This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse have filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 57,870 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
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Traverse | 107 |
| 2012 Traverse | 55 |
| 2013 Traverse | 15 |
| 2014 Traverse | 33 |
| 2015 Traverse (this page) | 16 |
| 2016 Traverse | 3 |
| 2017 Traverse | 8 |
| 2018 Traverse | 39 |
| 2019 Traverse | 31 |
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 service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report three main categories of engine trouble in the 2015 Traverse. First is sudden, complete loss of power while driving at normal highway speeds—often accompanied by check engine and traction control warning lights. Multiple owners describe the engine seizing or stopping mid-drive, requiring a full shutdown and restart to regain operation. In one case, this happened at 30 mph in a busy intersection at night; another owner reported it at 40 mph with engine seizure. A few owners say dealership diagnosis found a transmission sensor/switch issue or could not identify the cause at all.
Second are mechanical failures: a harmonic balancer that cracked and created sparking/clicking noises under the hood (one owner paid $300 labor to replace), and catalytic converter failure around 55,000 miles. One owner notes a hole in the exhaust pipe before the converter—a known defect in other Traverse model years that GM extended warranty coverage for.
Third are fuel and emissions issues: check engine lights tied to fuel leak codes and valve codes, stalling after refueling, and solenoid valve failures. One owner's VIN fell outside an existing recall for the solenoid issue despite the part being defective. An owner also reported oil pressure warning and subsequent engine failure at 65,000 miles on a well-maintained vehicle, with no root cause identified.
Same Chevrolet Traverse engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Stalling / Loss of Power
Engine suddenly cuts power while driving at various speeds, vehicle stops in traffic, requires restart to function again. Often accompanied by check engine and traction control lights. One owner reported engine seizure at 40 mph.
When: 30–45 mph; 40,000–62,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving; Check engine light and stability control light illuminate; Vehicle stops/locks up completely; Requires shutdown and restart to regain operation; Passengers may need to push vehicle to safety
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission sensor or switch replacement reported in one case; diagnosis inconclusive in others.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported dealer immediately knew the issue; other cases went undiagnosed at dealership. Manufacturer notified in at least one case.
Harmonic Balancer Failure
Harmonic balancer fails, producing ticking or sparking/clicking noise under the hood. Dealer initially misdiagnosed in one case; independent mechanic identified the issue. Requires replacement.
When: 57,870 miles; within one week of ownership (one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking or sparking/clicking noise under hood; Static electricity and arching sounds reported
Repairs/costs cited: $300 labor alone reported for replacement at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer case number provided (83298884002); owner directed to file with BBB.
Catalytic Converter Failure
Catalytic converter requires replacement; check engine light illuminates. One owner also reports a hole/leak in the pre-converter pipe, noted as a known issue in other model years with expanded warranty coverage.
When: 55,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Hole or leak in exhaust pipe before catalytic converter
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement needed; owner notes GM extended warranty on this issue for other years and requests no-cost repair.
Oil Pressure Loss / Engine Failure
Oil pressure warning light comes on; engine subsequently fails and requires replacement. Cause undetermined despite well-maintained service history.
When: 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure low warning light; Engine failure requiring complete replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required.
Fuel System Issues
Check engine light accompanied by fuel leak code and valve code. Vehicle stalls after refueling and requires multiple crank attempts to start.
When: 41,000 miles; after refueling
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Fuel leak diagnostic code; Valve code; Vehicle stalls and won't start easily after gas fill-up
Codes mentioned: Fuel leak code, Valve code
Reduced Engine Power
Vehicle experiences reduced engine power without warning. Cause could not be diagnosed at dealership despite evaluation.
When: 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced engine power without warning
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; vehicle not repaired.
Evaporative Emissions Canister Control Solenoid Failure
Evaporative emissions canister control solenoid valve requires replacement. An unknown recall exists for this part, but owner's VIN not included in recall coverage.
When: 82,000 miles
Repairs/costs cited: Solenoid valve replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown recall identified; manufacturer advised owner to contact NHTSA Hotline. Owner's VIN not covered by recall.
Radiator Overheating
Radiator runs hot while vehicle is in motion on street driving.
When: 38,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Radiator running hot while vehicle in motion
Transmission / Drivetrain Noise
Transmission or related component produces joking or unusual noise while driving.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Joking noise from transmission or similar component while driving
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Transmission issues
Had engine trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 16 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 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 41,000 and 82,000 miles, with the median around 57,870. A quarter of owners report trouble before 41,000; a quarter make it past 82,000. 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/2015/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.