Chevrolet Traverse VSS-S
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The third Traverse (2024+, VSS-S) is the brand-new generation on the VSS-S architecture and the Global-B electronics platform. A US-only model (market:us), not officially available in Europe. The big break: Chevrolet swaps the proven V6 for a turbocharged four. On paper a step forward — in practice the data is still thin, and the early field reports give pause.
The engines: One drivetrain, the LK0 2.5L Turbo I4 (fR:nope) with around 328 hp and 442 Nm. It replaced the V6 in 2024 and nominally delivers more power and torque. But the engine is too young for a firm long-term verdict, and the early reports are serious. There are accounts of oil-pump failures that destroy engine AND transmission, top-end ticking from the hydraulic lifters, and engines stalling while driving. These aren't trivialities — they're potentially safety-critical and expensive faults. Buy now and you're effectively a beta tester.
Model years: Too new for a year recommendation. If anything, buy as late in the production cycle as possible to benefit from quiet improvements and completed recalls. Remaining warranty is absolutely decisive on this model.
Whole car: Trouble around it too: early transmission failures under 8,000 km, a steering-rack failure as early as 800 km, plus Super Cruise and AEB that don't work reliably, and assorted infotainment bugs on the new Global-B platform. This is the classic first-year fingerprint of an all-new platform — much will settle with updates and revisions, but today it's real risk.
Test drive: Check oil level and warning lights meticulously (oil-pump history). Listen for valvetrain ticking on cold start. Test the transmission across all load states. Check Super Cruise and AEB for repeatable dropouts. Watch the steering for any odd behaviour. A VIN recall check is mandatory on this year.
Market 2026: US near-new/new roughly EUR 30,000–45,000. Insider pick: honestly, wait — or buy only with full manufacturer warranty and documented completed recalls. For a firm recommendation the VSS-S Traverse is simply still too young.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Chevrolet Traverse VSS-S is available with one engine variant at 328 hp.
2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with direct injection, around 328 hp and 442 Nm. It replaces the former V6 from 2024 onward and on paper delivers more power and torque. In practice it is still too new for a reliable long-term verdict: early build years show loose center sections in the piston oil nozzles with low oil pressure at idle, a top-end tick from debris in the hydraulic lash adjuster, and a manufacturer-investigated tendency to stall. Direct injection suggests intake-valve coking over time, and the turbo's higher oil-temperature load demands a clean oil level. Much is still covered under warranty — caution with early units.
- !! Oil pump failure — engine and transmission destroyed from 8,000 km
Low or erratic oil pressure at idle from loose or missing center sections of the four piston oil nozzles. The detached parts end up in the oil pick-up screen. Repair requires dropping the oil pan and balancer shaft. In one documented severe case engine and transmission locked up at 5,400 km, four months of downtime, recurring after repair.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning, engine and transmission lockup, catastrophic damage - !! Engine stalls while driving from 8,000 km
Several NHTSA complaints about early units where the engine can stall or lose power while driving, sometimes at highway speed with a check-engine light. GM is still investigating the cause per preliminary information bulletin PIP6102 — all 2024-2026 model years included.
Symptoms: Sudden engine stall or power loss while driving, check-engine light, sometimes an unexpected downshift or a banging noise. - ! Top-end tick from hydraulic lash adjuster from 15,000 km
Diesel-like ticking at cold start and idle. GM attributes the cause to manufacturing debris in the stationary hydraulic lash adjuster (SHLA), which prevents oil from pumping up in the adjuster, so the rocker arm runs loose against the camshaft. Addressed by a manufacturer bulletin.
Symptoms: Loud, diesel-like ticking or clatter mainly when cold and at idle, quieting as it warms. Coming from the upper part of the engine.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Early transmission failures under 5,000 miles Several 2024 Traverse owners report transmission and driveline failures at very low mileage — one documented case had an engine/transmission lockup from oil pump failure at 3,333 miles. Replacement under warranty is required, compounded by parts shortages and months out of service. Symptoms: Sudden loss of propulsion, transmission warning light from 8,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 7 weaknesses have been documented for the Chevrolet Traverse VSS-S (2024–2026) — 3 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Steering. Considered reliable: LK0 (2.5L Turbo I4).
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 VSS-S have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee