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2009 Chevrolet Traverse Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission wave-plate failure and gear slippage.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission wave-plate failure and gear slippage

POWER TRAIN

26 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2023-08

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10920101
“VEHICLE BEGAN SHIFTING ROUGH. WOULD NOT SHIFT HIGHER THAN 4TH GEAR ON OPEN ROAD. VEHICLE HAS BAD HESITATION IN REVERSE. RECEIVED COPY OF GM'S SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT THE WAVE PLATE FAILURE IN THESE VEHICLES ON APRIL 9, 2015”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10704855
“2009 TRAVERSE FWD AT 75000MI, TRANSMISSION WAVE PLATE FAILURE. UPON DIAGNOSIS, FOUND PRESSURE PLATE BUTTONS DETERIORATED, AND WAVE PLATE BROKEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11310633

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power liftgate failing to stay open

STRUCTURE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2015-09 → 2018-01

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE LIFTGATE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10809708
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHEN THE POWER LIFTGATE WAS OPENED, IT JERKED AND SLAMMED BACK DOWN AND ALMOST STRUCK THE CONTACT'S HEAD. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10780597
“AFTER OPENING THE LIFT GATE MY WIFE WAS HIT IN THE HEAD WHEN THE LIFT GATE CAME DOWN AND HIT HER . I ORDERED NEW STRUTS THINKING THIS WAS THE PROBLEM . AFTER REPLACING THE STRUTS , THE LIFT GATE STILL FALLS WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10762281

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering loss during low-speed turns

STEERING

63 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2023-04

“SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT LOW SPEEDS. TURNING THE VEHICLE AT LOW SPEEDS SUDDENLY BECOMES VERY, VERY DIFFICULT AS VEHICLE'S POWER STEERING ASSIST STOPS WORKING WITH NO WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10876901
“POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILS WHEN MAKING LOW SPEED TURNS (EX. INTO A PARKING SPACE, AT AN INTERSECTION...ETC.). STEERING GETS VERY STIFF THAT AT TIMES I CANNOT COMPLETE THE TURN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10906006
“THERE IS LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHEN TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS. IT IS UNSAFE AS THE VEHICLE BECOMES HARD TO STEER WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11006058

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain failure causing engine stall

ENGINE

17 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2026-01

“THE TIMING CHAIN HAS BEEN AN ISSUE NOW TWICE ON THIS CAR. I PURCHASED THE CAR AT 51,000 MILES. IN JANUARY OF 2015 I GOT THE TIMING CHAIN REPLACED. IN DECEMBER OF 2017 AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN WHILE ON A BUSY ROAD AND SHUT DOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11065874
“I WAS DRIVING AND MY CAR QUIT RUNNING. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND IT WAS THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE. I HAVEN'T HAD THIS CAR A YEAR YET AND THIS HAPPENS. IT'S NOT RIGHT IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE ENGINES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11217537
“THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO THE GM TIMING CHAIN PROBLEM SPECIAL WARRANTY COVERAGE # 11340. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE INTO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT'S OVER ON MILEAGE TO GET IT FIXED UNDER THE COVERAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10967358

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Stabilitrak fault with sudden loss of engine power

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

17 NHTSA complaints · 2015-06 → 2026-01

“IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY UPHILL THE STABILITY TRACK, REDUCE ENGINE POWER WENT ON. SUDDENLY LOST POWER FROM 70MPH TO BARELY 40 MPH. IMMEDIATELY HAD TO PULL OVER ON HIGHWAY EMERGENCY LANE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11012439
“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, MY 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND HAD TO PULL OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND A MESSAGE ON THE DISPLAY READ SERVICE STABILITRAK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10760159
“LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING.. TRACTION CONTROL OFF WARNING INDICATOR. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN THIS HAPPENS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU GO FROM 70 MPH TO 30 MPH AND ALMOST GET REAR ENDED BY OTHER VEHICLES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11209025

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service air bag warning light illumination

AIR BAGS

11 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2021-11

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING AND STRUCK THE CONTACT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10958301
“Airbag “Service Airbag” light appears on dash intermittently”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11441133
“WE WERE DRIVING ABOUT 50 MILES AND A TRAILER HIT US FROM BEHIND AND THE AIR SAFETY BAGS WERE NEVER ACTIVATED HAD AN IMPACT IN FROM AND BACK AND THE SEAT BELTS DIDN'T WORK EITHER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11281977

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

On 4WD models, replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles — sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

40 crashes 1990–2024

How the 40 occupant deaths break down

28

driver deaths

12

passenger deaths

40

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2009 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

17

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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