2010 Chevrolet Traverse: Timing chain code issue
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2010 Traverse report: timing chain code issue. CarComplaints.com lists 14 owner complaints, average mileage 94,600 miles.
NHTSA has 186 owner complaints for the 2010 Traverse in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11537102 (filed 08/08/2023): “This vehicle is dangerous. looks great on the outside but horrible on the inside under the hood! since my son bought one for me it’s had problems with engine revving and not shifting gears, and air conditioner continually going out even after repairs, and powe…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11519528 (filed 04/28/2023): “Two items: item 1. transmission switched to neutral by itself traveling at 65 mph. at about 5-6 seconds after the incident, transmission resumed with no further problem. this has happened 3 times. first time was mid 2022. second and third times happened in la…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace timing chain and related parts (12 reports) engine replacement (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $2,680 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Estimated repair cost: timing chain and tensioner replacement
Average shop cost
$835
Range $400–$1,390 (labor)
4.0–10.0 h × $100–$139/h estimated shop labor rate
Parts not included.
Average mobile mechanic cost
$1,255
Range $600–$2,085 (labor)
Shop labor × 1.5 (mobile convenience premium)
Parts not included.
Estimates only, not a quote. Actual prices vary by vehicle, shop and location. See the estimate for your city → · About this repair and its cost
Same repair on other models: 2010 Dodge Charger: Timing chain tensioner failure · 2012 Chevrolet Malibu: Timing chain tensioner failure · 2018 Nissan Pathfinder: Timing chain failing
Page last updated .