2023 Chevrolet Traverse Engine Problems

I own a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS, VIN [XXX]. This vehicle has repeated safety-related failures involving the engine/cooling system, fuel-injector/misfire system, steering-assist warning system, and electronic parking brake system. The vehicle is currently at AutoNation Chevrolet West Austin, dropped off on XXX, and is available for inspection. Soon after delivery, the vehicle began losing coolant and overheating. This was not isolated. Before the engine was finally replaced, there were at least four documented coolant/overheating-related dealer visits or repair notes: XXX. The problem repeated again on XXX, becoming the fifth coolant/overheating-related visit and resulting in GM/dealer-authorized engine replacement after internal coolant-related findings. Dealer records show low/empty coolant reservoir, overheating, fan-running symptoms, almost one gallon of coolant added, no external leak found, coolant dye added, GM TAC involvement, and internal coolant findings. After engine replacement, the vehicle continued to fail. In February 2026, it displayed check-engine light and “Steering Assist Reduced / Power Steering Reduced.” The dealer confirmed misfire and replaced cylinder 1 fuel injector. In April/May 2026, the vehicle displayed a service parking brake warning; the dealer documented left rear parking brake actuator high current. Now, on XXX, the vehicle is again at the dealer for blinking check-engine light, and the dealer advised the code shows another engine misfire. My family’s safety is at risk. Repeated overheating, engine replacement, steering-assist warning, parking brake warning, and recurring misfire create unsafe drivability risk, especially on highways, merging, intersections, or long trips. I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11748236

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal to accelerate. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a hole in the exhaust system causing the acceleration failure. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the waiting period suggested. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA ID

11747387

Incident

Jun 27, 2026

Mileage

44,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving up a ramp at an undisclosed speed, the exhaust system detached after scraping the underside of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. A dealer was contacted, however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

NHTSA ID

11746177

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

Mileage

18,000 mi

Transmission system / engine system

NHTSA ID

11742442

Incident

Jun 6, 2026

Flex pipe issue

NHTSA ID

11698308

Incident

Nov 7, 2025

The transmission. It is disengaging while driving down the road. It literally has basically stalled out in the middle of intersections, the highway, etc. There is a recall for this exact problem just not with my vin for some reason. I tried to get a dealership to look at it and see if they can fix it they say they will not. I am not safe nor are others with this malfunction.

NHTSA ID

11673797

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lunged forward and stopped while at the traffic light. The contact stated that while driving over 4 MPH, the vehicle seized with the transmission warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about being involved in a crash due to the failure. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 88,071.

NHTSA ID

11667621

Incident

Jun 16, 2025

Mileage

88,071 mi

I am filing this complaint due to a recurring exhaust leak in the front exhaust pipe of my 2023 Chevrolet Traverse, which poses a potential safety hazard. During the vehicle’s bumper-to-bumper warranty period, Freedom Chevrolet in San Antonio replaced a leaking front exhaust pipe (receipt attached), a known issue covered by a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for earlier model years (2018–2022) but not for the 2023 Traverse. Less than two years later, with the vehicle now at approximately 84,000 miles, the front exhaust pipe has failed again, exhibiting the same leak issue. This recurring defect is concerning because exhaust leaks can allow carbon monoxide and other harmful gases to enter the vehicle cabin, posing a risk of poisoning or impaired driver awareness, especially during extended operation. Additionally, the issue may contribute to environmental hazards due to improper emissions control. Despite my requests for assistance from Freedom Chevrolet and GM Customer Care, I have not received a satisfactory resolution, and the repair cost falls on me as the vehicle is out of warranty. I am aware of complaints and TSBs documenting similar exhaust leak issues in Chevrolet Traverse models from 2018–2022, including a recall for the 2019 model year (NHTSA ID: N222385510), suggesting a systemic issue that may extend to the 2023 model. The lack of a TSB or recall for the 2023 Traverse leaves owners like myself vulnerable to repeated failures and safety risks.

NHTSA ID

11659316

Incident

May 2, 2025

Loud noise coming from under vehicle. Exhaust leak front flex pipe.

NHTSA ID

11659177

Incident

Apr 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, exhaust fumes entered the vehicle, causing her to have headaches. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the exhaust pipe had corroded and cracked, leaking fumes through the muffler and Y-pipe. The contact was informed that the Y-pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ID

11653267

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

Mileage

55,000 mi

Multiple exhaust leaks repaired 5 times. 1. 32,095 miles 2. 38,674 miles 3. 43,388 miles 4. 58,480 miles

NHTSA ID

11652816

Incident

Apr 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was idling extremely loudly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11622355

Incident

Oct 28, 2024

Mileage

40,000 mi

I was told from Dan Cummins where I bought my vehicle that there was a recall on my vehicle for the exhaust pipe, when I tried to get it fixed I was told there wasn’t. When I searched up the recall it says “yes there is a recall on 2023 Chevy traverse for the exhaust pipe” and where the parts are saying it’s recalled “ exhaust front intermediate pipe and the catalytic converter to front exhaust pipe gasket” is exactly where my hole is in my exhaust pipe. It started as a leak but has grown into a hole due to not being fixed. I tried adding photos of it and where it says there is a recall that “ Dealers will replace the front exhaust pipe on the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse at no cost to the customer” but I don’t know if they uploaded.

NHTSA ID

11616209

Incident

Sep 5, 2024

Vehicle shut down and stopped suddenly while driving. Twice this happened. Both times were under 20 miles per hour. Once at a railroad crossing and the other was turning onto a major roadway. Dealership can not locate the problem.

NHTSA ID

11604415

Incident

Jul 25, 2024

I have requested since April to have the recall fixed on my vehicle with no repairs to date. I have just been told the part is on back order but will let me know when it is available. It’s currently going on a year with no resolution for the known recall.

NHTSA ID

11579789

Incident

Apr 1, 2023

The exhaust pipe, gaskets and muffler. Yes, at times we do smell the exhaust inside the vehicle and a loud sound coming from the engine when the vehicle is in motion and on standby. Yes they were notified and are still waiting for parts to have it repaired. They advised to continue driving my car and refused to provide a rental to use during the downtime due to my ‘issue’ not covered by my warranty or extended warranty because my vehicle is over 36k miles. No warnings were on in the vehicle to notify me, I just noticed a weird sound as my car would start up when the vehicle is started and never stopped.

NHTSA ID

11579788

Incident

Mar 8, 2024

Exhaust front flex pipe leaking from crack at welded hanger. Upon research, this is a problem that go back to 2019. (Bulletin No.: PIP5681 Published date: 09/26/2019) ( Chevrolet TSB N222385510)

NHTSA ID

11571583

Incident

Feb 12, 2024

I HAD 2 MILE HR FRONT SIDE INPACK IN A PARKING LOT WHITCH PUSHED ME INTO ANTHER PARKED CAR .THEN AT THAT POINT MY CAR WENT INTO AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED .I HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BREAK NO HELP .I PROCEEDED TO HIT OTHER CARS AFTER THE 3RD AND 4RD CAR IT FINALLY QUIT .THIS WAS AT A SMALL AIRPORT THANK GOT NO ONE WAS COMING OUT OF THE AIRPORT .I DID EVERYTHING I COULD TO STOP THIS CAR .IT JUST KEPT PICKING UP SPEED .

NHTSA ID

11567972

Incident

Jan 22, 2024

After owning new vehicle for one month the check engine light comes on, return to dealer for service and we are told there is a known issue with 2023 Traverse showing check engine light off the lot. The vehicle is inspected and found that wires from the computer are rubbing/melting against a hot surface in the engine/transmission causing a faulty check engine light.

NHTSA ID

11532899

Incident

May 20, 2023