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2010 Chevrolet Traverse Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering critical fasteners and hatchback/liftgate. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Traction control and StabiliTrak warning, power reduction.” 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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5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign #21V246000 · Aug 4, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.

Risk: Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Campaign #15V415000 · Jun 30, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured August 17, 2006, to March 18, 2010. The affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open. These struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall.

Risk: If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. The recall began on November 15, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 15240.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #14V266000 · May 20, 2014

Issue: General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.

Risk: If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.

Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014. A second notice will be mailed to owners once parts become available. The recall for the 2009-2010 model years began on July 11, 2014. The interim letter for the 2011-2014 model years were distributed on July 11, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #14V118000 · Mar 17, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk: Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14030. Note: Vehicles repaired as part of Customer Satisfaction Campaign 10085 and special coverage 10335 have already had the subject condition repaired and therefore are not included in the safety recall.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #10V375000 · Dec 8, 2010

Issue: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, GMC ACADIA, AND SATURN OUTLOOK VEHICLES. THE SECOND ROW SEAT SIDE TRIM SHIELD RESTRICTS THE UPWARD ROTATION OF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WHEN THE SEAT BACK IS RETURNED TO A SEATING POSITION AFTER BEING FOLDED FLAT. IF THE BUCKLE CONTACTS THE SEAT FRAME, ADDITIONAL EFFORT IS REQUIRED TO RETURN THE SEAT TO A SEATING POSITION. IF SUFFICIENT FORCE IS APPLIED, THE BUCKLE COVER COULD BE PUSHED DOWN THE STRAP, EXPOSING AND PARTIALLY DEPRESSING THE RED RELEASE BUTTON.

Risk: THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Fix: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE SECOND ROW SEAT SIDE TRIM SHIELDS. IF A SAFETY BELT BUCKLE IS DAMAGED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse.

Reported to NHTSA

Traction control and StabiliTrak warning, power reduction

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

22 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2020-09

“ON JAN 4 2020 I WAS DRY ON THE EXPRESSWAY DOING 70 MPH AND ALL OF SUDDEN MY CAR MADE A DING NOISE AND MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON SAYING IT WAS OFF THEN IT SAID IT WAS POWERING DOWN AND THEN THE STABILITRAK LIGHT CAME ON I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF NOWHERE THAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11297342
“WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL OUT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. SOON AFTER, A POWER DOWN WARNING INDICATOR APPEARED AND THE STABILITRAK WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AS THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN, THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11297361
“TRACTION CONTROL AND STABLIZER LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF. RADIO COMES ON AND OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11361486

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shifting and gear engagement problems

POWER TRAIN

8 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2023-08

“TRANMISSION JERK TO CHANGE GEAR THEN DROP INTO LOW GEAR ,STOP PULLING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11244444
“RANDOMLY MY CAR WILL HAVE PROBLEMS SHIFTING GEARS USING GOING INTO 3RD GEAR AND THE RPM WILL SHOOT UP. ALSO WHEN PUTTING THE CAR IN REVERSE IT HESITATES AND THEN STARTS SPUTTERING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11218959
“THEY INDICATED THAT IT WAS ABOUT TO FAIL AND IT NEEDED MAJOR WORK. I CONTACTED A LOCAL GM DEALER TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS AND TO SEE IF I SHOULD HAVE IT SERVICED BY GM STAFF. THEY SAID THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND I SHOULD HAVE THE TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST, BUFFOMATIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11035244

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt buckle and latch failure

SEAT BELTS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2025-03

“Seat belts all lock up and back latch falls when opening”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11647549
“TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. DRIVERS SEAT BELT NOT LATCHING COMPLETELY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11156839
“THE MIDDLE BENCH SEAT BELTS WONT CLICK INTO THE BUCKLE PROPERLY, IT BECOMES LOOSE ON ITS OWN. PUTTING IN DANGER MY CHILDREN BECAUSE THEIR CAR SEATS CAN'T BE BUCKLED IN PROPERLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11115648

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain stretch and engine failure

ENGINE

55 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2022-06

“Vehicle started having a rattling noise when it was started, coming from the passenger side of the motor at just under 86k miles on the odometer. I have been advised by a Certified Mechanic that the timing chain has stretched, receiving a stored code of P0008 with no Check”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11466949
“I was driving and it it lost power when I started it it did a terrible noise like clicking. Mechanic looked at it and showed me the timing chain is 3 links loose. It was slipping and missing. My children were in the vehicle when this happened”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11460329
“A FEW MONTHS AGO MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD MY MECHANIC TEST IT AND IT CAME BACK FOR TIMING CHAIN. HE SAID HE KNEW RIGHT AWAY WHEN HE SAW THE CODE BECAUSE HE'S SEEN A LOT OF TRAVERSE'S WITH TIMING CHAIN PROBLEMS. I HAD LESS THAN 90,000 MILES ON MY CAR!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11395342

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of power steering assist

STEERING

28 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2024-05

“No power steering at low speed . Makes it dangerous to turn sharp corners. Almost impossible to park in a parking spot if there’s other vehicles.so I park way out away from vehicles . I have had two power steering pumps and lines replaced . And still have the same issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11590864
“Power steering is going out. Will only turn when rmps are up. Just bought car a few months ago”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11540422
“I GOT A BRAND NEW POWER STEERING PUMP FOR THE MECHANIC TO CHANGE HE TOLD ME HE WOULD CHANGE IT AND STOP THE LEAK BECAUSE MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ON ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11344276

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light illumination

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-06 → 2023-09

“For several years now, when someone sits on the front passenger seat, the airbag light will intermittently come on. It also comes on if the person gets out of the seat. I took the vehicle to a dealership and they charged me over $100 to diagnose, and said the cable was loose and”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11545273
“The airbag light on the dash keeps coming off and on randomly. Stays on for a period of time or goes off after a couple seconds”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11507498
“AIRBAG LIGHT ON DASH IS MAINLY ON.... 95%+ OF THE TIME.... NO INFORMATION ON CODE READER, TO TELL WHY OR WHICH AIRBAG IS MAKING LIGHT COME ON....AND I DON'T KNOW IF THIS MEANS THAT ALL WOULDN'T WORK OR JUST ONE OR???”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11377424

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

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)

54 crashes 1990–2024

How the 54 occupant deaths break down

36

driver deaths

18

passenger deaths

54

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2010 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

6

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2010 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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