2009 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2009 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse has 14 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are Front Seat Belt Flexible Steel Cable Fatigue and Separation (Recall 14V266000) ($0-$0 repair), Recall 09V073000: Traverse Shift Cable Clip May Be Unseated (FMVSS 102/114 Noncompliance), Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX) ($1,500-$3,500 repair), 6T70/6T75 3-5-Reverse Wave Plate Fracture — Loss of 3rd, 5th and Reverse Gears ($1,800-$4,500 repair), Hydraulic Steering Gear (Rack and Pinion) Internal Seal Leak — Fluid Loss and Groaning Assist ($900-$1,950 repair), Camshaft-Driven High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Direct-Injection 3.6L) — Long Crank, No-Start, Low Rail Pressure ($600-$1,400 repair) and Loss of Power Steering Assist from Hydraulic Power Steering Pump Wear ($500-$1,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place may chafe against the transmission case, possibly resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:FRONTAL IMPACT
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse has 14 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front Seat Belt Flexible Steel Cable Fatigue and Separation (Recall 14V266000), Recall 09V073000: Traverse Shift Cable Clip May Be Unseated (FMVSS 102/114 Noncompliance), Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX). Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse has 14 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 7 issues are rated critical: Front Seat Belt Flexible Steel Cable Fatigue and Separation (Recall 14V266000) and Recall 09V073000: Traverse Shift Cable Clip May Be Unseated (FMVSS 102/114 Noncompliance) and Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX) and 6T70/6T75 3-5-Reverse Wave Plate Fracture — Loss of 3rd, 5th and Reverse Gears and Hydraulic Steering Gear (Rack and Pinion) Internal Seal Leak — Fluid Loss and Groaning Assist and Camshaft-Driven High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Direct-Injection 3.6L) — Long Crank, No-Start, Low Rail Pressure and Loss of Power Steering Assist from Hydraulic Power Steering Pump Wear. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Traverse issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Front Seat Belt Flexible Steel Cable Fatigue and Separation (Recall 14V266000), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
GM recalled roughly 1.3 million vehicles including 2009-2014 Chevrolet Traverse because the flexible steel cable that anchors the front outboard seat belt to the seat frame can fatigue and separate. A separated anchor cable means the belt has no lower attachment point — the occup… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
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 tran… Severity: high.
The 3.6L V6 (LLT and LFX variants) in the first-generation Traverse is notorious for premature timing chain stretch. The engine uses three timing chains — one primary and two secondary chains driving the variable valve timing actuators. The chains stretch beyond the tensioner cap… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.
First-generation Traverse models built with the 6T70/6T75 six-speed front-drive automatic use a 3-5-R clutch cushion (wave) plate that on early production was improperly heat treated and left too brittle. Repeated compression cycles during 2-3 and 4-5 shifts crack the plate; once… Repairs typically run $1,800-$4,500. Severity: high.
Separate from the well-known power steering pump wear, the first-generation Traverse's hydraulic rack and pinion assembly itself leaks. The internal rack seals and the upper input shaft seal weep power steering fluid, often visible as fluid running down the rack boots or dripping… Repairs typically run $900-$1,950. Severity: high.
Every direct-injected 3.6L V6 in the Traverse runs a cam-driven high-pressure fuel pump mounted in the valley that steps rail pressure up past 2,000 PSI. The pump's internal plunger seal and check valve wear, and the follower/cam lobe interface can wear as well, so rail pressure… Repairs typically run $600-$1,400. Severity: high.
First-generation Traverse owners report an intermittent or sudden drop in power-steering assist, with heavy/hard steering especially at low speed and parking, often preceded by a whine from the pump. This is a HYDRAULIC power steering system (engine-driven pump), and the failure… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: high.
The Traverse has one of the highest rates of AC compressor failure among midsize SUVs. Compressors seize or lose capacity often before 70,000 miles. When the compressor fails, it can send metal debris through the entire AC system, requiring replacement of the condenser, expansion… Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: medium.
The engine-driven water pump on the 3.6L V6 develops a leak at the shaft seal, weeping coolant from the pump 'weep hole' at the front/side of the engine. GM acknowledged the condition with Customer Satisfaction Program #13079 covering 2009-2013 Traverse (and Lambda-platform sibli… Repairs typically run $700-$1,700. Severity: medium.
The 3.6L V6 in the Traverse consumes oil at a rate that many owners find unacceptable, particularly on 2009-2017 models with the LLT and LFX engine variants. Owners report consuming 1 quart every 2,000-3,000 miles. The oil consumption is related to piston ring design and the PCV… Repairs typically run $0-$4,000. Severity: medium.
The first-generation Traverse (2009-2017) develops A/C evaporator leaks that cause loss of refrigerant and warm air from the vents. The evaporator core, located inside the dashboard HVAC housing, corrodes internally due to moisture and acid buildup from the refrigerant-oil mixtur… Repairs typically run $100-$2,500. Severity: medium.
The Traverse is a heavy three-row crossover on a front-drive-biased platform, and the front wheel bearing/hub assemblies are a recurring wear failure across both the Lambda and C1XX generations. The bearing develops a speed-dependent hum or growl that changes pitch when the vehic… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.
The fuel level sender inside the tank (part of the fuel pump module) can give false readings: the gauge sticks, reads full or empty regardless of actual level, or fluctuates by 1/8 to 1/4 tank as the resistor card contacted by the float wears. Reported across first-gen (2009-2016… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: low.
The Traverse power liftgate struts lose gas pressure over time, causing the liftgate to drop slowly when opened or slam shut unexpectedly. On models with power liftgate, the electric motor can also fail, leaving the liftgate inoperative via the button. The struts typically fail b… Repairs typically run $50-$600. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
