Top 5 Problems Chevy Traverse SUV 1st Generation 2009-17

These are the top 5 problems with the 1st generation Chevy Traverse, which you can find in model years 2009 to 2017. In this video, Len points out the most common problems you might have with your 1st generation Traverse. He then gives you tips on how you can diagnose and resolve those problems yourself!

Check out this playlist for more great tips from Len and the rest of the 1A Auto crew!

0:00 Top Problems Chevy Traverse 1st Gen 2009-2017
0:15 Transmission Issues
1:36 EVAP Purge Valve
4:15 Front Struts
6:37 Master Window Switch
8:57 Strong Arms

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[pfsszjb]

I have 2009 traverse with 182k miles. It's been a reliable vehicle for our family for the last 15 years . Daily driver and our vacation vehicle.Just regular maintenance, oil change every 5k miles . Still looks good and still runs strong like the first day we got it.

[lostmagicofdisney]

Just replaced my EVAP Purge Valve after following your suggestion of checking the suction after removal. Installed the new valve and all is well again! Thank you!

[felisha]

Yea have a 2017 Chevy traverse and I have not had any major problems. Only a wheel alignment and light bulb change. Got it with 40, 000 miles on it. All I have to do now is replace tires. I’ve had it over a year. It drives great.

[angelalee-scott]

Thanks for this info. Every single issue I’m having with my 2015 Traverse. Makes no sense that cars break down so fast these days. Transmission issues are crazy so early! Seems like Chevy needs to do a major recall and fix these transmissions for free!!

[wesleyk.]

Just bought 2014 Traverse AWD in August, 2022 for $21.5K. About 108k miles, suddenly my wife says she can’t go over 25 mph. I immediately think to myself “Drivetrain.” Thank God we put $5000 down to qualify for the 3yr warranty for transmission and engine replacement in the event of failure. I’m already very sketch about this damn vehicle with such a few miles. UPDATE: mechanic says he can’t find anything wrong with it!! Then we get it back and break down again. Now it’s BACK in the shop

[isitmeeTV]

Applaud this team for all the work they put in

[Negative---]

Had a 2012 Traverse.. Absolute nightmare. Was like driving a ticking time bomb. Every day I was waiting for the transmission to fail or the engine to seize. If u have one, you know what its like after 90k miles. Get rid of it!!

[Pointlesshandle]

I have a 2016 with over 100k, all I've had to do to it was replace the purge valve and change the transmission fluid. Got it with 46k on it and its been great so far.

[paulreitman]

Forgot the main problem with the Travers/Enclave/Acadia - the POS 3.6L V6 and its need to have absolutely perfect oil condition and level at all times unless you want to replace timing chains. Seriously, if you have one of these behemoth piles of junk check your oil level at least every other week and don't follow the maintenance guide on oil changes - change the oil every 3-5k (depending on driving style). The 3.6L is too small of an engine for the weight of these and any stress will cause timing chain stretch and premature timing chain failure

[brianfurr]

My 2011 Traverse has 240k on it. It still has the original engine and transmission. I’ve replaced the front struts, water pump, camshaft sensors, VVT solenoids, and catalytic converters. I do 10, 000 mile oil changes with synthetic oil and Lucas oil stabilizer. I never have to add oil between changes. Considering the horror stories that I hear from other traverse owners, I feel like we’ve been blessed with a pretty reliable vehicle. I never expected to get this much service life out of it.

[stokeswait]

I have a 2016 ltz awd, it drives and runs fine for me so far. 150k on it. Definitely going to watch for these problems though. Had the mechanic check everything, said its mechanically great.

[MrBill-]

Wish my dealer watched this before replacing my purge valve. Problem remained, they said there was a valve at the tank and it would be really expensive to replace.
I wasn’t driving the car much, so I thought maybe the valve gummed up from aging gas. Put in two bottles of Techron in a full tank and took a 200 mile round trip over a weekend. No problems since, that was 3 years and 30k miles ago.

[christopherterry]

I have a 2010 since new. Best car I have ever had. I'm 67. My wife has a 2020 high country. Fine car. I plan on buying a new 2024 redesign soon.

[SuperDoright]

From a Traverse Form…
I have a 2012 Traverse that started using oil about a quart every 1000 miles. I removed the air tube from the filter to the throttle. Oil was inside. 2012 doesn’t have a PCV valve, just a metal unit with small inlet hole and two small exit holes. This plugged and pressurized the engine and oil was pushed into the intake. I replaced this can and increased hole sizes almost double. Stopped my oil consumption. I don’t know if the 2019 has the same. Check for oil in the air intake, if it’s there, probably the positive crankcase tube is plugged. I also spray a little cleaner into the rube to this every oil change.

[barbarafetherolf]

Thank you for this. The only issue that might give me pause is the transmission. The rest are simple fixes. Feeling much better about this vehicle.

[rickdunn]

Well we have a 2011 traverse with 235000 miles I’m getting ready to replace the struts next week can’t complain about the car been a good one

[riskybizness]

Upon the second time my Traverse 2018 was looking at another transmission replacement (first at 18, 000 and then 27, 000 miles), I sold the car to the dealer and glad to be rid of the headache.

[alchemystic]

Man you bad ass I've had 4 out of 5 of those problems within two years and hopefully you've solved my problem with the purge valve

[s.pinelljr.]

well my 2011 traverse has been roaring like a charm luckily other than these pesky window switches right now. 152k miles and counting. changed struts and a brake leakage once, normal wear and tear. great video buddy, loved the info.