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 of the vehicle several times. The vehicle was repaired several times by the dealer, but the failure recurred. While…
2009 Chevrolet Traverse electrical problems
severe 25 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
1fire
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 25 electrical complaints filed for the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 25 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2009 Traverse shows a troubling pattern of recurring electrical and sensor failures that persist even after repeated repairs, including headlights failing multiple times, engine misfires that won't stay fixed despite replacing numerous components, and serious safety issues like airbag non-deployment and liftgate doors closing on occupants. Budget heavily for diagnostics and repairs on any used example, and be prepared for dealers to charge repeatedly for fixes that don't hold.
Owners of the 2009 Traverse describe a wide range of electrical failures that come back after repair. The most common complaint is headlight bulbs failing repeatedly—sometimes both at once—with owners having them replaced multiple times in weeks or months. Engine misfires are another major issue; owners report the service engine light returning with the same trouble codes days after sensor replacement and computer reset, despite also replacing spark plugs, coils, and fuel injectors. One owner documented replacing catalytic converters three times in a year with no permanent fix.
Other recurring problems include a tire pressure monitoring system warning light that won't stay off despite multiple sensor replacements and relearning procedures, and traction control or StabiliTrak warnings that illuminate suddenly. Several owners report the A/C stopping while driving and refusing to turn back on. Water intrusion into door connectors and A-pillar/B-pillar harnesses is documented in multiple narratives, causing corrosion, speaker failures, and disabled warning chimes. Safety-critical failures include an airbag system that failed to deploy in a collision and liftgate sensors that won't stop the door from closing on occupants—one incident resulted in injury. There are also reports of complete electrical shutdown while driving, electronic door locks trapping passengers, and dashboard dimming. GM Technical Bulletin PIP5038B has been referenced for misfire issues, and some owners mention existing recalls on related models.
Same Chevrolet Traverse electrical reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Sensor failures and repeated diagnostic trouble codes
Multiple sensors fail repeatedly, and check engine light returns shortly after sensor replacement and computer reset. Owners report replacing sensors multiple times with the issue recurring immediately.
When: Around 128,000 miles; recurring over one-year period in narrative #1
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on repeatedly; Same diagnostic trouble codes return within hours of sensor replacement
Codes mentioned: P0302 (misfire cylinder 2)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced 4 sensors and reset computer; issue recurred. ASE mechanic replaced all coils and spark plugs, fuel injector service performed, but problem returned (narrative #2). GM Technical Bulletin #PIP5038B referenced in narrative #2.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Case # 9-5063655170 filed (narrative #2)
Headlight bulb failures
Low beam headlights fail repeatedly, sometimes both at the same time. Owners report multiple bulb replacements within weeks or days, with failures recurring even after dealer replacement.
When: Various intervals; narrative #4 shows failures in November and December 2014; narrative #5 describes failure at unknown mileage (157,000 noted in narrative #12)
Symptoms owners cite: Both low beam headlights fail simultaneously while driving; Single headlight fails intermittently; Bulbs fail again days or weeks after replacement
Repairs/costs cited: $300 spent on headlamp replacements (narrative #4). Multiple dealer replacements performed. Design flaw cited; bulbs are not owner-replaceable due to design, requiring dealer service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #5 references recalls on GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook with similar parts; no specific GM response documented for Traverse
A/C compressor or refrigerant system failure
Air conditioning stops working while driving. System will not allow AC to be turned on. Recharge provides only temporary relief before failure recurs.
When: Approximately 128,000 miles (narrative #1); occurs while driving on highway
Symptoms owners cite: AC stops working while driving down highway; AC will not turn on at all after failure; AC works briefly after recharge then fails again
Repairs/costs cited: Owner recharged system; worked for about one hour then failed
Engine misfire with loss of power and stalling
Recurring engine misfires causing vehicle to stall, stumble on acceleration, and lose power on hills. Multiple repair attempts including parts replacement do not resolve issue permanently.
When: Multiple occurrences; narrative #6 describes repeated failures over one-year period
Symptoms owners cite: Random engine misfires; Vehicle stalls when taking off after stopping; Shuddering on acceleration; Slow acceleration or poor response; Loss of power on hills; Service engine light illuminates
Codes mentioned: P0302
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing catalytic converters 3 times in one year, spark plugs, coil packs, fuel pump, mass air flow sensor, MAP sensor, oxygen sensors. No permanent fix achieved (narrative #6). Narrative #2 involved coil, spark plug, and fuel injector service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Technical Bulletin #PIP5038B cited (narrative #2); GM Case # 9-5063655170 filed
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light malfunction
TPMS warning light comes on, flashes, or stays illuminated despite sensors being functional. Light will not stay off and dealer reports this as normal system behavior.
When: Recurring; narrative #8 describes issue from purchase (02/2012) onward; narrative #7 describes issue recurring monthly
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS warning light comes on and flashes; Warning light stays on continuously; Light returns days or weeks after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #8 reports sensor replacement and sensor relearning/reprogramming performed at least 8 times; sensors confirmed functional but light persists. Narrative #7 had dealers report issue as normal system quirk.
Traction control and StabiliTrak malfunction
Traction control and StabiliTrak warning lights illuminate, with engine power reduction mode activating. Multiple warning lights come on simultaneously.
When: Approximately 128,000 miles (narrative #1); narrative #18 does not specify mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light illuminates; StabiliTrak off warning message appears; Engine power reduced message appears; Check engine light flashes; Multiple warning lights illuminate at once
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #1 owner reports dealerships charge to fix but issues recur
Power loss and complete electrical shutdown while driving
Vehicle experiences sudden complete power loss while driving, with power failure indicator illuminating. Engine shuts off and vehicle will not restart or crank.
When: Approximately 120,000 miles (narrative #9); narrative #24 does not specify mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Power failure indicator illuminates; Vehicle shuts off while driving; Vehicle fails to crank or turn on after shutdown; Complete power loss
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #9 vehicle towed to independent mechanic who could not diagnose. Narrative #24 reports starter was replaced but problem continues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #9 dealer stated no recall exists; manufacturer not notified
Warning indicator lights short or illuminate incorrectly
Warning indicator lights illuminate sporadically, including airbag, service engine, and low beam headlight warnings. Lights short multiple times and dealer repairs do not prevent recurrence.
When: Not specified; narrative #3 describes multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Various warning indicators illuminate; Airbag warning light shorts; Service engine warning light shorts; Low beam headlight warning shorts; Burning odor near front of vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle repaired several times by dealer but failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provided no solution; vehicle traded in
Airbag system failure
Airbag system fails to deploy during collision. Deer struck vehicle and airbags did not inflate despite electrical warning indicators present.
When: Unknown mileage; collision occurred during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning indicator illuminates; Airbag fails to deploy on impact; Multiple warning indicators present before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle involved in collision; airbags did not deploy
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provided no solution; vehicle traded in for 2013 model
Liftgate/trunk door sensor failure
Rear liftgate or trunk door fails to stop when sensor detects obstruction. Door closes on occupants without stopping despite sensor activation. Door falls unexpectedly without warning.
When: Unknown timing; narrative #11 describes incidents occurring multiple times over extended period, with GM letter received by 09-08-2015
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate comes down and hits occupants; Door does not stop when contacting person; Liftgate falls without warning; Sensor does not trigger door to reverse direction; Minor injury sustained
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #11 owner replaced struts; liftgate still falls and has hit occupants 4-6 times. Narrative #10 reports door pinned person's arm and did not stop when activated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM letter received but no solution provided as of 09-08-2015 (narrative #11)
Windshield wiper failure
Windshield wipers fail to function when activated while driving at highway speed.
When: 157,000 miles (narrative #12)
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers fail to function when activated; Failure occurs while driving at 65 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer but not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Contact aware of NHTSA Campaign #10V240000 (Electrical System) but VIN not included in recall
Instrument cluster display malfunction
Fuel gauge displays incorrect fuel level. Temperature gauge displays overheating when vehicle is running at normal temperature.
When: 72,622 miles (narrative #13)
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge does not display correct amount; Temperature gauge shows overheating when running normally
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated instrument cluster needed reprogramming
Occupancy sensor failure
Front passenger seat occupancy sensor fails, indicating no passenger in seat when seat is occupied.
When: 68,000 miles (narrative #14)
Symptoms owners cite: No passenger light illuminates despite front passenger seat occupied; Failure occurs while driving 70 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated sensor failed; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but no repair performed
Water intrusion into electrical connectors and wiring harnesses
Water enters wiring harnesses in A-pillar and B-pillar areas, and door power/speaker connectors. Water causes electrical corrosion and shorts out speakers and warning chime systems.
When: Ongoing issue for 5 years in narrative #16; narratives #19 and #21 do not specify timing
Symptoms owners cite: Water accumulates in speaker connection boxes; Speakers malfunction or cut in and out; Water corrodes electrical components in door connectors; Warning chimes do not sound; Seatbelt warning chime inoperative; Backup camera warning chime inoperative; Engine light warning chime inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Water can be poured out of speaker connection box after rain
Door locking system electronic failure
Electronic locking system fails, trapping passenger inside vehicle.
When: 97,000 miles; failure from 97,000 to 106,000 miles (narrative #17)
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger becomes locked inside vehicle; Electronic locking system fails
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware of failure
Dashboard dimming
Instrument panel and dashboard lights dim periodically, raising concerns about potential electrical fire.
When: Not specified (narrative #22)
Symptoms owners cite: Dash lights dim periodically
Power window control failure
Window control panel becomes inoperative, raising concern about electrical fire hazard.
When: Not specified (narrative #23)
Symptoms owners cite: Window control panel does not work
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #23 notes other model years for this vehicle are under recall
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the windshield wipers were activated but failed to function. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 10v240000 (electrical system) however, the VIN was not included. The…
The 2009 Chevy traverse, while my wife and son were driving at night, both headlights stopped working at the same time. Brought vehicle to dealer, due to design- unable to replace bulb yourself, dealer- drivers village replaced both bulbs. On 11/17/14 the left headlight bulb stopped working. Took to jack mcnerney Chevy and replaced bulb. Two days later left bulb stopped working again, took back…
Had electrical trouble with your 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a meaningful issue. 25 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 68,000 and 118,000 miles, with the median around 88,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 68,000; a quarter make it past 118,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Chevrolet/Traverse.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.