2009 Chevrolet Traverse: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Chevrolet Traverse? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 448 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2009 Chevrolet Traverse Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2009 Chevrolet Traverse trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2009 Chevrolet Traverse Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated15.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
15.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse has 448 owner complaints, 17 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Traverse
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 448
- Crash-related complaints
- 17
- Safety recall campaigns
- 8
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Chevrolet Traverse Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering components thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, engine, and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering components thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, engine, and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse are heavily concentrated in steering defects, which account for over half of all reports. Engine, transmission, and electrical issues also appear frequently, though the overall confidence in this data is low due to the single model year analyzed.
- Steering defects dominate complaints with 231 reports out of 448 total.
- Engine problems and transmission/drivetrain issues are the next most common, with 62 and 58 complaints respectively.
- 17 complaints are crash-related, though no further details are available.
- Steering Defects
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2009 Chevrolet Traverse Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 231 | 5 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 62 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 58 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 36 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 35 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 26 | 6 | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 17 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 13 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Limp mode. It doesn't have speed only goes about 10-20 mph, doesn't give any gas it'll stall act as if it wants to shut down. Transmission Shift Cable. Stalls want let me get gas or nothing slowing down in traffic, it just gives up. No. yes. others Check engine light, Stabilitrak…
I just bought the car from sb auto . The car I had for 4 days wasn't making funny nosies nothing. The timing went when I was driving the car it came to a dead stop lost power steering . Had me and my son in the car thankfully I was Turning into a complex when it happened. It's …
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that when she started her vehicle and shifted into drive (D) and depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that she attempted to drive the vehicle however, the vehicl…
I bought the car in August of last year and drove it for about 3 days before it started giving me problems. First incident I was driving my children home from the hairdresser and the car completely went out us on the highway, after repeated attempts for a half hour or so I was ab…
I bought my car and not even a month later I was driving off the interstate and it shut down on me. I had it towed to my house and it won’t start anymore. The car makes a funny clickin noise. It could have killed me if I would have wrecked.
Wiring failing, abs won't work, track control not working, reverse camera, stable track,
The car appeared to have lost power, not while entering the freeway. I pressed on the gas, but it made a loud sound and barely moved. I then saw smoke, pulled over and the car cut off. The car continued to smoke. I opened the hood, and it was a fire under it. Prior to driving, th…
Airbag “Service Airbag” light appears on dash intermittently.
I bought a used car and maybe it’s just wear and tear but I’ve seen it in lots of forums on the internet also. My back end sways going around curves almost like I am fishtailing and then my traction control dings and it says service traction control and also my car jumps when in …
Both catalytic converters are bad and the vehicle only has 89k miles
A year a go the steering at low speed would act like the power steering just stop working, very hard to turn. but not all the time, but now it more often. when a kid ran out between two parked cars I went to turn and hit the brakes the steering went out. Luckily he stop in time, …
VEHICLE IS HARD TO TURN AT LOW SPEEDS. (POWER STEERING) HIGHER SPEEDS IT STEERS NORMALLY. THEY APPARENTLY KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE.
I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY IN REVERSE AND CONTROL OF THE CAR WAS LOST. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR AND I WAS NEVER TOLD OF ANY ISSUES OR RECALLS WITH THE CAR AS IT SHOULD HAVE WENT THROUGH A SAFETY INSPECTION. EVEN WHEN I LOOKED ONLINE THE VEHICLE WAS CL…
WAS DRIVING FINE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WITH NO WARNING CAR WOULD NOT GO FASTER THAN 15 MPH. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN TRACTION CONTROL WENT OFF. ACROSS THE DASH IT SAID "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILITRACK AND REDUCED ENGINE POWER" THE CAR STARTED SHIFTING BETWEEN …
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON
MY CAR HAS A RECALL FOR THE TIMING CHAIN, I NEVER KNEW ABOUT IT, AS I AM NOT THE FIRST OWNER OF THE CAR, AND I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE, WHEN MY CAR ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I NEVER KNEW WHAT EXACTLY WHAT IT WAS I ENDED UP CHANGING PARTS ON MY CAR BASED ON A MECHANIC THAT DIDN'T KNO…
MY WIFE AND I OWN A 09 CHEVY TRAVERSE AND HAVE HAD FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS. WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT IT IT DROVE LIKE BRAND NEW BUT OVER THE PERIOD OF A YEAR OR SO WE STARTED TO FEEL A SIDE TO SIDE SWAYING (SUCH AS ROCKING IN A BOAT) WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH. SINCE WE'VE GOT 4 KIDS AND M…
COUPLE MONTHS AGO I WAS OUT WITH MY FAMILY AND NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS ALMOST STUTTERING WHEN I PLACED IT IN REVERSE. A LITTLE LIKE WHEN YOU DRIVE A CAR WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND YOU DEPRESS THE CLUTCH BUT DON'T GIVE THE CAR ENOUGH GAS AND IS STARTS TO JERK BACKWARDS INSTEA…
WARNING CHIMES / SPEAKERS NOT WORKING DUE TO WATER SHORTING THE PLUGS FOR THE DOOR ATTACHMENTS. BACKUP SAFETY CHIMES AND ALL CHIMES ARE INSTALL WITH PURPOSE AND SAFETY IN MIND.
POWER STEERING HAS FAILED AGAIN. POWER STEERING WAS FIXED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL, BUT THE POWER STEERING PUMP HAS FAILED AGAIN MAY 2020.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.
2009 Chevrolet Traverse Recalls
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Chevrolet Traverse Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 448 owner complaints, 17 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
#1: Steering Defects (231 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (62 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (58 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, NHTSA complaints include 17 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 448 total complaints. 16 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?▾
Yes. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Traverse reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.