An issue has been identified with the third-generation Chevy Traverse powered by the turbocharged 2.5L I4 LK0 engine. The problem is low or erratic oil pressure at idle in some models. Luckily, a fix is now available for the issue.
To identify whether your crossover is experiencing this problem, verify erratic oil pressure at idle by monitoring rapid toggling of oil pressure. It tends to occur while the engine oil temperature is warm.
Once confirmed, here’s how the technicians at your local dealer can fix it. They’ll remove the oil pan and balancer shaft assembly and inspect the four-piston oil nozzles shown in Figure 3 below.
Fig. 3
If the center portion of the nozzle is loose or missing from the piston nozzle, as in Figure 4 below, that’s the root of the problem.
Fig. 4
The center portion components may be sitting on top of the balancer shaft assembly in the oil pick-up screen when the nozzle is removed. They could also be in the bottom of the oil pan. If this is the case, it would look like Figure 5 below.
Fig. 5
In some cases, some components from the center portion of the oil nozzles can exit the engine through the drain plug during an oil change. They would look like the pieces in Figure 6 below.
Fig. 6
GM recommends replacing all piston oil nozzles if any nozzles are found to be missing components. This is the safest way to ensure proper oil pressure and engine lubrication. Follow the procedures in the appropriate service information documentation to replace the nozzles.
Fig. 7
The Chevy Traverse three-row crossover made the switch from a V6 to a turbocharged four-cylinder when it entered its third generation for the 2024 model year. Other changes with the new generation include an aesthetic overhaul inside and out, the introduction of a rugged Z71 trim, and available Super Cruise hands-free driving.
The turbocharged 2.5L I4 LK0 gasoline engine develops 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. Under the body panels, the Chevy Traverse rides on the GM C1 platform. Production of the 2025 model year kicked off on Monday, October 14th, 2024, at the GM Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan.
Comments
Bring back the V6. All these small displacement 3 and 4 cylinders are being use on cars that are too big. Also for local short trips, I believe, in the long term turbos are not as reliable. I know that manufacturers put everything through all kind of “real world testing”, but in the real world time is the real test.
The V6 does need to come back, but I wouldn’t throw too many stones. Remember the timing chain teething problems the 3.6 had…
I rather have a 6th gen “high feature” V6. The Buick 3800 was legendary at being reliable. Neither the 3.6 “high feature” family nor the Ecoboost 4 family are known as being bulletproof. The Ecoboost 4 family pedigree is known for being a good sub 200K engine, but that Buick 6 almost always outlasted the car even with less than diligent maintenance. 6th gen small block technology might get a 3.8 V6 to also exceed the HP and TQ values of the turbo 4.
13 or more years ago. Ancient history. The 3.6 is a reliable engine
These engines are no more than glorified motorcycle engines. I just don’t think GM can last much longer when their buyers are spending sleepless nights worrying… WHATS NEXT!
What’s next? 100% Electric powertrains..
Tell that to all the other manufacturers who are selling 4 cylinder engines. This issue could happen on any of them. They all use this type of feature. Those saying turbos don’t last don’t know what they are talking about. GM has many 2.0t with well over 200k and still going strong. Use the correct oil and change it regularly you will not have a issue.
On many a Saab, Ecoboost and even 2.0 LTG, the turbos aren’t original.
What I will say about the GM turbos, is as their on a strait 4 inside a vehicle with a truck hood line to look as macho as possible, it’s an easy repair. Unlike a Ford EB that requires the cab off to access the turbo housings that are on the underside of a DOHC V engine.
So the oil pan and balancer shaft need to come out to access these. 20+ hours labor?
Also have these ports been revised, and will there be a special warranty policy on them? At minimum they better be under more than 3/36 coverage.
Low oil pressure = wear. Union jobs, I need a raise to keep making these great products.
More problems for Chevrolet. Oh my !!!
Well enjoy your small displacement turbo motors I will stay with the 3.6 V6 I know you’ll say but it has more horsepower and torque but it probably won’t get that without premium gas never mind the long-term duribility.
Doesn’t need premium, only 87… Tons of clueless people in here making remakes. All they hear is cylinder count and no idea how engine build determines reliability. Give me an over built turbo 4 than a weakly built NA 6 any day. Especially when the turbo 4 give MUCH better power ranges and more pleasurable driving dynamics.
@TMI
You’re saying you get “more pleasurable driving dynamics ” from that stupid and pathetic four cylinder turbo? Are you forgetting that you yourself admitted that this engine was noisy? I’m now convinced that you’re a GM employee desperately trying in any you can to save your employment with a company that’s quickly going down the drain!
GM stop with the 4 cyl put the v6 back in the traverse it might sale better.
**Sell, and the new one is selling very well, they can’t keep them on the lots.
They are selling so well GM is already having to offer incentives & discounts on a new model that’s barely 6 months old.
Keep enabling the losing to Mediocrity philosophy.
Give me a Gen I small block…thank you very much!
I will say, the 1st Gen small block came during a time when you would expect to rebuild an engine every 50,000 miles or less. Power and efficiency is also abysmal by today’s standards unless you are talking about significantly upgrading it, at which point, why not just go with an LS.
When I worked for GM 40 years ago, these, kind of problems were non existent, I think we have over “engineered” all of the modern vehicles in an attempt to increase mileage, cut weight and so on. So we are paying the price through the ” back door”.
“When I worked for GM 40 years ago, these, kind of problems were non existent”
Local businessman had his Olds 5.7 diesel literally drop all the pistons onto the ground while sitting at a stoplight. Oh yes we had problems 40 years ago too!
Reliability seems to have peaked around 12 years ago, and we’re definitely in a malaise era again.
That Old’s diesel was an anomaly. The block original design was never intended for use as a diesel. GM needed a quick solution for a diesel at that time and the Old’s block was closest “sub” at the time.
It’s really because GM doesn’t know how to make a solid reliable vehicle.
The point is that we (GM) are building new engines with quality defects that should have never happened, It doesnt matter how many cylinders the engine has, if there is not a quality control/inspection process, that is followed to find defects like this its all useless. Garbage in/Garbage out. It’s sad…didnt use to be this way.
Exactly. I owned GM 4 cylinder engines decades ago that were also under powered and in oversized vehicles, but the engines weren’t falling apart.
Can’t wait for TMI or someone else to say that this is a non-issue and the solely a result of poor maintenance by the owners.
I am on my 6th Traverse, I had 1 service visit on the 3rd one for an oil sending unit. I am keeping the 2023 when the lease is up next year for 2 reasons, 3.6 engine and the lease going in the $700 range for a 4 cylinder engine.
Not ready for 4 cylinder engine in a big vehicle.
I agree, lease on my 23 Acadia is up next year. Aside from the buzy 4 cylinder engine GM made the new Acadia larger which added about 900 poumds … No thanks…
It isn’t 900 pounds, it is around 250 pounds. Nice try… And they gave it a ton more power with an over built engine based off the truck line. Not sure all the complaints. The 3.6 was a car motor moving around a heavy CUV, now they put in a purpose built motor and the clueless complain.
Yet all the competitors have done fine with an NA V6.
To Much !gnorance indeed.
If by fine you mean Nissans never ending QC issues,
Toyota gas guzzling V6,
Hondas J35 Overly complicated VTEC V6 with less fuel economy and nearly 20% less power
FCA’s pentastar which was the closest to the GM 6, but has poor torque in the low RPM range. GM’s V6 is by far the best of the group, and it’s really getting cut because of volume. Cadillac is cutting it, noore Camaro, Colorado is moving to the truck engine. There’s no more production to keep the cost of this advanced engine down.
I am mediocrity
Sadly GM engine engineering and production are no longer assets. Just test drive a 4 cylinder Traverse. That 4 cylinder makes power but is way too noisy. Maybe earning too hard.
I just bought my first Ford in 20 years. There was so much dismal engineering from Ford there was no way to own one. I wanted a GM vehicle but there is way to many really stupid issues from what seems to be cheap parts. Like this issue with the 2.5
Hopefully Ford has finally fixed all the issues with there 2.0 eco boost engine. I decided on a Bronco Sport Badlands over anything from GM. I can tell you that the 2.0 Eco Boost is so smooth at idle you can’t tell it’s running. There is no vibration at any RPM. You can’t tell it’s a Turbo 4 banger. The 8 speed transmission works perfectly. Here is hoping I didn’t make a mistake.
ROB…..My dad use to think there was no better work truck than a Ford. Grandpa bought one in 1911. He had to have it sent to him partially disassembled on a flat bed rail car from Saint Louis. He was so proud that so few had motorized work vehicle. Today I will not buy one. They are laden with electrical issues and body assembly problems. But I will say this, their engines and running gear are more reliable than Chevys or Dodges.
If GM is so intent on 4-cylinder power, maybe they should resurrect the old “Iron Duke ” At least it didn’t fall apart.
Is this a recall issue, or do we have to wait for it to fail?
Losing with mediocrity strikes again.
All is going according to mommy Mary Barra’s plan.
My 2025 LT with 3,500 miles had the oil light code go on. Been in the dealer for over 2 weeks now and no word on my repair. I hear on FB groups how the light goes on and the motor seizes right away. Other than that great car!