The vehicle began sputtering when traveling from 20-25 miles per hour & when driving up an incline. Engine light came on. Onstar said there were 7 fault codes. The primary code was p0300, indicating an emissions issue. Issue started days after transmission was replaced. *tr
2009 Chevrolet Traverse powertrain problems
moderate 46 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
46
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 46 powertrain complaints filed for the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 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 46 powertrain 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 powertrain 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 has a well-documented clutch wave plate problem that causes transmission failure, typically around 90,000–120,000 miles, costing $2,500–$4,850 to fix. Additional concerns include backward rolling on inclines, timing chain failure, and stalling—GM has issued service bulletins but often refuses to cover repairs, leaving owners stuck with major bills.
The dominant issue is transmission failure centered on the 35R clutch wave plate breaking inside the transmission. Owners cite GM Service Bulletin 09-07-30-012A and Special Coverage Adjustments 14404/14404A/14404B, saying GM acknowledges the defect but has not issued a recall. The wave plate deteriorates or shatters, typically causing loss of third, fifth, and reverse gears, leaving the vehicle stuck at 10–25 MPH with slipping, rough shifts, and metal shavings in the fluid. Failure occurs mostly between 65,000 and 137,000 miles, though some cases hit at 9,982 miles. Repair costs run $2,500–$4,850 for transmission replacement. Many owners are denied coverage after mileage cutoffs (120,000–122,000 miles) or VIN exclusions despite owning the vehicle during the failure window.
Beyond transmission problems, owners report the vehicle rolling backward on inclines when stopped, even in Park, as if it's in Neutral—dealerships call it a "feature," but owners find it unsafe and unresolved on newer model years. Additional powertrain issues include timing chain failure requiring engine replacement, complete stalling or power loss while driving, transmission shuddering in gears 3 and 5, and loss of reverse control. One owner replaced suspension and driveline components searching for the source of severe vibration without success. Owners consistently cite multiple recalls (airbags, seat belts, power steering, catalytic converter system) on the same vehicle, signaling broader quality issues. Several owners say they will not buy Chevrolet again.
Same Chevrolet Traverse powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Clutch Wave Plate Failure (35R)
The 35R clutch wave plate inside the transmission breaks or deteriorates, causing loss of gears (commonly 3rd, 5th, and Reverse), slipping, metal shavings in fluid, and eventual transmission failure requiring replacement. Owners cite GM Service Bulletin 09-07-30-012A and Special Coverage Bulletin 14404/14404A/14404B. The wave plate is described as a $20 part whose failure destroys the entire transmission.
When: Typically 65,000–137,000 miles; some failures reported as early as new vehicle (9,982 miles), most cluster around 90,000–120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of third, fifth, and/or reverse gears; Transmission slipping in various gears; Inability to shift into higher gears; vehicle stuck at low speeds (10–25 MPH); Hard or rough shifting; lurching forward violently; Whining sound from transmission; Elevated RPMs with no acceleration response; Popping noise from transmission; Check engine light and transmission fault codes (P0776, related to solenoid/torque converter)
Codes mentioned: P0776, 35R clutch wave plate codes (as referenced in bulletins)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required. Owner-reported costs $2,500–$4,850. One dealership initially quoted $6,000, then $4,000, eventually settling on $500 recall deductible after escalation. Some owners denied coverage under special bulletins due to mileage thresholds (120,000–122,000 mile cutoff cited) or VIN mismatch with coverage program. One owner with AC Delco service center had genuine GM remanufactured unit installed but warranty denied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Service Bulletin 09-07-30-012A (broken 35R clutch wave plate); Special Coverage Adjustments 14404, 14404A, 14404B (transmission clutch wave plate, Aug 12, 2016). GM refused coverage for many owners citing expired warranty (100K miles/5 years), mileage exceeding bulletin threshold, or VIN exclusion. No formal recall issued despite widespread acknowledgment of defect.
Transmission Failure – Loss of Drive/Reverse, Unable to Shift
Transmission loses ability to shift or move vehicle; complete or near-complete loss of propulsion. Distinct from wave plate failures, these involve inability to enter gear or move. Vehicle may fail to respond to accelerator or remain stuck in lower gears.
When: Reported between 35,000 and 116,000 miles; majority 85,000–110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not move after shifting to drive; requires engine restart; Complete loss of power/drive while in motion at highway speeds; Cannot accelerate past 10–20 MPH; Stuck in drive but no forward motion; Loss of reverse gear entirely; Engine warning light illumination
Codes mentioned: P0300 (misfire codes mentioned in association with transmission issues)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required. Costs reported $3,500–$4,850 at dealerships, or approximately $3,500 at independent transmission shops. Several owners unable to afford repair; one owner traded vehicle as total loss ($6,000 value vs. $4,000+ repair cost).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Most owners received no assistance or coverage beyond warranty expiration. One owner reported GM recognized related Service Bulletin 14404 but refused extended warranty. No recall issued.
Vehicle Rolling Backward on Incline When Stopped
Vehicle rolls backward on slight inclines (10–15 degrees) when stopped at lights or stop signs, even with transmission in Park or Drive, as if transmission is in Neutral. Occurs intermittently. Other vehicles tested do not exhibit this behavior.
When: Reported from early ownership (2.5 miles on one vehicle) through multiple years of ownership; happens intermittently on every visit to inclines
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward 4+ feet on inclines when foot moves from brake to accelerator; Occurs in Park or Drive; sometimes in Reverse (rolls forward); Intermittent; owner must apply accelerator to stop rolling; Happens on slight inclines (10–15 degrees) at traffic lights and stop signs; Owner notes 2013 Traverse loaner does not exhibit this behavior; Some reported parking brake does not release properly, compounding issue
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in any complaint narrative. Dealers claim it is a 'feature' or 'characteristic' of 2009 Traverse; owner found online complaints from other 2009 Traverse owners with same issue. One owner states it 'can't be fixed' and GM 'don't want to recall it.' Workaround: driver must keep foot on brake and apply gas before releasing brake on hills.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge issue but claim it is normal for the model, not a defect. No recall issued despite multiple owner complaints over years of ownership.
Timing Chain Failure
Timing chain breaks or fails, resulting in complete engine shutdown or severe noise. Engine requires replacement or extensive repair.
When: Reported at 90,000+ miles and around 102,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving; Engine sounds like 'bag of hammers being violently shaken'; Complete loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required. One owner quoted >$6,000 for new engine, cost exceeding vehicle value. Another owner had timing belt replaced during earlier service; later crankshaft failure occurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refused to cover repair under warranty. No recall issued.
Stalling and Loss of Power While Driving
Engine stalls or vehicle loses all electrical power while in motion, requiring engine restart. Vehicle may fail to restart for extended period afterward.
When: Reported at various mileages; one incident on expressway with children in vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off by itself while driving on expressway; Subsequent refusal to start (vehicle stranded for weeks before restart); Complete power loss; Engine warning light
Repairs/costs cited: One case diagnosed as Electronic Chassis Module (ECM) short. Not repaired in complaint narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM and dealers state vehicle is not part of any recall, despite same model and year across country experiencing same issue. One owner notes known recall exists for similar symptoms but their VIN was not included.
Transmission Shuddering and Vibration in Gears 3 and 5
Vehicle vibrates or shudders while driving in third and fifth gears on city and highway drives. Vibration onset occurs after warm-up (approximately 10 minutes). Severe and felt throughout vehicle (front and back). Owners have replaced suspension components, wheel bearings, driveline shaft, and CV boots without resolution.
When: Reported at 130,000 miles and in multiple owners; one owner replaced multiple suspension components without resolving issue
Symptoms owners cite: Rough vibration in gears 3 and 5, intermittently coming and going for seconds at a time; Vibration throughout vehicle (front and back); Onset occurs after 10 minutes of driving (during warm-up); Affects both city and highway driving
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repair reported. One owner replaced wheel hub bearings (both sides), lower control arm, bushings, driveline shaft, and CV boot axles without resolving vibration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response reported. Owner notes many forum posts show same problem in Traverse, Acadia, and Saturn vehicles on same platform, suggesting design issue should be recalled.
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
TCM module fails, causing transmission to race and slip continuously, along with constant transmission leaks.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission racing; Transmission slipping; Constant transmission leaks
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in complaint narrative
Reverse Gear Control Loss and Violent Shaking
Vehicle loses control or shakes violently when in reverse. Late or hesitant shifting in drive. Vehicle barely makes it into driveway or cannot fully back into driveway.
When: Multiple reports; failures occurred during normal backing operations
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of control when reversing; Violent shaking in reverse; Late shifting in drive; Vehicle unable to fully back into driveway; Reverse functioning but unreliable
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in complaint narratives.
Synthesized from 46 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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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 powertrain problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 46 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 38 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 65,000 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,000; a quarter make it past 110,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.