Chevy Traverse?

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Picky1

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Now that the winter is behind us (I hope!) we are starting to think about replacing our 2002 Honda Odyssey. We are sort of torn about another getting mini-van and were thinking about going the SUV route. Like the looks and size of the Chevy Traverse (or GMC Acadia) and see a lot of them around town. Any feedback on this vehicle? I just did a quick Google search on the Traverse and it seems like there are lots of problems, but then again just about every car you search has a list of issues. Perhaps there are certain years and options to stay away from?

Typically we try and buy a vehicle that is a year or two old, we have been doing this for years and it has always saved us a few bucks and we have had good luck.
 
All I can say is that brother has a 2011'. Please make sure you use a PF 63 filter or equivalent if you buy one
wink.gif
 
Originally Posted By: car51
All I can say is that brother has a 2011'. Please make sure you use a PF 63 filter or equivalent if you buy one
wink.gif



Yep, per GM, "PF63 replaces PF48 for service." The PF63 is a little longer and a little more of a pain to install/remove, but when GM is that specific on what filter to use, I would listen.

My perspective of the Traverse is skewed because they come in when they are broken, so I don't really see the good ones. We have put transmissions in them, valve bodies, intake gaskets (dry intake though), high pressure fuel pumps, BCMs, timing chains, etc. Actually, we have one in the shop getting the timing chain kit right now, but it's not like that's an everyday thing.

I think some members here do own these vehicles and have had good experiences with them. A lot of the Traverses that come though at work are poorly maintained at best, which probably contributes greatly to the problems they have.

I would look for the newest, cleanest one you can get. 2013+ would be preferable, I'd be cautious looking at '09-'10 models.
 
Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
Originally Posted By: car51
All I can say is that brother has a 2011'. Please make sure you use a PF 63 filter or equivalent if you buy one
wink.gif



Yep, per GM, "PF63 replaces PF48 for service." The PF63 is a little longer and a little more of a pain to install/remove, but when GM is that specific on what filter to use, I would listen.

My perspective of the Traverse is skewed because they come in when they are broken, so I don't really see the good ones. We have put transmissions in them, valve bodies, intake gaskets (dry intake though), high pressure fuel pumps, BCMs, timing chains, etc. Actually, we have one in the shop getting the timing chain kit right now, but it's not like that's an everyday thing.

I think some members here do own these vehicles and have had good experiences with them. A lot of the Traverses that come though at work are poorly maintained at best, which probably contributes greatly to the problems they have.

I would look for the newest, cleanest one you can get. 2013+ would be preferable, I'd be cautious looking at '09-'10 models.


Does that filter change apply to the '09 also? Why did they change the filter specs? Thanks
 
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Bought mine used, no major complaints. Gas mileage isn't spectacular, the best I get is about 19 MPG. Oil changes are kind of messy with the oil filter spilling oil on things. The 2009 and earlier had problems with transmission wave plates self-destructing, and timing chains wearing out before the oil life monitor was revised. Those have been fixed, supposedly, though I change every 5k miles. Spark plugs are a pain to replace, because the intake manifold has to come off to get the coil packs off. Thankfully, the coolant doesn't run through it, so it's not so bad. Took me about an hour.
 
Originally Posted By: Dave Sherman
Bought mine used, no major complaints. Gas mileage isn't spectacular, the best I get is about 19 MPG. Oil changes are kind of messy with the oil filter spilling oil on things. The 2009 and earlier had problems with transmission wave plates self-destructing, and timing chains wearing out before the oil life monitor was revised. Those have been fixed, supposedly, though I change every 5k miles. Spark plugs are a pain to replace, because the intake manifold has to come off to get the coil packs off. Thankfully, the coolant doesn't run through it, so it's not so bad. Took me about an hour.


At what mileage did you change the plugs?
 
I'm a Chevy man and don't dislike the Traverse, also liked the old Outlook in the Saturn days.

However If I needed that type vehicle any 3.6L Chrysler minivan would prolly still be higher on my list
 
A guy I work with has one and he says it drives great but ha been a money pit for him just to make it to 100,000 miles he had to replace a transmission and some other work too. He is quite happy with his daily driver olds intrigue and has had no major issues with it yet.
 
When did the timing chain design get fixed? I'd avoid a model prone to the timing chain failure, unless you know it's already been replaced on that particular unit. Other than the timing chains, they seem to have average-to-good reviews.
 
Originally Posted By: MarkM66

Does that filter change apply to the '09 also? Why did they change the filter specs? Thanks


The filter change applies to 2011+ according to the GM catalog. I don't think it applies to '09-'10 because GM did not spec Dexos for those cars, so the recommended oil change interval is shorter along with the powertrain warranty.

GM has been using the PF48 less and less in many applications. I think in the Traverse it has to do with the early timing chain issues and initial OLM calibration. The higher capacity filter gives them a little greater margin of safety. The PF48 is a small filter for many of the applications that call for it.

The current Silverado uses the PF63 as well. The last gen used the PF48. The LS7 calls for the UPF48R, a heavy duty PF48 that does not use the e-core design. Regular PF48s may have contributed to the failures of LS7 engines in Corvette Z06s.
 
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
When did the timing chain design get fixed? I'd avoid a model prone to the timing chain failure, unless you know it's already been replaced on that particular unit. Other than the timing chains, they seem to have average-to-good reviews.


The TSB for the issue mentions Traverse models from '09-'12.
 
Well the GM 3.6 has had its problems mostly timing chain issues but i have seen other things on that engine also. They are nice vehicles
 
I have an 07 Acadia. It's a very nice vehicle and I will most likely get a new one to replace it in a few years.

I have had some issues. The timing chains were redone (even with more frequent oil changes than the the OLM), trans was rebuilt, both under warranty. Both of which are known issues. I also had a cat and oxy sensor replaced under warranty that might have been related to misfiring from bad coil and timing chains at the same time.

I have at least 3 extended warranties until 120K miles: timing chains, Trans wave plate and power steering pump.

Timing chains were mostly corrected by 2009, but I have seen a few reports from early 2010 models, extended warranty skips 2008, but I have seen reports of some then with owners paying out of pocket for the repair.

Wave plate should be fixed for 2010+.

Not sure about the ps pump years.
 
Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
How many miles on that acadia ?

Only 89500 or so.

Forgot a 4th extended warranty for the water pump shaft seal leaking.
 
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