RoadVitals

2019 Chevrolet Traverse Transmission Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the transmission system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Transmission reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
19
Latest Jul 10, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
5%
of 400 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 19 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming transmission

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Transmission
Filed Jul 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced hard shifting. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was examined, and the contact was informed that the transmission or the transmission valve body had failed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an extended warranty coverage related to the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ID
11749502
Incident
Jun 27, 2026
Mileage
140,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Oct 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while stopped at red lights and stop signs on several occasions, the vehicle began jerking. Additionally, when the vehicle was in park (P), a "shift to park message" appeared. The contact stated the gear shift had to be forcibly moved to the park (P) position for the gear to register. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,100.

NHTSA ID
11620212
Incident
Oct 14, 2024
Mileage
128,100 mi
Powertrain (other)Transmission
Filed Oct 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while shifted to park(P), the vehicle failed to turn off with an error message displayed "Shift to Park" on the instrument panel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic for a second opinion where it was determined that the transmission control module and shifter harness needed to be replaced. Additionally, an inline shifter wiring harness jumper needed to be added. The contact was advised by the independent mechanic that the failure could be related to TSB: 19-NA-206; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID
11617440
Incident
Sep 22, 2024
Mileage
80,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Sep 14, 2022

The issue is that after driving the vehicle when it is shifted into park the transmission fails to recognize that it is in park and sends a message to the screen to shift into park. It appears to be related to a buildup of material on the contacts for the sensor. The situation can usually be overcome by wiggling the shifter until the contacts make a proper connection.

NHTSA ID
11484373
Incident
Aug 1, 2022
Transmission
Filed Jul 30, 2022

Vehicle has a shift to park error and doesn’t recognize when the car is in park so will not allow the vehicle to turn off.

NHTSA ID
11476699
Incident
Jul 29, 2022
Transmission
Filed Jul 25, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted to park(P) however, a message to “Shift to park” was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact stated that after several attempts the vehicle turned off. Additionally, the lock button had to be pressed several times before the vehicle responded. The vehicle was not diagnosed; however, an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 43,550.

NHTSA ID
11475691
Incident
Jul 22, 2022
Mileage
43,550 mi
Transmission
Filed Jul 16, 2022

The vehicle does not recognize P even thought it says it is shifted into park. Have to start , stop and move lever several times. Dealer recognized and says they have seen several of these issues , but since the car is out of warranty they won’t fix. I don’t know if the car is actually in P or not and I’m scared.

NHTSA ID
11474287
Incident
Apr 28, 2022
Transmission
Filed Jul 6, 2022

When car is shifted into park, there is an error saying that the vehicle is not in Park and the lights and warning chime turns on. It happens 90% of the time. I can move the shifter back and forth and some times it will stop and work properly. I can also try to move the shifter while in park without moving into another gear and that might work but it may take 5 -10 tries. Do a google search and you'll find lots of threads on bad Gen 2 shifters for this year and Make/Model. No warnings prior to malfunctioning. Shift to Park Issue with warning light and message error - shift to park.

NHTSA ID
11472576
Incident
Jun 27, 2022
Transmission
Filed Jul 6, 2022

About one month ago, I began receiving a "Shift to Park" message in error when powering off my car and in park. There is no way to override the message, during which the car remains on and there is a loud beeping noise. I have to power the car back on and manipulate the sensors to make the "Shift to Park" message go away - and this doesn't always work or takes several times. In addition to the obvious concern, I'm also concerned about my car's battery every time this happens. I have young children and am afraid to drive my car right now because of this issue. We bought out our lease in May and our Warranty expired about three months ago and Chevy is refusing to fix the defected part. Chevy is aware of this problem in older and other 2019 vehicles, they have yet to recall the 2019 Traverse. I took my car to a local mechanic to replace the faulty wire, with the same wire which will likely cause the same issue in a matter of time. Consumers should not be responsible for unethical practices. Please hold Chevy accountable for their poor choices!

NHTSA ID
11472484
Incident
Jun 11, 2022
Transmission
Filed Jul 1, 2022

The vehicle gives a message of "Shift to park" but the vehicle is in park. This is a safety issue and could cause harm to somebody if the vehicle does not think it's in park and start's rolling. It also doesn't let the vehicle shut completely off because it thinks its still in drive! There are alot of forums and complaints on this issue. Local dealership states yes we have heard of this issue BUT "It's not on a recall list yet and also not covered under warranty" This should be a recall and fixed by Chevrolet without charging customers $400-$1,000 to fix a BIG issue with numerous vehicles. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS KNOWN ISSUE

NHTSA ID
11471961
Incident
Jun 27, 2022
Transmission
Filed Jun 27, 2022

We constantly got the message to "Shift to Park" even though the indicator showed we were already in Park! We had to shift to Drive and back into Park several times before our car recognized that we were already in Park. We could not turn the car off until the system finally realized that we were in Park.

NHTSA ID
11471188
Incident
May 15, 2022
Transmission
Filed Jun 23, 2022

When I shift to park and turn off my Chevy Traverse the warning light comes on to shift to park except my Chevy Traverse is in park. This happened last night and it doesn't happen every time I turn my Chevy off.

NHTSA ID
11470588
Incident
Jun 22, 2022
Transmission
Filed Jun 12, 2022

The gear shift won't register as being placed into park. It often requires multiple on/off cycles of the vehicle along with repeated shifting into drive/park. Preliminary research showed it as a unique problem to this setup. I believe the safety risk is present by the inability to confirm successful changing of gears.

NHTSA ID
11468870
Incident
Jun 12, 2022
Transmission
Filed Jun 7, 2022

I get ‘Shift to Park’ message and constant dinging when car is placed in park and turn off ignition. After doing some research, this seems to be a common issue with various 2016-2020 Chevrolet vehicles. I am hopeful that this will be covered under my vehicle warranty from the dealer, but we should not have to hassle with that if GM is well aware of the issue in many vehicles. A recall should be issued and GM should cover to replace and repair back to proper working order. When many people spend a year's salary or more on a brand new vehicle and it doesn't even last them two years, that is not right. I only have 24,000 miles on my vehicle and this should not be an issue I am having to deal with right now. GM needs to step up and take care of this issue immediately.

NHTSA ID
11468041
Incident
Jun 7, 2022
Transmission
Filed May 23, 2022

The electronic cord in the shifter showing the "shift to park" message code caused my car battery to die and be unable to shut my car off and on for MONTHS. This electronic problem was nothing related to anything I did but the vehicle itself causing me to finally take it in because it was not safe for me and my kids to go far in case the battery would die. It costed me almost $500 and 6 HOURS of wasted time at the dealership. I would HIGHLY recommend and appreciate a recall reimbursement on this issues- I am not the first to have this happen.

NHTSA ID
11465844
Incident
May 19, 2022
Transmission
Filed May 23, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, after releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle downshifted with a loud thud. The contact stated that the loud thud also occurred while shifting into reverse(R). Additionally, the contact stated that while driving through a puddle of water, the all-wheel drive feature engaged, and the transmission vibrated and made a loud grinding noise. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the mechanic found no fault with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ID
11465775
Incident
Aug 1, 2019
Mileage
78,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Feb 17, 2022

Computer keeps saying shift into park after the car is in park and I’m trying to shut the car off. I then have to jiggle the throttle into park in order for it to recognize it’s already in park.

NHTSA ID
11452557
Incident
Dec 15, 2021
Transmission
Filed Feb 4, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop and shifting the vehicle into PARK, the "Action Required Shift to Park" warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off however, the instrument panel lights remained powered on. The contact exited the vehicle and an audible alert was sounded indicating that the vehicle was still on and running. The contact was also unable to securely lock the vehicle. The contact was unable to start the vehicle the following day because the battery had drained overnight. The contact stated that the failure occurred three times previously however, the battery had not been drained on those occasions. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,400.

NHTSA ID
11450407
Incident
Jan 31, 2022
Mileage
32,400 mi
Transmission
Filed Nov 4, 2021

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle and shifting into PARK, the shift to PARK warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she attempted ten times while shifting back from DRIVE to PARK or restart the vehicle to recognize that the gear shifter was in PARK. The contact called Reliable Chevrolet (9901 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114: (505) 216-2993) & Larry H. Miller Casa Chevrolet (7201 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110: (505) 633-2215) and the dealers were made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that 5 days were needed to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA ID
11439347
Incident
Oct 15, 2021
Mileage
25,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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