Print this page

8.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
121,450 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
2009 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse:

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

2009 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Comments

problem #6

Sep 012018

Traverse LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

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

I bought this SUV in December 2017 with 102000 miles on it. So I don't know if this is new or the other family traded it in because of this problem. I never see any smoke or drips in the driveway. The vehicle just starts stuttering and stumbling. The first time it happened I had no Idea what it was and thought it might be the transmission. The oil indicator never comes on.

It seems to be happening every couple of months. I hardly drive it, maybe 10 miles two or three days a week.

So now that I know, I check the oil when it starts acting up and it's barely on the stick, add oil and it's fine for 2 more months. I spent a lot of repair money the first time just to find out that it's low oil. I need a car I can depend on and I'm very disappointed that Chevy didn't build a better SUV. I'm on a fixed income and this was a huge purchase for me even as a used vehicle.

I'd like to see a recall or at least some compensation for oil and repairs, and an extended engine warranty.

- Patricia P., Spokane, WA, US

problem #5

Jul 052018

Traverse

  • Automatic transmission
  • 157,000 miles

My 2009 Traverse Lt, uses a lot of oil. I just had the oil changed in December of 2017. I only drive it on the weekends, as I work from home, so I know I was nowhere near the mileage to have another oil change. I was driving home from the store, and it kept stalling out on me. I couldn't figure out what the problem was. My husband took it and got an oil change done and it was bone dry!! HOW does that happen? There were no leaks, no spots in the the driveway where the Traverse is parked, nothing!

After the oil change, we thought maybe the oil sensor unit is bad, so we had that replaced a couple days later. The gentleman that replaced the oil sensor, showed my husband metal shavings in the NEW oil. Traverse's are NOT cheap to purchase and for that kind of money, I would have thought the vehicle should have lasted longer than 9 years. So disappointed. Will never buy another one.

- Pam H., New Tazewell, TN, US

problem #4

Nov 112017

Traverse

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

Yesterday after driving about an hour and a half on the highway, we exited and turned left. Engine started to rattle and shake, and the door locks seemed to click, then we just stalled and were able to pull over. After a few minutes we restarted the car and made it to a gas station about 100 yards away. From there, had to be towed to a service station who had a quick look and said that there was absolutely no oil in the car. Dry. I always change my oil every 3,000 miles, and often do it about 200 miles before it's due because I notice that the engine runs much more smoothly. No oil leaks on my driveway, no low oil light or notification came on.

Since it was a Saturday and the service station was about to close, we'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out what's happening. Being an hour and a half from home, we had to get a taxi to take us 20 miles to rent a car for the foreseeable future. Nightmare.

I also did all the recalls for the car when it had issues back at approx 75,000 miles. If you ask me, the Traverse has been a lemon.

- Gillian M., Blauvelt, US

problem #3

Sep 262017

Traverse LT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 141,100 miles

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

We took 2009 Traverse in to have the timing chain switched out at 85,000 miles due to the recall. Had to take it in again at 135,000 miles (50,000 miles later) to have a new timing chain put in due to excessive stretching of the chain due to lack of oil (oil was changed every 5000 miles). The last time I had the timing chain replaced the dealer suggested using full synthetic oil and have it changed every 3,000 miles even though full synthetic oil should be able to go at least 5,000 miles. I have changed my oil once since the replaced timing chain and have an oil change scheduled this weekend.

Today I heard the dreaded noise coming from the motor while making a left hand turn. I checked my oil even though it is at 3,100 miles since my last change and there was absolutely no oil reading on the dipstick. there is no oil on the ground around my vehicle, no smoke from the exhaust. this is absolutely ridiculous $1700 to replace the timing chain, $65 oil change that has to be changed every 3000 miles and the car is still burning oil. It will only lead to another timing chain and another $1700 in repairs.

- Amanda D., Kasson, US

problem #2

Mar 162017

Traverse LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,550 miles

Second time this had happened in the last two years. My Traverse will start making noise on a left turn and rattling. If ignored long enough, the 'check engine' indicator will come on. In checking the oil, I find that the oil is extremely low on the dip-stick. Apparently, the noise comes from lack of sufficient oil getting to the engine from the pan due to extremely low oil level. I don't have any oil leaks, nor does the engine produce smoke out the tail pipe. Don't understand why or where the oil is going.

- sertnz, Benson, US

problem #1

Dec 122016

Traverse LTZ 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

The engine is burning through oil and has sludgy oil at every oil change. Oil level depletes to the point of having a series of performance issues.

This time, just as I had exited the freeway, without any noticeable issues leading up to this, the engine bogged and stalled and check engine indicator appeared. I checked the oil and it didn't even show on the dip stick (I had just had an oil change 2 months prior). I added 2 quarts of Mobil 1 full synthetic oil and tried to start it. It made a horrible grinding, clattering sound and stalled

I was stranded for 2.5 hours before a tow could get to me.

According to mechanic, a dozen or more codes appeared. He reset the codes to see if he could determine the initial/root code. It was P0016 and I was told I should replace the engine if I plan to keep the vehicle for a few years ($4500-$5000). The second option was to replace camshaft and sensors (I$1000-$1500).

It's been 3 days and looks like it will be 7-10 days total until I have it back.

- cmbeal, Germantown, WI, US

Not what you are looking for?