Timing chain failure
Rattling, rough running, potential engine damage
Check engine light: On
Premature timing chain failure, typically appearing from 60,000–140,000 miles per the NHTSA sample. The same timing chain problem is reported on the Chevrolet Traverse, which shares the Lambda platform. One complainant specifically states this is a known problem on 2009 models that received special-coverage protection, but that GM did not extend that same coverage to 2010 models — a coverage gap by model year rather than by VIN.
$700 – $3,35050,000+ mi
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Power steering failure
Steering wheel becomes very hard to turn or locks up, especially at low speed
Check engine light: Off
Loss of power steering assist during low-speed turns, with the steering wheel becoming very hard to turn or locking up entirely. The same power steering problem is reported on the Chevrolet Traverse, which shares the Lambda platform.
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Water pump failure
Coolant leaks, overheating, low coolant levels
Check engine light: On
The single most frequently reported engine issue on this generation: water pump failures leading to coolant leaks and overheating.
$150 – $85050,000 – 100,000 mi
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Ignition coil / spark plug failures
Cylinder misfires, rough idle, check engine light
Check engine light: On
Repeated ignition coil and spark plug failures causing cylinder misfires, rough idle, and check engine lights.
$300 – $800
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Transmission wave plate failure
Complete transmission rebuild required, shifting delays, slipping
Check engine light: On
Wave plate failures requiring complete transmission rebuilds, along with shifting delays and slipping. not confirmed as recall-covered.
Also reported on the closely related Buick Enclave, which shares the Lambda platform and is partly covered there by Campaign 09V073000.
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Engine fires
Smoke, fire originating from the engine compartment
Check engine light: On
Two documented engine fires with reported smoke inhalation injuries. A serious safety issue, not yet confirmed as tied to a specific recall campaign.
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Transmission fault and/or check engine light with codes P0716, P0776, P0717, P0777, P2714, P2715
Transmission fault and/or check engine light with pressure-switch/solenoid codes P0716, P0776, P0717, P0777, P2714, and/or P2715
Check engine light: On
Transmission fault and/or check engine light with pressure-switch/solenoid codes P0716, P0776, P0717, P0777, P2714, and/or P2715. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 295 owner reports on file.
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Brake Booster Failure Due to Master Cylinder Leaking Brake Fluid
Brake booster failure caused by the master cylinder leaking brake fluid
Check engine light: Off
Brake booster failure caused by the master cylinder leaking brake fluid. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 125 owner reports on file.
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Check engine light with codes P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P0341, P0346, P0336 and/or P0391
Check engine light with cam/crank correlation and VVT solenoid codes P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P0341, P0346, P0336, and/or P0391
Check engine light: On
Check engine light with cam/crank correlation and VVT solenoid codes P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P0341, P0346, P0336, and/or P0391. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 56 owner reports on file.
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Check engine light from a gas cap issue
Check engine light due to a gas cap issue
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to a gas cap issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 42 owner reports on file.
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Front End Shaking and Noise Issues While Steering, Worsens at Higher Speeds
Front-end shaking and noise while steering, worsening at higher speeds
Check engine light: Off
Front-end shaking and noise while steering, worsening at higher speeds. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 13 owner reports on file.
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Service StabiliTrak and traction control issues with reduced engine power and RPM malfunction
Service StabiliTrak and traction control warnings with reduced engine power and RPM malfunction
Check engine light: Off
Service StabiliTrak and traction control warnings with reduced engine power and RPM malfunction. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 10 owner reports on file.
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The dominant problem for this generation is premature timing chain failure, also reported on the closely related Chevrolet Traverse, which shares the Lambda platform. Notably, GM's special-coverage program for this defect covered 2007–2009 models but owners report it was not extended to 2010 models built with the same parts — a coverage gap by model year rather than by VIN.