2020 Chevrolet Traverse transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 21V817000Oct 18, 2021639 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

  Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place may chafe against the transmission case, possibly resulting in a transmission fluid leak.

  Risk: A transmission fluid leak can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the screw and clip, and inspect for signs of contact with the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.

• Recall 20V668000Oct 29, 2020194,105 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

  General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

  Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

  Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 30, 2026150,970 miSCTowedEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping and there was a delay while the transmission was shifting gears. The vehicle was sputtering and jerking while driving. While turning out of a driveway and driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted and informed that there was no recall on the VIN. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11753792 · source
2. Filed Jul 24, 2026WATransmission & Drivetrain

   I own a 2020 Chevy Traverse with currently 16,000 miles. I am currently dealing with a know shudder issue that has returned. I have already taken the vehicle under warranty to the dealership where the transmission was replaced on 6/29/2022 at 4919 miles for “catastrophic failure” where the fluids were dark, burnt, and several burnt up clutches. Then the torque converter was replaced separately on 9/20/2022 at 8106 miles for engine shudder. Took the vehicle again in on…

   NHTSA complaint #11752600 · source
3. Filed Jul 22, 202626,818 miNJTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park(P); however, the “Shift to Park” message was displayed. The contact shifted the gear shifter back and forth and then shifted into park(P) before the proper gear was recognized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the gear shifter. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,818.

   NHTSA complaint #11752199 · source
4. Filed Jul 6, 2026WATransmission & Drivetrain

   I own a 2020 Chevy Traverse with currently 16,000 miles. I am currently dealing with a know shudder issue that has returned. I have already taken the vehicle under warranty to the dealership where the transmission was replaced on 6/29/2022 at 4919 miles then the torque converter was replaced separately on 9/20/2022 at 8106 miles for engine shudder. This vehicle is practically brand new. I reached out to GM with no help other than to pay to have it diagnosed again at the…

   NHTSA complaint #11748672 · source
5. Filed May 12, 2026WITransmission & Drivetrain

   I have 37,000 miles and have taken it to a Chevrolet dealer for all suggested routine maintenance. It started shuddering so I took in to dealer. They said known issue and may need a new torque converter which would cost approximately $8500. They suggested I try changing the transmission fluid even though suggested at 45,000 miles. They said to drive 200 miles and see if it goes away. I haven't yet put 200 miles but am very concerned there is a bigger issue with the Traverses…

   NHTSA complaint #11737438 · source
6. Filed May 12, 2026PATransmission & Drivetrain

   2020 Chevrolet Traverse started to shudder and hard shift between 25 to 30 miles per hour. Vehicle only has 64,925 miles on it (4,925 miles above warranty). Vehicle was taken to garage and told the torque converter along with valve body was needed to be replaced. The torque converter malfunctioned right after warranty expired due to mileage and could have left my family stranded on the side of the road. The components have been inspected by Chevrolet manufacturer and they…

   NHTSA complaint #11737232 · source
7. Filed Jan 27, 202630,000 miNMTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was shifted into the park(P), the message "Shift to Park" was display on the instrument panel. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was shifted out of park and back into park several times before being able to turn off the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11713651 · source
8. Filed Oct 6, 2025MATransmission & Drivetrain

   Receiving a persistent “Shift to Park” message, after the car has been placed in Park. This causes an inability to turn off my engine completely and is draining my battery. As a temp fix, I've had to wiggle the shifter many times, turn the car on and off, place the car from park into drive many times to get the car to realize it's in Park. Scheduled with the dealership and referenced the TSB that was issued for this specific safety issue (in writing). Brought the car in for…

   NHTSA complaint #11691599 · source
9. Filed Sep 3, 2025NCTransmission & Drivetrain

   Check engine light came on day after I purchased this vehicle. Cracks in both front exhaust pipes. Seem to be an issue with 2020 chevy traverse models.

   NHTSA complaint #11684883 · source
10. Filed Sep 2, 2025GATransmission & Drivetrain

    I recently had to replace my transmission (2020 Chevrolet Traverse) due to shuddering from manufacturer's fault in assembly process. Now I'm having to replace the transmission in my mother's 2018 Chevrolet Colorado that has less than 65k miles. These issues cause power loss while driving. I was in the middle of passing another vehicle when my vehicle experienced power loss. This is a HUGE safety issue, not only for my family but many others that I know that are experiencing…

    NHTSA complaint #11684512 · source
11. Filed Aug 26, 2025MIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    Ive got this vehicle on 5/12/2025 and all of this need to be done catalytic converter replacement. During inspection found loud exhaust on startup. Upon further inspection found bank 1 catalytic converter cracked causing exhaust leak. Both exhaust front pipes damaged as well(broken mounting brackets between both pipes) . Recommend replacement of catalytic converter and both exhaust front pipesbrake system fluid exchange-performed pressurized fluid exchange of old brake…

    NHTSA complaint #11683278 · source
12. Filed Aug 26, 2025CATransmission & Drivetrain

    Severe transmission shudder, issues accelerating. Torque converter failure is very common with this vehicle, even with following routine scheduled maintenance. There is no engine or MIL light on and symptoms appeared out of nowhere. Failing to be able to safely accelerate can cause accidents, putting lives and property at risk. Looking information up online will show that this is a very common issue with this model year and transmission.

    NHTSA complaint #11683148 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology