This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems
severe 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 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 engine 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.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse describe sudden engine stalls occurring anywhere from 28,500 to over 123,000 miles. Stalling happens while driving at highway speeds, slowing traffic, or sitting stopped—sometimes with zero warning. When stalls occur at speed, the traction control light comes on, the dash shows "engine power reduced," and owners lose power steering and braking assist, creating a safety hazard. One owner reported the vehicle decelerated from 70 mph to 15 mph without brake input after traction control and engine warning lights triggered.
Diagnostic codes found include P1682 (ignition switch circuit) and P2138. An engine control module replacement was attempted but didn't hold. Other owners point to fuse box wiring or the fuse box itself as the culprit, though dealer diagnostics have often come up empty. One dealership replaced the battery and the stalling continued immediately after.
Timing chain problems appear in multiple narratives. Owners report being told the timing chain failed and an entire engine replacement is needed. One owner states the manufacturer released engine updates specifically because of timing chain problems but couldn't get warranty coverage. Another reports paying $2,700 for front cover re-caulking—the sealant between the cover and block breaks down prematurely, causing oil leaks that can lead to engine failure. A single report mentions a fractured pulley bolt detaching at 88,000 miles, and one owner experienced unintended acceleration while braking.
Same Chevrolet Traverse engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling and loss of power
Engine stalls suddenly while driving or at stop, sometimes with traction control and engine power reduced warnings. Vehicle loses power steering assist and braking functionality in some cases. Owners report repeated failures even after dealer visits.
When: Throughout vehicle life; 28,500 to 123,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at highway speeds and complete stops; Traction control warning light illuminates; Engine power reduced message displayed; Loss of power steering assist; Loss of braking functionality; Vehicle deceleration from 70 mph to 15-20 mph; Steering wheel locks; Key stuck in ignition
Codes mentioned: P1682 (Ignition 1, Switch Circuit 2), P2138
Repairs/costs cited: Engine control module replacement attempted but failure recurred; fuse box wiring identified as cause in one case; fuse box replacement recommended in another case; dealer diagnostics inconclusive in some instances
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case number opened by manufacturer in one instance; TSB 11273 exists but not applicable to all affected vehicles
Timing chain failure
Timing chain goes out of time or fails, requiring complete engine replacement. Owners allege manufacturer knew of the issue and released engine updates, but some vehicles not covered under warranty despite proper maintenance.
When: 100,000+ miles reported; occurs without clear warning in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Off timing condition detected at AutoZone diagnostic; Engine knocking or noise from engine compartment; Traction control warning during failure event; Complete loss of engine power
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement necessary; one owner quoted $2,700+ for front cover re-caulking to prevent failure; parts availability and labor intensive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer issued engine updates due to timing chain problems per owner report; warranty denied in one case claiming lack of maintenance
Front cover sealant deterioration and oil leak
Sealant used on engine front cover breaks down prematurely, causing significant oil leaks. Owner states this is a known design issue. Without re-sealing, engine failure can occur.
When: Unknown specific mileage; owner describes as preventative repair
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak from front cover
Repairs/costs cited: $2,700 quoted for engine removal and front cover re-caulking to prevent engine failure
Pulley bolt fracture and detachment
Pulley bolt fractures, causing the pulley to separate from the engine. Warning appears on dashboard but no safety incident reported.
When: 88,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling noise from engine compartment; Battery charging system needs service message; Pulley found lying on ground under vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Fractured bolt and pulley replacement at dealer
Unintended acceleration
Engine revs without driver input while braking, causing vehicle to surge forward. Occurred while parking with foot on brake, resulting in collision with building.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs up while foot on brake; Vehicle surges forward about 5 feet; No warning lamps or lights prior to event
Motor mount corrosion and fracture
Motor mounts fractured due to excessive corrosion. Reported in conjunction with air conditioning malfunction, though causality unclear from narrative.
When: 108,511 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Air conditioning not operating properly; Motor mounts fractured
Repairs/costs cited: Motor mounts replaced; high and low sidelines and exchanger/condenser replaced due to corrosion
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed of failure
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I was driving my car it was making noises, I too it to autozone to get a free diagnostic check. It was reading that my timing was off. I went back home parked the car 2 days later called the dealership in which it was purchased to have them pick it up and run a diagnostic on it, I still have time under warranty. I was told timing chain is off, by the dealership they are failing to get it covered…
Had engine trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 44,000 and 107,000 miles, with the median around 96,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,000; a quarter make it past 107,000. 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/2013/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.