My check-engine light came on while the vehicle was on a 300 mile trip, and the trouble codes at 2 different shops indicated that the timing chain had stretched and had to be replaced at 81,000 miles. Luckily, the vehicle did not breakdown on the highway. Prior to learning about similar problems in 2009 and some 2010 models, I had the chain replaced by a non gm mechanic. Since then I learned…
2010 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems
moderate 102 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
102
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 102 engine complaints filed for the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 102 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.
Among the 17 model years of Chevrolet Traverse in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Avoid the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse—this year's 3.6L V6 has well-documented timing chain failure starting around 75,000 miles, with repair costs over $2,300, and GM refuses warranty coverage for most 2010 models despite extending coverage on 2009s. Engine seizures, fuel system faults, and electrical issues add further risk; you'll likely face major out-of-pocket repairs once the factory warranty expires.
The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse with 3.6L V6 engine shows a clear pattern of premature timing chain failure. Owners report check engine lights (codes P0008, P0017, P0019, P0420) appearing between 63,000 and 138,000 miles, often accompanied by rough idle, poor acceleration, and fuel economy loss. The stretching or slack in the timing chain triggers limp mode, where engine power cuts sharply during driving—a hazard when merging on highways or climbing hills. Many narratives note the chain failure happens well before the typical 120,000-mile design life, despite proper maintenance and oil changes on schedule.
Engine stalling without warning occurs in several complaints, sometimes with no check engine light—owners describe the engine simply dying at 30–70 mph with no restart, loss of power steering, and required towing. One owner reports a catalytic converter that disintegrated, pieces sucked into the engine after a timing chain failure, requiring full engine replacement.
GM extended warranty coverage (Special Bulletin #11340-C) applies to 2009 models and select other vehicles, but 2010 Traverses—even those built in 2009—are frequently excluded. Repair costs run $2,300–$4,364 for timing chain work alone; catalytic converter failure or full engine replacement can reach $8,900–$10,000. GM has denied coverage, citing warranty expiration, and refused assistance on vehicles repaired outside certified dealerships. One case documents a coolant hose failure, with GM parts chronically back-ordered.
Same Chevrolet Traverse engine reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Timing chain stretch/slack (P0008, P0017, P0019)
Premature wear of timing chain causing loss of proper camshaft/crankshaft timing, triggering check engine light and engine performance degradation. Affects vehicles between 63,000 and 138,000 miles. Owners report the issue is identical to the 2009 model year, which received warranty extension under Special Bulletin #11340-C, but 2010 models are frequently excluded.
When: 63,000–138,000 miles; typically 75,000–110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (P0008, P0017, P0019, P0420); Poor acceleration and sluggish performance; Rough idle and multiple misfires; Reduced fuel economy; Engine power reduced/limp mode; Abnormal engine noise and shaking
Codes mentioned: P0008, P0017, P0019, P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain, tensioners, and seals replaced; repair cost $2,300–$4,364. GM covered 45% of cost in one case. One owner reports chain failure recurring 30,000 miles after first replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special Bulletin #11340-C (warranty extension 10 years/120,000 miles) issued for 2009 and select other models but excludes most 2010 Traverses. GM refused coverage citing warranty expiration (5 years/100,000 miles) and vehicle manufacture location/part sourcing differences. Fuel injection flush recommended in one case but ineffective.
Engine seizure/stall without warning (spun rod bearing, catastrophic failure)
Complete engine failure during driving—seizure, stall, or loss of all power without check engine light or warning. Happens at highway speeds with sudden loss of power steering and brakes. One case involved spun rod bearing at 71,000 miles on 5-year-old vehicle; another involved catalytic converter disintegration after timing chain failure, pieces sucked into engine.
When: 71,000–125,000 miles; some early as 30–40 mph operation
Symptoms owners cite: Engine seized or stalled without warning or check engine light; Complete loss of power steering and brakes; Vehicle unable to restart; Loss of power mid-highway at 30–70 mph; Dramatic power loss and slowing during acceleration; Abnormal noise before failure (in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement cost $8,900–$10,000. One case documented spun rod bearing; another involved catalytic converter failure related to timing chain. Owners report being stranded on roadside or in traffic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refused coverage. One owner was denied reimbursement because repair was done at independent shop, not certified GM dealership. Another case: GM opened case but provided no assistance beyond directing owner to NHTSA. 12,000-mile warranty offered on replacement engine in one case.
Fuel injector misfiring and fuel odor (multiple fuel system faults)
Five out of six fuel injectors misfiring, accompanied by strong gasoline smell inside and outside vehicle. Check engine light and dramatic power loss during highway driving. One owner reports Goodyear service manager noted three other 2010 Traverses came in that year with identical problem.
When: One incident at freeway speed (9/13/15); prior stall 1 month earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Car stalling during freeway driving; Strong gasoline smell inside and outside vehicle; Dramatic slowdown and loss of power; Misfiring from multiple injectors
Codes mentioned: Multiple codes (6 total per one narrative)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump, fuel injectors, spark plugs, and other components required replacement. Cost $2,200. One owner's warranty had just expired in May; failure occurred in September.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised fuel injection flush; ineffective. Dealer charged $2,200 for repairs after warranty expiration.
Throttle body failure (reduced engine power, traction control/StabiliTrak codes)
Throttle body malfunction causing 'Reduced Engine Power,' 'Service StabiliTrak,' and 'Traction Control Off' warning lights and dramatic power loss during acceleration or hill climbing. Engine power drops from 55 mph to 25 mph unexpectedly; RPM shooting up without speed increase.
When: February incident, recurred 3 months later
Symptoms owners cite: Service StabiliTrak light; Traction Control Off light; Reduced Engine Power light; Sudden dramatic loss of speed (55 to 25 mph); RPMs surge without acceleration; Engine power loss during hill climb
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement required. Diagnostic fee $99.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM referred owner to district specialist who failed to call back within promised window. Owner reports this is a known faulty part affecting multiple Chevrolet Traverse and other GM models; posts on Edmunds cited multiple complaints.
Engine fire/flames under hood
Flames erupted from under hood at 10 mph during normal driving. Explosion occurred moments after driver exited vehicle. Fire department called; incident reported to police and manufacturer.
When: 140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Flames coming from under hood; Explosion under hood
Repairs/costs cited: Fire department extinguished flames. No injury reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; local dealer not contacted. No details on cause or remedy provided in narrative.
Transmission stuck in first gear / shifting issue (no error code)
Automatic transmission refuses to shift to higher gears during acceleration. Driver must pull over, shift to Park, then back to Drive to reset transmission. Issue recurs almost daily but mechanics rarely reproduce failure. No check engine light or diagnostic code. Hot metal smell noted when refusing to reset.
When: Ongoing for months; occurs on all road types
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not shift to higher gears; Stuck in first gear; Required stop-and-shift reset (Park to Drive) to continue; Hot metal smell from engine if not reset; Problem recurs almost daily
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics unable to diagnose or reproduce failure consistently.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narrative.
Air conditioning hose failure / coolant leak (back-order parts)
A/C hose and tube line leaks (green dye in pink coolant visible). GM parts back-ordered; 2-week delay to replace first hose (Part #22757062), then second hose failure (Part #22875372) identified. Owner without A/C for 1.5 weeks in 90+ degree weather, almost passed out driving. One narrative also mentions coolant hose leak in 2010 Traverse, with multiple parts unavailable.
When: Around 93,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Green fluid leaking from car; A/C hose leaking; No cooling in 90+ degree weather
Repairs/costs cited: Hose Part #22757062 and tube Part #22875372 replacement. 2-week and 1.5-week delays due to GM back-order.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Parts chronically back-ordered from GM; long wait times. Owner suggests this indicates a major systemic issue warranting recall.
Synthesized from 102 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Transmission slipped then vehicle surged ahead. Soon after while traveling 40 MPH an alarm sounded with the message "traction control off" and "service stabilitrac / engine power reduced" and the vehicle slowed rapidly. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet traverse. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and a warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated periodically when the vehicle was started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,500.
Had engine trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 102 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 85 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 71,000 and 113,000 miles, with the median around 93,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 71,000; a quarter make it past 113,000. 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/2010/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.