2025 Chevrolet Traverse Engine Problems

NHTSA Defect Report (Initial Portal Filing) Manufacturer Target: General Motors (GM) Filer: [XXX] Classification: Mechanical Defect & Administrative Evasion Narrative for Submission I am filing this formal defect report regarding a catastrophic, systemic safety failure present in the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse architecture (VIN: [XXX]), manufactured by General Motors. The vehicle was originally purchased at AutoNation Timonium. THE SAFETY DEFECT AND TELEMETRY PROOF On March 18, 2026, the vehicle suffered a total failure of the transmission and drivetrain systems. It was immediately surrendered to Preston Chevrolet, where it remained completely out of service for 34 consecutive days. GM's own OnStar Diagnostic Telemetry automatically dispatched critical fault alerts while the vehicle was stranded, explicitly logging the following irrefutable failure codes: DTC U1962 (PCM - Engine and Transmission System): Warning stated: "System transferring power to the drive wheels not performing as expected." This indicates a catastrophic decoupling or failure to transfer motive power. If this failure occurs at highway speeds, it results in a total loss of propulsion, creating an extreme rear-end collision hazard. DTC U0452 (VIU - OnStar System): A simultaneous failure in the Wireless Communication and Safety system, meaning that when the drivetrain catastrophically fails, the vehicle's automated emergency SOS and crash-reporting telemetry is actively blocked or compromised. ELEVATION TO ADMINISTRATIVE EVASION General Motors and its authorized dealer network were provided with formal written notice of this defect. The 30-day statutory right to cure window fully expired without any mechanical resolution. Rather than deploying engineering solutions to rectify the severe safety defects they released into the public domain, GM has instead deployed aggressive legal maneuvers designed to evade accountability. Continued text in OFFICIAL_NHTSA_DEFECT_REPORT PDF INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

NHTSA ID

11742597

Incident

Mar 18, 2026

Vehicle: 2025 Chevrolet Traverse On [XXX] at approximately [XXX], while driving south on [XXX] , my vehicle suddenly shut off without warning resulting in a complete electrical failure. During this event, I lost the ability to accelerate, activate hazard lights, unlock doors, open or close windows, or use the OnStar system. The vehicle restarted briefly but then shut off two additional times before I could safely move it off the road. There were no warning messages or signals prior to this incident. This created a serious and immediate safety hazard, as I was unable to alert other drivers or exit the vehicle during the failure. I am requesting a formal investigation into this issue, documentation as a safety defect, and immediate corrective action. This incident poses a significant risk to driver and passenger safety. The vehicle has been towed to the dealership it was purchased from. The problem has not been confirmed or reproduced by the service center. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11732295

Incident

Apr 17, 2026

Initially, the engine would intermittently fail to start and at times would not start at all. I took the vehicle to a certified Chevrolet service center, where the battery was tested and found to be functioning properly. They later concluded that a faulty front-view camera was disrupting the electrical system and ordered a replacement (my first visit was Friday, 9/26/25). I took the car home for the weekend due to family obligations. On Monday, 9/29, while driving back to the service center, the engine suddenly shut off on a local road. The brakes went completely to the floor for 3–5 seconds before the engine restarted—just before I nearly collided with another vehicle at a red light. I reported this immediately, and the dealership kept the car for further testing. On Thursday, 10/2, they informed me they found no additional issues and believed the camera was the root cause. However, the problem persisted. On Sunday, 10/5, while stopped at a red light at Hawthorn St. and Memorial Dr., the engine shut off again as I began to accelerate. The brakes sank to the floor, and I had no steering control for approximately 5–7 seconds before the vehicle restarted. My wife and I were extremely shaken, especially with our children in the car. On Monday, 10/6, we contacted roadside assistance to tow the vehicle back to the service center. After additional testing, we were informed that the battery had failed this time and was replaced. However, replacing the battery does not reassure us that the engine and braking system will not fail again while driving, or the brake failure would happen again when the battery is low - which poses a serious safety risk to our family. When my wife called GM to report this issue, all they offered was 200 points worth of rewards....We originally bought this car for safety, but not this has been compromised and we no longer feel safe. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am happy to provide any additional information if needed.

NHTSA ID

11719203

Incident

Sep 29, 2025

El 6 de enero de 2026, minutos después de retirar el vehículo del concesionario tras un servicio de frenos, el sistema de enfriamiento presentó pérdida total de refrigerante debido a una manguera del radiador rota. El vehículo fue regresado inmediatamente y quedó retenido por recomendación técnica de no conducirlo por riesgo de sobrecalentamiento del motor. La condición representa un riesgo de seguridad pública si ocurre durante la conducción, ya que puede provocar pérdida súbita de potencia, detención inesperada del vehículo y posible incidente vial. El 21 de enero de 2026, durante inspección previa a entrega, se detectó una segunda falla: módulo OnStar inoperante (GPS no funcional). Ambos eventos fueron diagnosticados por el concesionario autorizado. La pérdida súbita de refrigerante y posible sobrecalentamiento del motor implica riesgo de falla mecánica repentina, pérdida de potencia o detención del vehículo en circulación, lo que puede causar un incidente vial. El concesionario indicó explícitamente que no debía conducirse el vehículo bajo esas condiciones. Sí. Ambos problemas fueron confirmados por el concesionario autorizado: primero la falla del sistema de enfriamiento, luego la falla del módulo OnStar. El vehículo ha sido inspeccionado por el concesionario autorizado. El fabricante ha sido notificado formalmente y existe un caso abierto con su departamento de atención al cliente. No existían advertencias previas. Las alertas y ventilador excesivo aparecieron minutos después de salir del concesionario el 6 de enero. La falla del GPS se detectó el 21 de enero durante inspección previa a entrega. El vehículo continúa retenido por reparación pendiente y no ha sido devuelto en condiciones seguras o funcionales.

NHTSA ID

11716605

Incident

Jan 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that immediately after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle experienced several electrical failures, including the On-Star module malfunctioning. The On-Star module was replaced twice. During the failures, the cruise control feature became inoperable, and the computer updates were not received. Additionally, the battery became drained several times, and the vehicle needed to be jump-started. The contact also indicated the shark fin antenna had ejected from the vehicle while driving. The vehicle also abruptly stopped while driving on several occasions, and while driving, there was an abnormal metallic scraping sound coming from the engine compartment. The radiator hose had failed, causing coolant to leak from the vehicle. The hose was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 44,000.

NHTSA ID

11709852

Incident

Feb 21, 2025

Mileage

44,000 mi

the whole dashboard lit up with break and park indicator lit up in red on dashboard. warning flashed about automatic break system failure and ESC warning

NHTSA ID

11687969

Incident

Sep 17, 2025

Transmission failed at 7100 miles.

NHTSA ID

11680408

Incident

Aug 12, 2025

Transmission went out on my way home at about 9,500 miles. It has been in the shop going on 3 months

NHTSA ID

11676331

Incident

May 14, 2025

After owning the vehicle for 13 short days, the check engine light came on and a message appeared indicating the vehicle could not be put in reverse due to unsafe vehicle condition. The vehicle just hit 500 miles at this time. Brought vehicle to the dealership 7/14 and it is still there diagnosed with needing a valve body for the transmission which is on back order and no estimate on when it will be available.

NHTSA ID

11676112

Incident

Jul 13, 2025

Purchased car Tuesday, Thursday night upon pressing the start button all power went out on car. Driving to dealership to have car looked at vehicle shutoff completely at traffic light. Vehicle restarted then two miles from dealership car had multiple warnings and brakes completely went out. Managed to get car off the road safely, currently awaiting tow.

NHTSA ID

11652931

Incident

Apr 5, 2025

Owned brand new vehicle for 48 hours. Fuel injector failure on cylinder 4 at 120 miles on the dash. Check engine light was on. Vehicle is currently at dealership. Engine unreliable/unsafe. Dealer confirmed. Dealer stated up to 10 days waiting on parts. Unknown if further damage has been caused. Wife states vehicle had a rough idle. Diag code P0300, P050D.

NHTSA ID

11648441

Incident

Mar 13, 2025