The 2013 model year Chevy Traverse is among the vehicles that are most likely to need a full transmission replacement at some point in their lifetime, according to a new study conducted by Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports says it “analyzed data on older models” from its Annual Auto Surveys in order to see “which major systems can lead to expensive repairs and identify the models that have a significant risk.” The publication found that transmissions were among the most problematic major vehicle components, with transmission issues occurring “with surprising frequency at a certain age and mileage,” on select vehicles. Among these vehicles was the 2013 model-year Chevy Traverse, which typically experiences transmission problems between 110,000 miles and 135,500 miles.
The complexity of transmissions, along with how difficult they are to repair, makes recurring transmission problems a major red flag for used car shoppers looking to put a Chevy Traverse in their driveway.
“Transmission problems can lead to a range of issues such as overheating, slipping gears, and holding on to a gear for too long,” said Consumer Reports chief mechanic, John Ibbotson. “Ultimately, minor concerns can lead to catastrophic failure, leaving the car undrivable. A transmission rebuild or replacement is an expensive project that takes time, and not every repair shop will be experienced to tackle this job, adding to the inconvenience.”
Consumer Reports did not say what kind of transmission problems 2013 Chevy Traverse owners experienced. These vehicles were sold with only one transmission option, the 6T75 six-speed automatic, which was built at the GM Warren Transmission plant in Michigan between 2006 and 2016. The only available engine in the 2013 model-year Traverse was the 3.6L LLT V6, which is factory rated at 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.
Other vehicles that often experience transmission problems, according to the study, include the 2013 Nissan Sentra, 2014 Nissan Pathfinder, 2014 Ford Focus, 2019 Kia Forte, 2013 Nissan Murano, 2011 Ford Fiesta, 2014 Infiniti QX60, 2011 Nissan Rogue and 2016 Nissan Altima.
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Comments
110k-135k? I wouldn’t worry about buying one and just make sure the maintenance is done. I was thinking a failure would most likely occur around 60k then that is different. Many of these are probably just neglect. I know a few guys who always switch from reverse to drive while still going backwards a few mph, that will mess up any transmission over time.
135,000 is not an acceptable timeframe for a torque converter automatic transmission failure.
It’s amazing for a CVT though. Look at all the Nissans on that list!
Just lost the tranny in our ‘09 at 189K and we kept up on maintenance but beat the piss out of it so no shame for it. Keep up on maintenance and treat it nice and you’ll get life out of it.
I hate fwd transmissions. See no advantage about them versus rwd.
Consumer Reports: No Honda has ever needed a transmission replaced. Okay maybe they did not say that but I know way more people that needed a transmission in their Honda or Acura back in the early 2000’s then any friend driving a GM product including the 8 pickups I have owned since 1987. We have a 99 K2500 Suburban at work with 280,000 mile and no work yet on the transmission or engine.
I recommend that owners and buyers always change the oil and filter on the transmission and rear axle at 60,000 miles, because the dirt really destroys the components.
One tip:
In BMW M vehicles with an active coefficient of friction rear axle differential, the oil must be changed every 60 miles. This is what BMW specifies!
So I always do that with a vehicle that I buy and it always works!
I never did like how the my 17 Impala shifted with this transmission. It’s so unpredictable and sloppy. Although with the V6, the car felt sluggish and I honestly blame the 6 speed 6T75 for the problem. It was designed for fuel efficiency and not for performance.
My Impala had 97,000 when I sold it, and I always thought in the back of my mind that the transmission in that car could crap out any time as the shift quality became worse within the last year. I drained and refilled the transmission fluid probably 5 different times since I owned the car, and even with the drain and refills, the shift quality never really got better. Always jerky and slow IMO. The 3.6L V6 was a great engine however and I never had any problems with it.
The old GM Chevy trucks from the early-mid 2000’s down into the 90’s were stout trucks that could take a beating and lasted forever especially with that 5.3L V8. Back when GM made reliable trucks and SUV’s. They were even better made in the 60’s-80’s.
Consumer Reports…jack of all trades, master of none.
Not only the transmission but also the engine seizing up. The timing chain ,I was told by a dealer would start to fail after 80,000 miles. If you were lucky enough to go to have it go out by the 100,000 mile warranty your good to go but if not too bad. Than GM dropped warranty to 80,000 miles on newer models .
I have a 2010 Chevy traverse. I have done replacement the timing twice , the motor now I’m replacing the transmission all with in a year
Hey folks , I’ve been telling GM Authority how bad the traverse is. I know bc I had two of them an 09 and 16. Yup timing chains and trany. Both of mine started at 80,000 mi. Like I said before, it will be the best looking car in the junk yard. The person who said it was neglect you need to rethink your statement. You must work for Chevy, bc they always blame the customer. I challenge you to go buy one.
I traded my 16 for a Honda CRV, problem solved.
One last comment and I’m done. Consumer Reports did Chevy a favor and only picked one year of the traverse, I know all the other years did the same thing.
You know, no manual transmission I have owned has ever given me the slightest problem.
I wish I could get a Silverado without a slushbox.
All these comments on keeping up with maintenance on a Traverse transmission. Say you know nothing about the transmission without actually saying it.
You really think removing the transmission and splitting it to get to any sort of screen or filter is a serviceable transmission? Crap design. Same as the rest of the car, engine out for a timing chain job. Pure bliss……