2009 Chevrolet Traverse Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 58about this part
- Share
- 13%of 448 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 58 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, 13% of the 448 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was pulling out of my driveway in reverse and control of the car was lost. I could have been killed. I just bought the car and I was never told of any issues or recalls with the car as it should have went through a safety inspection. Even when I looked online the vehicle was cleared for recall repairs. No service engine lights alerted me of any problems. This happened instantly and without warning. My vehicle was in motion backing into a city street.”
NHTSA complaint #11397542, filed 2021-02, 68,000 miles“As soon as my vehicle reached just over 102,000 miles, my engine completely shut down while we were driving our kids to practice. I have taken it to the chevy dealership that has been repairing my vehicle since we purchased it (1.5 years prior to the engine shutting down) and they have informed us we need a completely new engine because the crankshaft is completely blown. When they finally got it started up, it sounded like a bag of hammers being violently shaken. …”
NHTSA complaint #11003431, filed 2017-07, 102,000 miles“My 2009 Traverse lost its power steering while we were driving it. We didn't get into an accident but almost did. That same day I received a letter from GM stating that my 2009 Traverse may or may not have powersteering issues. After bringing it to the dealer they informed me that the rack and pinion was also leaking and the cost of the fix was 900 bucks with tax. Why was the rack and pinion not covered, it seems like it the cause of the powersteering issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10653239, filed 2014-11, 62,200 miles“While driving our 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, lt, back from vacation, we experienced a sudden high RPM rate while noticing a decrease in acceleration. Took vehicle to a transmission repair center and was told it is a common issue with the GM models similar to the Traverse. The manufacturer recognizes the issue, as it relates to their service bulletin sb-07-30-012a. Had to have the transmission wave plate replaced, as well as some other internal parts. Total cost of $3500. Vehicle has 117,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10920101, filed 2016-10, 117,000 miles“While my car was in motion on city street I had sudden loss of gears and car would not shift into higher gears nor move more than 25 MPH. Had diagnosis that I needed new transmission at chevy dealership. Dealer repeatedly denied that issue was related to special coverage bulletin #14404, transmission clutch wave plate, well documented defect with 2009 Traverse and then wanted to charge me ridiculous fee to diagnosis after I replaced transmission. Had transmission replacement at local shop and old transmission disassembled to reveal broken wave plate in 3 pieces. Chevy cust. …”
NHTSA complaint #11072468, filed 2018-02, 112,884 milesRelated recalls
- 09V073000Mar 6, 2009General motors is recalling 276,729 my 2009 buick enclave, chevrolet cobalt, hhr, malibu, traverse, gmc acadia, pontiac g5, g6 and saturn aura and outlook…Covers: Chevrolet Traverse 2009, Cobalt 2009, Malibu 2009 +7 more
Related service bulletins
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242934Sep 6, 2023This service bulletin provides information on RDM Axle Ratios for AWD Vehicles for Vibration Diagnostics When Using the Pico Scope.
- 10247768Sep 1, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician of a complaint of a sag or hesitation when accelerating. The concern is present when coasting at…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 11% |
| 2025 | 13 | 7% |
| 2024 | 19 | 13% |
| 2023 | 32 | 34% |
| 2022 | 45 | 45% |
| 2021 | 16 | 17% |
| 2020 | 40 | 17% |
| 2019 | 170 | 41% |
| 2018 | 196 | 42% |
| 2017 | 18 | 5% |
| 2016 | 37 | 13% |
| 2015 | 23 | 7% |
| 2014 | 36 | 7% |
| 2013 | 28 | 17% |
| 2012 | 46 | 13% |
| 2011 | 79 | 13% |
| 2010 | 66 | 10% |
| 2009 | 58 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
231 complaintsEngine
50 complaintsOther or unknown
41 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsElectronic stability control
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsFuel system
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology