This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse have filed 33 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 36,691 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Traverse | 102 |
| 2011 Traverse | 107 |
| 2012 Traverse | 55 |
| 2013 Traverse | 15 |
| 2014 Traverse (this page) | 33 |
| 2015 Traverse | 16 |
| 2016 Traverse | 3 |
| 2017 Traverse | 8 |
| 2018 Traverse | 39 |
When does it fail?
Of the 33 engine complaints filed for the 2014 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 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
The 2014 Traverse engine complaints cluster around a few core problems. Most serious is sudden, complete loss of engine power while driving at highway speed—no sputtering, no gradual warning, just shutdown. Multiple owners report power loss combined with loss of power steering and braking assist, forcing emergency stops. Restart may work after waiting or turning the key off and on, but the issue recurs within days to weeks. Dealers have replaced ignition relays, crankshaft/camshaft sensors, batteries, fuel pumps, and water pumps, yet owners continue reporting repeat failures.
Check engine lights and rough running plague many units. Some owners spend 9+ months visiting dealerships repeatedly for spark plugs, fuel induction service, sensor boxes, water pumps, and fuel injectors—still no fix. Misfires and hesitation appear intermittently, making diagnosis difficult.
A/C refrigerant loss stands out as a design issue: GM's own service documentation states blower motor copper brushes corrode aluminum evaporators. Owners report refilling refrigerant every 8 months for over two years. GM acknowledged the problem but didn't recall the vehicles because damage typically surfaces after warranty expiration.
Additional reported failures include engine lockup (confirmed as common in 2012–2014 Traverse/Enclave/Acadia models), accelerator pedal sinking to the floor, timing chain stretch, engine overheating, and electrical failures. Owners describe these vehicles as unsafe and express frustration that a known pattern hasn't triggered a recall.
Same Chevrolet Traverse engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden Loss of Engine Power and Stalling
Engine shuts down completely while driving at highway speeds without warning or with minimal warning lights. Vehicle loses all power steering and braking assist, forcing drivers to coast to the shoulder. Restart is sometimes possible after waiting 10+ minutes or turning the key off and on.
When: Occurs at various mileages from 11,000 to 150,000 miles; happens repeatedly (some owners report 3-5+ occurrences)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power at highway speeds (35-75 mph); No warning before power loss on some occasions; on others, stabilitrak/traction control/check engine lights illuminate just before shutdown; Loss of power steering and braking assist; Rough idle when power is restored; Gauges may flash to zero; Service stabilitrak, traction control off, reduced engine power warnings appear
Codes mentioned: P1682, P0689, P0300
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced ignition control relay, crankshaft/camshaft sensors, battery, fuel pump, water pump, and performed wiring repairs; failures recurred. Fuel injectors (number two stuck open) replaced in one case. One dealer unable to replicate issue. Multiple repair attempts have failed to resolve the problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM offered to assist with repair costs if diagnostic test detected a failure. Manufacturer notified in several cases but no recall issued. Owners cite this as a known issue in 2012-2014 Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave, and Acadia models.
Check Engine Light and Rough Running/Misfires
Check engine light comes on repeatedly or flashes; engine runs rough, bucks, shakes, and makes rumbling noises. Symptoms appear intermittently, sometimes triggered when starting the vehicle or during acceleration. Rough idle occurs even when parked.
When: Occurs at various mileages from early ownership to 187,000+ miles; symptoms can persist for 9+ months despite repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light stays on or flashes rapidly; Engine runs rough and shakes, especially at idle; Rumbling or bucking during acceleration; Engine hesitates and fails to accelerate normally; Rough idle that stops when vehicle is turned off; Misfires on multiple cylinders (bank 2); Vehicle cannot accelerate past 35 mph
Codes mentioned: P0300, P05CD
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include replacement of spark plugs, fuel induction service, sensor box, water pump, fuel injectors (one side), crankshaft/camshaft sensors, and timing chain inspection. Multiple dealership visits (3-4+ times) have failed to resolve the issue. One dealer unable to replicate problem despite codes being present.
A/C Refrigerant Loss and Evaporator Corrosion
A/C system loses refrigerant over time (repeated refills needed every ~8 months) due to pinhole leaks in aluminum evaporators. Corrosion caused by copper in blower motor brushes attacking aluminum evaporator material. GM was aware of the issue but did not recall vehicles, as damage typically manifests after warranty expiration.
When: Develops over 2+ years of ownership; leaks recur every ~8 months of regular A/C use
Symptoms owners cite: A/C refrigerant leaks requiring repeated refills; Dye added to system to locate leak but leak location remained difficult to identify; Pinhole leak and corrosion found in rear evaporator; Coolant leaking into vehicle interior; Front evaporator not thoroughly inspectable without dashboard removal
Repairs/costs cited: Rear evaporator and blower motor replaced. Front evaporator blower motor was not replaced, potentially allowing corrosion to continue. GM service documentation noted that when ordering replacement evaporators, the blower motor must also be replaced due to copper/aluminum corrosion issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged the issue in service documentation but did not issue a recall. GM noted that more frequent A/C use accelerates corrosion development.
Exhaust Leak from Fractured Weld
Exhaust manifold weld fractures, causing exhaust leak and loss of engine power. Leak appears to result from A/C condensation drain leaking onto exhaust, corroding the weld.
When: At approximately 35,010 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of automotive power and failure to accelerate at 35 mph; No warning light illuminated at time of failure; Exhaust leak from fractured weld
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed but cause initially unknown. Vehicle repaired but failure persisted.
Engine Overheating
Vehicle overheats without warning light illumination. Overheating continues to recur after initial repair attempt. Check engine light illuminates after repeat failure.
When: At approximately 106,843 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle overheats without warning lights; Check engine light illuminates on recurrence; Failure repeats despite initial repair
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat sensor, temperature gauge, radiator, and starter replaced. Overheating recurred after repair.
Engine Lockup/Seized Engine
Engine locks up completely and cannot turn over. Vehicle loses all power and cannot be restarted. Occurs during highway driving. Dealership confirms this is a common issue in 2012-2014 Traverse, Buick Enclave, and Acadia models.
When: Mileage approximately 9-10 years of ownership; check engine light appeared day before failure
Symptoms owners cite: Engine locked up and does not turn; Complete loss of power while driving on highway; Steering wheel cannot be turned; Gas pedal does not work; Check engine light illuminated day before failure, then went off
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership confirmed the problem but repair not described. Noted as a common issue across multiple GM full-size crossover models.
Fuel Pump Failure
Fuel pump issue causes engine stalling while driving or failure to start after refueling. Battery runs low and vehicle dies or stalls during operation. Check engine light illuminates.
When: At approximately 94,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving; Vehicle fails to start after refueling; Battery runs low; Car dies or stalls during operation; Check engine light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump and dashboard replaced. Vehicle fuel pump was diagnosed and replaced.
Accelerator Pedal Failure
Accelerator pedal sinks to floor without response, or sudden unintended increase in engine RPMs. Vehicle fails to move despite high RPMs.
When: At approximately 11,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal sinks to floor board at low speed (10 mph); Sudden increased engine RPMs; Vehicle fails to move despite high RPMs; Failure recurs twice in single driving incident
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by dealer.
Timing Chain Stretch and Camshaft Actuator Malfunction
Timing chain stretches and camshaft actuator fails to lock into position, causing misfires and acceleration problems.
When: Mileage unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Misfires on 3 cylinders (bank 2); Check engine light comes on; Problems accelerating past 35 mph; Timing chain has stretched
Codes mentioned: P0300, P05CD
Repairs/costs cited: Inspected by dealer and independent service center.
Electrical/Control Module Issues
Multiple electrical and control system failures including A/C flash-off, temperature gauge malfunction, engine fan running after key removal, radio controls inoperative, outside mirror failures. ECM connector replacement did not resolve issue.
When: Mileage unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: A/C flashes and quits working; Check engine light comes on; Temperature gauge quits working; Engine fan keeps running after key removal; Radio controls do not work intermittently; Outside mirrors quit working both in motion and stationary
Repairs/costs cited: ECM connector replaced at dealership; issue recurred immediately.
Engine Oil Leak from Front Cover
Slight oil leak beginning at front cover. Occurs at relatively low mileage, raising questions about defective design or material.
When: At 53,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Slight oil leak at front cover
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
While driving to work, I had slowed down behind a bus and as I started to accelerate and car suddenly shuts down. The engine light, stabil trak, traction control off, reduced engine power messages come on. The car suddenly slows down leaving 1-2 minutes to get over. Once this message comes on, the car suddenly starts to shake hard all over and idles really rough. If I try to shift it into any…
While driving at 60 MPH on my morning commute to work, I was about 15 miles into my drive when suddenly the warning lights chime and the stabil trak/reduced engine power, and traction control off warning messages come on. The car suddenly reduces power and takes about 1-2 minutes before all power goes off and car will not drive any more. Once I try to put car in any kind of gear afterwards, car…
While driving in the morning commute to work, the car warning lights suddenly chime with service stabil-trak, reduced engine power, traction control off. The car suddenly starts to slow down. I have about 1-2 minutes before the car will completely shut off. Once it completely shuts down, it starts to rough idle and the whole car shakes. If I try to shift it into any gear, it shuts down…
I was driving about 35-45 MPH increasing speed and the engine on the car started to die, gauges all flashed and warning lights went on all over dash. The gauges all crashed to zero, as it was dying due to running out of gas but at the time it was between 1/2 a tank and 1/4 of a tank. Gave it some gas and it reengaged. Second not on a 2015 new one, I have been driving for a rental, 356…
Had engine trouble with your 2014 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 2014 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 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 32,000 and 106,843 miles, with the median around 36,691. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,000; a quarter make it past 106,843. 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/2014/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.