This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Chevrolet Traverse powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse have filed 160 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 57,000 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
160
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Traverse | 20 |
| 2016 Traverse | 33 |
| 2017 Traverse | 17 |
| 2018 Traverse | 187 |
| 2019 Traverse (this page) | 160 |
| 2020 Traverse | 35 |
| 2021 Traverse | 12 |
| 2022 Traverse | 39 |
| 2023 Traverse | 25 |
2crashes
2fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 160 powertrain 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
Powertrain accounts for 40% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 11 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 160 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.
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 identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse powertrain is generating consistent failure reports across two main problem areas.
Transmission mechanical failures appear throughout the ownership period, with owners reporting hesitation, jerking, slipping, loud clunking during shifts, inability to engage reverse, and complete loss of propulsion. These occur between 64,000 and 158,000 miles. Repair costs run $9,000–$15,000 for full replacement. One owner had three transmissions fail in seven years; another experienced transmission failure again within one year of partial repair (torque converter and valve body replacement). Dealerships acknowledge these as "common issues" but tell owners the repairs are not covered under warranty once the factory powertrain coverage expires.
The "Shift to Park" sensor malfunction is pervasive. Owners shift into Park and the vehicle refuses to turn off, instead displaying a "Shift to Park" message and sounding a continuous warning chime. Owners must jiggle the shifter or shift back and forth multiple times to make the sensor recognize Park. Meanwhile, the engine stays running and the dash lights remain on, draining the battery. This starts as early as 19,900 miles and typically worsens. Repair costs are $360–$1,000+. GM issued Technical Service Bulletin 19-NA-206 in 2019, confirming the problem was known, yet no recall has been issued and repairs are not covered under warranty.
One owner reported transmission fluid leaking and catching fire—flames came from under the hood shortly after starting the vehicle. Another noted transmission fluid leaking with an odor from vents (torque converter clutch burning). A third experienced complete engine shutdown and smoke on a clear day, with a one-mile fluid trail behind the vehicle. The relevant Recall 20V668000 covers a missing-bolt defect, but many affected VINs are not on the recall list, and GM has declined to expand it.
Owners also report transmission shuddering at low speeds (15–20 mph) as an early warning sign, often persisting even after full transmission replacement until the transmission control module is reprogrammed. These are not isolated complaints—owners have found "numerous" online forums and reference a class action lawsuit against Chevrolet.
Same Chevrolet Traverse powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission mechanical failure and loss of propulsion
Complete or partial transmission failure resulting in loss of power, hesitation, jerking, inability to accelerate, locked gears, stalling, or slipping. Owners report the transmission failing to shift properly, refusing to engage reverse or drive, or abruptly losing all propulsion while driving. Failures occur across a wide mileage range (64,000–158,000 miles) and some appear to recur even after partial repairs. One owner had three transmissions fail in roughly seven years; another experienced transmission failure on a second vehicle after partial repair with only torque converter and valve body replacement.
When: 64,000–158,000 miles; some failures within 4–7 years of ownership; partial repairs may fail again within one year
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation and jerking during acceleration or from complete stop; Loss of proper power delivery and inability to accelerate; Transmission slipping and shuddering at low speeds (around 20 mph or during acceleration); Locked into a single gear (e.g., 3rd gear) or inability to shift out of gear; Stalling and failure to respond when shifting into reverse; Transmission downshifts with loud thud; Loud clunking sound when shifting; Engine revving but vehicle fails to shift out of first gear; Grinding noise from transmission; Transmission fluid leaking; Check engine light intermittently illuminated
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (code not captured in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Partial repair with torque converter and valve body replacement costs not specified but insufficient; full transmission replacement costs cited as $9,000–$15,000; one owner quoted $980 transmission flush plus $3,400 torque converter replacement; dealership supply chain delays resulted in multi-month wait times; remanufactured transmissions used for repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Recall 20V668000 (Power Train) related to missing bolts in transmission start-stop accumulator causing fluid leaks and loss of propulsion; however, many owner VINs were not included in the recall list. GM declined further assistance on warranty-covered failures. Some owners received new transmissions under warranty (Oct 2021–Jan 2022) without explanation; subsequent failures were not covered. GM referenced Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to transmission issues but did not issue broad recalls for transmission failure itself.
Shift to Park sensor or solenoid malfunction
The transmission shifter assembly fails to recognize when the vehicle is in Park, causing the 'Shift to Park' warning message to display even though the gear shifter is actually in Park. The vehicle remains unable to turn off, the instrument panel stays powered on, dashboard lights and warning chimes continue, and the driver cannot exit or lock the vehicle. Owners report having to manually manipulate the shifter (jiggling, tapping, or moving it back and forth) multiple times before the sensor finally recognizes Park. Some vehicles experience battery drain from the continued electrical draw. The failure occurs intermittently at first but often worsens with time. Owners cite a known GM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 19-NA-206) addressing this issue.
When: Begins intermittently as early as 19,900 miles; occurs more frequently with age and vehicle use; some first appear around 22,500–32,400 miles and worsen by 80,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shift to Park warning message displayed despite vehicle being in Park; Loud audible beeping or warning chime that continues until Park is recognized; Vehicle will not turn off or shut down completely; Instrument panel lights remain powered on after engine off; Unable to lock the vehicle; Battery drain from continuous electrical draw (battery goes dead overnight); Requires repeated shifting back and forth from Park to Drive and back to Park; Requires manual manipulation (jiggling or tapping) of gear shifter to make sensor recognize Park; Intermittent failures that may work correctly on some occasions; Vehicle occasionally fails to recognize Park when starting (shifter not recognized as in Park when attempting to start)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair involves replacing the shifter control assembly, shift relay mechanism, SL-N-Switch (04054-CT), N-Harness (02480-CT), transmission control module, and/or wiring harness; costs range from $360–$1,000+ with labor; one owner paid $740, another quoted $1,000+. Some owners report temporary relief by tapping the shifter forward toward the radio. Repeated replacement of these components has occurred on some vehicles (one owner had three failures in 4 years on a vehicle with under 90,000 miles).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Technical Service Bulletin 19-NA-206 (September 2019 and May 2021) addresses the intermittent Shift to Park message for 2018 and 2019 Traverse models, suggesting the issue was known before or shortly after production. Multiple dealers confirmed this is a known, widespread problem. Despite the TSB and numerous documented complaints, GM has not issued a recall. Class action lawsuits are reportedly ongoing. Dealers acknowledge the problem but inform customers it is not covered under warranty (especially for vehicles out of the 3–4 year warranty period) and that repair is at owner's cost.
Transmission fluid leak and fire hazard
Transmission fluid leaks from an undetermined source, potentially related to the Recall 20V668000 defect (missing bolts in the start-stop accumulator). One owner reported smoke and flames from the engine compartment shortly after starting the vehicle, with a fluid trail visible for one mile. The fire department extinguished the fire. Another owner experienced complete engine shutdown, dashboard lights illumination, and smoke from the engine compartment. A third reported transmission fluid leaking from an unknown source confirmed by an independent mechanic. Owners who contacted GM about leaks found their VINs were not included in the recall list, raising questions about the adequacy of the recall's scope.
When: Varies; one incident occurred on a clear, sunny day without prior warning; another owner experienced fire shortly after starting the vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leaking (source undetermined in some cases); Smoke and odor from engine compartment; Engine shutdown with all dashboard lights illuminating; Flames from engine compartment; Fluid trail behind vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle required towing; one was a leased vehicle with no insurance recourse for owner. Repair costs not specified. Insurance companies (e.g., Allstate) may investigate but deny coverage to lessor or owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 20V668000 (Power Train) addresses missing bolts in the start-stop accumulator; however, affected owner VINs were not included on the recall list. GM declined to assist a lessee after the insurance company was contacted, stating 'there is nothing they can do.' No expanded recall has been issued despite incidents meeting the symptoms of Recall 20V668000.
Torque converter clutch failure and burning odor
The torque converter fails and exhibits signs of clutch burning, including a strong odor from the vehicle's vents. One owner reports smoke with a bad odor coming from the vents, which the dealership confirmed was caused by clutch burning in the torque converter. The vehicle was undrivable and required extended dealer repairs due to parts supply chain delays (parked at dealership for 3 months waiting for parts).
When: Failure diagnosis at dealership; owner did not specify exact mileage or driving conditions that triggered failure
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke or fumes with bad odor from vehicle vents; Clutch burning smell from torque converter
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership confirmed torque converter failure and that parts were on backorder, resulting in 3-month repair delay. Torque converter replacement needed. One owner quoted $3,400 for torque converter replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership diagnosed and confirmed the issue but did not offer warranty coverage or accelerated parts delivery.
Transmission shuddering and jerking at low speeds
Vehicle exhibits persistent shuddering and jerking during low-speed acceleration (around 15–20 mph) or while slowly accelerating through gears. Multiple owners report this as an early symptom of eventual full transmission failure. One owner describes repeated shuddering upon low-speed gear changes and notes that after full transmission replacement, the shuddering persisted until the transmission control module was reprogrammed. This suggests a possible control module programming issue in addition to mechanical wear.
When: Begins as early as 27,000 miles (low mileage); can occur as early as 56,000 miles; some owners report it present for years before full failure (e.g., shuddering at 70,000 miles, transmission failure at 105,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering at 20 mph or during slow acceleration; Jerking during gear changes and acceleration; Vehicle bucking during slow acceleration and automatic gear shifts; Vibration during transmission operation; Shuddering persisting even after full transmission replacement until transmission control module reprogrammed
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (code not captured in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers typically recommend transmission fluid flush and reprogram before torque converter or transmission replacement ($980 for flush and reprogram; $3,400+ for torque converter; full transmission $9,000–$15,000). Reprogramming transmission control module may alleviate some shuddering even after transmission replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge shuddering as a common issue but classify it as a maintenance or wear item not covered by powertrain warranty once vehicle exceeds 36,000 miles or 3 years, even with low mileage (e.g., 27,000 miles). Dealers recommend cost-prohibitive repairs (flush, reprogram, replacement) without acknowledging this as a design defect.
Accelerator pedal detachment from floorboard
The accelerator pedal became detached or loosened from the floorboard while the vehicle was driven, causing sudden loss of accelerator response at highway speeds. Owner became aware of the detachment when the accelerator pedal no longer responded normally while stopped at a traffic light.
When: Approximately 61,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal slow to respond or unresponsive; Accelerator pedal physically detached from floorboard; Loss of vehicle control and inability to accelerate in traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was towed to owner's residence; repair status unknown as no dealership work was scheduled and manufacturer was not notified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; owner called dealership but did not schedule repair.
Seat belt malfunction (passenger)
Passenger seat belt mechanism fails to click or engage, preventing secure seating position.
When: Timing not specified; reported alongside transmission failure
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger seat belt will not click or engage
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner did not pursue repair cost or methodology.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None reported; owner noted belt was out of warranty.
Exhaust system leak (hole in exhaust pipe)
A hole developed in the exhaust pipe, affecting vehicle performance and posing potential health and environmental concerns from carbon monoxide exposure.
When: Timing not specified; reported alongside transmission and emissions issues
Symptoms owners cite: Hole in exhaust pipe; Performance degradation
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in the complaint narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None reported.
Purge solenoid valve malfunction (emissions system)
Purge solenoid valve failed repeatedly (three times) within the vehicle's ownership period, triggering persistent check engine lights and causing fuel system and emissions control issues.
When: Three failures within vehicle ownership period; specific mileage not provided
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light intermittently illuminated; Fuel system issues; Emissions system malfunction
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Three replacements required; owner did not provide specific costs per replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None reported.
Transmission downshift grinding and loud noise on wet road
While driving through a puddle of water, the all-wheel drive feature engaged, the transmission vibrated and made a loud grinding noise. Additionally, a loud thud occurred when downshifting after releasing the accelerator at highway speeds and when shifting into reverse.
When: Approximately 78,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud thud during downshift at 65 mph; Loud thud when shifting into reverse; Transmission vibration and grinding noise when driving through water puddle while all-wheel drive engaged; Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Local dealer diagnosed but found no fault with transmission; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed of failure; no assistance provided.
Synthesized from 160 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to exceed 23 MPH. Additionally, the message “Shift to Park” was displayed upon parking the vehicle. The contact shifted out and in park (P) several times, and the vehicle responded as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse.…
faulty transmission shudder
Car won’t turn off. Frequent shift to park messages when already in park. This appears to be common known problem and should be recalled immediately.
The 2018- 2023(at least) Chevrolet Traverses have a recurring issue with the shift system: [XXX] The vehicle will operate as normal with this warning message leading to users ignoring the warning and potentially not actually shifting the vehicle to park before exiting the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road, and her husband picked her up from the scene. Neither the dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The contact stated that…
To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am submitting this letter as a **formal safety complaint** regarding repeated transmission failure in my **2019 Chevrolet Traverse**, which poses a potential risk to vehicle safety. In **December 2024**, while the vehicle was still covered under General Motors’ factory powertrain warranty, an authorized GM dealership diagnosed a serious…
When I put the stick shift in park, it signals the vehicle is not in park. The dealership said this is a common problem with the traverse. They put in a bra to help it stay in park, the bra failed and they adjusted it again. I can start and stop the car but can't turn the car off. This happens in any environment, on a hill, flat land in/out of garage. Is tis dangerous to drive
Once shifting the car in park the car won’t shut off. It keeps stating “Shift to Park” the car has already been shifted to park. I have to shift my car over and over again to get it to cut off. Also when driving it keeps stating something about the track system.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 160 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 42 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 25,000 and 86,000 miles, with the median around 57,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,000; a quarter make it past 86,000. 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 $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/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.