Drop it into PARK on a slope, and the dash reads “P.” Shifter locks. But the Traverse slides. That roll isn’t driver error; it’s part of a transmission failure tied to multiple NHTSA recalls.
From 2018 to 2024, the Traverse has been hit with two major transmission defects and a stack of service bulletins. One recall flagged missing bolts that let fluid leak onto hot exhaust, creating fire risk. Another blamed faulty sun gears that knock out propulsion and disable PARK entirely.
This guide cuts through the noise, sorting safety recalls from dealer memos, listing affected years, failure symptoms, and what fixes GM’s actually obligated to provide. Timelines, tables, and real answers, nothing extra.
1. What counts as a real recall, and what doesn’t
Not every transmission “fix” carries the same weight. A federal safety recall is mandatory, tracked by NHTSA, and always free, even with 150,000 miles on the odometer. Dealers can’t sell new inventory until the repair is complete. By law, GM must provide parts and labor.
A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) doesn’t carry that force. It’s a heads-up from GM to dealers: “Here’s what to do if the customer shows up.” Coverage only applies inside the warranty window, unless GM quietly extends it under a special policy.
Otherwise, the repair’s billable. Then there are customer satisfaction campaigns, short-term programs where GM may cover a defect without calling it a safety issue.
Two ID systems track these actions. GM issues its own codes, like N202313440. NHTSA assigns separate ones, like 20V-668. To cut through the mess, run the 17-digit VIN on NHTSA.gov. It won’t just say “Traverse recall”; it confirms if that exact SUV still has an open defect.
Where it gets real, at the service counter
At the dealership, the difference hits fast. A safety recall? No charge, no delay. TSB? Only if still under warranty. Campaign expired? Unless GM steps in with goodwill, the cost’s yours.
Also worth knowing: closed recalls disappear from the public record. A used 2019 Traverse that had the accumulator bolts fixed won’t show the campaign anymore, even if it once qualified. On vehicles past the 15-year mark, many older recalls vanish unless GM renews the program.
Quick reference table
| What It Is | Who Pays | Where to Find It | Common Pitfalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHTSA Safety Recall | GM (always free) | NHTSA VIN Lookup GM Owner Center |
Parts backorder; record disappears once closed |
| Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) | GM if under warranty | NHTSA TSB Search Dealer service portal |
Not legally binding; often mistaken as a recall |
| Customer Satisfaction Campaign | GM (time-limited) | GM dealer system (ask directly) | May expire silently; not all are publicly listed |
2. Two real recalls that affect how the Traverse drives
Here’s the quick side-by-side
| NHTSA ID | GM Campaign | Traverse Years | Defect Part | Main Risk | Real-World Symptoms | The Fix |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V-172 | N222389310 | 2023 | Oversized transmission sun gear | Loss of drive, PARK disengaged, rollaway | Clicking or grinding up front, free-rev, rolls in “P” | Replace gear; use parking brake at every stop until repaired |
| 20V-668 | N202313440 | 2018–2020 | Missing accumulator endcap bolts | ATF leak, loss of pressure, fire risk | Red puddles, burnt fluid smell, slipping, or sudden stop | Inspect accumulator; replace assembly if bolts are missing or loose |
23V-172: When PARK doesn’t mean parked
This one targets about 4,941 Traverse units built between Sept 19, 2022, and Jan 20, 2023. A bad-dimension sun gear can let the left-side axle slide out, cutting drive and disengaging PARK. That leaves the SUV able to roll on an incline.
Dealers were ordered to halt delivery until replacement parts arrived. In the meantime, owners were told to treat PARK like neutral and use the parking brake every single time.
20V-668: When bolts go missing and fluid hits fire
Applies to 2018–2020 models with start/stop hardware and a 6- or 9-speed. If the endcap bolts on the accumulator weren’t installed, the cap can shift, seals give out, and ATF leaks.
Pressure drops, drive is lost, and hot fluid may reach engine surfaces. Technicians inspect first. If bolts are missing or out of spec, the whole assembly gets replaced. Common early signs: red drops under the front, slipping during acceleration, and a sharp burnt smell after drives.
If your VIN lights up, don’t guess, act
1. Run your VIN on both the NHTSA recall site and GM Owner Center. Don’t rely on model year alone.
2. If 23V-172 is open, schedule the repair. Until then, parking brake goes on every time, especially on any slope.
3. If 20V-668 is open, avoid long drives. Watch for fluid leaks and photograph any red stains before the service visit.
4. Inside 23V-172, the sun gear that knocks out PARK
Only a narrow slice of 2023 builds are at risk
This defect hits about 4,941 units built between Sept 19, 2022, and Jan 20, 2023, all tied to GM campaign N222389310. GM issued a stop-delivery order until dealers could confirm quarantined, in-spec replacements.
Until a VIN shows “remedy complete,” PARK should be treated like neutral, brake on, every time.
When GM knew and what came next
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 11/02/2022 | Quality report filed after propulsion loss in the field |
| 12/06/2022 | GM opened formal investigation |
| Mar–May 2023 | Recall filed, owner notices prepped, stop-delivery issued |
| May 2023 → | Letters advised parking brake use until parts replaced |
How an out-of-spec gear defeats both drive and PARK
The sun gear was machined wrong, out of spec. That lets the left-side half-shaft slide out of the diff, cutting torque and breaking the park-pawl lock. Result: no forward motion, and PARK no longer holds the driveline. This isn’t a design flaw; it’s a failure in containment during part quarantine.
Warning signs before failure hits
Most owners hear a grind or click up front before anything breaks. Then the engine revs, but the Traverse doesn’t move. On a slope without the brake set, it rolls. Light-throttle grinding or clicks on load transfer mean it’s time to stop driving and park on flat ground.
The actual fix, no gimmicks, just the right part
Dealers replace the transmission sun gear with in-spec stock (GM part 24290255), verified outside the suspect batch. No software patch, no upsell. Just a critical part swap.
Until then, here’s the drill:
1. Set the parking brake every time, no exceptions.
2. Avoid sloped driveways or angled parking.
3. If it rolls or free-revs, stop driving and tow it in.
What this recall says about GM’s quality gates
This was a containment miss. A bad batch of gears slipped past internal quarantine and into builds. It’s not a system-wide defect, but the failure mode is severe, no propulsion, and PARK disabled. That’s why this recall window is tight, but the safety risk isn’t small.
4. The bolt blunder that leads to leaks and loss of drive
Where 20V-668 shows up
This recall, GM campaign N202313440, covers 2018–2020 Traverses with 6- or 9-speed autos and start/stop hardware. Some left the factory missing bolts on the accumulator endcap.
As seals loosen, fluid escapes. The first sign: red drips on the driveway. Second: a sharp, burnt smell after a warm drive.
How a few missing bolts cause total failure
Once fluid starts leaking, hydraulic pressure drops. The clutches can’t hold. It slips on takeoff, flares on gear changes, then finally free-revs. If ATF hits hot surfaces, the risk shifts from stall to fire. Why NHTSA classified this as a safety issue, not just a drivability one.
What dealers inspect, and what gets replaced
The accumulator assembly is the target. If bolts are gone or the cap is warped, they swap the entire unit. Early on, dealers could inspect but not fix right away, parts were tight. New unsold units were blocked from delivery until the remedy cleared.
When GM knew and what came next
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Late 2020 | Recall 20V-668 filed; letters mailed |
| Winter 2020–2021 | Inspections allowed while part supply ramped |
| Ongoing | Stop-delivery on unsold affected units |
Why the recall stayed small, but serious
The recall targeted a broad 3-year run, but GM expected only a few actual failures. Low double-digit replacements across the fleet. Still, with ATF and heat in the mix, even one failure carries high risk. That’s why GM kept it under safety recall, not a quiet service memo.
Before and during the dealer visit:
1. Park over clean cardboard overnight. Snap a photo of any new ATF spots.
2. Run the VIN on both NHTSA and GM Owner Center, print both pages.
3. Ask for inspection under 20V-668, and request the work order document, bolt status, and replaced parts.
4. If slipping, puddles, or smells show up, park it. Request a tow.
5. The quirks of GM’s 9T65, and how they tried to rein it in
What the 9-speed is, and where it stumbles
The Traverse runs the 9T65 automatic, coded M3V/M3W on build sheets. Owners often report a 1–2 flare under light throttle, a flashing “D” in PRNDL, and rough downshifts after heat soak.
These aren’t signs of a broken part, but of calibration quirks and pressure inconsistencies. Once warm, the flare usually shows during low-load shifts in a steady loop.
When GM swapped full transmissions just to avoid comebacks
In a bold 12-month pilot, bulletin 20-NA-136 instructed dealers to replace the entire transmission on new trucks under 18 months and 18,000 miles. No teardown. Just a full gearbox swap to stop repeat visits. Torque converters and seals still qualified for stand-alone fixes.
Yes, GM’s first move was full replacement, not repair.
What changed after the pilot ended
The blanket-swap policy ended Sept 30, 2021. By August 2022, GM revised the bulletin to push enhanced diagnostics first.
Dealers had to scan all modules (TCM, ECM, BCM, IPC, TRCM), verify ATF level with precision, and log oil pressure at exact temps. GM added extra labor time to account for the new testing and cleanup.
In short: more data, more time, and wider variation in how each shop handles it.
Out-of-spec rings keep scrutiny high in 2024
By mid-2024, Service Update N242446290 flagged clutch backing plate and piston retaining rings installed out of spec on some 2024 Traverse and Traverse Limited units. Not a safety recall, but proof that quality control is still catching tolerance drift inside this transmission family.
For soft shifts or clutch-slip codes, this update is the first thing to check.
When the VIN says it’s clean, but the gearbox doesn’t
1. Record exact symptoms: speeds, gear, throttle, temp.
2. Ask for full 9T65 diagnostic flow per 20-NA-136 (August 2022).
3. If the dealer skips to a pan drop without pressure data, stop the job.
4. After the repair, request printed calibration proof and pre/post pressure logs.
6. The owner’s guide to getting real results
VIN first, rumors last
Recalls don’t live on model-year lists. They follow the 17-digit VIN. Older campaigns disappear from public lookup after completion, and vehicles past 15 years usually fall off the radar unless GM extends coverage.
Check both NHTSA.gov and GM’s portal, print both pages, and file them. If symptoms persist but no recall shows, you follow the drivability bulletin path.
When 23V-172 shows up on a 2023
This one disables drive and defeats PARK. Until “remedy complete” is listed on the service file, the fix is behavioral. Treat PARK like neutral. Set the parking brake, even on flat ground.
Avoid slopes and angled curbs. If the transmission rolls or free-revs, stop driving. Get it towed. At the counter, the repair order must cite N222389310. That paper trail matters; keep it with your title.
When 20V-668 flags a 2018–2020
This defect starts with missing bolts in the start/stop accumulator. It ends with fluid loss, pressure drop, and potential fire. Red puddles or burnt fluid smells are the first clues. Bring leak photos and a printed recall lookup showing N202313440.
Push for a documented inspection. If bolts are absent, the full accumulator gets replaced. If parts are back-ordered, request a written “safe to drive” call. If it’s slipping or smells burnt, park it and tow it; don’t risk topping off fluid.
No recall, but still shifting rough?
Plenty of 9T65s misbehave even with a clean VIN. If flares or flashing PRNDL persist, GM’s 20-NA-136 (Aug 2022) bulletin is the path forward.
That means full module sweeps, pressure readings, and precise fluid-level checks, before anyone opens the case. If a dealer skips testing and heads straight for a pan drop, walk away. After the repair, demand calibration proof and pressure logs.
When delays drag on too long
Recalls are free, but long delays aren’t something to tolerate in silence. If a Traverse sits idle for weeks, escalate. Past 60 days with no progress, GM and state consumer channels come into play.
If parts are backlogged, a loaner should be on the table. Every call or visit should generate a repair order. That number is your leverage for buyback, replacement, or goodwill if things stall too long.
What to bring when the appointment’s booked
Service advisors move faster when you come prepared. Bring:
• Printed VIN results from NHTSA and GM
• Date-stamped photos of leaks
• Short video clips of rollaway behavior or transmission noise
• Any past repair orders related to drivability or fluid leaks
One folder. Everything documented. No runaround.
7. Timelines and tables that actually cut through the chaos
When each recall hit, and which builds were caught
Two major campaigns, two distinct windows. 23V-172 targets 2023 Traverses built between Sept 19, 2022, and Jan 20, 2023.
GM filed it in early spring 2023, mailed owner notices in May, and froze dealer inventory until defective sun gears were swapped. Interim advice was clear: use the parking brake every time.
20V-668 reaches back to 2018–2020 units with start/stop hardware. Filed late 2020, it required inspections even before parts were widely available.
Dealers couldn’t deliver unsold inventory until the accumulator issue was cleared. GM warned owners to watch for leaks and avoid long trips until the repair showed complete.
| Campaign | Traverse build window | Owner notices started | Stop-delivery? | Interim advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V-172 | 09/19/2022 – 01/20/2023 | May 2023 | Yes | Parking brake every time you park |
| 20V-668 | 2018–2020 (plant-dependent) | Late 2020 | Yes | Watch for leaks, avoid long trips |
What symptoms usually mean, before the VIN lookup
Owners don’t think in campaign numbers; they notice symptoms. If a 2023 Traverse grinds, free-revs, or rolls in PARK, that’s likely the sun gear defect under 23V-172.
ATF puddles, a burnt smell, or slipping in a 2018–2020? That’s the accumulator issue tied to 20V-668. A light-throttle 1–2 flare or blinking “D” across 2018–2023 usually signals calibration quirks in the 9T65 transmission, not a recall.
| Symptom | Likely issue | Common model years | First move | If no recall shows open |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinding/clicking, free-rev, rolls in “P” | Sun gear disengagement | 2023 | Check for 23V-172, tow if open | Still tow, brake always set |
| Red ATF, burnt smell, slipping | Accumulator leak | 2018–2020 | Check for 20V-668, book service | Run dealer leak diagnostics |
| 1–2 flare, flashing “D” in PRNDL | 9T65 calibration or pressure loss | 2018–2023 | Request 20-NA-136 diagnostic protocol | Push for full test plan |
These numbers cut through confusion. You’ll know whether the SUV is under a safety stop or just needs smarter troubleshooting.
8. Risks, payoffs, and what life looks like after the fix
What recalls guarantee that TSBs can’t
A safety recall triggers mandatory repairs, no cost, no mileage limit, and no dealership wiggle room. Dealers can’t deliver unsold units until the fix is done.
Better yet, the paperwork from 23V-172 or 20V-668 builds long-term value: it confirms the SUV was brought back into spec. If a repair drags beyond 60 days, that record gives you leverage for loaners, escalation, or even a goodwill remedy.
Where the process breaks down
Supply-chain gaps and uneven skill levels mean one shop nails the job and another leaves issues behind. Once closed, recalls vanish from public lookups, so your own paperwork becomes proof.
Some owners drive away and still need calibration or deeper diagnostics. That’s not failure, it’s part of dealing with the 9T65’s complexity.
What cost of ownership looks like after the fix
Most repairs stick. Trucks return to normal with no out-of-pocket cost. A few need follow-up diagnostics or software to clean up drivability. Set time aside, not budget.
For resale, a documented fix helps, not hurts. If shifting still feels off, dealers who follow the full 20-NA-136 process tend to deliver the cleanest result.
9. Buying used without inheriting a broken box
Paper first, pavement second
Start with records, not promises. Get VIN printouts from both NHTSA and GM showing open or completed recalls, then match them to repair orders.
For a 2023, 23V-172 should be clearly listed with confirmation the sun gear was replaced, not just inspected. For a 2018–2020, look for 20V-668 with a full accumulator swap. A fresh underbody wash around the case? Often a sign someone cleaned up a leak.
How to road-test the 9T65 the right way
Don’t take it cold around the block. A real test run takes 15–20 minutes, mixing city traffic with short highway runs, then a few tight turns at low speed.
Light throttle from a stop shouldn’t flare the 1–2 shift or blink “D” in the PRNDL. Back into a mild slope, set PARK, let off the brake. If it rolls without the parking brake, walk away.
Leaks, smells, and pressure-loss clues
After the drive, place a clean sheet under the front. Wait five minutes, then check for red ATF. A burnt, sweet odor suggests fluid contact with hot components, classic 20V-668 behavior. Check the case seam and pan rail for sealant or fresh wet edges. Fluid at the bellhousing usually signals trouble ahead.
Shifting tells that predict your next bill
The 9T65 should engage Drive without hesitation. A delay, a 1–2 flare, or a clunk into gear suggests hydraulic or calibration issues. Some issues clear with updated software and fluid service; others need internal work.
If there’s no drivability fix documented per 20-NA-136, price it like a rebuild’s on the horizon.
When recall history becomes your price tool
A completed recall is a value add; it shows risk was caught and corrected. But missing documents, leaks, or repeat transmission notes turn into negotiating chips. If a seller brushes off a blinking “D” as “just how they shift,” expect to inherit a service bill. Price accordingly, or pass.
Quick pass-fail before you sign
• Drive hot, no flare, no codes
• No leaks or burnt smells
• VIN history printed, recall repairs documented
• PARK holds without drama on a slope
• Seller answers questions about 23V-172 and 20V-668 without dodging
Miss one? Keep shopping.
10. Straight answers to the questions owners actually ask
Is there a transmission recall on every Traverse?
No. Only two recalls exist. 23V-172 targets a narrow 2023 window with a faulty sun gear. 20V-668 covers 2018–2020 units with missing accumulator bolts. Most drivability issues are covered under bulletins, not recalls.
Can software fix these recalls?
No. Both involve hardware. 23V-172 replaces the sun gear. 20V-668 swaps the accumulator if bolts are missing or the cap is compromised. Software only smooths shifts; it won’t stop a rollaway or plug a leak.
Can I drive while waiting on 23V-172 parts?
Only if absolutely necessary, and always with the parking brake engaged. If it free-revs or moves in PARK, stop and tow it.
What about driving with 20V-668 active?
Short trips only if no fluid is leaking. Red spots, slipping, or a burnt smell means it’s time to park it and call for a tow. Hot ATF can ignite on contact.
Why did my VIN show nothing, even after hearing about a recall?
Closed recalls drop off public systems. Time-limited programs also vanish after expiration. That’s why the original repair order matters; it’s your proof.
My 9T65 flares on 1–2 but shows no recall. What now?
Request 20-NA-136 (Aug 2022) diagnostics. That includes module sweeps, oil pressure readings, and fluid-level verification before any repair. A blind pan drop wastes time.
Do dealers have to give a loaner for recall work?
Not always. Most do if the part is backordered or the vehicle isn’t safe. Ask, document the delay, and escalate to GM Customer Care if needed.
What counts as an unreasonable delay?
Once the SUV is handed over for recall work, 60+ days with no fix is grounds to escalate. Keep every RO number, message, and service log.
Does a recall hurt resale?
A documented fix usually helps. It shows the issue was corrected. What drags value down is no paperwork, active leaks, or a transmission that still rolls in PARK.
How do I prove rollaway before the visit?
Park on a mild slope in a safe area. Wheels chocked, parking brake off, foot on the brake. Shift to PARK, release the pedal, and record. If it moves, even an inch, PARK isn’t holding.
Is the 9T65 doomed long-term?
No. When fluid levels are correct, calibrations current, and internal faults fixed properly, many 9T65s go past 100,000 miles without issue. The real weakness is in inconsistent diagnosis, not a fatal design flaw.
What should my repair order say after 23V-172?
It should list N222389310, confirm the gear was replaced, and show a final verification. If the advisor only wrote “inspected,” ask for a corrected RO that includes the full remedy.
Confidence after the fix
From 2018 to 2024, the Traverse’s transmission story was shaped by two major safety recalls, both serious, both fixable. One targeted a faulty sun gear in 2023 models that could knock out propulsion and PARK.
The other tackled missing accumulator bolts in 2018–2020 builds, leading to fluid leaks and fire risk. These weren’t minor annoyances. They hit the heart of drivability, but both are backed by free, documented repairs.
What builds confidence after the fix isn’t luck. It’s follow-through. The VIN gets checked before the test drive. The recall gets booked, not delayed. Repair orders are saved.
If shifting stays off or leaks return, the diagnosis doesn’t stop with “no codes found”; it goes all the way to pressure tests and bulletin-based repair.
Most Traverses that go through that process settle into reliable duty. They shift clean, hold PARK, and leave no mess behind. The key is staying ahead of problems, not reacting late.
When a recall is handled with full documentation and follow-up, it stops being a liability and becomes a locked-in correction that protects resale, drivability, and trust.
Sources & References
- Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-172 | NHTSA
- Chevrolet Traverse Transmission Recall – Asbury Automotive
- Service Bulletin INFORMATION – nhtsa
- Check for Recalls: Vehicle, Car Seat, Tire, Equipment – NHTSA
- GM Recall Information | GM account – Experience GM – General Motors
- Safety Recall N222389310 Half-Shaft Disengagement – nhtsa
- Wrong Transmission Sun Gear Causes Motive Power Failure – RepairPal
- Product Safety Recall N202313440 Transmission Accumulator Bolts Missing (Inspection Only) – nhtsa
- Is Your GM in Recall 23V-172? – Lemon Car Boss
- 2023 Chevy Traverse Recalled For Incorrect Transmission Sun Gear – GM Authority
- Product Safety Recall N202313440 Transmission Accumulator Bolts Missing – nhtsa
- Transmission Fluid Leaks – Chevrolet Buick GMC Recall – RepairPal
- IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL – nhtsa
- GM Initiates Pilot Program To Replace 9T65 9-Speed Transmission
- Service Bulletin INFORMATION – nhtsa
- Service Bulletin INFORMATION – nhtsa
- Latest Labor Time Guide – TechLink
- Some 2024 Chevy Traverse, Blazer And Trailblazer Units To Get Transmission Fix – GM Authority
- Allison/General Motors 10-Speed Transmission Recall: How We Fixed It!
- Chevy Traverse Long-Term Reliability: What Owners Should Know
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Rami Hasan is the founder of CherishYourCar.com, where he combines his web publishing experience with a passion for the automotive world. He’s committed to creating clear, practical guides that help drivers take better care of their vehicles and get more out of every mile.