How bad can it get? A new Chevrolet Traverse owner does not want to be let down again. It's now twice in three months that her check engine light has lit up the dash. Is it a serious problem? It could be, so here's what Chevy Traverse owners need to know.
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"Chevvyyyyy NOT my brand new car! Please don't let me down with this one!"
That's what Michelle (@michelleeeg7) says in her TikTok clip that has over 400,000 views. What is the problem with her 2024 Chevrolet Traverse? The check engine light came on again and lit up her dashboard like a Christmas tree.
How bad can it get?
Image buying a new Chevrolet Traverse because it will make an excellent car for your growing family. Michelle and her husband have an 8-year-old girl, a 6-year-old boy, and a baby. She calls the Traverse SUV her "dream Momcar."
She uses the Traverse for all the things every young mom does. Takes the kids to school, then to their favorite Mexican food restaurant in Dallas, Tastadas Y Micheladas, for swimming lessons, and on family trips.
Then, the unexpected happens.
However, after having owned the car for one year, her beloved Momcar has had two trips to the dealer to have the check engine light issue checked. Now she's wondering if she made the right choice buying the SUV.
Michelle doesn't reveal what the problem is, but it could be several things.
First, a check engine light on a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse can indicate a variety of issues, from simple fixes to more serious problems. It's crucial to have it diagnosed by a Chevrolet tech to determine the cause and ensure timely repairs.
- One potential Cause could be a loose or faulty gas cap, a common culprit for check engine lights, especially if the light comes on intermittently.
- O2 sensors: Faulty oxygen sensors can cause the light to illuminate.
- Vacuum leaks: A vacuum leak can disrupt the engine's fuel mixture, triggering the check engine light.
- Fuel injectors: Problems with fuel injectors can also lead to a check engine light.
- Catalytic converter issues: Although less common, catalytic converter problems can cause the light to illuminate.
- Software glitches: In some cases, the check engine light may be triggered by a software glitch, especially in newer models. An update may need to be installed.
- Other potential causes include faulty spark plugs or a faulty mass airflow sensor.
What should Traverse owners do if the check engine light comes on?
- Check the gas cap: Ensure it's adequately tightened.
- Read the codes: Have the certified Chevrolet service tech use an OBDII scanner to check for specific fault codes.
- Don't ignore it: Ignoring the check engine light can lead to more serious problems, potentially increasing repair costs and leading to more extensive damage.
- Consider a reset: If the light comes on and then goes off, it may be a temporary issue that clears itself, according to Kelley Blue Book. However, it's still a good idea to have it checked by a professional to ensure the problem isn't recurring.
- Open a case with GM: If the issue persists or remains unresolved, contact GM and open a case to document the problem and potentially expedite the repair process.
It's crucial to remember that a flashing check engine light indicates a more serious issue that requires immediate attention. If your check engine light is flashing, it's your responsibility to pull over, turn off the vehicle, and have it towed to the Chevrolet dealer for diagnosis and repair.
What are other Chevy Traverse owners saying?
There are many disgruntled owners of the Chevy Traverse.
On Reddit, New_Syllabub says, "My 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is brand new, the check engine light came on, and we made an appointment. It went off about a week or so after it came on, so we canceled the appointment. I came back on yesterday."
Another Reddit user, lkd63, says, "I asked a lady I saw driving the new 2024 in Channelview, TX, how she liked her Traverse. She said Do not buy one."
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Another user says, "My check engine light came on. The dealership was slow to schedule an appointment, even for a week in advance. I put a deposit on the Z71 in June, which was to be delivered by July 4. I found out the car was held after a manufacturer inspection."
"Hmmm, what did not meet standards? I'm still waiting on Traverse, whose delivery date changes daily. Now, I feel like I'm going to have a problem with my car."
Low_Focus_2215 says, "I have the same issue. The engine light will come on and then randomly turn off from the first day of purchase. My Chevrolet service department said it's a software issue, and they are waiting for the update from GM."
CMR1912 says, "The same thing happened with our 2024 Z71 Traverse. The engine light came on a couple of days after we received it, then it went off for a couple of weeks, and then it came back on and stayed on. We brought it into the Chevy dealer, and nothing came up on their code reader."
"They contacted GM Technical, and it was suggested that they replace the fuel lines and injectors. We brought the vehicle in on May 28, and it is still sitting there waiting on parts!"
"There is a ‘national parts shortage’ on the injectors and absolutely no ETA on when to expect them. This is the first brand-new car we have purchased, and to say this has been absolutely infuriating and upsetting is an understatement. And they aren't entirely sure if replacing these parts will resolve the issue."
Conclusion:
Michelle has three small kids and has enough on her plate to worry about. You can imagine her frustration with her Chevy Traverse, which has now displayed a check engine light problem, not once but twice, in the last three months.
Can Chevrolet get it fixed? That's the big question with many Traverse owners.
Note: While there are many disgruntled owners of the Chevy Traverse, there are also numerous satisfied owners who have had no issues with their vehicles.
How About You?
Do you own a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse? If so, we encourage you to share your experiences by clicking the red 'Add New Comment' link below.
Check out my 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe story: My 2023 Chevy Tahoe with 41K Miles Is a Ticking Time Bomb, It’s Been Towed to the Dealer Twice, and It Has a New Engine, But I’m Afraid To Drive It
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Michelle
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If it's 3 times with the…
If it's 3 times with the same code it will fall under the "lemon law". Make them give you a different vehicle.
What is the point of these…
What is the point of these stories you all always run? How do you even find these people to write a story on? Do they contact you staying ohhhh my check engine light has gone on 3 times now!!! And you guys are like that's fascinating let's publish that! I just don't get the point of these? Who cares and what's the point?
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I have a 2022 Buick Enclave…
I have a 2022 Buick Enclave. It is the same car as the Chevy Traverse. My car is very reliable. I've have one battery in 3 years. That's it. 32 mph highway. I knew the Turbo 4 cylinder was coming. I got the great 3.6 litre V6. If I had to take it in twice a year, would not bother me at all. Keith Albright. N.C.
I have a 2022 Buick Enclave…
I have a 2022 Buick Enclave. It is the same car as the Chevy Traverse. My car is very reliable. I've have one battery in 3 years. That's it. 32 mph highway. I knew the Turbo 4 cylinder was coming. I got the great 3.6 litre V6. If I had to take it in twice a year, would not bother me at all. Keith Albright. N.C.
I used to sell these. The 3…
I used to sell these. The 3.6 is a ticking time bomb. Better get those chains done or that motor is kaput.
Also the new traverses have transmission issues, just like the Silverados did. And the v8s have all been recalled in trucks and SUVs, don't forget the solenoid issues in the transmissions, also the Chevy Cruz debacle. Those small 4 bangers with turbos blew up all the time
Don't buy Chevy, seriously. A woman. Took over the company and it went to hell
As a chevy owner i purchased…
As a chevy owner i purchased a brand new traverse 2011 ltz hoping the top model wouldnt be trouble, but sadly it included major electrical harness problems and mechanical issues high pressure fuel pump, timing chain problems have been the same throughout the production and unfortunately chevy did absolutely not to fix them.
I bought a 2019 Chevy…
I bought a 2019 Chevy Traverse Oct 2024. Love love loved it…at first. The engine light came on about a week of having it then went off stayed off for a while came back on a few more times went off again on its own then started making a puttering feeling like jerking when accelerating engine light came back on then after over a thousand dollars in repair it went off came back on and the puttering is still there. I love it but I wish I’d kept shopping. Love the roominess of it but I advise to buy at your own risk
I have a 2018 Traverse. I…
I have a 2018 Traverse. I have driven it around with the check engine light on for six years. Get over it.
We own a 2024 Traverse. With…
We own a 2024 Traverse. With less than 500 miles on it, the brakes quit working when my wife was driving it. Luckily she was in a residential area and was able to get it stopped because she wasn't going that fast. But she said she had the brake pedal completely on the floor. The dealer came and got it. After inspection, we were told that 12 computer modules needed updated. Why wasn't that done before they sold it to us? Could have been a serious accident. The modules were updated and we haven't had a problem since, but it is always in the back of my mind.
I have 2022 traverse, 50k…
I have 2022 traverse, 50k miles on it, suddenly get; "servise your parking break" warning, 2 sec later another one; "steering assist not working properly" plus check engine light. Auto zone obd said maf sensor. I had to travel with all that, it drove terrible. When i came back (500 miles) obd again; o2 sensors, catalytic converter, and one more but no maf sensor code... And they wonder why imports sells better...
Our 2018 Silverado(30kmiles)…
Our 2018 Silverado(30kmiles) started a jerky trans. Motion. After a $700 trans. Fluid change we find out ALL Chevy trucks
& suvs have a bad trans.guaranteed to jerk then eventually fail. WTH GM!! The tool needed for the fluid change is not available
To the public. Again WTH GM!!!!!!
I have a 2017 traverse, I've…
I have a 2017 traverse, I've only had it 2 years, replaced, rear differential, muffler, transmission, power steering line, 2 O2 sensors and 1 of the 2 catalytic converter. When i contacted checy i was told i needed to take it to a certified checy dealer to have a diagnostic test done before they would look into any issues.
Seems like this is an issue…
Seems like this is an issue across the board with any type of Chevy. I’ve owned two and engine light came on both after a couple years.
The new TRAVERSE doesn’t…
The new TRAVERSE doesn’t have a gas cap. Only a gas filler door & capless filler.