sheridan, US

problem #8

Jan 042018

Traverse LS 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,200 miles

click to see larger images

lost power while driving

First things first...This is time #4 of this happening to me in the month that I have owned this car.

Had just gotten car back from breakdown #3 and the repair was a bad battery plus taking an aftermarket remote starter off that the previous owner had put on. That was estimated to be about a $800 repair from the Chevy dealership. They wanted $200 for the battery and about $400 to take off the remote starter. Obviously took it somewhere else for that.

I had driven the car about 30 miles when I had noticed the check engine light came on. I happen to be right by a Chevrolet Dealership and had it checked out. The service advisor told me it was all old codes that had been dealt with. The SA cleared it and I was on my way back home. This happened in central Indiana in January, so the temps were around low single digits with negative wind chills. No snow or ice on the road that day. Car starts fine and drives fine until this happens. I had gotten about 15 miles from the dealership on a busy state road going about 60 mph.

Suddenly a warning chime happens along with the engine light and traction control light. The car suddenly starts to reduce power. The car continues to reduce power until it reaches about 10-15 mph. The car will somewhat drive at the speed, but it runs really rough. I was able to get over to a shoulder to get out of the way. Once this happens, the car becomes unsafe to drive. This time my windshield started fogging up and I did not have heat. This time my kids were in the car with me. I was stranded with two kids on the side of the road.

I had to call GM roadside assistance as I now have them in my contacts. I took video of the error messages in the dash and sent it to my service advisor at my local Chevrolet where my car had been towed. Once the car is shut off for a while, it acts perfectly fine and shows no signs of previous distress. The dealership had it for over a week and said they couldn't get the problem to duplicate. I don't think they tried to hard to get anything to happen. I am told that no new codes are coming up and that is passing all of their diagnostic tests.

I contacted Chevrolet to officially complain about the car and was given an official case #. So far not much help, but at least I am on record as having these problems.

- Aimee H., Sheridan, US

problem #7

Mar 202018

Traverse LT 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,200 miles

I have been dealing with the same issue on this car since September 2017. First time I was stuck in 3 lanes of stopped bumper to bumper traffic when all of a sudden my car engine turned off, however, all of my lights were still on. I started my car back up just fine with no issues....wrote this off as a one time deal and moved on.

One week later I was at a red light with my son in the car and the same thing happened, I turned my key started the car right back up and then took it to Smedley's Dealership in Vandalia Oh which is whom I bought the car from. They stated there were no codes to go off of and the there were no issues with my car, asked if it happened again if I could bring the car to them with out shutting it off.

A couple weeks later I hit the highway as I travel highway everyday with a lot of traveling due to my job and I felt the engine kick out from under me with a jerk and then my engine light came on, I called Smedley's, turned around and brought the car to them with out shutting it off. They finally were able to read a code and then stated it was the ECM and that since I was under $80K miles it was covered on warranty and they would replace (yes this has been happening since way before I hit $80K miles again I do a lot of driving in my profession) and they sent me on my way.

Now into October my car then driving highway at 65 miles per hour dropped to under 10 miles per hour with in seconds, I thankfully now used to my car dying quickly hit the hazard lights was able to get to the shoulder of the highway as every light on my dashboard was flickering at me (low engine mode, safe engine mode, traction control off etc....) my car putting and and jerking i shut it off, waited for my husband to rescue me in which he turned my car back on it started just fine and we were able to drive to the dealership. Left it with them for the weekend.

Received a call on Monday that they took my dash apart and that it was my after market sunroof which (by the way they put as part of my purchase package and sent me to whom they choose to install) was connected to my ignition switch and had a short in it which was causing my car to stall out, they unplugged it but since my car was no longer under warranty i would have to deal with the other business (again they sent me to) and have them correct- basically passing the buck, not their problem anymore and sent us on our way. I told my husband we were NOT going to do this I could live with out my sunroof going into winter in Ohio I would not need it and that I did not believe this was the cause and if we were to do what they were asking and my car has issues again they will continue to send us back to the sunroof company.

What do you know............ a few weeks later again same issue only this time not only did I take my car to the dealership i also called GM Corp to make a complaint 800-222-1020 and spoke with a Senior Advisor by the name of Michael who advised me although my car was only 4 years old i did have a lot of miles on it and should not expect it to run like a 4 year old car. YES THIS WAS SAID. I asked that he send me the recorded conversation as this was a very dangerous issue and i wanted documentation that i have tried to speak to someone about it and it was overlooked......never received the report. Basically he advised me to pay out of pocket to have the ignition switch replaced and see if that worked.

Smedley's then contacted me back saying they could not find anything wrong with my vehicle but would suggest I try first by replacing fuse box under my hood at a cost of $345 plus tax before i try to replace the ignition switch at $171 plus tax. I did neither as this is a money pit of guessing games and by looking on line and ongoing issue with these cars. It is now March 2018 and my car once coming to a stop at a red light shut off and when started back up again every warning light flashed and my car was in low engine mode enough for me to go a couple miles to get to a Taco Bell parking lot.

- Mandy K., Union, OH, US

problem #6

Dec 202017

Traverse LS 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,200 miles

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

Purchased a used 2014 Chevrolet Traverse on 11/30/17. Today 12/20, marks the third time since I have owned it that it has broken down.

I was driving in the morning to work and was about 19 miles from home. The car had been perfectly fine with no issues when suddenly the engine light chimes on and it loses power. The warning messages that I get are reduced power, Check Engine, and stabil trak. When the light comes on, I have only about 1-2 minutes max to get over at reduced speed. Once it slows down enough then it completely shuts down. It will still idle briefly. If I try to shift it into any gear, it shuts off. I have been forced to miss work because of this.

The dealership will not take the car back. This has obviously been a problem for a while and they can't seem to figure out what the issue is. So frustrating. The car gets fixed and it is good for a couple of days, then it shuts down completely again.

- Aimee H., Sheridan, US

problem #5

Dec 082017

Traverse LS 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,900 miles

Purchased a used 2014 Chevrolet Traverse on 11/30/17. On 12/08/17, it suddenly lost power again on my way to work. It was early in the morning and completely dark. I was about 15 miles from my house. I was driving about 50 mph with no problems when suddenly the warning lights start chiming and the engine light/stabil-trak warning light comes on. I had about 1-2 minutes to get over to the side of the road at reduced power before I lost all power. The car would not move. It eventually would turn back on, but at a very rough idle. If I tried to put car in gear, it shut off. Took back to dealer for a second time. This time they told me it was a camshaft/crankshaft(?) sensor that was replaced. Between the first break down and second break down it was about 3 days. Both times it has been in the morning. So frustrating.

- Aimee H., Sheridan, US

problem #4

Dec 042017

Traverse LS 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,600 miles

Purchased a used 2014 with about 35,000 miles on it. Four days later it suddenly lost power while driving. The warning lights chimed and suddenly the engine light, stabil trak warning messages come on. I had about 1-2 minutes tops to get over at reduced power before car completely shut off. No warning before. I happen to stop behind a school bus and when I started to accelerate again, it shut off. Dealership attempted to fix it stating it was a relay.

- Aimee H., Sheridan, US

problem #3

Oct 212017

Traverse LT 4.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

Want to make people with this same issue aware of the seriousness of this matter, the vehicle completely shuts down, loss of power and no control to allow you to pull over. Hope anyone else with this problem can give me any advice if your problem was resolved and what was done.

Sef

- sef, Houston, US

problem #2

Oct 152016

Traverse LTZ

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,000 miles

At first my sunroof broke apart and had to get that fixed. Second while driving my car it would all of a sudden start to shake and then it would shut off and the check engine light came on luckily the first time i wasn't driving very fast. I took to dealership and they said they could not locate the issue the reset computer and gave it back to me. for the next few days it would shake here and there and just drove really rough then a few days later it did the same I took it back at that point that is when they decided to fix the sunroof and check the car out. they said nothing was found on what is causing the issue. gave me my car back and again here then a few days later i was driving on the highway and all of a sudden again it started to shake and it shut off on me while going 60 miles per hour causing me to lose control and hit the railing. Now not only i have no car but now i have severe damages to vehicle and I took it back to the dealership and they said they could not do any diagnostics since its not driveable and i am still under warranty and have an extended warranty.

- tburke121658, Playa Del Rey, CA, US

problem #1

Mar 032016

Traverse LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

the stabilize trak light and power down engine

This has happened 4 times in the past month 2 times the engine slowed down while I was in traffic. The road was dry and no snow.

- Judy V., Eagle Nest, NM, US

Not what you are looking for?