The Chevy Traverse is a 9 seat SUV that is quite popular. The challenge has been that one of the issues it is known for is complete engine failure. When this happens, you will need to completely overhaul the engine.
What is the Chevy Traverse engine replacement cost? This is the question we are going to be exploring in this post along with other related issues that may help you prevent getting to the point where you need a complete engine overhaul.
In short, the average cost to replace a Chevrolet Traverse engine is $5,200. The 2010 and 2011 model years of the Chevy Traverse have been branded the worst years of the two as they initially experienced minor engine issues that eventually turned into catastrophic engine failures and needed $5,200 and $6,400 respectively to fix.
Chevy Traverse Engine Problems
Prior to and after the 2010 and 2011 model years, the Chevy Traverse was and is currently recognized as one of the best family SUVs that are relatively problem free.
However, in the 2010 model, problems began to arise. They started off as minor engine issues that got worse with time. Eventually, they led to catastrophic failure in the engine that could not be fixed any other way except through a complete engine overhaul.
To compound this, the problems leading up to the engine failure often cost between $600 to just over $3,000 to fix. This brought the total cost of repair and replacement to just under $10,000. You will agree that this is definitely a high price to pay.
Fortunately, though, these issues were fixed in the 2012 model going forward. The Traverse has now regained its glowing reputation as being one of the best family SUVs out there.
In the 2010 model, this catastrophic engine failure occurred around the 103,000 mile mark while in the 2011 model, this happened much earlier at around 70,000 miles. This in turn led to the 2011 model receiving the worst Chevy Traverse tag.
How long does a Chevy Traverse engine last?
On average, a Chevy Traverse will last well over 200,000 miles when you make sure to maintain it well. Outside of the 2 model years mentioned here, it is quite a good vehicle with an excellent track record prior to and after the 2010 and 2011 models.
Does Chevy Traverse have problems?
Even though it is near perfect, it is not 100% problem free. The Chevy Traverse does have several issues that may arise and we are going to be looking at them here.
- Transmission Issue: The Traverse can have transmission issues that arise from a fault with your transmission. One of the symptoms of this is shifting issues. It can shift smoothly through the lower gears but may struggle through the higher ones. In such cases, you may need to replace the whole transmission.
- Front Struts: The struts are an integral part of your suspension and have been known to develop issues in the Chevy Traverse. The strut itself may get damaged or the spring coil around may become faulty. When this happens, you will need to replace the damaged part but ideally, you want to replace the whole mechanism. When you do this, make sure to replace both the left and right side struts and get the wheels aligned.
- EVAP Purge Valve: The EVAP is a system that lets in air at intervals that is used for internal combustion. When the valve is faulty, it will remain constantly open which messes up the internal combustion process.
In the video below, the presenter discusses the major problems with a 2015 Chevy Traverse with 120,000 miles on it. The Chevy has issues with manual steering, a check engine light, tire pressure monitoring system, and difficulty shifting into reverse without revving the engine. He attempts to diagnose and fix the problem by repairing the transmission.
Engine Replacement Cost for a Chevy Traverse
Now, let’s dig a little deeper into the issues that affect the Chevy Traverse engine and the costs associated with engine replacement. In the 2010 model year, the Traverse engine replacement cost averaged out to about $5,200. This cost obviously fluctuated depending on where you are geographically as well as who was doing the replacement.
The $5,200 figure is generally an average. For the 2011 model year, the cost of engine replacement averaged out to around $6,400.
The overall cost of replacement ended up being higher though because there were other minor problems that sprung up leading to the catastrophic engine failure. These costs would range from hundreds to thousands of dollars taking the total cost including minor repairs and engine replacement.
Conclusion
The Chevy Traverse is a great vehicle all around and known to be reliable. There are associated problems hat come along with it just like with every other vehicle. If you want to steer clear of catastrophic engine issues, stay away from the 2010 and 2011 years and you should be fine.
Tomas is a retired Chevy Auto Technician that brings decades of hands-on experience and expertise to the table. He’s also a father to two incredible daughters. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help you solve and find reliable information on Chevrolet vehicles. Whether it’s troubleshooting engine problems or providing tips for maintenance, Thomas is committed to helping Chevy owners keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.
