2011 Chevrolet Traverse: Engine failure
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2011 Traverse report: engine failure. CarComplaints.com lists 27 owner complaints, average mileage 88,900 miles.
NHTSA has 213 owner complaints for the 2011 Traverse in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11618746 (filed 10/08/2024): “Components related to timing chain failed, and vehicle is currently available with plans to sell to a salvage yard by 10/25/24. my 9 year old and i were at risk of collision when the vehicle failed. i was driving approximately 70-75 mph when we started to lo…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11605410 (filed 07/30/2024): “My timing and my energy is going bad..i don’t know the problem.im new on having my own car..and when i got it everything was great at first but two trips going too chicago it started going bad…”
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: replaced engine (17 reports) replace timing chain (2 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 $5,210 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Estimated repair cost: engine replacement (used or remanufactured engine)
Average shop cost
$1,435
Range $800–$2,225 (labor)
8.0–16.0 h × $100–$139/h estimated shop labor rate
Parts not included.
Average mobile mechanic cost
$2,150
Range $1,200–$3,335 (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: 2012 Toyota 4Runner: Engine blew up · 2014 Hyundai Sonata: Seized engine · 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe: Engine seized · 2018 Chevrolet Cruze: Engine failure · 2018 Ford Edge: Leaking coolant killed engine · 2019 Ford Fusion: Coolant intrusion cracked short block
Page last updated .