Chevy Traverse Transmission Repair in Glendale, AZ

Sun West Transmissions — Glendale, AZ. Free estimates, honest diagnosis and a 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty on qualifying rebuilds and replacements.

The Chevy Traverse is a three-row crossover built for families, and around the Valley it often runs full of kids, sports gear and luggage. That is a lot of weight for a front-wheel-drive-based transmission, especially in a climate where summer heat lasts half the year. At Sun West Transmissions in Glendale, we diagnose and repair Traverse transmissions and the closely related units in the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave.

Traverse Transmissions

The Traverse has used two main transmission families:

• First generation (about 2009 to 2017): the six-speed 6T75, a heavier-duty version of GM’s six-speed front-drive design, paired with the 3.6L V6
• Second generation (2018 onward): a nine-speed automatic from GM’s newer front-drive family, related to the 9T50 design but sized for the larger V6

Both are available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. We confirm the exact unit from your VIN and RPO code before recommending work.

The 6T75 Wave Plate Problem

If you own a first-generation Traverse, you may have heard about wave plate failures. A wave plate is a springy, wavy steel plate inside one of the clutch packs that cushions engagement. In early units it was prone to breaking. When it fails, the transmission may lose reverse, third and fifth gears, often with a sudden flare or no movement at all, and metal fragments can circulate through the unit. GM updated the part over time, but many original-design units remain in service. Our rebuilds use the updated parts.

The same issue affects related crossovers, so owners of a GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave or Saturn Outlook from those years should watch for the same symptoms.

Other Common Traverse Transmission Issues

Harsh, delayed or flaring shifts

Valve body wear, solenoid problems and worn clutches can cause rough shifting and flare between gears on both generations.

Torque converter shudder

A vibration at light throttle and steady speeds can indicate a worn torque converter clutch. Read torque converter shudder for more.

Nine-speed shift quality complaints

Some second-generation owners report busy shifting, hesitation or harsh downshifts. Software updates and relearns may help a healthy transmission, while internal wear needs repair.

Heat and towing

The Traverse can tow a modest trailer, but doing so in summer heat raises fluid temperatures quickly. See towing and your transmission.

Symptoms to Watch

• No reverse, or loss of certain gears
• Sudden RPM flare during a shift
• Shudder or vibration on the freeway
• Harsh engagement into Drive
• Check engine or service transmission warnings

If your Traverse suddenly loses reverse or will not move, do not keep trying to drive it. Our transmission no reverse page explains what is likely happening inside.

How We Diagnose and Repair Your Traverse

We start by confirming your complaint on a road test when it is safe to do so. A scan tool shows stored codes, gear ratio data and clutch slip. We check the fluid for debris, a good clue to wave plate failure, and inspect for leaks and wiring faults. Then you get a free estimate with a clear explanation.

1. Remove and fully disassemble the transmission when a rebuild is needed
2. Replace clutches, seals, gaskets and filter, along with updated wave plates where applicable
3. Inspect gear sets, bearings, bushings and the differential
4. Clean and inspect the valve body and control solenoids
5. Service or replace the torque converter
6. Flush the cooler, fill with correct fluid, relearn and road test

On all-wheel-drive models, we also inspect the power transfer unit and rear drive. See transmission rebuilding for more on our process.

What Affects the Cost?

Traverse repair cost depends on the generation, drivetrain and how much damage the failure caused. A wave plate failure caught quickly may need fewer parts than one that ran until debris contaminated the valve body and converter. Some owners compare a rebuild with a remanufactured transmission. Call (623) 473-9800 for a free quote, and ask about financing.

Keeping Your Traverse Transmission Healthy

• Change fluid on a severe-service schedule if you drive mostly in town, tow or carry heavy loads
• Keep the radiator and cooling system in good condition
• Get unusual shifts or noises checked right away

Our how often to change transmission fluid guide has more detail.

Why Choose Sun West Transmissions

We are a dedicated transmission shop at 6116 West Northern Ave in Glendale. Qualifying rebuilds and replacements carry our 3-year / 40,000-mile warranty with no deductible on covered repairs.

Chevy Traverse Transmission FAQ

Does my Traverse have the wave plate issue?

First-generation Traverse models with the 6T75 can be affected, particularly earlier years. A fluid inspection and diagnosis will show if there is a problem.

Do you repair the Acadia and Enclave too?

Yes. They share the same transmission families as the Traverse.

Can I drive with no reverse if forward gears still work?

It is not recommended. The cause is often broken internal parts that can spread damage.