FaultScore

2020 Chevrolet Traverse transmission problems

39 of the 294 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse are about the transmission — 13% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 68,500 miles.

B

39

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Power Train 39 100.0%

Transmission & Drivetrain across every Chevrolet Traverse year

2009 59 6.6%
2010 68 7.6%
2011 79 8.8%
2012 46 5.1%
2013 28 3.1%
2014 36 4.0%
2015 23 2.6%
2016 36 4.0%
2017 18 2.0%
2018 191 21.3%
2019 164 18.3%
2020 39 4.3%
2021 14 1.6%
2022 41 4.6%
2023 27 3.0%
2024 17 1.9%
2025 12 1.3%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 150,970 miles Florence, SC

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping and there was a delay while the transmission was shifting gears. The vehicle was sputtering and jerking while driving. While turning out of a driveway and driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted and informed that there was no recall on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but referred the owner back to the local dealer for assistance. There was no additional assistance provided. The failure mileage was approximately 150,970.

NHTSA complaint #11753792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marysville, WA

POWER TRAIN

I own a 2020 Chevy Traverse with currently 16,000 miles. I am currently dealing with a know shudder issue that has returned. I have already taken the vehicle under warranty to the dealership where the transmission was replaced on 6/29/2022 at 4919 miles for “catastrophic failure” where the fluids were dark, burnt, and several burnt up clutches. Then the torque converter was replaced separately on 9/20/2022 at 8106 miles for engine shudder. Took the vehicle again in on 7/21/26 for shudder returning at 16,450k miles where diagnostic shows dark, burnt fluid, with metal debri. Repair recommendations are to flush again and if not fixed to again replace the torque converter. There are no open recalls on my vehicle when there should. There is the most recent bulletin, Bulletin No.: 23-NA-072 dated May 2023 that covers the 2020 Chevy Traverse for TCC Shudder: (Typically seen on 4th-5th Upshift as ISS Oscillation) which is referenced on my last car diagnostic report. This car is basically brand new and should never have needed a brand new transmission, torque converter replacement and still having shudder problems. These vehicles need to be recalled for their power train.

NHTSA complaint #11752600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 26,818 miles Union, NJ

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park(P); however, the “Shift to Park” message was displayed. The contact shifted the gear shifter back and forth and then shifted into park(P) before the proper gear was recognized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the gear shifter. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,818.

NHTSA complaint #11752199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marysville, WA

POWER TRAIN

I own a 2020 Chevy Traverse with currently 16,000 miles. I am currently dealing with a know shudder issue that has returned. I have already taken the vehicle under warranty to the dealership where the transmission was replaced on 6/29/2022 at 4919 miles then the torque converter was replaced separately on 9/20/2022 at 8106 miles for engine shudder. This vehicle is practically brand new. I reached out to GM with no help other than to pay to have it diagnosed again at the dealership. There are no open recalls on my vehicle when there should. There is the most recent bulletin, Bulletin No.: 23-NA-072 dated May 2023 that covers the 2020 Chevy Traverse for TCC Shudder: (Typically seen on 4th-5th Upshift as ISS Oscillation) This car is brand new and should never have needed a brand new transmission, torque converter replacement and still having the exact same problems as before.

NHTSA complaint #11748672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hanover Township, PA

POWER TRAIN

2020 Chevrolet Traverse started to shudder and hard shift between 25 to 30 miles per hour. Vehicle only has 64,925 miles on it (4,925 miles above warranty). Vehicle was taken to garage and told the torque converter along with valve body was needed to be replaced. The torque converter malfunctioned right after warranty expired due to mileage and could have left my family stranded on the side of the road. The components have been inspected by Chevrolet manufacturer and they deemed they needed to be replaced and replaced them. No lights or anything came on the only sign was the shudder and hard shift which if not taken in immediately could put the owner past the warranty mileage. Vehicle was purchased brand new and routine maintenance conducted.

NHTSA complaint #11737232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sussex, WI

POWER TRAIN

I have 37,000 miles and have taken it to a Chevrolet dealer for all suggested routine maintenance. It started shuddering so I took in to dealer. They said known issue and may need a new torque converter which would cost approximately $8500. They suggested I try changing the transmission fluid even though suggested at 45,000 miles. They said to drive 200 miles and see if it goes away. I haven't yet put 200 miles but am very concerned there is a bigger issue with the Traverses out there and afraid this is a band-aid and feel a recall may be inevitable. Just wanted to share with you.

NHTSA complaint #11737438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wellman, IA

POWER TRAIN

2020 Chevy Traverse High Country Exhaust bank 1 and bank 2. Transmission shudder.

NHTSA complaint #11727645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,000 miles Las Cruces, NM

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was shifted into the park(P), the message "Shift to Park" was display on the instrument panel. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was shifted out of park and back into park several times before being able to turn off the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA complaint #11713651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Melrose, MA

POWER TRAIN

Receiving a persistent “Shift to Park” message, after the car has been placed in Park. This causes an inability to turn off my engine completely and is draining my battery. As a temp fix, I've had to wiggle the shifter many times, turn the car on and off, place the car from park into drive many times to get the car to realize it's in Park. Scheduled with the dealership and referenced the TSB that was issued for this specific safety issue (in writing). Brought the car in for the repair and the technician and intake person were both aware of this major problem and have seen other Chevy's with the same issue. Repair is $809.00 for a shifter assembly. [XXX] - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11691599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hubert, NC

POWER TRAIN

Slipping in low gears of transmission. Shaking of vehicle. Potential to break down.

NHTSA complaint #11687213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hubert, NC

POWER TRAIN

Check engine light came on day after I purchased this vehicle. Cracks in both front exhaust pipes. Seem to be an issue with 2020 chevy traverse models.

NHTSA complaint #11684883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glennville, GA

POWER TRAIN

I recently had to replace my transmission (2020 Chevrolet Traverse) due to shuddering from manufacturer's fault in assembly process. Now I'm having to replace the transmission in my mother's 2018 Chevrolet Colorado that has less than 65k miles. These issues cause power loss while driving. I was in the middle of passing another vehicle when my vehicle experienced power loss. This is a HUGE safety issue, not only for my family but many others that I know that are experiencing or have experienced the same issues. I have 3 family members that have had to have the same repairs as well as over 40 acquaintances. I had assumed with the thousands others that I've chatted with on facebook and reddit that this would have been a recall, sadly, GM/Chevrolet doesn't seem to care that it is their fault that their consumers are having to spend THOUSANDS of dollars to correct an issue that leaves the manufacturer at fault. With the thounsands experiencing the same issue, i feel that those that have already had to spend money should be reimbursed.

NHTSA complaint #11684512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Redlands, CA

POWER TRAIN

Severe transmission shudder, issues accelerating. Torque converter failure is very common with this vehicle, even with following routine scheduled maintenance. There is no engine or MIL light on and symptoms appeared out of nowhere. Failing to be able to safely accelerate can cause accidents, putting lives and property at risk. Looking information up online will show that this is a very common issue with this model year and transmission.

NHTSA complaint #11683148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wyoming, MI

POWER TRAIN

Ive got this vehicle on 5/12/2025 and all of this need to be done CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT. DURING INSPECTION FOUND LOUD EXHAUST ON STARTUP. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND BANK 1 CATALYTIC CONVERTER CRACKED CAUSING EXHAUST LEAK. BOTH EXHAUST FRONT PIPES DAMAGED AS WELL(BROKEN MOUNTING BRACKETS BETWEEN BOTH PIPES) . RECOMMEND REPLACEMENT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND BOTH EXHAUST FRONT PIPESBRAKE SYSTEM FLUID EXCHANGE-PERFORMED PRESSURIZED FLUID EXCHANGE OF OLD BRAKE FLUID, REMOVED MOISTURE AND AIR CONTAMINATION FROM BRAKE SYSTEM. INSTALLED NEW DOT SPECIFIC FLUID TO MEET MANUFACTURE SPECIFICATIONSAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE FLUID EXCHANGECF - COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE 6830/5881-01 INCLUDES FLUSH COOLING SYSTEM, PRESSURE TEST, CHECK HOSES, CAP AND CHECK CONNECTION. INSTALL COOLING SYSTEM CORROSION CONTROL KIT Drain old Transfer case fluid and replace with new fluid REAR DIFFERENTIAL SERVICE This should have been done when the dealership got the vehicle, and it should be GM or BERGER responsibility. I am sure this was an issue to begin with.

NHTSA complaint #11683278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mobile, AL

POWER TRAIN

July 2025 the transmission started stuttering. Took to an outside transmission shop, report showed torch converter failure.

NHTSA complaint #11676046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 107,000 miles Alexandria, VA

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the message “Shift to Park” was displayed and the contact was unable to turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jolted abnormally while accelerating. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed since the VIN was not under an open recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

NHTSA complaint #11671624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Las Vegas, NV

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle started to show error for shift to park. Not able to shut vehicle off. Vehicle drives fine but when I go to park and vehicle is in park. I go to turn vehicle off and error appears. I called dealership according to them just to look at vehicle its going to cost me $275.. For everything else $1,100. After reading all the complaints on this issue why has manufacture done anything. Obviously this is a well known problem I've always loved my chevy

NHTSA complaint #11671075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

California City, CA

POWER TRAIN

Purchased the vehicle in 2024, the vehicle recently has been notifying “shift to park” when vehicle is on park and ignition is turned off, the notification stays on and alerting, so I am unable to leave the vehicle. I must turn the vehicle on and off again, while moving the shifting lever back and forth from drive to park, this must be done a minimum of four times before it reads the lever in park position. It’s a safety hazard because, the vehicle cannot be left on shift to park and possibly roll away or drive/excel on its own. Vehicle has not been inspected at this time, when purchasing the vehicle in 2024, car fax report did not indicate any issue with power train. Would also like vehicle to be inspected for missing airbags, when driving 65mph or more, you can hear and feel air coming in and out of side front left passenger side of the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11668677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

POWER TRAIN

[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 4/16/2025 General Motors Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 33170 Detroit, MI 48232-5170 Subject: Power Steering Issue – 2020 Chevy Traverse (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to express my concern and frustration regarding a serious issue with my 2020 Chevrolet Traverse, VIN [XXX] . On [XXX], while driving, the steering wheel suddenly became very stiff, making it extremely difficult to turn right or left. A warning message appeared on the dashboard that read: "Reduced Steering Assist." I immediately took the vehicle to a certified dealership, where it has now been sitting for over two months. Despite multiple follow-ups, I have not been provided with a clear repair date. When I contacted the manufacturer, I was informed that the required part is currently on backorder, but again, no estimated time of resolution has been given. During this extended wait, I have been forced to rent a car to manage my daily responsibilities, and so far I’ve accumulated close to $1,000 in rental expenses. My case number is: [XXX]. I am requesting the following: 1. A clear update regarding the repair status of my vehicle. 2. Urgent assistance in obtaining the necessary replacement part. 3. Reimbursement or compensation for the rental car expenses caused by the extended delay, which has not been my fault. I trust that General Motors values its customers and the reliability of its vehicles, and I hope for a prompt and fair resolution to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11654905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Covina, CA

POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION CHATTER AND SLIPPING. I WAS NOT ABLE TO SECURE AN APPOINTMENT BEFORE MY WARRANTY EXPIRED. ATTEMPTED TO CALL GM FOR ASSISTANCE AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME FOR DIAGNOSIS AND COULD NOT ASURE ME OF ANY ASSISTANCE AND SINCE I HAD A DIFFERENT ISSUE WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DUE TO FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER THAT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND I WAS CHARGED AND DID NOT GET MY MONEY BACK, I WENT A DIFFERENT ROUTE. THE DEALER ACTUALLY WANTED TO CHARGE ME TO REPLACE THE CONVERTER. i HAD MY TRANSMISSION REPAIRED AT AAMCO $6000.00. KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE TRANSMISSIONS BY MANUFACTURER.

NHTSA complaint #11653680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Forest, VA

POWER TRAIN

The Transmission went out at 128k miles, a BRAND NEW GM transmission was replaced at a cost of $6,800 to me as it was not under warranty. Less than 2 months and 2k miles later, the new transmission went out. I just got my car back yesterday with yet another GM transmission and once again it is jerking, so I’m sure another faulty transmission from General Motors

NHTSA complaint #11650864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cape Coral, FL

POWER TRAIN

The car displayed a message on the board advising the following: "Steering assist is reduced, drive with care" right after the message popped out my steering wheel locked and I couldn't turn, and move the car to a safe place was very hard, almost had a crash. I was able to park, and turned the engine off. When turned back on the message disappeared and turned on again. Next day, no message, the car was running fine and after 8 miles of drive did the same and it required towing.

NHTSA complaint #11642838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roebuck, SC

POWER TRAIN

See GMBulletin #19-NA-206 I am getting the "shift to park" warning which makes it difficult to turn off/safely park my vehicle. I know the NHTSA is aware of this as well as numerous lawsuits in progress against GM for significant safety issues. Will this go to recall status soon?

NHTSA complaint #11640822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Phoenix, AZ

POWER TRAIN

1 year after buying my car two of my seat belts stop working one was the back driver side the clip doesn't stay in sometimes and then the middle seat and middle belt got stick in the seat and I wasn't able to pull it out to use it. I bought my car in Dec of 2020 and in October of 2024 my whole transmission went out which I never had any problems before not even a warning sign, I took it to a mechanic since it was only driving in first gear and they said it might be from the inside of the transmission when it was made they solenoids are bad.

NHTSA complaint #11636706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Enumclaw, WA

POWER TRAIN

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 to the car stayed on but the engine completely died. Given we don’t know what happened with I’m terrified the starter may have tried to engage while driving which would have broken the teeth off. The problem was confirmed by the dealer only in the sense that the parts were broken, but they don’t have root cause. The vehicle was never inspected by insurance as it still fell under the 100k mile certified pre owned warranty. No warning prior to the incident but after there was one brief message that came up saying we needed to check engine system.

NHTSA complaint #11633283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Maple Grove, MN

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11627782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washingtonville, NY

POWER TRAIN

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 vehicles and not force the consumer to pay out of pocket for the repairs.

NHTSA complaint #11627084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Elizabeth, NJ

POWER TRAIN

While taking off after being stop the alclenton the tramssmion slip into gear late and you can notice it while foot on pedel after u take off oil was.change but still the same delership says it comon with this suv

NHTSA complaint #11622206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Quakertown, PA

POWER TRAIN

2020 traverse was at Chevy dealership for state inspection & emissions test, maintenance service- oil & filter change, rotate tires, check all systems, update system & computer, flush & fill all fluids in car. Chevy certified technician preformed vehicle health inspection, multi point inspection . Car was not picking up acceleration will on a 351 mile trip alone, after stopping I notice the car hood was not on correctly when opened the oil cap was not in place but was on molding, oil had been pouring out leaving engine with no oil, the technician had not replaced cap during service and had no replaced brake fluid, antifreeze coolant, washer fluid and transmission fluid. He had force closed the hood, which could have opened at any time while driving, there was oil pouring from vehicle causes hazardous driving for myself and everyone else on highway. Car has OnStar coverage as well as Chevy safe driver function’s, and alerts on all systems all fluid levels, tire pressure, temperature ext. non of these alerts showed or alerted me putting my safety and the safety of others on the roads in danger. The technician in fact disarmed these systems and alerts when servicing my vehicle. Ciocca Chevrolet dealership in Quakertown pa, caused permanent damage to the engine and power train system, as well as putting myself and others in serious danger. The car was towed by OnStar roadside assist back to dealership where they tried to down play the severity of the damage . I refused to take back the car due to it not being drivable or safe. The service manager agreed to buy out my loan and the car is on lot for sale with tag stating ‘sold as is , no warranty” . Due to the computer system being compromised there is no data showing the service or showing the car being in distress , this issue needs to be know as driving this vehicle with out knowledge of engine damage caused from dealership failure to add all fluids during service puts driver, passenger’s and all others in danger.

NHTSA complaint #11616305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Edgewater, MD

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered. In addition, the contact stated that the gear shifter sometimes failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11611356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2020 Chevrolet Traverse problems

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