This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse have filed 66 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 83,000 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
66
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Traverse | 3 |
| 2017 Traverse | 8 |
| 2018 Traverse | 39 |
| 2019 Traverse | 31 |
| 2020 Traverse (this page) | 66 |
| 2021 Traverse | 13 |
| 2022 Traverse | 12 |
| 2023 Traverse | 13 |
| 2024 Traverse | 15 |
When does it fail?
Of the 66 engine complaints filed for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
Engine accounts for 31% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 66 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
The most common complaint is a cracked or separated front exhaust pipe mounting bracket, occurring between 32,000 and 110,000 miles. Owners describe severe weld defects—poor penetration and workmanship visible upon inspection—that eventually create holes in the piping. Early signs are rattling or loud clanging from underneath, especially on startup; exhaust odor inside the cabin; and a check engine light (most often P0420 for catalyst system efficiency or P0171 for lean mixture).
The bracket failure cascades into catalytic converter issues: some converters crack, others become detached. One owner replaced the converter twice within three years. Engine power drops; some vehicles stall under load. Emission-test failures are common.
Dealers and independent shops quote $400 to over $1,600 to replace the front pipe assembly, muffler, gaskets, and brackets. GM issued Technical Service Bulletins (PIP5681A, PIP5681C) acknowledging the problem and extended coverage for 2019 models (15 years/150,000 miles) and 2021 models—but excludes 2020 Traverses despite identical construction. Some owners' VINs aren't even listed in the programs that do apply to their year. One owner with preventive-maintenance expertise reports timing-chain tensioner failure without warning lights at low mileage. Another experience sudden stalling during low-speed merging in a modified vehicle with hand controls.
Same Chevrolet Traverse engine reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Front exhaust pipe bracket cracking and weld failure
The mounting bracket welded to the front exhaust pipe cracks or separates from the pipe, creating holes in the exhaust piping. Owners and independent inspectors report severe lack of weld penetration and poor workmanship. The defect is attributed to manufacturing defects in the bracket and weld integrity.
When: Typically 50,000–110,000 miles; some reported as early as 32,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling or loud clanging noise from underneath the vehicle, especially on startup; Abnormal exhaust odor entering the cabin; Check engine light (P0171, P0420 codes most common); Hole or holes visible in exhaust pipe at bracket location; Vibration or rough running; Loss of engine power during acceleration in some cases
Codes mentioned: P0420, P0171, P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealer estimates ranging from $400 to over $1,600 for replacement of front exhaust pipe, muffler, gaskets, and brackets. Some dealerships refused to cover repair; others charged owners despite known defect. One owner welded the pipe himself due to cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Technical Service Bulletin PIP5681A and PIP5681C describing the issue. GM Special Coverage Adjustment N212356540 covers 2019 models (15 years/150,000 miles). Special Coverage N222385510 covers 2021 models. 2020 Traverse excluded from both programs. Some owners' VINs not listed in programs despite model year inclusion. Dealerships report manufacturer will not authorize repair under same recall numbers for 2020 model year.
Hydraulic timing chain tensioner failure
Hydraulic timing chain tensioners fail, causing potential sudden engine stall without warning light. Reported as a common issue caused by poor engine oiling. One preventative-maintenance-trained owner experienced failure despite proper synthetic oil service.
When: One report at 2026 miles (unclear if valid); likely variable
Symptoms owners cite: No warning or check engine light illuminated; Vehicle may stall suddenly without warning; Potential sudden loss of engine operation mid-drive
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports significant repair cost to replace tensioners; did not specify exact amount.
Catalytic converter cracking and failure
Catalytic converter fails due to cracks, blockages, or separation from mounting bracket. Often related to stress from the front exhaust pipe bracket failure. Multiple reports of converters requiring replacement, some repeatedly within short timeframes.
When: 58,000–110,000 miles; one owner replaced converter twice in 3 years
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (P0420 code); Loud rumbling or abnormal engine noise; Reduced engine power; Blocked or restricted exhaust flow; Coolant leaking into engine (one report)
Codes mentioned: P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement costs not specified in detail; one owner reported multiple replacements within 3 years requiring repeated dealership visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to TSB PIP5681C. One owner informed that VIN did not qualify for TSB due to mileage (90,100 miles).
Start/stop feature stalling during low-speed merging
Vehicle with hand controls installed stalls without warning during low-speed merging (6–7 MPH) with accelerator depressed. Feature cannot be disabled in this model.
When: 6,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected stalling during low-speed traffic merging; No option to disengage start/stop feature
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed no option to disengage start/stop feature. Manufacturer provided no further assistance.
Synthesized from 66 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made a loud abnormal sound. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the mounting bracket for the front driver’s side exhaust pipe had fractured, causing a hole in the…
The exhaust bracket on the front broke, and caused my catalytic converter to crack and have an exhaust leak. I’ve talked to different exhaust places and said it is common in the 2020 traverses. The car is running rough.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the exhaust pipe had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed that the exhaust…
Muffler pipes are rubbing on the metal that was used to hold the muffler pipes from dragging. There is nothing to stop this from happening. If it’s Rubbing holes in the muffler then it’s allowing the fumes into the ozone layer and also wasting gas and messing the engine up m, causing the engine to read wrong. This is not Normal wear and tear this is a manufactured default that should not be my…
We brought our Traverse into the dealership for a check engine light. The resulting inspection revealed as follows. The bracket welded from the f-pipe to the muffler at bank 2 was found to be cracked by the DeMontrond Chevrolet Dealership in Texas City, Texas where the vehicle was purchased in March of 2020. I am a non-destructive testing inspector; so, once the vehicle got home, I inspected it…
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was a loud vibration coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Special Coverage Adjustment: N212356540 (Front Exhaust Pipe). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the failure as a fractured bracket on…
Had engine trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 66 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 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 58,000 and 102,000 miles, with the median around 83,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 58,000; a quarter make it past 102,000. 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/2020/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.