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The Chevrolet Traverse uses the GM 6T70 (and the heavier-duty 6T75) six-speed transverse automatic across the 2009-2017 first generation, then moves to the 9T65 nine-speed on the 2018-up second generation. If your Traverse is jerking, flaring on the 1-2 or 2-3 shift, or throwing a check engine light with a transmission code, you are almost certainly looking at a 6T70/6T75 problem on the older trucks. The good news: most of these failures are known, repeatable, and the parts are cheap relative to a full replacement.
The single most common hard failure on this transmission is the 3-5-reverse wave plate cracking and breaking apart. When it goes, you lose 3rd, 5th, and reverse, and the debris circulates through the valve body and contaminates everything. Catching the early symptoms before the plate shatters is the difference between a $400 part job and a full rebuild.
Problems by Model Year
| Year Range | Transmission | Most Common Failure |
|---|---|---|
| 2009-2012 | 6T70 | 3-5-R wave plate cracks, harsh 1-2 shift, P0716/P0717 speed sensor |
| 2013-2017 | 6T70 / 6T75 | Wave plate still a risk, valve body wear, P0842/P0843 pressure switch codes, torque converter shudder |
| 2018-2023 | 9T65 | Erratic shifting, software/TCM calibration issues, valve body solenoid wear, harsh downshifts |
If you are shopping a used Traverse, the 2013-2017 trucks with documented transmission service history are the safer buy. The early 2009-2010 units saw the most wave plate failures, often before 120,000 miles.
The 3-5-Reverse Wave Plate Failure
This is the headline problem. The wave plate is a thin stamped-steel spring inside the 3-5-reverse clutch pack. GM used a design that fatigues and cracks. When it breaks, the clutch pack cannot hold pressure in 3rd, 5th, or reverse.
Early symptoms (catch it here):
- A flare or slip when shifting into 3rd gear under light throttle
- Reverse engages with a delay or a bump, then later not at all
- Intermittent loss of 5th gear at highway speed, engine RPM hangs high
- Code P0894 (transmission component slipping) or P0776 (pressure control solenoid)
The fix:
The updated GM wave plate is a stronger revised part. If you catch it before the old plate shatters and spreads metal through the unit, the repair is the wave plate, a new 3-5-R clutch pack, fluid, and a filter. If it has already grenaded, you are into a teardown, a full clutch and steel set, and a thorough flush of the cooler and lines because debris will have migrated everywhere. Do not just swap the plate and refill if the pan was full of metal. The torque converter and cooler must be flushed or the new clutches will not last.
6T70/6T75 filter and pan gasket kits
Harsh 1-2 Shift and Clunking
A lot of Traverse owners report a hard, jarring 1-2 upshift, especially when the transmission is cold. Causes, in order of how often they show up:
- Worn pressure control solenoid letting line pressure spike. Often pairs with code P0961 or P0776.
- Valve body bore wear in the actuator feed limit valve, a known soft spot on the 6T70. Sonnax sells a repair sleeve for this exact bore.
- Old, burnt, or wrong fluid. The 6T70 wants DEXRON VI. People top it off with the wrong stuff and shift quality goes to pieces.
Start with the cheapest fix: a fluid and filter service with the correct DEXRON VI. If the harsh shift survives a fresh service, move to the solenoid and then the valve body.
DEXRON VI fluid
Common Trouble Codes on the Traverse 6T70/6T75
| Code | Meaning | Usual Cause |
|---|---|---|
| P0716 / P0717 | Input/turbine speed sensor | Failing input speed sensor, harness chafe |
| P0842 / P0843 | Transmission fluid pressure switch A | Pressure switch or low line pressure |
| P0776 | Pressure control solenoid B stuck | Solenoid wear, valve body |
| P0894 | Transmission component slipping | Wave plate / clutch pack failure |
| P0700 | TCM requesting MIL | Companion code, read the others first |
P0894 on a Traverse is the one to take seriously. It often shows up right as the wave plate starts to let go. If you see it, do not keep driving the truck hard. Every mile of slip generates more heat and more debris.
What the Repair Actually Costs
| Repair | DIY Parts | Shop Total |
|---|---|---|
| Fluid and filter service | $60-$110 | $180-$300 |
| Pressure control solenoid | $40-$90 | $350-$650 |
| Wave plate / 3-5-R clutch (caught early) | $200-$450 | $1,200-$2,000 |
| Full 6T70/6T75 rebuild | $1,000-$1,800 (kit) | $3,000-$4,500 |
| Reman transmission installed | — | $4,000-$5,500 |
The math that matters: catching the wave plate early can be a sub-$2,000 repair. Letting it shatter pushes you toward a full rebuild or reman that costs more than twice as much. This is a transmission where paying attention to the early symptoms genuinely saves thousands.
6T70 / 6T75 Parts Ship Same-Day
Doing the wave plate, clutch pack, solenoids, or a full rebuild yourself? gearboxinsider.com stocks 6T70 and 6T75 rebuild kits, clutch packs, filters, and solenoids. Same-day ship before 2pm Eastern and free shipping on every order.
Shop Gearbox Insider →FAQ
What transmission is in my Chevy Traverse?
2009-2017 Traverses use the GM 6T70 (or 6T75 on heavier-equipped models). 2018 and newer use the 9T65 nine-speed.
Is the Chevy Traverse transmission reliable?
The 6T70 is reliable if it is serviced and the wave plate issue is addressed. Neglected ones fail. The biggest predictor of a long life is regular DEXRON VI fluid changes and catching slip symptoms early.
How often should I change the Traverse transmission fluid?
Every 45,000-60,000 miles under normal driving, sooner if you tow or live in heat. GM's "lifetime fluid" claim is optimistic for this unit.
Can I drive with a P0894?
Not for long. P0894 signals a slipping component, often the failing wave plate. Continued driving turns a contained repair into a contaminated full rebuild.