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ProblemsByVin File / 2009-CHEVROLET-TRAVERSE
2009 · Chevrolet

Chevrolet Traverse problems

2 safety recalls. 448 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
231 reports · avg $700
moderate
powertrain
46 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
engine
33 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
25 reports · avg $850
severe
airbags
22 reports · avg $1,100
severe
cruise control
13 reports · avg $600
moderate
seatbelts
10 reports · avg $500
moderate
suspension
10 reports · avg $900
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2009 Traverse · steering
TURNING CORNERS AT LOW RATE OF SPEED, STEERING LOCKS UP AND THEN CAN FINALLY TURN THE WHEEL, BUT WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY. HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. *JS
12/31/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10669405.0
2009 Traverse · steering
I HAVE A 2009 CHEVY TRAVERSE, BOUGHT BRAND NEW. WHEN BACKING OUT AND TURNING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, MY STEERING WAS BEYOND STIFF. I HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN AND THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I DID. THIS STEERING PROBLEM OCCURRED AT LOWER SPEEDS UP TO ABOUT 20 MPH…
12/31/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10558044.0
2009 Traverse · electrical Crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE WARNING INDICATORS FOR THE AIR BAGS, SERVICE ENGINE, AND LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS SHORTED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR NEAR THE FRONT…
12/29/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10938527.0
2009 Traverse · steering
DURING 15MPH TURN POWER STEERING FAILED AND IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANAGE THE TURN. I NARROWLY AVOIDED HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH WAS WAITING TO ENTER THE INTERSECTION. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER ON 11/5/13 WHO REPLACED THE WATER PUMP BECAUSE THE COOLANT LEAKING ON BELT…
12/28/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557516.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 08V615000 24/11/2008

GM IS RECALLING 16,667 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, AND SATURN OUTLOOK VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO

IN A VEHICLE CRASH, IF THE RIVET IS MISSING, THE BUCKLE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE MOUNTING STRAP, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES IN THE SECOND AND THIRD ROWS, AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 26, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876; OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
severe NHTSA 09V153000 06/05/2009

GM IS RECALLING 15,393 MY 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO

IF THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS IN THE PARK POSITION, THERE WILL BE NO UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT. HOWEVER, IF THE KEYS ARE LEFT IN THE IGNITION, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS IN ANY POSITION OTHER THAN PARK, AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A SUFFICIENT SLOPE, IT COULD RESULT IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT. THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Fix: DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE PARK BRAKE CABLE LINK (CONNECTOR) FREE OF CHARGE. GM ANTICIPATES THAT THE DEALER BULLETIN WILL BE SENT MAY 5, 2009 AND OWNER LETTERS WILL BE MAILED IN JUNE 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Common questions

Is the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 448 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 231 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Traverse has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 448 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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