Timing Chain Stretch / VVT Solenoid Failure (3.6L)
high- Typically appears
- 80–140k mi
- Estimated repair
- $800 – $2,200
2017 Chevrolet
TraverseSUV
SUV
The 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row, full-size crossover SUV built on GM's Lambda platform — the same bones shared with the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. This is the final model year of the first-generation Traverse before a complete redesign arrived for 2018. It seats up to 8 passengers and delivers a roomy, family-friendly interior with a relatively large cargo area by class standards. Power comes exclusively from GM's 3.6L SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) V6, paired with a 6-speed automatic. The engine is capable and smooth at highway speeds, but it carries a well-documented history of timing chain wear, oil consumption, and AFM/VVT-related problems that owners should know about before buying. For a Lake Geneva family hauler, the Traverse is a practical choice — ample seating, available AWD, and easy to live with day-to-day. Just go in with eyes open on the powertrain maintenance demands. A vehicle with clean oil change records and no VVT-related codes is worth more than one without.
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
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
15 city / 22 hwy / 18 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row, full-size crossover SUV built on GM's Lambda platform — the same bones shared with the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. This is the final model year of the first-generation Traverse before a complete redesign arrived for 2018. It seats up to 8 passengers and delivers a roomy, family-friendly interior with a relatively large cargo area by class standards. Power comes exclusively from GM's 3.6L SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) V6, paired with a 6-speed automatic. The engine is capable and smooth at highway speeds, but it carries a well-documented history of timing chain wear, oil consumption, and AFM/VVT-related problems that owners should know about before buying. For a Lake Geneva family hauler, the Traverse is a practical choice — ample seating, available AWD, and easy to live with day-to-day. Just go in with eyes open on the powertrain maintenance demands. A vehicle with clean oil change records and no VVT-related codes is worth more than one without.
Known for
- One of the roomiest three-row crossovers in its class
- Smooth, powerful 3.6L V6 when properly maintained
- Available AWD for Midwest winters
- Comfortable highway ride and easy ingress/egress
Best for
- Families needing 7–8 seats without a minivan
- Highway commuters and road-trip families
- Buyers who prioritize passenger and cargo space over fuel economy
- Upper Midwest owners who want AWD capability without going full truck-based SUV
Watch for
- Timing chain stretch and VVT solenoid failures on the 3.6L — especially with irregular oil changes
- Oil consumption on higher-mileage examples; check the dipstick between changes
- Power liftgate and second-row seat track issues on first-gen models
- Fuel economy is below class average — budget accordingly
Common issues by mileage
6 knownOil Consumption — 3.6L SIDI Engine
medium- Typically appears
- 70–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $0 – $300
Power Liftgate Motor / Strut Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 60–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $450
HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 60–110k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $400
Oxygen / O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Fault
medium- Typically appears
- 80–130k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $350
Module Communication / CAN Bus Faults
low- Typically appears
- Any
- Estimated repair
- $100 – $600
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000 miles or 6 months — do NOT rely solely on the oil life monitor Engine Oil & Filter Change
The 3.6L SIDI's timing chain and VVT system are oil-pressure dependent. Stretched chains and sludged solenoids are almost always tied to extended oil change intervals. This is the single most important thing you can do for this engine.
- 2 Monthly Check Engine Oil Level Between Changes
The 3.6L can consume oil between changes, especially above 80k miles. Running a quart or more low accelerates VVT wear. Takes 30 seconds with the dipstick.
- 3 Every 45,000 miles Transmission Fluid Service
The 6-speed automatic is generally solid, but fluid darkens and shears over time. Fresh fluid at this interval is cheap insurance against harsh shifts and premature clutch wear.
- 4 Every 5 years or 150,000 miles Coolant Flush (DEX-COOL)
DEX-COOL is a long-life coolant, but Wisconsin's freeze-thaw cycles stress the cooling system. Verify freeze protection every fall — aim for protection to at least -34°F.
- 5 Every 97,500 miles (iridium plugs) Spark Plug Replacement
The rear bank plugs on the 3.6L are difficult to access and labor-intensive to replace. If the vehicle is approaching this interval, do all six at once to avoid a repeat job.
- 6 Every 2–3 years Brake Fluid Flush
Brake fluid is hygroscopic — it absorbs moisture over time. In Wisconsin's harsh winters, degraded fluid lowers the boiling point and can accelerate corrosion inside ABS modulators.
- 7 Every fall, before first road salt exposure Inspect Underbody / Brake Lines for Corrosion
Lake Geneva roads are heavily salted. Steel brake lines and fuel lines on this platform are known to rust through in the upper Midwest. Catching surface rust early with fluid film or undercoating is far cheaper than emergency line replacement.
- 8 Every fall Battery Load Test
The 3.6L has a higher-than-average accessory load. A battery that tests marginal in October will likely fail in January. Replace proactively at 4–5 years in Wisconsin's climate.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$700 – $1,400
Fuel
At 18 MPG combined and ~15,000 miles/year, expect roughly $2,000–$2,500/year at current Wisconsin gas prices. AWD models see slightly lower highway figures.
Insurance
Typically $1,100–$1,600/year for a family driver in the Lake Geneva area, depending on coverage level and driving history. Three-row family SUVs generally insure favorably.
The Traverse is an affordable-to-buy family hauler, but fuel costs are higher than newer crossovers. Maintenance is reasonable if the owner stays on top of oil changes. The risk item is a VVT or timing chain job — that $800–$2,200 repair can surprise owners who bought with deferred maintenance. Budget for it as a possibility on any example over 80k miles.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Load test the battery every October — sub-zero starts draw enormous current and a weak battery won't recover. Replace at 4–5 years without hesitation.
- Verify coolant freeze protection reaches at least -34°F before November. DEX-COOL degrades quietly over time.
- Switch to a winter-rated washer fluid (good to -20°F or lower) — the large windshield on the Traverse means a big target for slush and road spray.
- Inspect and replace wiper blades with winter-specific blades before first snowfall. The Traverse's flat windshield angle clogs standard blades quickly.
- Check tire pressure weekly in cold snaps — every 10°F drop costs roughly 1 PSI. Under-inflated tires on a nearly-5,000-lb SUV are a handling liability on ice.
- Inspect underbody brake lines and fuel lines each fall and apply fluid film or rust inhibitor. Salt on Lake Geneva roads is heavy and this platform is prone to corrosion on brake and fuel lines.
Summer
- Check tire pressure after the first hot week — tires that were correct in April will be over-inflated at summer temperatures and affect handling.
- Inspect the A/C system before summer; recharge or address leaks early. The 3-zone climate system works the compressor hard with a full load of passengers.
- Check engine coolant level and condition — heat soak after stop-and-go driving is harder on a higher-mileage 3.6L. Watch the temp gauge if the A/C is maxed out.
- Look for oil spots under the vehicle after the engine warms up — valve cover gaskets and the rear main seal can weep more noticeably in summer heat on higher-mileage examples.
Comparable vehicles
2017 Ford
Explorer
Same three-row family SUV segment, similar pricing and size. The Explorer has a stiffer, more car-like ride but the Traverse edges it on rear-row legroom. Both share timing chain and VVT sensitivities on their V6 engines.
2017 Honda
Pilot
The Pilot is the reliability-first alternative — Honda's 3.5L V6 and 9-speed automatic are generally more durable long-term, though the transmission had early stumble issues in 2016–17. Slightly less interior volume than the Traverse.
2017 Toyota
Highlander
Toyota's three-row entry offers best-in-class long-term reliability and strong resale. Smaller interior than the Traverse but better fuel economy and lower maintenance risk. Costs more to buy used for the same mileage.
2017 Dodge
Durango
If AWD and towing matter, the Durango's Pentastar V6 offers more tow rating and a more rugged platform. Slightly less third-row space than the Traverse but a strong competitor in price and features at this model year.
If you're shopping for one
Red flags
- Any VVT or cam timing DTC (P0012, P0015, P0022, P0025) — these mean the engine has already been stressed and repair could run $1,000–$2,200.
- No oil change records or evidence of service intervals beyond 7,500 miles.
- Engine ticking or rattling at cold start that goes away — this is early timing chain wear; it will get worse.
- Transmission shudder at low speeds or harsh 1-2 shift — fluid neglect or internal wear.
- Rust-perforated brake lines on the underbody — this is a safety stop-sale item and replacement is labor-intensive.
- Oil consumption greater than 1 quart per 2,000 miles confirmed by the seller.
What to inspect
- Pull the oil dipstick — dark, sludgy oil or a level below the minimum line is a red flag for VVT and timing chain health.
- With the engine warm and idling, listen for a subtle rattling or ticking from the front of the engine (timing chain rattle). Any noise there warrants a pre-purchase inspection.
- Scan for stored or pending DTCs before buying. Codes P0012, P0015, P0022, P0025, P0026, P0027, P0028, P0029 indicate active VVT/timing chain issues — walk away or negotiate hard.
- Ask for oil change records. A documented 5,000-mile oil change history is the single best predictor of timing chain health on this engine.
- Test the power liftgate through several full cycles — motor hesitation or failure to latch is common and a known repair.
- Check both front and rear A/C output — the rear HVAC system is a separate circuit and blend door actuator failures are common.
- Inspect the underbody, especially brake lines along the frame rails, for rust perforation. On Wisconsin-driven examples this is non-negotiable.