This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse have filed 31 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 55,972 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
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Traverse | 16 |
| 2016 Traverse | 3 |
| 2017 Traverse | 8 |
| 2018 Traverse | 39 |
| 2019 Traverse (this page) | 31 |
| 2020 Traverse | 66 |
| 2021 Traverse | 13 |
| 2022 Traverse | 12 |
| 2023 Traverse | 13 |
When does it fail?
Of the 31 engine complaints filed for the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 31 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.
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 warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California Emission State may be entitled to the 7 year, 70,000-mile Emission Select State Component Limited Warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTC P3055 Set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2019 Traverse owners report a cluster of engine and drivetrain problems. The most frequent complaint involves exhaust system failure—specifically front and rear bracket welds breaking apart, creating holes in pipes and forcing catalytic converters to crack. Owners describe the bracket detaching and becoming airborne on highways, creating safety hazards. GM issued Special Coverage Adjustment N212356540 for the front exhaust pipe, but only left-side coverage applies; owners report right-side brackets and associated damage aren't covered, leading to out-of-pocket repairs that fail again within 1–12 months.
Other owners report cylinder misfire (code 300) linked to carbon tracking, traced to a 2019 service update (TSB N192281810), yet no service records show the update was performed. Transmission problems include shift-to-park refusal, shuddering at all speeds (unresolved by fluid service at $700), and stalling during braking. Engine oil leaks appear at the timing cover and valve covers as early as 59,000 miles, sometimes requiring full engine removal ($5,000). One owner's AC compressor clutch melted at 39,000 miles. A recurring EVAP emissions leak came back less than a year after recall repair. Startup and idle quality issues persist across multiple narratives—jerking, hesitation, and unexplained stalling.
Same Chevrolet Traverse engine reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Front exhaust bracket weld failure and related pipe damage
Passenger-side bracket holding two exhaust pipes together fails at the weld, creating holes in exhaust pipes and allowing the bracket to detach completely. Secondary damage includes cracked catalytic converters and flex pipe leaks stemming from the bracket failure.
When: Between 43,000 and 116,719 miles; one owner reported initial failure in Fall 2022 (57,000 mi), replacement, then recurrence by October 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattle or rattling noise from exhaust system; Loud motorcycle-like sound with no muffling; Strong exhaust smell in cabin; Check Engine light illumination; Bracket falls off and becomes airborne hazard on highway
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light (no specific code stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacement of front exhaust pipe and bracket; one owner paid out-of-pocket for second repair of same issue. Multiple owners report repeated failures requiring multiple repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special Coverage Adjustment N212356540 covers front exhaust pipe replacement on left side only; right side and bracket not covered under adjustment despite bracket attachment to both pipes. Coverage extends to 150,000 miles.
Cylinder misfire—carbon tracking or ignition system
Engine misfires due to carbon tracking or related ignition system fault, detected via diagnostic code 300 and requiring ignition component service or carbon removal.
When: Complaint filed after warranty expiration; owner reports vehicle purchased new
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light and Traction Control warning; Rough idle or hesitation
Codes mentioned: 300 (generic cylinder misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner not provided repair cost; service performed during warranty or as TSB responsibility but no service record available to owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Update N192281810 (released March 2019) issued for carbon tracking misfire affecting ATS, CTS, Camaro, and Traverse; repair claimed as responsibility of dealer during limited warranty period. Owner reports no evidence service was performed on their vehicle.
Transmission shift-to-park locking failure
Vehicle refuses to shift to or recognize Park position, requiring repeated attempts to place vehicle in park. Generates recurring 'Shift to Park' error message on instrument cluster.
When: Approximately 1–2 years of ownership (vehicle purchased March 2023; complaint date unknown but recent)
Symptoms owners cite: 'Shift to Park' error message on cluster; Engine will not turn off; Vehicle fails to remain in Park reliably
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; owner seeking recall information
Rear exhaust bracket weld failure
Back or rear bracket on exhaust system fails at weld, creating hole in exhaust pipe. Distinct from front bracket issue (TSB N212356540).
When: 43,000 miles and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust leak; Hole in exhaust pipe
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid out-of-pocket; no coverage mentioned
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Front bracket covered under N212356540; rear bracket and associated damage not covered
Catalytic converter cracking and joint failure
Catalytic converter cracks at joint with exhaust pipe or develops internal cracks; occurs as primary defect or secondary to bracket failure and pipe stress.
When: As early as 15,000 miles; repeated failures at 57,000 miles (57k initial failure, replacement, then failure again by 1 year later)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from catalytic converter area; Check Engine light; Rattling noise
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light (specific code not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement required; one owner reports full exhaust system replacement at dealer in January 2023, then recurrence and second failure October 2023
Drivability shudder—transmission or motor mount concern
Vehicle shudders or jerks at low, medium, and higher speeds; driver reports concern vehicle may stall on highway. Transmission oil change with additives attempted but ineffective.
When: After approximately 1,500 miles of ownership (50,000 miles total)
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering at low, medium, and higher speeds; Jerking sensation during acceleration from stop; Concern vehicle may stall or leave driver stranded
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid and additive service performed at cost of $700 with no resolution
START/STOP system restart failure with loose starter bearings
Auto stop-start system activates but vehicle fails to restart; starter or 350 Amp fuse failure suspected, with loose starter bearings also identified.
When: 22,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to restart after START/STOP function engages; Failure during deceleration to stop
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis performed; repair not completed (vehicle towed but parts or service not finalized in narrative)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware via contact report
Engine shutdown during braking or low-speed maneuvers
Engine stalls unexpectedly during braking or U-turn execution and fails to restart immediately, creating unsafe driving condition.
When: Within first 3 months of ownership; occurred approximately 5 times
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off during braking; Delayed restart; Stalling during U-turn
Timing cover and valve cover oil leak
Front timing cover and/or valve covers leak oil; repair requires engine removal or significant disassembly on some vehicles.
When: 59,297 to 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak at timing cover front of engine; Possible oil pan leak
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports $5,000 repair cost due to engine drop requirement; another notes TSB available for some VINs only
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Confirmed by dealer as manufacturing issue; TSB or recall affects only certain VINs, not all 2019 Traverse models
Air conditioning compressor clutch failure
AC compressor clutch pulley melts, freezing the compressor and causing complete air conditioning failure.
When: 39,151 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Air conditioning system failure; No cooling output
Repairs/costs cited: Compressor clutch pulley melted; full compressor replacement likely required
Evaporative emissions system leak (recurring)
Evaporative (EVAP) emissions system develops leak; repair performed under recall but same fault recurs within one year.
When: Failure recurred approximately 1 year after initial repair (October 2023)
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light; Vehicle sputtering on startup; Safety concern reported by owner
Codes mentioned: EVAP leak code (specific code not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair performed; required two separate service visits; same issue recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued; dealership unable to diagnose recurrence within one week of report
Transmission slipping or neutral engagement during driving
Vehicle feels as though it slips into neutral while driving, preventing acceleration; accompanied by strong chemical odor.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power during acceleration; Sensation of neutral engagement while driving; Strong chemical odor
RTV gasket degradation and oil leak
RTV (room-temperature vulcanizing) gasket material on engine deteriorates prematurely, causing oil leak that worsens over time.
When: 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Small oil leak; Leak worsens with time
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle made a rattling noise. The rattling persisted when idled. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fractured exhaust pipe and a leak on the exhaust. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired as the…
Oil consumption issues
Check engine light came on. Diagnostics stated catalytic converter was the issue and needed to be replaced.. Vehicle with less than 15k miles and owned for about 14 months.
Known issue with the front timing cover leaking. confirmed by Dealer and local repair shop that it is an issue they see on these engines all the time and is a manufacturing problem.
Had engine trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 31 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 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 14,500 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 55,972. A quarter of owners report trouble before 14,500; a quarter make it past 75,000. 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/2019/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.