2009 Chevrolet Traverse Problems: 10 Known Issues

On the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LLT, gM identifies a fractured transmission wave plate that can remove third, fifth and reverse gears on certain 2009 Traverse vehicles. Bulletin 14404A does not establish this coverage for later Traverse model years.

On the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, first-year 2009 Chevrolet Traverse crossovers are part of GM recall 09V073000. Some were built with the transmission shift cable adjustment clip not fully engaged. Because the clip is what holds the cable adjustment, an unseated clip allows the shift lever indication and the transmission's real gear selection to diverge. A driver can put the Traverse in PARK, remove the key, walk away, and have the vehicle roll — and may also find it will not restart. NHTSA classifies this as noncompliance with FMVSS 102 and FMVSS 114 rather than a wear-out failure, so it applies to how the vehicle left the factory. 276,729 vehicles were covered campaign-wide across the 2009 GM models involved.

On the 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse, owners of first-generation Traverse vehicles report steering-fluid leaks and steering noise. Opened reports for 2010 and 2011 describe dealer findings of rack leakage and proposed or completed rack replacement. These reports do not prove the same internal fault, frequency or repair for every vehicle. GM 14329B separately addresses pump wear on certain 2009–2011 vehicles; it is not blanket rack-replacement coverage.

On the 2009-2011 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LLT, gM Special Coverage 14329 describes hydraulic power-steering pump wear on certain 2009–2011 Traverse vehicles. Reduced hydraulic pressure can make steering much heavier, particularly at low speed. This is hydraulic steering, not an electric steering motor or control-module fault.

On the 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LLT, worn (stretched) timing chains on the 3.6L High Feature V6 can set DTCs P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018 and/or P0019, and GM released timing chain service kits for the repair. Applies to: 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse with the 3.6L LLT V6 (GM bulletin 12-06-01-009F also lists other GM High Feature V6 models). GM's bulletin does not list 2013-2017 Traverse models.

On the 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LLT, owners report the 3.6L V6 using oil between oil changes with no visible leak; one owner reports the engine running out of oil and stopping. Applies to: 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse with the 3.6L V6 (owner reports here are from 2009, 2011 and 2012 models). Summarized from the owner reports linked here; not a manufacturer finding. Your vehicle's equipment and history may differ; a technician must confirm the cause.

On the 2009-2014 Chevrolet Traverse, the flexible steel cable that connects the safety belt to the vehicle at the outside of the front outboard seating positions can fatigue and separate over time as a result of occupant movement into the seat. In a crash, a separated cable could increase the risk of injury to the occupant. Applies to: Certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Traverse (GM lists 2013 models built August 6, 2012 to May 30, 2013 and 2014 models built March 26, 2013 to May 14, 2014), plus 2009-2014 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook. GM recall 14187.

On the 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LLT, owners report the high-pressure fuel pump on the 3.6L V6 failing: at highway speed the engine dropped into reduced power ("limp mode"), or the vehicle stalled and would not restart. Applies to: 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse with the 3.6L V6 (owner reports here are from 2009 and 2013 models). Summarized from the owner reports linked here; not a manufacturer finding. Your vehicle's equipment and history may differ; a technician must confirm the cause.

On the 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse, the gas struts that hold the power liftgate up are oriented so dirt can get between the piston rod and the guiding bushing, which can wear them prematurely, and the liftgate's Prop Rod Recovery software may be unable to detect or stop a liftgate with worn struts from falling too quickly after it is opened. A falling liftgate may strike a person, increasing the risk of injury. Applies to: 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse with the power liftgate (RPO TB5 or E61) built before March 10, 2012, plus the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook models GM lists. GM recall 15240. GM does not list 2013 and later Traverse models.

On the 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LLT, the water pump shaft seal on the 3.6L V6 may leak, and GM says these leaks are often due to driving with a low engine coolant level. GM says keeping the coolant at the proper level will increase shaft seal reliability. Applies to: 2009–2013 Chevrolet Traverse with the 3.6L LLT V6. GM Customer Satisfaction Program 13079 also lists other GM models with LY7 or LLT engines; that combined engine list does not mean a Traverse has a LY7.