2022 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Lifter tick or clatter on cold starts that persists after warm-up, Check engine light with P0300-series misfire codes or P0521 oil pressure codes, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Sudden loss of power or complete engine failure if lifter collapses and drops valve

Fix: AFM lifters fail, chew up camshaft lobes, send metal through the oil system. Early catch means lifter/cam replacement (12-16 hours labor). If metal circulates, you're looking at rod bearings, main bearings, piston damage—full engine rebuild or short block replacement (25-35 hours). Some shops disable AFM preventively with Range/Pulsar device and tune.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000 for cam/lifters; $8,000-12,000+ for full rebuild or short block

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Burning more than 1 quart per 1,000 miles, Blue smoke from exhaust on acceleration or startup, Fouled spark plugs causing misfires, Low oil pressure warnings if level drops critically between changes

Fix: The 3.6L can cook piston rings, especially if oil changes were stretched or AFM cycling accelerated wear. Requires engine teardown, new rings, honing cylinders, sometimes pistons themselves (20-28 hours). If cylinder walls are scored, you need an engine rebuild or replacement.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500 for rings and honing; $8,000-13,000 if full rebuild needed

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under vehicle, usually passenger side, Pink or red fluid streaking down side of transmission case, Transmission overheating warnings on dash, Harsh shifts or slipping if fluid level drops significantly

Fix: Cooler lines corrode at crimp joints or cooler itself cracks from road debris. Replace lines and cooler as a set, flush system, refill (3-5 hours). Not hard, just annoying and messy. Catch it early before low fluid damages clutches.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking or thumping when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive engine/trans movement visible from engine bay during acceleration, Vibration through cabin at idle or low speeds

Fix: The upper torque strut mount (transmission side) separates or tears from age and load cycling. Very common on GM Lambda platform. Replace mount assembly (1.5-2.5 hours). Easy job, cheap insurance for driveline peace.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling from front of engine on cold starts, subsides after 5-10 seconds, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0008, P0016, P0017), Rough idle or hesitation, Sudden no-start if chain jumps timing

Fix: The 3.6L uses three chains (primary and two secondary). Guides wear, chains stretch, tensioners lose pressure. Full timing service means front cover off, all three chains, guides, tensioners, water pump while you're in there (14-18 hours). Do NOT ignore the rattle—jumped timing bends valves.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant weeping from timing cover area, Overheating or high temp warnings, Coolant smell from engine bay, Squealing or grinding from front of engine if bearing fails

Fix: Water pump is buried behind timing cover on the 3.6L. Same labor as timing chains (front cover removal, 10-14 hours standalone). Smart money says do pump + chains + guides together if you're over 100k and chains are getting noisy. Prevents paying twice.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200 standalone; add $600-800 to timing chain job