5 Chevy Traverse Engine Problems & How to Fix Them

Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

Short answer: The most common problems with Chevy Traverse engines include excessive oil consumption, timing chain failure, engine misfires, and reduced power while driving.

These problems often stem from early wear and tear, manufacturing flaws, or overlooked maintenance needs. In the sections below, we break down what causes each issue—and how they can be fixed.

Problem #1: Engine Misfires

• What it is: An engine misfire happens when one or more cylinders fail to ignite the air-fuel mixture at the right time, leading to uneven engine performance.
• Potential causes: Worn or damaged spark plugs; Failing ignition coils; Clogged or dirty fuel injectors; Vacuum leaks in the intake system
• Symptoms: Rough or uneven idling; Hesitation or jerking during acceleration; Decreased fuel economy; Check engine light illuminated
• Potential fix: Replace spark plugs and ignition coils; Clean or replace fuel injectors; Locate and repair any vacuum leaks

Problem #2: Excessive Oil Consumption

• What it is: This issue arises when the engine burns more oil than it should, often requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes.
• Potential causes: Worn piston rings allowing oil to seep into combustion chambers; Leaking valve seals; Malfunctioning PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system
• Symptoms: Low oil levels despite regular maintenance; Blue smoke from the exhaust pipe; Noticeable oil smell under the hood
• Potential fix: Replace worn piston rings or valve seals (may involve engine disassembly); Inspect and repair or replace the PCV system; Consider using high-mileage motor oil to temporarily reduce consumption

Problem #3: Timing Chain Issues

• What it is: The timing chain is responsible for synchronizing the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft. If it becomes stretched or fails, it can cause severe engine damage.
• Potential causes: Natural wear and tear over time; Faulty or worn timing chain tensioners or guides; Poor maintenance habits, such as infrequent oil changes
• Symptoms: Rattling or ticking noise from the engine; Sluggish performance; Check engine light turns on; Engine may fail to start if the chain fails completely
• Potential fix: Replace the timing chain along with tensioners and guides; Follow a regular oil change schedule to minimize wear

Problem #4: Engine Vibration at Idle

• What it is: A noticeable shake or vibration in the engine when the vehicle is at a stop or idling, often felt throughout the cabin.
• Potential causes: Broken or deteriorated engine mounts; Imbalanced engine components; Dirty throttle body or malfunctioning idle air control valve
• Symptoms: Shaking at stoplights or in park; Odd noises coming from the engine bay; Vibrations felt through the steering wheel or seats
• Potential fix: Replace damaged engine mounts; Clean the throttle body and idle air control valve; Inspect internal engine components if the issue continues

Problem #5: “Engine Power Reduced” Warning

• What it is: This is a fail-safe or “limp” mode activated by the vehicle’s computer when it detects a serious fault, limiting engine power to prevent further damage.
• Potential causes: Faulty throttle body; Sensor malfunctions (e.g., Mass Air Flow (MAF), Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP), Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)); Wiring harness or connector issues
• Symptoms: Sudden drop in power and performance; “Engine Power Reduced” message on the dashboard; Poor throttle response
• Potential fix: Clean or replace the throttle body; Use a diagnostic scan tool to check for trouble codes; Repair or replace faulty sensors and wiring connections

Is There a Chevy Traverse Engine Recall?

Yes, while the Chevy Traverse has experienced various mechanical issues over the years, two notable recalls specifically relate to engine performance and structural integrity in the engine compartment:

1. Fuel System Recall – Risk of Engine Stall
 Recall No. 20V639000 | Affected Model Year: 2020

• General Motors issued a recall for certain 2020 Chevy Traverse vehicles due to a defect in the fuel pump. A plastic burr left over from manufacturing may partially block the jet nozzle, leading to an insufficient fuel supply to the engine.
• Risk: An inadequate fuel supply can cause the engine to stall without warning, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
• Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to the owner. GM began notifying affected vehicle owners on November 30, 2020. For more information, Chevrolet owners can call 1-800-222-1020. The GM recall number is N202314760.

2. Engine Compartment Structural Defect – Cracked Frame Rail
 Recall No. 19V643000 | Affected Model Year: 2020

• This recall impacts certain 2020 Traverse models with a structural issue in the engine bay. The right-hand frame rail may be cracked due to a manufacturing flaw.
• Risk: A cracked frame rail can compromise crash protection in a collision, increasing the risk of injury.
• Remedy: Dealers will inspect the frame rail and replace the vehicle if necessary. GM has not released a specific notification schedule. For details, Chevrolet owners can call 1-800-630-2438. The GM recall number is N192268310.

Who Covers My Chevy Traverse Engine Repair Costs?

Whether you have to pay for engine repairs on your Chevy Traverse depends on a few important factors, including warranty coverage, recall status, and whether there’s a known issue that GM has addressed.

1. If Your Vehicle Is Still Under Warranty

If your Traverse is still covered by Chevrolet’s factory warranty, GM will typically pay for engine repairs as long as the problem is caused by a defect in materials or workmanship.

What’s Included:

• Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: Covers most parts for 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain Warranty: Covers the engine and transmission for 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Emissions Warranty: Covers specific components for up to 8 years or 80,000 miles

To use your warranty, the vehicle needs to be diagnosed and repaired at a GM-authorized dealership. If the repair is covered, you won’t be charged for the diagnostic visit.

2. If the Repair Is Related to a Recall

When an engine issue is tied to an official recall, Chevrolet will cover 100% of the repair costs, no matter how old your vehicle is or how many miles it has. To see if your Traverse is part of a recall, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN.

3. If a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) Applies

A TSB is issued when there’s a known issue affecting several vehicles, even if it’s not a safety risk. These repairs are not always free, but sometimes GM will offer what’s called “goodwill coverage.” This often happens when:

• The problem is common across many vehicles
• Your vehicle is just outside the warranty period
• The dealership agrees that the issue is well-documented

It’s worth asking the dealer if your case qualifies for help under a TSB.

4. If You’re Out of Warranty

If your Traverse is no longer under warranty and the problem isn’t part of a recall or TSB, then the repair cost typically falls on you.

That said, you can still ask the dealership to contact GM and request goodwill assistance. If the issue is known and your vehicle is only slightly out of warranty, GM may agree to cover part—or even all—of the repair costs as a courtesy.

How a Lemon Lawyer Can Help

If your Chevy Traverse has been in and out of the shop for recurring warranty engine problems—such as misfires, excessive oil consumption, or loss of power—it may qualify as a lemon under state or federal lemon laws.

These laws are designed to protect consumers when a vehicle experiences repeat repair attempts for a defect that affects its safety, use, or value.

When a vehicle meets the legal criteria, you may be entitled to a refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement.

If a refund or replacement is awarded, the manufacturer may apply a mileage-based deduction for the time you were able to use the vehicle before the issues started.

In cases where a replacement vehicle is offered, you might be responsible for any price difference if the replacement costs more than your original Traverse.

One benefit of pursuing a lemon law claim is that in many states, the manufacturer is required to pay your attorney’s fees and costs if your case is successful. This means you can often get legal help with no upfront cost to you.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we’ve been helping Chevy owners since 2009. Our attorneys understand the challenges of dealing with persistent vehicle defects and are dedicated to helping clients pursue the compensation they deserve.

Whether it’s a buyback, a replacement, or another resolution, we work to achieve the best possible outcome for every client.

If your Chevy Traverse has had repeated engine issues and repair attempts haven’t solved the problem, contact us for a free consultation. You may have more options than you think under the lemon law.