Chevrolet Traverse GMT968
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The first Traverse (2009–2017, GMT968) is Chevrolet's big three-row family SUV on the Lambda platform — sibling to the Acadia, Enclave and Outlook. A US-only model (market:us), essentially never sold officially in Europe. Plenty of space for seven or eight, but the drivetrain demands a hard look.
The engines: Both are 3.6L V6s at 210 kW, but worlds apart in reliability. The LLT 3.6L DI (fR:nope) is one of the most notorious GM engines ever: the timing-chain stretch is a factory defect — the worst batch fails between 95,000 and 160,000 km with P0008/P0009. Add the fragile Delphi high-pressure pump and PCV oil burn. Buy only with a documented chain replacement. Far better is the LFX 3.6L (fR:ok, from around 2012/13) — different chain suppliers and better materials push the stretch into a later, usually non-critical age. Still, DI valve carbon, water pump, HP pump and PCV oil burn remain themes. The LFX is the clear buy.
Model years: The rule is simple: the later, the better. Years up to ~2012 tend to carry the critical LLT; from 2013 you get the revised LFX. The 2013 facelift also brought interior and exterior improvements.
Whole car: The biggest killer is the transmission: the 6T70/6T75 wave plate can shatter — total failure with no warning, a well-known Lambda problem. Add power-steering failure, StabiliTrak warnings with limp mode, liftgate struts that won't hold, and a leaking A/C system (condenser and rear lines). Two recalls: seatbelt cable fatigue (14V266) and side curtain airbags.
Test drive: Cold-start for chain rattle (P0008 suspicion on the LLT). Load the transmission and watch for hits or slip on downshifts — wave-plate damage sometimes announces itself with harsh shifting. Check A/C cooling. Watch for StabiliTrak/power-steering warnings. Liftgate: does it stay up?
Market 2026: US roughly EUR 5,000–12,000; extremely rare in Germany. Insider pick: an LFX from 2014 on with transmission service history — dodges both the LLT chain and the worst wave-plate candidates.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Chevrolet Traverse GMT968 is available with one engine variant at 281 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
3.6-liter V6 with direct injection and variable cam timing. One of GM's most notorious engines for timing chain stretch: the worst batch fails between 95,000 and 160,000 km with P0008/P0009/P0016/P0017, cold-start rattle and power loss. GM extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles. As a pure direct-injection unit it cokes the intake valves, the high-pressure fuel pump is a known weak point, and the undersized PCV orifice drives oil consumption on pre-2014 builds. Buy only with proof of a renewed chain and consider an oil catch can.
- !! LLT timing chain stretch — the headliner defect from 130,000 km
The LLT 3.6L V6 is notorious for timing chain stretch. The worst batch fails between 95,000 and 160,000 km (carcomplaints reports an average of 130,000 km). Wear sets P0008/P0009/P0016/P0017, causes cold-start rattle, power loss and engine damage if ignored. GM special coverage extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles.
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle for 1–3 seconds, rough idle, check engine P0008/P0009/P0016/P0017, sluggish acceleration - !! Delphi high-pressure fuel pump failure from 150,000 km
The Delphi high-pressure fuel pump on the LLT can fail. Long crank times, rough idle, P0087/P0089/P228C. If the internal seals fail, fuel leaks into the engine oil (gasoline smell on the dipstick) — replace pump and oil immediately. GM issued a special coverage program for the pump.
Symptoms: Long crank time especially cold, rough idle, power loss, CEL with P0087/P0089 - !! Oil consumption from PCV and valve guide wear (LLT) from 130,000 km
The undersized PCV orifice on pre-late-2013 builds raises crankcase pressure and pushes oil past seals — up to 1 quart per 1,000 km. The fix is to enlarge the orifice and fit an oil catch can; a leaking rear main seal (transmission must come out) adds cost.
Symptoms: Oil level drops between changes, blue smoke on cold start
Revised evolution of the 3.6-liter V6 with direct injection and variable cam timing, around 301 hp. Different chain suppliers and improved materials push timing chain stretch into a later window (roughly 145,000 to 210,000 km with proper oil changes), but the underlying weakness remains. As a pure direct-injection unit it cokes the intake valves, while the high-pressure fuel pump and the awkwardly mounted water pump are typical wear items. On pre-late-2013 builds the undersized PCV orifice drives oil consumption. Strict 8,000 km intervals instead of trusting the oil-life monitor are mandatory.
- !! Premature timing chain wear 3.6L LFX from 160,000 km
The LFX uses a different chain supplier than the LLT, with a later stretch window (roughly 145,000 to 210,000 km with proper oil changes). With extended intervals it appears earlier: cold-start rattle, P0008/P0016. The repair covers primary and secondary chains, tensioners, guides and usually the water pump (12-16 hours).
Symptoms: Cold start rattle, P0008/P0009 codes, check engine light - !! Water pump failure from 145,000 km
The internal water pump is a known wear item that typically fails between 130,000 and 160,000 km. The awkward mounting location drives labor cost; many replace it preventively during the timing chain service.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, puddle under the car, rising temperature, squeal or bearing noise, overheat warning. - !! High-pressure fuel pump failure from 150,000 km
The cam-driven high-pressure fuel pump can wear out. Symptoms are long crank times and rough idle with P0087/P0089. If the internal seals fail, fuel dilutes the engine oil, risking bearing damage. GM issued a special coverage program for the pump.
Symptoms: Long cranking on start, rough idle, limp mode, gasoline smell on the dipstick, P0087/P0089.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 6T70/6T75 wave plate failure — total transmission loss The 6T70/6T75 six-speed automatic suffers a cracked wave plate in the 4-5-6 clutch drum. The result is loss of 3rd and 5th gear plus reverse — effectively total transmission failure. GM extended coverage to 10 years/120,000 miles due to frequency; many cases occur just outside it. Symptoms: No reverse, harsh or flared 3-5 shifts, slipping, P0776/P0842 from 160,000 km | High |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Chevrolet Traverse GMT968 (2009–2017) — 8 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: LLT (3.6L V6 DI). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Steering, Other, Electronics.
Traverse (LLT, 2009–2012) — Stay Away!: LLT timing chain stretch — the headliner defect, Delphi high-pressure fuel pump failure, Oil consumption from PCV and valve guide wear (LLT). Power: 281 PS.
Traverse (LFX, 2013–2017) — Be Careful: Premature timing chain wear 3.6L LFX, Water pump failure, High-pressure fuel pump failure. Power: 281 PS.
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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee