Chevrolet Traverse 2009–2017
1st generation · GM Lambda (GMT966/GMT968)
NHTSA data through 12 August 20265,450 complaints, 3,714 with mileageMethod
On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 46,000 and 100,000 miles.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 12 complaints (0.3%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 15,000
- 25%
- 46,000
- Median
- 72,000
- 75%
- 100,000
- 90%
- 129,765
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 208 | 5.6% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 81 | 2.2% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 77 | 2.1% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 46 | 1.2% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 65 | 1.8% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 73 | 2.0% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 87 | 2.3% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 111 | 3.0% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 134 | 3.6% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 139 | 3.7% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 147 | 4.0% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 151 | 4.1% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 203 | 5.5% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 209 | 5.6% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 208 | 5.6% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 176 | 4.7% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 170 | 4.6% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 168 | 4.5% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 174 | 4.7% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 128 | 3.4% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 149 | 4.0% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 108 | 2.9% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 113 | 3.0% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 76 | 2.0% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 89 | 2.4% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 54 | 1.5% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 69 | 1.9% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 44 | 1.2% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 59 | 1.6% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 25 | 0.7% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 22 | 0.6% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 21 | 0.6% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 31 | 0.8% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 15 | 0.4% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 20 | 0.5% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 23 | 0.6% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 12 | 0.3% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 8 | 0.2% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 4 | 0.1% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 5 | 0.1% |
| 200,000+ | 12 | 0.3% |
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Owners filed 5,450 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009–2017 Chevrolet Traverse, and 3,714 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 46,000 and 100,000 miles. The median is 72,000 miles.
The most-reported areas are the airbag system (18.7% of complaints, typically around 65,000 miles), the steering (16.5% of complaints, typically around 70,000 miles), the engine (14.7% of complaints, typically around 85,000 miles).
16 recall campaigns cover this generation.
What fails, and when
- Airbag system65,000median 65,000 miles, middle half 39,000 to 102,000
- Steering70,000median 70,000 miles, middle half 51,000 to 90,000
- Engine85,000median 84,600 miles, middle half 57,000 to 110,000
- Electronic stability control (esc)76,000median 76,491 miles, middle half 56,000 to 106,000
- Electrical system75,000median 75,000 miles, middle half 42,000 to 106,000
- Transmission and driveline75,000median 75,250 miles, middle half 45,000 to 105,000
- Throttle and speed control68,000median 68,000 miles, middle half 47,000 to 94,000
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 1,021 | 18.7% | 65,000 | 39,000–102,000 |
| Steering | 900 | 16.5% | 70,000 | 51,000–90,000 |
| Engine | 802 | 14.7% | 85,000 | 57,000–110,000 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 466 | 8.6% | 76,000 | 56,000–106,000 |
| Electrical system | 465 | 8.5% | 75,000 | 42,000–106,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 393 | 7.2% | 75,000 | 45,000–105,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 272 | 5.0% | 68,000 | 47,000–94,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 255 | 4.7% | 76,000 | 47,000–106,000 |
| Seat belts | 125 | 2.3% | 68,000 | 36,000–110,000 |
| Brakes | 123 | 2.3% | 68,000 | 28,000–93,000 |
Which systems, and when
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 72,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The airbag system accounts for 18.7% of complaints (1,021 reports, 249 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 65,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 39,000 and 102,000 miles.
The steering accounts for 16.5% of complaints (900 reports, 788 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 70,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 51,000 and 90,000 miles.
The engine accounts for 14.7% of complaints (802 reports, 640 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 84,600 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 57,159 and 110,000 miles.
Electronic stability control (esc) accounts for 8.6% of complaints (466 reports, 431 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 76,491 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 56,000 and 106,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 8.5% of complaints (465 reports, 324 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 75,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 42,000 and 106,000 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 7.2% of complaints (393 reports, 296 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 75,250 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 45,265 and 104,939 miles.
Differences between model years
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2011 model year drew the most — 945 complaints — while 2013 drew the fewest at 295. The median year sits at 584.
Recalls and what they cover
NHTSA records 16 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (5), the electrical system (3), visibility equipment (2). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Reported severity
Of the 5,450 complaints filed against this generation, 174 reported a crash; 44 reported a fire; 183 reported an injury; 3 reported a fatality. Crash-involved reports represent 3.2% of the total.
These are owner-reported outcomes, not verified investigations, and they are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. They are included because the distinction between a fault that strands a car and a fault that causes a collision is the one that matters most, and it is not visible in a complaint count alone.
What this means if you are buying one
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 46,000 and 100,000 miles, with a median of 72,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the airbag system and the steering are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The airbag system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 65,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
Documented problems
Engine 2009–2013 (LLT worst; LFX improved from 2013)
3.6L direct-injection V6 timing chain stretch, setting P0008/P0016/P0017/P0018 cam-crank correlation codes and eventually causing rattle and running problems. Strongly correlated with the long oil-change intervals GM's oil life monitor originally permitted. GM Special Coverage Adjustment #11340C extended coverage for premature timing chain wear on MY2009 vehicles to 10 years / 120,000 miles; later years were not covered.
Engine 2009–2012
High-pressure fuel pump and PCV-related oil consumption on the LLT.
Seat Belts 2009–2014
Front seat belt tensioner cable can separate from its anchor, leaving the belt unable to restrain an occupant; NHTSA recall covering Lambda-platform crossovers.
Steering 2009–2013
Power steering pump and pressure hose leaks causing loss of assist.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 584 | 496 |
| 2010 | 922 | 778 |
| 2011 | 945 | 768 |
| 2012 | 587 | 467 |
| 2013 | 295 | 234 |
| 2014 | 881 | 509 |
| 2015 | 422 | 218 |
| 2016 | 382 | 144 |
| 2017 | 432 | 100 |
Recalls (16)
| Campaign | Date | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 23V334000 | 2024-02-23 | Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module |
| 22V246000 | 2023-02-23 | Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module |
| 21V782000 | 2022-01-10 | Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module |
| 21V246000 | 2021-05-24 | Air Bags:critical Fasteners |
| 15V415000 | 2016-11-15 | Structure:body:hatchback/Liftgate |
| 15V833000 | 2016-01-28 | Seats |
| 15V609000 | 2015-09-30 | Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer:motor |
| 15V044000 | 2015-03-09 | Tires |
| 14V614000 | 2014-12-26 | Electrical System |
| 14V266000 | 2014-07-11 | Seat Belts |
| 14V223000 | 2014-06-27 | Electrical System:software |
| 14V118000 | 2014-06-16 | Air Bags:side/Window |
| 14V092000 | 2014-04-10 | Power Train:automatic Transmission |
| 12V151000 | 2012-04-27 | Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer:linkages |
| 10V375000 | 2010-08-18 | Seat Belts |
| 10V240000 | 2010-06-11 | Electrical System |
What owners reported
Couple months ago i was out with my family and noticed that the car was almost stuttering when i placed it in reverse. A little like when you drive a car with a manual transmission and you depress the clutch but don't give the car enough gas and is starts to jerk backwards instead of roll smoothly. Then as i traveled…
2009 · 10 miles · Problems owners could not categorise
On more then 5 occasions during normal driving with my new car on a slight (10 degree) incline at a stop sign or light will roll backwards intermittently as if the shifter was in neutral. From the time it take for me to move my right foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal the car will roll back at least…
2009 · 1,500 miles · Transmission and driveline
On about 4 occasions in the 5 weeks i have had my car, the gears have been appearing to skip. I have been stopped at lights and when i go again and press the gas it jumps a gear and lunges the car forward. This week it happened for the 4th or 5th time and this time i hit someone because they ended up stopping in…
2009 · 2,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
Since i bought my car, i've had problems with acceleration and deceleration be very erratic. It seems to shift down and up at the wrong times. It's very inconsistent as i travel the same route each day to work, i never know what it's going to do. Sometimes it lurches ahead and the RPM's are all over the place, and…
2009 · 4,000 miles · Throttle and speed control
Built from 3,714 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-12 · open data · reproduce this page