1st. My wife was pulling out of a parking spot and had to stop quickly, then when she proceeded to leave again by letting off the brake - the car rolled forward on a slight incline and hit the car parked next to her. When she removed her foot to the gas - nothing she could do to prevent this incident. 2nd. While in the drive position on a hill at a stop sign or traffic signal, I removed my…
2009 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems
moderate 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 33 engine complaints filed for the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 33 engine 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 engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2009 Traverse has significant engine and drivetrain reliability issues. Timing chains fail prematurely (70k–180k miles), catalytic converters collapse repeatedly, misfires recur despite multiple repairs, transmissions slip out of gear or fail entirely, and complete engine seizures occur without warning—potentially while driving on highways at high speed.
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse has a pattern of serious engine and powertrain failures documented across these 33 complaints. Timing chain problems dominate the reports. Owners describe engines seizing, stalling, or losing power at highway speeds—sometimes with metal shavings in the oil. Several owners' chains failed again within a few years of replacement. GM acknowledged the issue in warranty coverage #11340, but many owners hit mileage caps (109k–111k miles) and were denied repairs.
Misfire and ignition coil failures plague this model. Owners report replacing spark plugs and coils multiple times, only to have check engine lights return within weeks. During one lane-change attempt at highway speed, the car bucked and slowed dangerously.
Catalytic converters fail repeatedly. Multiple owners had them replaced twice or more. One owner's converter failed within a week of the initial replacement. The root cause often traces back to raw fuel dumping from misfire or timing issues, but dealerships sometimes replaced the converters without fixing the underlying problem.
Transmission failures are common. Vehicles slip out of Drive or lose Reverse entirely. Mountain residents report a critical design flaw: the vehicle rolls backward on hills even when in Drive—one dealer admitted no fix exists. Full transmission replacement costs run $3,500–$6,000. One owner's new transmission failed the same way within five months.
Complete engine seizures happen without warning, sometimes within the first month of ownership. Brake assist fails when the engine dies, creating unsafe conditions. Several owners could not restart; some required engine replacement.
Undiagnosed power loss and sudden speed reductions at highway speeds occur too. Dealerships cannot replicate many of these faults. Electrical wiring issues in the engine bay have plagued cars from as early as 22,753 miles, with repeated failed repair attempts.
Same Chevrolet Traverse engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Timing Chain Failure
Timing chain slips, stretches, or breaks, causing engine seizure, stalling, loss of power, and check engine lights. Often accompanied by abnormal noise from the front of the engine. Multiple owners report failures in the 70k–180k mile range, some with failures recurring even after replacement.
When: 70,000–180,000 miles; some within first year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or seizes while driving at highway speeds; Check engine light illuminates; Abnormal noise from engine (rattling, grinding); Metal shavings found in oil; Loss of power while accelerating; Smoke from front of vehicle
Codes mentioned: P0017
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement requires engine removal in some cases; costs not always specified by owners. One owner reports timing chain replaced at 51k miles, failed again at 180k miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued special warranty coverage #11340 for timing chain issues, but many owners report they are over the mileage or time limit when failure occurs. GM has acknowledged the problem is due to timing sprockets having too shallow a pitch but stated nothing can be done to retrofit vehicles.
Cylinder Misfire / Ignition Coil Failure
Repeated misfires on one or more cylinders, often involving ignition coil defects. Failures persist across multiple repairs including spark plug and coil replacements. Accompanied by check engine lights and loss of power, particularly during highway acceleration.
When: Various mileages; reported as recurring within weeks to months of repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on or flashing; Engine shaking or bucking while accelerating; Misfiring on one or multiple cylinders; Loss of power during lane changes or highway passing; Rough idle; Engine stalling
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0301, P0304, P0305, P0306
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing spark plugs (all six) and ignition coils (three) multiple times without permanent resolution. One shop recommended valve job (cost unknown). Several owners report repairs costing $150 tow fees repeated multiple times.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers have performed emission service and engine cleaning with GM cleaner, but failures recurred within days to weeks.
Catalytic Converter Failure / Blockage
Catalytic converters fail, collapse internally, or become blocked with debris. Often occurs after timing chain or misfire issues, with raw fuel/gas dumping into the exhaust system. Multiple owners had catalytic converters replaced multiple times on the same vehicle.
When: 80,000–120,000+ miles; some failures shortly after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or loss of power; Check engine light on; Vehicle slows down unexpectedly; Burning smell; Popping noises from exhaust; Raw fuel smell
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement cost cited as approximately $2,500 for all three converters. Multiple owners report replacing converters twice or more on the same vehicle. One owner's converter failed within a week of initial replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships have replaced catalytic converters, but in some cases the underlying cause (timing chain or misfire) was not addressed, leading to repeat failures.
Engine Electrical Wiring / Connector Issues
Electrical faults in engine wiring, connectors, and junction boxes causing persistent check engine lights and power loss. Multiple repair attempts by dealers did not resolve the problem permanently.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; 22,753–24,656 miles reported in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on repeatedly; Loss of power while driving on freeway; Engine starting but failing to run properly
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships replaced wiring under engine plenum, ignition coil connectors, and junction box connectors. None of these repairs resolved the issue permanently.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers labeled issues as 'electrical problems' but no manufacturer campaigns or TSBs mentioned; subsequent root causes (ECM, coils, catalytic converter) were discovered only after multiple failed attempts.
Transmission Failure / Shifting Loss
Transmissions fail, with vehicles slipping out of gears or losing reverse completely. Some vehicles roll backward when in Drive on hills/inclines despite gear engagement. One owner reports broken wave plate inside transmission causing metal debris throughout the system.
When: Highly variable: one at 62,780 miles (5 years old at time of repair); another five months after transmission replacement; rolling behavior can occur early and repeatedly
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle slips out of Drive gear; Reverse gear becomes inoperative; Vehicle rolls backward on hills even when Drive is engaged; Hard shifting at higher gears (one case reprogrammed via bulletin); Vehicle surges at 40–45 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement cost cited as $3,473.19 (one owner) and $6,000 (another, with $500 warranty deductible applied). One owner's replacement transmission exhibited same failure within five months. Wave plate breakage noted in one repair receipt.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships have replaced transmissions; one dealer stated the rolling behavior is 'a design flaw and not covered under any warranty.' Warranty coverage was inconsistent; one owner 1,000 miles over warranty was denied coverage; another had partial coverage applied with deductible.
Complete Engine Failure / Seizure
Engine seizures, lockups, or complete mechanical failure. Some occur after timing chain issues; others with no prior warning. Metal shavings in oil noted in at least one case.
When: 110,000–187,000 miles; one within one month of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Engine seizes or locks up while driving; Vehicle comes to complete stop; No restart capability; Smoke from front of vehicle; Brake assist lost (power assist no longer functioning); Metal shavings in oil
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. One owner reported all power (gauges, radio, AC) cut out momentarily, then warning lights appeared (check engine, tire pressure, airbag). No costs cited for engine replacement in most narratives; one owner on fixed income unable to repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine manufacturer (not GM directly) stated warranty coverage unavailable when contacted; GM did not provide assistance in several cases.
Undiagnosed Power Loss / Limp Mode
Vehicle experiences sudden, unexplained loss of power or speed reduction without detectable misfire or diagnosed fault code. Check engine light may or may not be present. Dealership unable to replicate or diagnose.
When: Various mileages from 22,753 to 109,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle slows to 20 mph unexpectedly while on highway; Loss of full power while accelerating; Check engine light may or may not illuminate; Vehicle hesitates and stalls at highway speeds; Unpredictable onset
Codes mentioned: P0008, P0202, B2AAA, B2A00, U25E5
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose in multiple cases despite multiple visits. One owner reports 'Park Assist' message appeared on dashboard before power loss.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned for undiagnosed power loss cases.
ECM / Control Module Faults
Engine Control Module or fuel pump control module failures causing no-start conditions or requiring replacement. Blown fuses noted.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; one at 18k miles (4.5 years old)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Fuel pump control module blown
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump control module replaced (covered under warranty in one case). One owner replaced fuel pump after exactly one year, again under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under warranty in reported cases.
Excessive Oil Consumption / Coolant Mixing
Engine consuming oil without visible leaks or burning; coolant seeping into motor oil. Large white cloud from exhaust on cold starts suggests coolant combustion.
When: Early in ownership; one within one year of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Unexplained/excessive oil usage with no visible leaks; Coolant entering crankcase; Large white cloud from muffler on startup
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replacement performed in one case, but oil/coolant issue not resolved in narratives provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response noted.
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My wife was driving home when the check engine light came on vehicle lost power and stalled and would not restart, vehical was towed to dealer who stated cathlitic converter had failed and would be replaced. Following replacement dealer stated engine backfired during test drive investigation revealed engine failure and had to be replaced luckly insurance covered this repair, following engine…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 33 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 70,000 and 118,000 miles, with the median around 99,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 70,000; 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.