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Some 2024 Chevy Traverse, Blazer And Trailblazer Units To Get Transmission Fix

GM has released a new service update bulletin regarding an issue with internal transmission components of select Chevy Traverse, Traverse Limited, Blazer and Trailblazer crossovers.

Front three-quarters view of the Chevy Traverse Limited.

According to Service Update N242446290 published in June 2024, certain 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, 2024 Chevy Traverse Limited, 2024 Chevy Blazer and 2024 Chevy Trailblazer units may have a condition in which the clutch backing plate retaining ring and/or the clutch piston retaining ring inside the transmission are of specification. Vehicles affected with this condition will need a replacement of the clutch piston housing, performed at a GM dealership.

The bulletin points out that it only involves vehicles in dealer inventory, and the repair will be eligible until July 31st, 2025. Involved vehicles are marked “Open” on dealers’ Investigate Vehicle History screen in the GM Global Warranty Management System. This is not a recall, but affected vehicles must be held at the dealer until the fix is completed.

It’s unclear at this time exactly how many units are affected by this mechanical issue. The service update rounds up the following Chevy models mentioned above, but also the 2024 Buick Encore GX, the 2024 Cadillac XT4, the 2024 Cadillac XT5, the 2024 Cadillac XT6, the 2024 GMC Acadia and the 2024 GMC Terrain.

As a reminder, the 2024 Chevy Traverse is equipped with the turbocharged 2.5L I4 LK0 engine that develops 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, managed by the GM eight-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse Limited cradles the 3.6L V6 LFY engine with 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to the GM nine-speed automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, the Chevy Blazer is available with either the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LSY engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque or the 3.6L V6 LGX engine with 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet, also managed by the nine-speed automatic. As for the Chevy Trailblazer, it’s equipped with either the turbocharged 1.2L I3 LIH developing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque matched to the continuously variable automatic transmission, or the turbocharged 1.3L I3 L3T generating 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet, managed by the CVT or the nine-speed automatic.

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Mike is a seasoned automotive journalist that loves both old-school muscle cars and environmentally friendly EVs.

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Comments

  1. Good thing they caught this in time! Hopefully no other gm vehicle has this issue.

    Reply
    1. This just happend to me. Bought a Traverse Z71 in June. 2 weeks ago (Oct 8th) Transmission failed and had to tow it to the dealer. Fortunatley, I was close to home. Transmission Snap/retainer Ring is what has been determined. Very disappointing with only 5,000 miles on the vehicle! Still don’t have the SUV back from the dealer.

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  2. Seems an odd mix of vehicles and transmissions.

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    1. It’s probably just the models & trims w/engine combinations that have the 9-speed automatic.

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      1. If it includes the 2024 traverse, that’s an 8 speed, so no. It appears. Though that it’s on units that are currently being rolled out of the assembly and not sold yet. QA must have pulled a retaining ring and tested it and it came out too brittle, now they need to replace every ring in that batch, which means most are still in the factory, but a dozen or so have made it to lots.

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  3. It is confusing the way it is written, but i believe it applies to both the refreshed Travers and the outgoing Traverse …both 2024 models. I say this for 3 reasons. They say it is for the Traverse, Traverse Limited. The outgoing 2024 is called the Limited, and the refresh new generation one also for model year 2024 is just the regulare Traverse. They also show pics of both. Additionally the tranny in both models are the same, minus one gear in the new Traverse. Same designe and parts, so the defective part likley applies to both.

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  4. “General Motors has issued a service bulletin for certain examples of the Chevy Blazer, Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers due to an issue related to the transmission clutch spring retaining ring.”
    That’s from a January 15, 2021 article posted in this forum. It appears the GM engineers are having a problem with repairing what they’re producing.

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  5. Got 2020 blazer, please don’t get gm they seem have lot problems,

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  6. GM reliability seems to be harking back to the 70s. Barra once stated GM would no longer produce bad vehicles. In terms of reliability things have never been worse. Why are GM and Ford vehicles blowing heads at 50,000 miles. The Barra era at GM is becoming a nightmare

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  7. It’s all of the 8-Speed transmissions. I have the new model 2024 Traverse RS; Had it for 12 days and the transmission went. Dealer has had it for over 2 weeks with no ETA on the parts needed to fix. I’ve been driving a “courtesy car” for longer than I’ve had my new Traverse! I doubt I’ll be back in my Traverse before August at this rate…

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    1. Any update on your situation? Just bought a Z71 and the dealer is holding it until they fix the issue but they’re still waiting for the part.

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      1. The new 2024 Chevy Traverses also have an issue? What issue did they say they’re waiting to fix on your Traverse? Is it Z71 specific, or all Traverses?

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        1. I got my 2024 Traverse LS on July 29 and my transmission went on Aug 2 at 586 miles. Dealership said it would be ready by Aug 12 but it’s still not. Said they are waiting on another part. Can’t believe they are releasing these from dealerships with knowledge of these issues. Anybody know how to get Chevy to pay for the $300 I sank in hotel rooms when my family got stranded an hour into our beach trip? So frustrating.

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          1. I feel your pain. Not sure if this is my issue but I bought a 2024 Chevy Traverse in Nov 2024. On the way to work Dec 27th 2024, the check engine light came on and the car came to an abrupt stop. Thank God I wasn’t on a highway. The car has 1358 miles on it. Towed to dealership where I purchased it and they are in no hurry to even look at it!

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      2. Are you still waiting? I just bought a Z71 not knowing it was on Hold. The dealer has the car and won’t deliver until fixed.

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        1. Just got mine last Thursday. Purchased on 06/15 was held at the dealership until 07/25.

          Loving it so far. Was tempted to just scrap it all together and look for a different SUV but really glad I stuck with it. I will say there was little to no communication from the dealership regarding when the part would arrive.

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          1. Thanks for the reply. I checked for a TSB and the stop sales order also applies to other GM vehicles with the Z71 trans. My 2019 is in my garage waiting to be picked up so I guess I’ll be down to one car for a few weeks oh well

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            1. I just took delivery of the Z71 after 3 weeks waiting for the transmission to be fixed. While I was putting my cargo mat in the new vehicle I found that it was delivered with the 3 rd row seat head rests that won’t go down. Now I have to make an appointment to get those fixed. I’ve bought a lot of cars in my lifetime and this has been the strangest one yet.

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          2. I am wondering at this point if dealers were left in the dark. A quick Google search will bring people here, so I don’t know why they are playing dumb at this point. Just be honest with customers: GM sent out a bunch of transmissions with a faulty part and they are playing catch up right now trying to get enough parts to fix them all.

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    2. What were your symptoms? I have a new z71 at the dealer now.

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      1. Not sure. Test drove it and loved it. Signed all the paperwork and then was notified right after that GM placed a hold on the car until this issue gets resolved and that they couldn’t deliver the car to me until then.

        Currently still waiting for the dealer to get the part. So I have no idea when I’ll be picking up my Z71.

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        1. Did they specify which issue? Were they transparent on which issue they’re fixing before getting it delivered to you?

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          1. Yeah they mentioned this exact issue that’s outlined in this article.

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        2. Thanks NT, I hope you get it soon. I was actually referring to the post from S M regarding his new RS. Mine started making a noise from the driver’s side wheel well or engine compartment and I had to take it in. They are still diagnosing but I did provide them with the information in the article.

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          1. Did they give you an idea of what it could be prior to diagnosis?

            I’m wondering if they workmanship on the new Traverses should be a concern?

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            1. No they did not.

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    3. Did you ever get yours back? Mine has been at the dealer for 9 days with no ETA on the part.

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    4. My Traverse RS is running again. Took them almost 9 weeks to get parts & repair it. Dealership provided courtesy car for the whole time. I understand that parts are now more available. Newer produced vehicles should have the improved transmission and should be OK.

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      1. I’m still wondering if they will be reliable and pour in much quality into their assembly lines (parts and processes)

        Reply
  8. My opinion on gm are not worthy vehicles.

    Reply
  9. brand new vehicle with Transmission issues?

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  10. There not very good cars.

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  11. My 2024 Blazer just blew the transmission, have only 2750 miles on it, bought May 1, it’s June 20, very disappointed in GM! My engine is a four cylinder turbo and it has failed! My 2020 Blazer I just traded in, needed a new radiator costing me 2000.00, it had 60,000 miles on it! I am now questioning my decision about buying another Chevy!

    Reply
    1. The Transmission gave out before the vehicle 1st oil change was even due!

      What is going on GM / Chevrolet?
      I’ve been seeing many reports of transmission or parts issues on brand new vehicles.

      That is quite concerning on reliability.

      I was initially considering a Traverse, and waiting on consumer experience and reports, especially with a new engine, with the added stress of a slightly heavier vehicle

      Reply
  12. On March 30, 2019, General Motors quietly lowered its new 2019 red Chevrolet Blazer SUV down from its perch above centerfield at Comerica Park in Detroit and replaced it with an American-made Chevrolet Traverse SUV in white. The reason?
    GM builds the SUV in Mexico. The Traverse is built in GM’s Lansing Delta Township plant in Lansing.So what does that tell you as to why there are so many problems with the Blazer and any other vehicle made in Mexico?
    I bought the 2019 Blazer RS, first year back, not knowing it was built in Mexico. Had I known, I would have never bought it. I’m having major issues with the Shift To Park issue & have joined the 4 class actions suits.

    Reply
  13. Very sad to read these comments of engine and transmission failures. GM a once great company, has whittled away products and customers over the years and is just a skeleton of the company it once was. Sadly they have become a just an assembly company putting together batches of parts produced by others to create a motor vehicle. GM needs to really step back and look at the Toyota and Honda models and understand why there is so much loyalty to these brands and why the quality seems so much better. I’ve owned GM stuff all my life except for my 3 Jeep Wranglers. Yup I had some GM junk over the years but my last 2 GM vehicles have been pretty decent; a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse (1 year, 15,000 miles problem free) and a 2019 GMC Denali HD (5 years, 19,000 miles with a few quirks, problems with the DEF after treatment system that the dealer says is functioning as intended). For the time being, I’ll count my blessings and be happy that I bought the 2023 Traverse when I did as planned to avoid an entirely new model. Will I buy GM again? Probably not as an open and shut case; I will better weight the options when the time comes. Hopefully GM can get their act together.

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  14. Happened to my 2024 Traverse after 1500 miles. The trans went out on July 18th. Currently sitting at the dealer waiting on the parts that are apparently on backorder with no ETA. I’ve talked to my service rep several times, and Chevy corporate…NONE of them said a word about this known issue. Seems this isn’t being handled very well. I bought this car on June 13 so now I’m wondering what they might have known about this, especially since they still are playing the “gee we’ve never seen this issue before” game.

    Reply
    1. They knew. It is is known issue where a bulletin was issued. My z71 was purchased in May and they held it on a stop sale. Parts just came in today 7/29/24. A little over 2 months of waiting. GM doesn’t do much to help either. If you call they will just tell you “no ETA available on parts”. From someone who works in material expediting and supply chain management, it is comical that is how they run.

      Reply
  15. My 2024 Traverse LT that I bought May 14, 2024 is currently sitting at the dealer with transmission issues. It only has 3,300 miles on it. Opened a case with GM. No idea how long it will be sitting there. The service rep can’t give me any answers!

    Reply
  16. I bought a 2025 Trail Blazer and am having transmission issues. drove it 3 times and this happens!! Could not even drive the car!! Car is currently at the dealer, to be fixed. 200 miles on this vehicle!! Wished I would have never purchased this!

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  17. Bought a 2024 Trailblazer RS freshly delivered, zero miles. Had less than 1k miles on it, not even a month when we had to take it back. First it was the turbo (3x), then this last time they said it was the fuel injector. The car has been with the dealership since the first of June. Supposedly waiting on the fuel injector. After reading this article, I think it’s waiting on the transmission. I believe my husband may have called it and the dealership won’t own up to it.

    Reply
  18. My Blazer at dealership on “stop sale” since 05/01/24 due to transmission issue. Dealer said can’t get parts, may have to replace complete transmission. Will bail on Chevrolet after owning 18 including 5 Corvettes in 60 years if Blazer not done at end of August. Engineering article title written about 20 years ago. “Nothing works anymore and nobody cares”. Hmmmm?

    Reply
  19. For anyone still considering a Traverse, I just wanted to add that Chevrolet’s official position with my vehicle is that it is not part of any recall or bulletin. I have referenced this article with them several times, and have stated that I have seen the actual bulletin sent to dealers. They have never denied their existence or authenticity, but maintain that my vehicle, after suffering exact issue being discussed here, was not affected by the “defect”. So either I was struck by a major coincidence, or they are denying the extent of the problem.

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  20. How do we know the transmission problem has been fixed if we buy a Traverse in August 2024?

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  21. 2024 Blazer RS will not go into reverse. Is this issue consistent with the problems I’m reading above?

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  22. I bought my Blazer in March. My transmission had this issue back in August at about 2000 miles. Not even 500 miles later, it’s happened again and is back in the shop. It’s very irritating. GM is setting themselves up for major lawsuits with this issue seeing as they haven’t even addressed it via recall.

    Reply
  23. I purchased a brand new 2024 Traverse RS and the transmission went out at 3,000 miles in the middle of nowhere! It is currently at the dealership and I am told it will take over 2 months to repair. I am worried that the repair will not be a 100% fix and that it will happen again.

    Reply
  24. Purchased a Chevy Blazer in July 2024. At 2800 miles the transmission started slipping. Dealer said it seemed to be stuck in 5 th gear. After 3 weeks we were called to pick our vehicle up. Piston seal was cut. Clutch piston housing assembly was replaced. In less than 5 miles it started doing toe same thing. Vehicle picked up by dealer 22 November. Waiting.

    Reply
  25. I bought my 2024 RS end of Sept, took it to the dealer for a window switch issue a month later and they notified me if has this recall. The dealer I bought it from said nothing about it. The parts came in a week and half, they’ve been working on it ever since (part time apparently). The tech broke a stud putting the cat back on and had to repair. It’s been there 5 weeks now. They’ve had the parts working on it for 3.5 weeks. The Chevy labor estimate is 23.4hrs. How the heck does it take 3.5weeks to do a 3 day repair. I’ve talked to the Service Director and the Service Advisor almost every day, it’s infuriating!!!!

    Reply

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