This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Chevrolet Traverse powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse have filed 52 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 88,549 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
52
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Traverse | 46 |
| 2010 Traverse (this page) | 52 |
| 2011 Traverse | 70 |
| 2012 Traverse | 43 |
| 2013 Traverse | 24 |
| 2014 Traverse | 35 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 52 powertrain 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 52 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 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse with 3.6L V6 engine shows a consistent pattern of timing chain stretch starting around 60,000 miles, triggering check engine codes P0008, P0011, P0017, and P0024. Owners describe severe power loss, rough idle, sluggish acceleration, and occasional stalling. The vehicle can suddenly reduce speed to 20–40 mph on highways without warning, particularly in cold weather near or below freezing. One owner experienced this loss of power four times in 2016–2017 at 60 mph on busy highways, creating dangerous situations.
GM issued a Special Coverage Adjustment (11340A/11340B) for 2009 models, extending warranty to 10 years and 120,000 miles. The 2010 model year was not included, though some vehicles built in late 2009 may qualify depending on build date. Repair costs run $1,834 to $6,300, and owners report the timing chain fails again within 17,000 miles of replacement, indicating a design flaw rather than wear.
Secondary issues include water pump leaks (recall 13079), which can damage the timing chain if not repaired quickly. Transmission problems surface around 80,000 miles—shift sticking, unexpected downshifts, and inability to engage Park. One owner replaced the timing chain twice and the transmission remains unpredictable. Power steering assist fails intermittently, and multiple electrical issues appear post-repair.
Dealerships report seeing three timing chain repairs per week and keep parts in inventory, confirming high-volume awareness. GM has refused to expand the recall or recall extension to 2010 models despite identical component failures and owner complaints numbering in the hundreds across online forums.
Same Chevrolet Traverse powertrain reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Timing Chain Stretch/Premature Wear
Timing chains stretch prematurely, causing loss of synchronization between crankshaft and camshaft. This is a documented defect in 2009–2010 model year Traverses with the 3.6L V6 engine. Owners report the problem recurs even after replacement, with one owner replacing the chain twice within 17,000 miles. GM issued Special Coverage Adjustment 11340A/11340B for 2009 models but extended it inconsistently to 2010 models, often depending on build date (vehicles built in late 2009 may qualify). Costs range from $1,834 to $6,300 for replacement.
When: Typically 60,000–90,000 miles; some as early as 60,380 miles; recurrence documented within 17,000 miles of prior replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Engine sluggishness or rough running; Loss of power while driving, particularly on highways; Severe vehicle deceleration, reducing speed to 20–40 mph in traffic; Engine noise from timing chain area; Occasional stalling
Codes mentioned: P0008 (Camshaft Position System Performance Bank 1), P0011 (Camshaft Position Over-Advanced Bank 1), P0017 (Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1), P0018 (Camshaft Position Over-Advanced Bank 2), P0024 (Camshaft Position Over-Retarded Bank 2)
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain replacement; entire engine drop required for some vehicles. Labor estimates 19 hours or more. Replacement chain may fail again within warranty period. Water pump often replaced concurrently (leaks common, can damage timing chain). Costs: $1,834–$6,300 for parts and labor; owners report GM cost-sharing programs (50/50 splits) offered inconsistently.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Special Coverage Adjustment (SCA) 11340A–11340C for 2009 models, extended warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles for 2009 models only. 2010 models not included unless built in late 2009. Service Bulletins 10287C (April 2012) and 11340A (May 2012) issued. GM has refused recalls and denied extended coverage to 2010 owners, claiming timing chain issues were corrected after 2010 model year. However, 2010 complaints continue at high volume.
Engine Reduced Power / Stabilitrak / Traction Control Warnings
Vehicle enters limp mode with severe power loss, often triggered by cold weather or combined with timing chain issues. Electronic stability control, traction control, and throttle body malfunctions illuminate warning lights. Vehicle speed reduces dramatically to 20–40 mph on highways, creating a dangerous situation. Occurs intermittently, and diagnostic trouble codes may clear after 3 restarts, leaving no evidence on the onboard computer.
When: Near or below freezing (32°F); during highway driving; can occur at any mileage once timing chain stretch is present
Symptoms owners cite: Service Stabilitrak light illumination; Service Traction Control light illumination; Engine Power Reduced warning message; Severe deceleration to 20–40 mph while driving at highway speeds (60 mph+); Poor or no throttle response when accelerator is depressed; Codes clear after 3 restarts, leaving no OBD evidence
Codes mentioned: P2610 (ECM/PCM Faults), P2101 or P1122 (Throttle Body Control Error), Service Stabilitrak indicator codes, Service Traction Control indicator codes
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement or reprogramming of electronic control module (ECM) and transmission control module (TCM). Labor for ECM/TCM reprogramming significant. One owner reports internal mode switch replacement required. Costs vary; repair notes indicate $681–$2,700 labor costs when covered under partial warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged the issue in writing to at least one owner, confirming it impacts 2010 Chevrolet Traverse and same-year, make, and model vehicles. However, GM claims the issue does not pose a safety hazard despite owner evidence to the contrary. GM has not issued a recall. Dealerships often unable to reproduce the fault due to its intermittent nature and reliance on specific weather conditions.
Water Pump Leak / Seal Failure
Water pump shaft seal fails, leaking coolant. Recall 13079 issued for water pump shaft seal leaks. Leak can damage timing chain if not addressed promptly. Owners report replacing the water pump, often while under warranty, only to discover that the leak compromised the timing chain, leaving them to cover timing chain replacement costs out of pocket.
When: Can occur early in vehicle ownership; documented at under 60,000 miles; timing chain damage follows if leak not detected promptly
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leaks visible under vehicle; Low coolant level warnings; Engine overheating; Coolant pooling under engine area
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement. Cost covered under warranty in documented cases. However, if timing chain damage occurs as a result, owners dispute liability for timing chain replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 13079 issued for water pump shaft seal leaks. GM repaired the water pump under warranty but has refused to cover subsequent timing chain damage caused by the coolant leak, claiming the timing chain failure is a separate defect.
Transmission Shift Issues / Stuck in Gear
Transmission randomly gets stuck in gear, fails to shift, or downshifts unexpectedly without warning. Problem clears after vehicle restart but recurs unpredictably. Transmission wave plate failure documented in one case, costing $4,860 to repair. Multiple owners report transmission failure around 80,000+ miles, a common threshold across all model years of the Traverse. GM issued a recall and updated warranty for 2009 models but not other model years.
When: 80,000 miles and above; can occur at startup or after extended driving; recurrence interval unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in lower gear (approximately 20 mph); Inability to shift gears; shift lever locks or is difficult to move; Transmission downshifts independently; Violent jerking during gear changes; Loss of vehicle control due to unexpected shifting; Problem clears after restart but recurs; Vehicle unable to accelerate or decelerate normally
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission wave plate replacement ($4,860 documented for one owner). Repair shops and dealers unable to reproduce failure intermittently. Some dealers state no diagnosis possible. Transmission specialist consultation sometimes required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued a recall and updated warranty for 2009 models but has not extended coverage to other model years, despite 2010 and later owners reporting identical wave plate failures. GM denied request to extend recall to 2010 Traverse.
Transmission Shift Linkage / Park Lock Failure
Shift linkage fails to engage or hold Park position properly. Vehicle rolls backward when parked on inclines or slopes, even with parking brake applied or brake pedal released. Shift lever cannot be moved out of Park without manual intervention. One owner reports vehicle rolled in driveway; another reports similar issue on 2009 model (recall issued on 2009 models but not extended to 2010).
When: Can occur intermittently; documented at 41,000 miles and 69,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward when parked on incline; Shift lever stuck in or difficult to move out of Park; Shift lever cannot be clicked into Park automatically; requires manual pulling of linkage from under hood; Transmission will not hold vehicle in Park; Problem recurs every time vehicle is parked after repair attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Shift linkage manual manipulation needed; underlying cause not diagnosed in complaints. Repair appears to be temporary workaround rather than permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2009 Traverse models; 2010 model owners report same issue but are told no recall applies to their model year.
Engine Failure / Catastrophic Cylinder Failure
Engine suffers sudden catastrophic failure, often after recent water pump or other service. One documented case of 3rd cylinder failure occurring during morning commute on heavily trafficked highway, requiring full engine replacement. Occurred shortly after water pump replacement under warranty.
When: Post-warranty service; documented at 59,000 miles approximately two weeks after water pump repair
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning during highway driving; Complete loss of engine function; Vehicle unable to restart
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. Diagnosis difficult; 'cause unknown' per one owner. After engine replacement, vehicle developed additional electrical and steering issues within days.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented in complaints; warranty coverage not clarified.
Multiple Powertrain Component Failures Within Short Timeframe
Used vehicle purchased with reportedly low mileage (under 18,000 miles) fails repeatedly within one year of ownership. Timing chain replacement required within one week of purchase; flywheel, starter, and engine issues follow within months. Owner suspects vehicle was sold with hidden prior damage.
When: Within first week and year of ownership from used car dealer (cumulative 18,000 miles in one year)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalled in middle of oncoming highway traffic; Multiple component failures in rapid succession
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain replacement (within one week); flywheel replacement; starter replacement (twice); additional repairs. Warranty company (AEVEREX) disputed coverage, delaying repairs two weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty provider (AEVEREX) refused or delayed payment for repairs, arguing repairs were outside 'fair' cost parameters. Dealership (DriveTime) offered no remediation.
Check Engine Light / Emissions Test Failure
Check engine light remains on despite multiple repair attempts and costs exceeding $2,000. Vehicle fails emissions testing. Error codes (P0008, P0011, P0017, P0018, P0024) indicate timing chain or camshaft issues that persist after repair, suggesting incomplete diagnostics or defective replacement parts.
When: Timing codes persist or recur after initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light stays on or blinks on and off profusely; Vehicle shakes at idle; Poor acceleration; Emissions test failure; Same diagnostic codes reappear after repair
Codes mentioned: P0008, P0011, P0017, P0018, P0024
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain and related components replaced; repairs cost over $2,000 but do not resolve codes. One dealer refused to provide service details, citing new computer system.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance offered in complaints. Dealers unresponsive or unhelpful in diagnosing recurrent issues.
Power Steering Failure / Loss of Assist
Power steering assistance fails or is severely reduced, making the vehicle difficult or impossible to steer at low speeds or when parking. One complaint reports power steering failure occurring after ECM/TCM reprogramming; problem worsens with increasing temperatures and includes squeaking noise.
When: Post-repair (after ECM/TCM reprogramming); documented at under 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist absent or severely reduced; Steering wheel difficult to turn; Squeaking noise from steering system when in use; Problem worsens with increasing vehicle temperature; Makes parking or low-speed driving difficult or dangerous
Repairs/costs cited: Internal mode switch replacement and ECM/TCM reprogramming performed; problem persisted. Dealers unable to reproduce failure or determine root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership performed reprogramming and mode switch replacement but could not resolve issue or provide explanation.
Synthesized from 52 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Engine was running rough; vehicle was sluggish. Check engine light came on. Dealership, burlington Chevrolet, ran a diagnostic and there were some failed codes (p0011 and p008), all related to the camshaft and timing chains. To repair, it would cost about $2,700 since I was six months over the powertrain warranty. They contacted gm and they stated that it would cost me $681 plus tax. I…
I have an issue with the electrical system when the vehicle gets wet from rain or any kind of moisture I lose all warning chimes, blinkers on occasion, and the lights will flicker at times. Defective timing chains in a vehicle that was manufactured in 2009 where an extended warranty was issued for vehicles having faulty timing chains but since my vehicle was sold as a 2010 I don't qualify for the…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 52 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 43 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 69,000 and 105,571 miles, with the median around 88,549. A quarter of owners report trouble before 69,000; a quarter make it past 105,571. 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/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.