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 suspension problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the suspension at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Traverse | 3 |
| 2018 Traverse | 8 |
| 2019 Traverse (this page) | 11 |
| 2020 Traverse | 5 |
What stands out
Of the 8 model years of Chevrolet Traverse we track for suspension problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 11.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension 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 service bulletin provides information on Wheel Alignment Specifications, Requirements and Recommendations for GM Vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Ten owners of 2019 Chevrolet Traverses reported suspension failures, predominantly in the rear toe links (also called toe adjustment links or trailing arm links). Most failures occurred between 12,000 and 61,000 miles, with several under 40,000. Owners consistently describe a soft clicking or clinking sound from the rear, particularly during acceleration, deceleration, or highway driving. Several report excessive rear sway or a sensation of the suspension working harder at speed.
Dealers confirmed the toe links as defective and replaced them, costing around $400 per repair. Multiple owners report the same links failed again within 6 months to a year, forcing a second repair. Owners cite disputes with dealers and warranty companies over alignment costs; while alignment is allegedly required after toe-link replacement per labor guides, dealers insist it is not covered. One owner documented this dispute occurring twice in 12 months.
Service technicians stated this is a "known issue" and "normal" for the 2019 Traverse. One technician reported seeing the same corrosion issue in the Equinox. Owners note that Chevrolet has issued toe-link recalls for other GM models (Malibu, Regal, LaCrosse, Acadia, XT5, XT6) but not the Traverse, despite identical failures. No NHTSA recall covers the 2019 Traverse suspension issue as of these complaint dates. One owner also reported a front lower control arm failure at 58,000 miles with clunking from the front suspension.
Failure modes owners describe
Rear toe link corrosion and premature failure
Both rear toe links fail early, often within 1–4 years and under 60,000 miles, due to corrosion or manufacturing defect. Owners report the same links fail repeatedly within months of repair. Dealers acknowledge this is a known, common issue in the 2019 Traverse and related GM models (Equinox, Malibu, Acadia, XT5, XT6, LaCrosse, Regal). Service technicians have stated the issue is common and a manufacturing defect; some cite existing recalls for toe links on other GM vehicles that should extend to the Traverse.
When: 12,000–61,000 miles; typically 1–4 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Soft or quiet clicking/clinking sound from rear, especially during acceleration/deceleration or highway speeds; Vehicle sways excessively at highway speeds; Vehicle feels like it's 'rough running' or suspension is working harder at higher speed; Rear suspension appears misaligned; Loose or failed rear toe links detected during state inspection; Vehicle may veer uncontrollably if failure is severe
Repairs/costs cited: Rear toe link replacement costs approximately $400. Dealers often charge separately for the required 4-wheel alignment (several hundred dollars total); owners report disputes over warranty coverage of alignment work. In at least one case, a control arm was also replaced at low mileage (~12,000 miles). One owner reported replacement cost of $178 for diagnostic and wiring harness evaluation for a separate 'Shift to Park' issue (not suspension).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall on the 2019 Traverse as of complaint dates. Chevrolet/GM has recalls on toe links for Malibu, Regal, LaCrosse, Acadia, XT5, and XT6 (per NHTSA RCSB-21V633-9123 cited by owners). Dealers have informed complainants the VIN is not under recall and have referred owners to NHTSA. Dealers acknowledge this is a 'known issue' and 'normal' for the model but offer no manufacturer assistance.
Front lower control arm failure
Front lower control arms failed and required replacement, accompanied by abnormal clunking over bumpy roads. Occurred once in the complaint set at 58,000 miles. Likely related to the broader suspension component durability issue.
When: 58,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal clunking sound from front suspension, louder over time; Sound occurs while driving at various speeds over bumpy roads
Repairs/costs cited: Front lower control arms and front sway bar links were diagnosed as needing replacement; repair was not yet completed at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; VIN not under recall.
Front sway bar link failure
Front suspension sway bar links failed and were recommended for replacement along with front lower control arms at 58,000 miles.
When: 58,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal clunking sound from front suspension
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed as requiring replacement along with front lower control arms; repair status unknown.
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had suspension 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 suspension problem on the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, suspension issues most often appear around 63,333 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.