Chevrolet Traverse C1XX
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The second Traverse (2018–2023, C1XX) rides on the modern C1XX platform and is a far more grown-up three-row SUV than its predecessor — more space, more electronics, tidier engineering. A US-only model (market:us), in Europe only as a private import. Anyone after a big, cheap American family SUV gets a lot of car for the money here.
The engines: Just one drivetrain, and a pleasingly uncomplicated one: the LFY 3.6L HFV6 (fR:ok) with around 310 hp, now with cylinder deactivation and start/stop. The notorious timing-chain problems of the early 3.6 generation are largely sorted here — the big advantage over the LLT in the GMT968 predecessor. What remains are maintenance items: the water pump fails, the high-pressure injection pump gets weak, the intake valves coke up (direct injection), and the cam-phaser solenoid can fail. All manageable — this V6 is the mature, relaxed evolution of the family.
Model years: Consistent across the whole run, no critical year. Early 2018 cars had the odd software teething issue (MyLink), fixed by update. Check recalls (below); otherwise buy a later, cheaper year without worry.
Whole car: The 9T65 nine-speed jerks and vibrates — a known GM nine-speed theme, often helped by software updates and a fluid flush. Add 'Shift to Park' faults (blocks shutdown), refrigerant leaks at multiple points in the A/C, the freezing/rebooting MyLink, and the corroding actuators of the electric parking brake. Four recalls: stop-start accumulator end cap, fuel-pump nozzle, airbag module in manufacturing mode and more.
Test drive: Drive the 9T65 extensively — watch for jerk and vibration at low speed and on downshifts. Provoke the 'Shift to Park' message. Check A/C cooling. Cycle the parking brake several times (actuator corrosion). Click through MyLink. Verify all recalls by VIN.
Market 2026: US roughly EUR 13,000–22,000; rare and at an import premium in Germany. Insider pick: a 2020–2021 with the transmission updates done — the LFY is the most carefree Traverse V6, and the nine-speed quirks are readable with history.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Chevrolet Traverse C1XX is available with one engine variant at 310 hp.
The latest evolution of the 3.6-litre high-feature V6 with direct injection, cylinder deactivation and stop/start, around 310 hp. The notorious timing chain trouble of the early generation is largely resolved, with isolated stretch appearing only at high mileage. The water pump remains a typical wear item and is expensive to replace due to its cramped location. Direct injection alone leads to intake-valve carbon, making a clean every 50,000 to 70,000 miles worthwhile. The camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pump and the VVT solenoids count as occasional weak points. A solid base that lasts well with consistent short oil-change intervals.
- !! Water pump failure (LFY) from 160,000 km
Water pump is a known wear item on the 3.6 platform, typically failing around 80,000–130,000 miles. Located in a labor-intensive spot. RepairPal lists $1,080–$1,668.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, coolant under engine - !! High-pressure fuel pump failure from 150,000 km
The camshaft-driven high-pressure pump feeds the direct injection. As it fails, rail pressure drops: long crank times, rough idle, reduced power and P0087/P0089 codes. Tends to appear at higher mileage.
Symptoms: Hard starting, rough idle, reduced engine power message and limp mode, fault codes P0087 or P0089. - ! Intake valve carbon buildup from 130,000 km
Like all pure direct-injection engines, the LFY accumulates carbon on the intake valves since no fuel washes them. From 50,000 to 70,000 miles it can cause misfires, rough idle and P0300 codes with clean spark plugs. Walnut-shell blasting fixes it.
Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires and power loss at higher mileage, fault code P0300 despite new spark plugs.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 9T65 9-speed shudder and judder The 9T65 nine-speed automatic, new for 2018, suffers torque converter clutch shudder on re-engagement, often from 20,000-30,000 miles. Owners report gears 5-9 locked out, 1-2 flare and a flashing 'D'. GM launched a 2020 pilot program favoring full replacement; fixes range from a torque converter to a whole transmission. Symptoms: Shudder below 40 mph on light throttle, harsh 1-2 shift, flashing D indicator from 50,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 12 weaknesses have been documented for the Chevrolet Traverse C1XX (2018–2023) — 4 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, HVAC, Other. Considered reliable: LFY (3.6L V6 (LFY)).
What to watch out for with the Chevrolet Traverse? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Chevrolet Traverse C1XX have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Chevrolet Traverse C1XX? +
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Which Chevrolet Traverse C1XX engine is the most reliable? +
Which Chevrolet Traverse C1XX engine is the most fun? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee