2025 Chevrolet Traverse transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

NHTSA Defect Report (Initial Portal Filing) Manufacturer Target: General Motors (GM) Filer: [XXX] Classification: Mechanical Defect & Administrative Evasion Narrative for Submission I am filing this formal defect report regarding a catastrophic, systemic safety failure present in the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse architecture (VIN: [XXX]), manufactured by General Motors. The vehicle was originally purchased at AutoNation Timonium. THE SAFETY DEFECT AND TELEMETRY PROOF On March 18, 2026, the vehicle suffered a total failure of the transmission and drivetrain systems. It was immediately surrendered to Preston Chevrolet, where it remained completely out of service for 34 consecutive days. GM's own OnStar Diagnostic Telemetry automatically dispatched critical fault alerts while the vehicle was stranded, explicitly logging the following irrefutable failure codes: DTC U1962 (PCM - Engine and Transmission System): Warning stated: "System transferring power to the drive wheels not performing as expected." This indicates a catastrophic decoupling or failure to transfer motive power. If this failure occurs at highway speeds, it results in a total loss of propulsion, creating an extreme rear-end collision hazard. DTC U0452 (VIU - OnStar System): A simultaneous failure in the Wireless Communication and Safety system, meaning that when the drivetrain catastrophically fails, the vehicle's automated emergency SOS and crash-reporting telemetry is actively blocked or compromised. ELEVATION TO ADMINISTRATIVE EVASION General Motors and its authorized dealer network were provided with formal written notice of this defect. The 30-day statutory right to cure window fully expired without any mechanical resolution. Rather than deploying engineering solutions to rectify the severe safety defects they released into the public domain, GM has instead deployed aggressive legal maneuvers designed to evade accountability. Continued text in OFFICIAL_NHTSA_DEFECT_REPORT PDF INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

NHTSA complaint #11742597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Check engine light came on with limited acceleration vehicle, then proceeded to overheat several times having to pull over to the side of the road in very dangerous locations vehicle was brought to dealership and it was determined it was a coolant pump. It was replaced under warranty. I want it to be known that there was an issue as others I have heard our ex experiencing the same.

NHTSA complaint #11724286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Since new vehicle vibrates when first started and placed in reverse

NHTSA complaint #11710635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

This vehicle had 19500miles on it when we picked it up at the airport rental agency. It was 2WD model. We used it for 2200 miles on a family vacation and 95% of this was interstate highways. Smooth road surfaces. The travel conditions were sunny hot, dry. There were 6 passengers and a decent amount of luggage. Rear cargo area still had foot or more of space though so it was not stuffed like for a beach trip. At one point after getting on the highway from on ramp, there was a horrible sound. It got louder and louder quickly and caused us to panic. My husband looked in all the mirrors. He said it sounded like a Peterbilt semi was barreling down on our ass. But there was none in the mirrors. He quickly let off the gas pedal during this and the sound went away. As we sped up again though, it did the same thing and this time even louder. Starting around 72mph. Something was resonating in the body or powertrain of the car and it seemed like it was about to come apart! We did a check quickly, all of the windows were completely up, the AC was on. The radio was off. He slowed back down, the sound went away. But for 3rd time of trying to reach 75mph, the whomping sound came back and was so intense, it was debilitating and he almost could not hear me talking. We didn't know what to do. He braked immediately to pull off to the side. On a busy highway. After we stopped he got out to look at the tires but we did not a have tire pressure gage. They seemed perfectly normal. He looked under car, in wheel wells, opened the hood with the engine running, shook the car from side to side. Nothing was found loose or hanging down. After this, we could hear the same type of sound at 54mph, 60mph, and between 72-77mph , it all came down to what RPM and gear the transmission was in. This seems like a total design flaw in the chassis or power train. We told the rental agency that no one should be using or buying this car until the issue was fixed.

NHTSA complaint #11681821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

After owning the vehicle for 13 short days, the check engine light came on and a message appeared indicating the vehicle could not be put in reverse due to unsafe vehicle condition. The vehicle just hit 500 miles at this time. Brought vehicle to the dealership 7/14 and it is still there diagnosed with needing a valve body for the transmission which is on back order and no estimate on when it will be available.

NHTSA complaint #11676112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The transmission system on my 2025 Chevrolet Traverse began showing signs of failure approximately 2–3 months after purchase. Symptoms include erratic shifting, gear hesitation, and sporadic power loss while driving. Although the issue was promptly reported to Chevrolet headquarters, I was unable to bring the vehicle to the dealer earlier due to the lack of available loaner vehicles. The car is now at the dealership and has been there for nearly three weeks without any updates or contact from the service team. The transmission is available for inspection, and documentation of the issue exists. The malfunction has created safety risks during normal driving, including delayed acceleration when merging into traffic and unexpected gear disengagement at speed. These conditions compromise vehicle control and increase the likelihood of a collision. Additionally, the vehicle produces a persistent squeaky noise from the accelerator pedal during operation, which could indicate underlying mechanical stress or a deeper linkage issue. The sound is both distracting and concerning, especially during highway driving or sudden acceleration attempts.

NHTSA complaint #11672646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle has 4k miles, sudden loss of power at highway speed, rolled to right lane and fortunately had an exit close by. Engine runs and revs fine, could not engage gear (neither D or R), stuck in P. Vehicle had to be towed. Repair took almost 3 weeks, dealer reported trans fluid leak and multiple trans pump bolts loose.

NHTSA complaint #11671070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

1. Transmission leak. Car towed to dealer on 5/1/25 still there with no resolution. 2. Transmission fluid sprayed from under car which could get on the brake rotors and exhaust system. 3. Confirmed by dealer and GM service 25-NA-001 Transmission Fluid Leak Near Torque Converter dated 3/13/2025. GM shows that the repair should take 13.7 hours. 4. No only by dealer. 5. No warnings or symptoms. After a 100 mile trip we found Transmission fluid leaking in our garage floor. Had the car towed to the dealer on 5/1/25.

NHTSA complaint #11665131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Brand new Traverse with 3,600 miles on it started leaking transmission Fluid. Was told by dealership it was a slow leak and it was ok to drive while waiting for parts to come in. 12 hours later while wife was on highway coming home from work check engine light came on and vehicle went into low speed mode. My wife was able to drift off the highway and come to a stop. There was a puddle of red fluid under the vehicle and the undercarriage and rear of vehicle were covered in transmission fluid. It was towed to dealership on 02/14/25 and we are still awaiting status of the repair.

NHTSA complaint #11643483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the RPM revved up to the "RED Zone". The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was not depressed at the time of the failure. The contact stated that the "Check Engine" and "Reduced Speed and Traction" warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact pulled off the highway turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to shift to drive (D); however, the vehicle was hesitating while accelerating. The contact stated that while shifting into gear the vehicle jolted. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had driven the vehicle back to the residence and became aware in the morning that there was a puddle of transmission fluid underneath the middle of the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

NHTSA complaint #11637951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Hi, I purchased a 2025 Chevy Traverse High Country back at the end of November. It only had 2200 miles on it when my transmission started slipping. I was really enjoying this SUV too. On January 13th I noticed something weird happening when I would accelerate. When I would accelerate if felt like my tires were slipping on ice followed by a jerk. I knew it wasn't ice after accelerating at each stop. This worried me because my 10 month old son was in the vehicle with me. I was worried it was going to stop mid traffic. I drove it home and called the dealer and asked them to get me a loaner ASAP because the Traverse felt unsafe to drive. Luckily I got a loaner that same evening after dropping it off. When I returned home I saw the tranny leak on garage floor. A large reddish pink puddle. It's been in the shop since Monday. The Service department is trying to find parts to repair it. According to them they won't be available from GM until February 28th, unless they find it elsewhere. According to them it needs two bolts that are backing out of pump causing it to leak. Cars been in the shop now 11 days and counting. This is a big safety concern that needs to be made aware of to the public. People are purchasing this vehicle without knowing there's possible issues with the transmission. There definitely needs to be a recall on this transmission until they figure which ones are affected by this problem.

NHTSA complaint #11638069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I was driving down the interstate in 3 lane traffic at approx. 70MPH. Car had 1,700 miles on it at the time. Engine abruptly reduced power and the RPMs shot up to 6000. It was a struggle to not get rear ended and get to the shoulder. With cars on either side this could have been a very different outcome. Upon getting to the shoulder the car would no longer go into gear. Dealer diagnosed it as a transmission failure and would need a new transmission. There was transmission fluid all under the car.

NHTSA complaint #11636785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.