2023 Chevrolet Traverse Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering driveshaft and automatic transmission. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic transmission failure and harsh shifting.” 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.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign #23V042000 · Feb 2, 2023

Issue: 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.

Risk: A missing retaining ring on the half-shaft can cause half-shaft inner joint separation, resulting in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the left-side half-shaft assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222390180.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #23V172000 · Mar 16, 2023

Issue: 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.

Risk: A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222389310.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse.

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic transmission failure and harsh shifting

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

22 NHTSA complaints · 2023-06 → 2026-07

The dealer found the transmission fluid was burned and diagnosed transmission trouble codes P0797 and P0700, indicating an internal transmission problem. Transmission .PDF Before the failure, I experienced harsh shifting and jerking that became progressively worse until the…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11752765
I was driving down a neighborhood road and my car suddenly slammed to a stop, forcing my chest into the steering wheel and throwing my dog from the backseat into the back of the passenger seat. We had it towed to a local shop and they reported the solenoid inside the…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748139
I started my car in the street and accelerated and it jerked and shut off in the middle of a street. I restarted it and accelerated it again and it jerked and shut off again. It's a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse with 61,570 miles. I towed it back to dealer and they are stating it's an…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11735949
The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the engine Auto Start-Stop system engaged, and the ESC warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving the following day, the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH and gradually decelerated. The vehicle…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11709042

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Front exhaust pipe leak and bracket failure

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

12 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01 → 2026-06

During the vehicle’s bumper-to-bumper warranty period, Freedom Chevrolet in San Antonio replaced a leaking front exhaust pipe (receipt attached), a known issue covered by a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for earlier model years (2018–2022) but not for the 2023 Traverse. Less…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11659316
The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, exhaust fumes entered the vehicle, causing her to have headaches. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the exhaust pipe had corroded and cracked, leaking fumes through the muffler and…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11653267
Multiple exhaust leaks repaired 5 times. 1. 32,095 miles 2. 38,674 miles 3. 43,388 miles 4. 58,480 miles
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11652816
Exhaust front flex pipe leaking from crack at welded hanger. Upon research, this is a problem that go back to 2019. (Bulletin No.: PIP5681 Published date: 09/26/2019) ( Chevrolet TSB N222385510)
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11571583

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Alternator failure and charging system loss

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

5 NHTSA complaints · 2023-08 → 2025-07

On April 17, 2023 I was on my way home from work and got a message " Battery Saver Mode Activated." I checked the voltage and it was at 11.4. By the time I got home, the voltage had gone down to 10.3. I took the vehicle to the dealership on April 19, 2022 for repair. It was a…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11539607
My dashboard gave an alert “battery saver active” then another alert stating to “service charging system, vehicle may stall”. Then the alerts cleared. After a few minutes both alerts were on my dashboard again. I was able to pull into an [XXX] ’s and had them check the battery…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11733359
The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11651312

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Infotainment screen blackout and backup camera loss

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11 → 2026-06

Infotainment system broke, black screen, no ability to use back up or other cameras, or see navigation etc
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11747132
Driving down the interstate the main screen went out completely, GPS, radio, controls to temperature for the back. Back up camera works and it shows a Chevy sign. GM dealer states the radio/Onstar module is out completely
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11729787
After purchasing our vehicle we noticed back up camera view was switch to a globe view and noise in vehicle when driving over 40 mph that sound like electric wires shorting. Took to dealership they said they did updates to information center. After a few days it continued to do…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11556522

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Brake caliper lockup and overheating

SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2025-03 → 2026-07

While driving on the highway all of a sudden the vehicle started to vibrate and smell like metal burning . Merged off the highway to find my brakes where super hot. Pulled over for a little bit and drove home very slowly . Mechanic said the pads were locked on the rotors and…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750730
Car started making a load vibrational noise on the highway. When we got to the next stopping point, the right front brakes were extremely hot and smelly. When the brakes were taken apart to inspect/replace parts, it was identified that the seals that protect the pistons had…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725016
The first major safety issue occurred on 4/2/2025 when we had brake malfunction. Brakes did not work properly creating a very dangerous situation when the vehicle wouldn’t stop when applying pressure on the brakes. The brakes made a strange noise, felt hard, and didn’t slow the…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11680781

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Power steering assist reduction and rack failure

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08 → 2026-05

We experienced power steering failure. Our steering wheel control was taken over while backing out of our driveway and while driving on a highway. When this happens, you can’t turn the wheel. It becomes locked and then you become stuck. It is extremely unsafe and put our whole…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11738153
The steering assist becomes reduced while driving and the dashboard displays the warning message “Steering Assist Reduced – Drive with Care.” At the same time, multiple safety systems such as collision-avoidance functions become disabled. This failure is persistent and creates…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11708457
upon leaving the parking lot, there was a message that popped up on the dashboard reading, “SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST”. When driving the vehicle out the parking lot, the brakes were hard when pressing and the vehicle took a while to brake. I found myself braking at a far distance in…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682297

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Sunroof and rear window spontaneous shattering

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03 → 2025-08

The contact stated that while driving 63 MPH with her son in the front passenger’s side seat, she heard a gunshot-like sound and noticed that the sunroof glass had shattered. The contact stated that the shade guard was closed at the time of the failure; however, while the…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11577387
when all of a sudden the rear left window has a loud POP, and then shatters completely. This was an exploding window out of no where, with nobody around and no other cars near by to cause this accident. The glass fell all over my body and I could not move until the vehicle was…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682298

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

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

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: 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)

9 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2023 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.