VVT Cam Phaser / Oil Control Valve Failure
high- Typically appears
- 80–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $400 – $1,200
Popular pick
2013 Chevrolet
TraverseSUV
3.6L V6 · SUV
The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row, full-size crossover SUV built on GM's Lambda platform and assembled in the United States. It slots into Chevrolet's lineup as the largest car-based SUV, offering seating for up to eight passengers and a family-friendly interior at a price point well below truck-based competitors. The sole powertrain is a 3.6L LLT V6 paired with a 6-speed automatic, sending power to the front wheels in standard configuration or all four wheels via an available AWD system. The Traverse earned a strong reputation for interior space and everyday practicality — it hauls a full family plus cargo without feeling cramped. Fuel economy is mediocre for the class, and the LLT V6's variable valve timing system has well-documented oil-related maintenance demands that owners must stay on top of. Neglect here is the single biggest factor separating a Traverse that runs to 200k from one that needs an engine at 120k. For buyers looking at a used example around Lake Geneva, the AWD models handle Wisconsin winters noticeably better than FWD, and rust inspection of the underbody and rear wheel arches is critical on any high-mileage Wisconsin-registered vehicle.
Reliability
3/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Traverse FWD — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
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Drivetrain
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
17 city / 24 highway
Seats
8
Doors
4
Body
SUV
MSRP
$30,000
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2013 Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row, full-size crossover SUV built on GM's Lambda platform and assembled in the United States. It slots into Chevrolet's lineup as the largest car-based SUV, offering seating for up to eight passengers and a family-friendly interior at a price point well below truck-based competitors. The sole powertrain is a 3.6L LLT V6 paired with a 6-speed automatic, sending power to the front wheels in standard configuration or all four wheels via an available AWD system. The Traverse earned a strong reputation for interior space and everyday practicality — it hauls a full family plus cargo without feeling cramped. Fuel economy is mediocre for the class, and the LLT V6's variable valve timing system has well-documented oil-related maintenance demands that owners must stay on top of. Neglect here is the single biggest factor separating a Traverse that runs to 200k from one that needs an engine at 120k. For buyers looking at a used example around Lake Geneva, the AWD models handle Wisconsin winters noticeably better than FWD, and rust inspection of the underbody and rear wheel arches is critical on any high-mileage Wisconsin-registered vehicle.
Known for
- Spacious three-row interior with genuine third-row usability
- Smooth, willing 3.6L V6 with good highway passing power
- Long list of standard family features at its price point
- High towing capacity for a crossover (4,500 lbs properly equipped)
Best for
- Large families needing three rows of real seating
- Highway commuters and road-trip families
- Buyers wanting truck-adjacent cargo room without a truck
- Budget-conscious shoppers who need maximum passenger space
Watch for
- VVT (variable valve timing) system failures tied to oil change neglect
- Timing chain stretch on high-mileage or oil-neglected engines
- Transmission shudder and harsh shifts on higher-mileage units
- Rust on rear wheel arches, frame rails, and brake lines in salt-belt states
- Power steering and HVAC blend door actuator failures
Common issues by mileage
6 knownTiming Chain Stretch / Tensioner Wear
medium- Typically appears
- 100–180k mi
- Estimated repair
- $1,200 – $2,800
Transmission Shudder / Harsh 1-2 Shift
medium- Typically appears
- 80–130k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $800
HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure
high- Typically appears
- 60–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $80 – $350
Power Steering Noise / Fluid Leak
medium- Typically appears
- 70–130k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $700
Underbody Rust (Brake Lines, Frame Rails, Wheel Arches)
high- Typically appears
- Any mileage, 7+ years old in salt-belt
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $2,000
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000 miles or 6 months — do NOT stretch to 7,500+ on this engine Engine oil and filter change (full synthetic 5W-30)
The LLT V6's VVT system and timing chain tensioners are lubricated by engine oil. This is the single most important maintenance item on this vehicle. Using full synthetic and keeping short intervals dramatically reduces the risk of the two most expensive repairs (cam phasers and timing chain).
- 2 Every 45,000–60,000 miles Transmission fluid drain and fill (Dexron VI)
GM's 'lifetime' fluid claim is optimistic for high-cycle family use. Fresh fluid at this interval prevents shudder and harsh shifts and extends torque converter life.
- 3 Every 30,000 miles Inspect and clean VVT oil control valve screens
Small screens on the VVT solenoids clog with sludge and cause timing faults. Cleaning them during an oil service is cheap preventive care that can avoid a $400–$1,200 repair.
- 4 Every 2 years or before each Wisconsin winter Inspect all brake lines and hoses for corrosion
Road salt aggressively attacks steel brake lines on the underside of this vehicle. Catching surface rust early allows for inexpensive treatment; a failed line is a brake loss event.
- 5 Every 30,000 miles Coolant system inspection; full coolant flush every 5 years
The 3.6L runs warm when working hard (towing, full load). Degraded coolant raises the risk of water pump and thermostat failures, and reduces freeze protection for Wisconsin winters.
- 6 Every fall / before freezing temperatures Test battery and charging system; replace if battery is 4+ years old
Cold cranking a 3.6L V6 at sub-zero temperatures demands a healthy battery. A marginal battery that passes a summer test will often fail its first -10°F morning.
- 7 Every 60,000 miles or at first symptom (clicking from dash) Inspect HVAC blend door actuators
Catching a cracked actuator before it fully breaks costs far less than diagnosing an intermittent clicking complaint on a three-zone system with the dash apart.
- 8 Every spring Full underbody wash and undercoating touch-up
Lake Geneva roads carry heavy brine and salt all winter. A thorough flush of wheel wells, frame rails, and brake line runs after winter prevents the cumulative rust damage that shortens Traverse lifespans in the upper Midwest.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$600 – $1,400
Fuel
At 20 MPG combined and ~15,000 miles/year, expect roughly $1,800–$2,200/year at $2.40–$3.00/gallon. Highway-heavy driving improves this; lots of short Wisconsin winter trips will push you toward the higher end.
Insurance
Typically $1,200–$1,800/year for full coverage in the Lake Geneva area for a driver with a clean record, given the vehicle's age and value. Actual rates vary by carrier and driver profile.
A well-maintained 2013 Traverse is a reasonable cost-of-ownership vehicle as long as the engine oil schedule is followed religiously. Routine annual maintenance (oil changes, brakes, tires, filters) runs $600–$900/year. If VVT solenoids, a timing chain job, or transmission work is needed, a single year can spike to $1,500–$3,000. Budget for brake line inspection and possible replacement on any Wisconsin example over 80k miles.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Switch to full synthetic 5W-30 if not already — it flows faster at cold starts and protects the VVT system during the critical first seconds of a -10°F startup.
- Test the battery before November. The 3.6L V6 draws hard on cold cranks and a weak battery will leave you stranded.
- Fill washer fluid reservoir with a rated -20°F or colder formula. The Traverse's large windshield picks up a lot of spray on Wisconsin highways.
- Install dedicated winter tires if running AWD — and especially if running FWD, which is the standard configuration. FWD on all-seasons is marginal on icy Lake Geneva side streets.
- Inspect and clean the undercarriage after every significant salting event to protect brake lines and suspension components.
- Check tire pressure weekly — pressure drops roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F temperature drop. Under-inflation increases wear and reduces handling predictability on snow.
Summer
- Check tire pressure after the first heat wave — pressure rises in summer and over-inflation causes center tread wear.
- Inspect the A/C system performance; the Traverse's tri-zone climate system works the compressor hard on hot days with a full load of passengers. Recharge if cooling is weak.
- Check coolant freeze/boil protection before summer — the 3.6L can run warm when towing or loaded at highway speeds.
- Clear cabin air filter if it hasn't been done — a clogged filter hurts A/C output noticeably on a vehicle this size.
Comparable vehicles
2013 Ford
Explorer
Direct competitor in the three-row family crossover segment. The Explorer offers available AWD, a turbocharged 4-cylinder option, and a more car-like driving feel, but shares the Traverse's reputation for VVT-related engine maintenance demands.
2013 Honda
Pilot
Strong reliability reputation, three-row seating, and a proven V6. Generally commands a higher used price than the Traverse but tends to have fewer expensive engine maintenance surprises.
2013 Toyota
Highlander
Premium three-row crossover with Toyota's long-term reliability advantage. Higher price used, but lower risk of major powertrain expense over time. Worth the premium if budget allows.
2013 Dodge
Durango
Comparable three-row capacity with available V8 and stronger towing. Less car-like than the Traverse; slightly higher ownership costs, but a legitimate alternative for buyers who need maximum tow rating.