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 ↗2020 Chevrolet Traverse powertrain problems
moderate 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 33 powertrain complaints filed for the 2020 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 33 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
Owners report a cluster of transmission failures across 2020 Traverse models. The most common complaint is transmission shuddering during acceleration, particularly after the engine warms up and during hill climbing. Shuddering worsens in hot weather and after extended highway driving, sometimes leaving owners stranded at intersections. Multiple owners describe severe jerking, slipping in low gears, delayed engagement when shifting from Drive to Reverse, and complete transmission failure requiring replacement at costs between $6,000–$8,800. Several owners cite torque converter failure as the diagnosed root cause.
A second major issue is the "Shift to Park" warning message appearing when the vehicle is already in Park, preventing engine shutdown and draining the battery. Owners report needing to repeatedly shift between gears and cycle ignition on/off to resolve it. A TSB is referenced for this specific problem, with dealer repairs quoted at $809–$1,100.
Electrical and drivetrain failures include blown fuses tied to starter issues, broken flex-plate teeth jamming in the starter, and flywheel tooth damage causing electrical shorts. One owner reported a dealership service failure that left the engine oil cap off after service, causing catastrophic oil loss and engine damage.
Exhaust system issues include cracked catalytic converters causing P0420 codes, cracked front exhaust pipes, and broken mounting brackets. One owner received a catalytic converter replacement, only to need another within 18 months due to manufacturer defect. Additional powertrain concerns include alternator failure at 33,000 miles and issues with the shift selector assembly.
Same Chevrolet Traverse powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Shuddering and Slipping
Transmission shudders during acceleration, gear shifts, and hill climbing. Shuddering worsens in hot weather and after extended driving. Owners also report transmission slipping in low gears and delayed engagement when shifting.
When: After engine warms up, during highway driving, in hot conditions, starting around 30,000–128,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: transmission shudders when accelerating; jerking during gear shifts; slipping in low gears; inability to accelerate smoothly; delayed shift engagement
Codes mentioned: P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership initially quoted torque converter replacement; TSB (January 2022) recommends transmission fluid change instead. Some owners paid $6,000–$8,800 for transmission replacement or rebuild.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB located advising transmission fluid change instead of torque converter replacement. Multiple owners report known issue discussed online with no recall issued.
Transmission Failure
Transmission fails completely, rendering vehicle unable to move properly. Check engine light illuminates; vehicle jerks, accelerates uncontrollably, slows unexpectedly, or stops in highest gear while driving at highway speeds.
When: 128,000 miles and beyond; some failures reported out of warranty; also reported as early as 65,000 miles on related models
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light; jerking while accelerating; uncontrolled acceleration and deceleration; vehicle stops in highest gear; transmission locks up
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement costs $6,000–$8,800 at dealership. One owner reports second transmission replacement needed within 2 months of first replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall noted. Owner reports thousands of people on Facebook and Reddit with same issue but no manufacturer reimbursement offered.
Shift to Park Warning Message
Vehicle displays 'Shift to Park' warning message when vehicle is already in Park position, preventing driver from turning off the engine. Message persists even after shifting into Park; no warning lights illuminate.
When: Starting at 30,000 miles; continues at 107,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: persistent Shift to Park message on dashboard; inability to turn off engine; battery draining; must repeatedly shift lever back and forth to reset
Repairs/costs cited: Repair requires shifter assembly replacement; quoted costs $809–$1,100.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued for this specific safety issue (GM Bulletin #19-NA-206). Multiple owners reference TSB and lawsuits in progress against GM.
Starter and Electrical Fuse Failure
Starter draws excessive current, blowing fuse block and disabling vehicle. Broken transmission flex-plate teeth jam into starter, causing electrical shorts. Flywheel teeth break off and jam in starter.
When: Varies; one instance during highway driving with family; another at approximately 100,000 miles (CPO warranty limit)
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle loses all power and stalls; vehicle will not restart; check engine message after failure; no warning lights before failure
Repairs/costs cited: First repair approximately $1,000 for starter and fuse block replacement. Owners note lack of root cause investigation by dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: First repair covered under 2-year unlimited mileage warranty; no investigation into root cause provided.
Catalytic Converter Failure
Catalytic converter cracks or fails prematurely, causing P0420 code (catalyst system efficiency below threshold). Cracked converter allows exhaust leak and loud exhaust noise on startup.
When: April 2022 first replacement; second failure approximately 18 months later (within 3-year ownership period)
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light with P0420 code; loud exhaust noise on startup; exhaust leak
Codes mentioned: P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement performed April 2022; second converter replacement needed 18 months later at owner cost. Owner notes diagnostic fees charged each visit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: First replacement covered by dealership; second replacement determined to be manufacturer defect but no reimbursement offered.
Exhaust System Damage
Front exhaust pipes crack and mounting brackets between pipes break, causing loud exhaust and system failure.
When: Early in ownership; one owner received vehicle on 5/12/2025 with pre-existing damage
Symptoms owners cite: loud exhaust on startup; exhaust leak
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of catalytic converter and both front exhaust pipes recommended.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes responsibility should fall on GM or dealer for pre-existing damage at time of sale.
Alternator Failure
Alternator fails prematurely at low mileage.
When: 33,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: alternator failure
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement required; described as costly repair beyond warranty coverage.
Shift Selector/Shifter Assembly Issues
Shift selector fails to consistently register Park position, or shifter becomes stuck. Shifter sometimes fails to shift into intended gear.
When: Various mileages including 30,000 miles and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: shift selector does not register Park; unable to turn off vehicle; shifter fails to shift into intended gear; jerking when accelerating
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter assembly replacement quoted at $809–$1,100.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued; multiple owners reference known issue but no recall.
Engine Damage from Service Negligence
Dealership service technician failed to replace oil cap during fluid service, leaving engine cap off. Oil poured from engine during 351-mile highway trip, causing severe engine and powertrain damage.
When: Immediately after service; damage discovered on highway
Symptoms owners cite: poor acceleration; engine oil loss; oil pouring from vehicle on highway
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership buy-out of loan agreed to; vehicle totaled and sold as-is with no warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership attempted to downplay severity; OnStar system alerts were reportedly disarmed during service, preventing owner notification of fluid loss.
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The flywheel teeth broke off and became jammed in the starter, which apparently caused a short to the fuse block. The dealership hasn’t commented on exactly what the root cause was though for why that may have happened. I don’t have the original part(s) but the dealer might. I was in the car at the time with my entire family. We were in the middle of driving everyone home from school. The power…
When shifting from drive to reverse, or park to reverse, the transmission will not engage right away. The vehicle will roll forward or backwards until the transmission engages into reverse. This will happen when the vehicle is in motion at very low speeds (1-2 MPH) and also while stationary.
My vehicle along with many other make a stuttering feeling when accelerating at low rate of speed. This can lead to a bad transmission and causing the vehicle to cut off making a hazard.
Vehicle would not start. Towed to repair shop. 350A fuse blown that controls ignition system. Pulled starter to inspect for damage. Transmission Flex Plate had 7 broken teeth with a tooth being lodged in the starter housing.
The transmission on my 2020 Chevrolet Traverse has experienced severe shuddering problems when shifting gears. The vehicle is not old and the integrity of the safety of the vehicle puts myself and my family at risk whenever driving it now. The dealer quotes approximately $8,000 for a fix and a similar search online sees other customers with the same issues. Chevrolet should recall the affected…
This vehicle has completely lost power and stalled on the freeway twice. The first time, I was with my wife and children when it happened on the highway. The vehicle stalled in the far right lane of traffic and it wouldn't restart. We had to risk our lives and push the vehicle off the freeway and onto the shoulder while other vehicles raced by. We are fortunate that we did not die or become…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 33 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?
Based on the 33 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 65,075 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 $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/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.