About this problem
The timing chain links the crankshaft to the camshafts so the valves open at exactly the right moment. If it stretches, usually from oil that is not changed often enough, the engine timing drifts. The car shows warnings like "Service StabiliTrak" or a check engine light, loses power and can eventually fail to start. Replacing a chain is a long, costly job.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Chevrolet Traverse since 2012, 240 (6.7%) describe timing chain and "Service StabiliTrak" power loss, making it the most reported problem we track on the Traverse. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2014 model years, and the 2014 drew the most, with 82. It tends to show up at higher mileage: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 57,000 and 108,000 miles. 2 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Chevrolet has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Owners of 2009 to 2017 Traverses with the 3.6-liter V6 report a check engine light, 'Service StabiliTrak' message and 'Engine power reduced' warning, often together. A common cause is a stretched timing chain. The 2012 to 2014 cars drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
The repair is replacing the timing chains, guides and tensioners. Frequent oil changes reduce the risk.
Typical cost: A timing chain job costs about $1,500 to $2,500.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Received the following warnings all of the sudden: traction control off, traction control needs service, StabiliTrak off, StabiliTrak needs service. Check engine light came on at the same time. Vehicle began trying to stall."
2012 Chevrolet Traverse, 49,300 miles
"I was sitting at a light and heard chimes. The vehicle display showed service traction control, service StabiliTrak and traction control turned off. When the light changed the vehicle would not move. There was some kind of engine loss but it did not stall out."
2014 Chevrolet Traverse, 25,862 miles
"In the past few months my 2013 chev Traverse has had the reduced engine power problem experienced by thousands of other owners. It has happened going 70 mph on the highway and 30 mph on city streets. Usually I pull over to the side of the road."
2013 Chevrolet Traverse, 106,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Chevrolet has sent dealers 42 bulletins that mention this problem on the Traverse. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Service Update.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to inspect the left side timing chain guide assembly for abnormal wear and to replace the guide if found the cause of the concern.
This Preliminary information communicates to technician's if they remove the front timing cover when performing a repair, they should inspect the timing chain guide upper bolt for being loose.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a knock noise, seized engine, lower end squeak or squeal from the engine.
This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with Reduced Engine Power displayed ...
N192266190 - Service Update.
Before you buy a Traverse
- Watch for StabiliTrak or reduced power messages.
- Listen for rattle at cold start.
- Ask for timing chain records and oil change history.
Questions
Which Chevrolet Traverse years have timing chain and "Service StabiliTrak" power loss?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2014 model years. The 2014 drew the most, with 82 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 81,000 miles, and half reported it between 57,000 and 108,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A timing chain job costs about $1,500 to $2,500.