913 of the
7,968 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Traverse
are about the transmission —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2018.
913
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
17
Crashes
5
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
The transmission failed after picking up my son from daycare. I pulled on to the main road heading home. It started to speed up and suddenly started jerking back and forth causing cars behind me to slam on their brakes and then the car would not go over 15 mph. A few minutes later the check engine light came on and this is the first time it has come on. Called a tow truck and had it towed to a gm dealership they reproduced the issue and told me the transmission is bad and I need a new one because it is a sealed system it cannot be rebuilt. They quoted me $9900 for a new one and also said the transmission is on backorder with no idea when they will be available. They did not say what the labor charge was. This is outrageous for a vehicle that is less than 5 years old.
NHTSA complaint #11764073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While parking the vehicle, after putting the transmission lever to park, and turning off the ignition, the doors unlocked and I started to exit, at that moment the vehicle started to roll backwards. I was able to avoid running over myself and got back into the driver's seat when I saw a "shift to park" message on the dashboard display. It took multiple cycles of restarting and stopping the engine and shifting to park to actually have the transmission shift to park. The problem continues and is becoming much more frequent and taking more attempts to actually put the car in park. This is obviously a safety issue, because drivers may exit their vehicles and may or may not realize that the ignition is on, that the battery can run down and strand them, possibly in a dangerous location, or the vehicle can move, injuring themselves or others. Also the door locks won't work. This is a well-known problem among multiple General Motors models. It is a systemic design flaw of the switch, not a random breakdown and not caused by abuse or misuse. Some vehicles have been recalled, some of the same model and year as mine. But, the recalls are specific according to VIN, and yet for some unknown reason, my specific VIN is not recalled. The problem is known and well documented. The solution is known. The safety problem is known, but apparently only if the VIN is in a certain range. All VINs matter. I will take my vehicle to an authorized dealer for repair. But there should be a recall and repair for all vehicles with this known (defective by design) switch. Also there should be full reimbursement to those who have already paid for repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11763492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In 2024, at 49000 miles, my transmission gave out and wouldnt allow me to accelerate. GM replaced the transmission. This past week, while driving on a busy hwy, it happened again. I narrowly avoided an accident and had to get my car towed a hour home. These are the codes P0700, P2732, P0746
NHTSA complaint #11763259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I went in for service at Chey 112 in Medford, NY they advised me that my computer needed to be replaced they replaced the computer and I started having transmission issues.
NHTSA complaint #11762657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
the vehicle will not register that it is in park, when the engine is turned off a beeping noise reads shift to park - you have to start the engine and shut it off multiple times, or slam the shifter into place to get it register in park. this happens constantly and is starting to get old, and annoying. it is listed as a known problem on the forum group. when the notice to shift into Park is stuck on, the beeping will not stop... Also there is a shudder while driving no matter the speed. They did a transmission service and messed with torque converters but has not done anything. Also will be driving down the road with cruise control and the cruise control with randomly jerk and shut off for no reason. Has happened on the interstate.
NHTSA complaint #11762436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car recently started to jolt when accelerating. Noticed it firsthand on the highway while on stop and go traffic. It's been doing it more often now when driving around the city. As soon as you accelerate past 15mph, it starts to jolt. The check engine light is not on. I do see that other 2018 Chevy Traverse have a recall, but my car (when checking by VIN) is not included.
NHTSA complaint #11762454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?Transmission How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?Stumbles harshly when accelerating and deaccelerating Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?Yes, Changed Transmission Fluid but still occurs Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?Yes, advised just needed transmmision fluid change anbd should clear up within 500 miles Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?N/A
NHTSA complaint #11761549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving in the lower gears and attempting to accelerate, the rear wheels suddenly locked up. The check engine warning light was occasionally illuminated after the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 63,400.
NHTSA complaint #11761634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
the vehicle will not register that it is in park, when the engine is turned off a beeping noise reads shift to park - you have to start the engine and shut it off multiple times, or slam the shifter into place to get it register in park. this happens constantly and is starting to get old, and annoying. it is listed as a known problem on the forum group. when the notice to shift into Park is stuck on, the beeping will not stop and the battery will drain all the way. Only solution is to replace the transmission shifter assembly.
NHTSA complaint #11760744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sudden slamming on the brake automatically when in reverse and there is nothing around the car to cause this. Has happened many times The car will alert that something is too close when turning right by there is nothing there. It is intermittent. When you start the car it the motor reves up very high and will stay there until you push the gas and then it quiets down. This is usually the first start of the day. High and rough idle Super hard intermittent transmission shift or down shifting while normal driving. It jerks really hard and sometime it’s so hard it throws you forward like the brake is being applied. Symbol intermittently shows up on dash. Then goes away after the car has been turned off and restarted. Brakes squeal bad. Acceleration reduction message then check engine light came on 8/30. Roaring loud noise before the light came on. Put 1 gallon coolant in it and light went off. Now runs and idles high.
NHTSA complaint #11760818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving at about 50 mph on a highway, there was a loud noise from the rear of the vehicle (something breaking) and the vehicle immediately veered into the oncoming lane (thankfully there was no traffic coming towards us, it is typically a busy road). While braking, I was able to steer it back towards the right, but soon after lost complete control of the vehicle and could not steer. The traverse went into a ditch and rolled with myself and two young passengers. Two vehicles that were behind us stopped to aid. The driver immediately behind me said there was nothing unusual (no smoke, sparks, etc) until we lost control. He checked the roadway where it happened and found a sheered off bolt. When we got the traverse to the wreckers, they lifted it up and within a minute or two found the location the bolt came from. It was the rear passenger side upper control arm knuckle bolt. I didn't see any recalls on something like this, but I do not believe something like this should have happened in a vehicle that has just 49,510 miles and barely any rust on it. I need answers. My family and friends could have been attending a funeral this week had circumstances been slightly different. I can provide pictures, but the upload link would not work for photos even after converting to proper size and file type. I have the collision report number but not the actual report on hand just yet.
NHTSA complaint #11760075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving at about 50 mph on a highway, there was a loud noise from the rear of the vehicle (something breaking) and the vehicle immediately veered into the oncoming lane (thankfully there was no traffic coming towards us, it is typically a busy road). While braking, I was able to steer it back towards the right, but soon after lost complete control of the vehicle and could not steer. The traverse went into a ditch and rolled with myself and two young passengers. Two vehicles that were behind us stopped to aid. The driver immediately behind me said there was nothing unusual (no smoke, sparks, etc) until we lost control. He checked the roadway where it happened and found a sheered off bolt. When we got the traverse to the wreckers, they lifted it up and within a minute or two found the location the bolt came from. It was the rear passenger side upper control arm knuckle bolt. I didn't see any recalls on something like this, but I do not believe something like this should have happened in a vehicle that has just 49,510 miles and barely any rust on it. I need answers. My family and friends could have been attending a funeral this week had circumstances been slightly different. I have the collision report number but not the actual police report on hand just yet.
NHTSA complaint #11760078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transmission shutters at lower gear going from 20-30 mph approximately and at the speed of 60-70 mph. When this happens it causes a delay in acceleration and for the whole car to shake. This was also noted by my mechanic even after changing transmission fluid and had concerns for the safety if it was to completely disrupt the transmission causing an accident. I was advised to check for recall since a lot of these makes and models have been having this issue. The SUV only has about 64,000 miles on it and has had all of its routine maintenance done regularly. I have only had it in my possession for 6 moths. No engine lights on. I do a lot of highway driving and I am concerned that this issue will possibly cause an accident. Ameritech Tire and Auto at 304-229-8924, Inwood, WV. August 12, 2026 was date of service.
NHTSA complaint #11758560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
electrical, drivetrain, powertrain. While driving the vehicle a message popped up on the speedometer saying service battery chargeing system and battery saver mode. the is the second time that those messages have come up in the four years of ownership with the first time being in 2024. The second issue we have had with this vehicle was injectors going bad and causing a bad misfire making driveability rough. We have gone through three O2 sensors in the past 4 years. we have replaced the alternator and are fixing to replace it again. the driverside axle seal leaked. transmission slips bad. there is a current random misfire. Back in may of 2025 we were driving to Florida from missouri and had to slam on the brakes and when we released the brake the car refused to move and when i pressed the gas harder there was a loud bang like we had been hit but it was like the brakes had locked up completely. It shudders bad when starting. Two months ago the steering locked up while driving. Vehicle has been inspected several times by the dealer we bought it from but driving this vehicle is becoming my families worst nightmare.
NHTSA complaint #11755713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an odor of rotten eggs inside the vehicle. The odor was discovered to be Hydrogen Sulfide that was entering the cabin of the vehicle from the overcharged batteries. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed with PCM failure. That contact stated that the failure caused rough shifting and a loss of control voltage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.
NHTSA complaint #11755493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car wouldn’t move in Reverse, I’d give it gas and it would just rev. It would drive forward but very sluggish. Brought to 2 different mechanics and they both said I need to replace the transmission. Car has 97,500 miles on it. This is a known issue with these vehicles. The transmission ship had another traverse and a GMC Acadia in it for the same exact issue.
NHTSA complaint #11755241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.