[PoManTraverse]

It wouldn't be the best looking repair and it seems insane to have to do this to such a newish vehicle, but has anyone considered throwing a couple of large stainless steel worm gear clamps (big hose clamps) around the pipe(s) and bracket that brakes off? My thinking is this would take some of the strain off the bracket and strengthen the whole thing. Of course the next weakest link in the system could break then, but who knows.

 

[greentraverse]

That's how we fixed exhaust holes in the old days - wrap a tin can around the pipe and hold it with two hose clamps!

 

[repairman54]

That's how we fixed exhaust holes in the old days - wrap a tin can around the pipe and hold it with two hose clamps!

The deluxe repair included some of that muffler cement to seal around the hole under the tin can.

 

[PoManTraverse]

The deluxe repair included some of that muffler cement to seal around the hole under the tin can.

Yep. Been there!

 

[eacogirl]

2018 Traverse 36k miles same issue as everyone on here but dealership is saying it isn't covered to fix and weld the exhaust. Any help would be great. This should be a recall by GM. Maybe if we all call and demand they will issue one. At least a refund for your payments etc. 800.462.8782. But if anyone has been successful getting this covered and fixed please share. View attachment 11769
View attachment 11768

My 2019 Traverse lost part of the bracket holding the right pipe...took to Dealership who stated right side is not covered under N212356540 despite the verbiage only stating "front exhaust pipe." Dealership quoted me $1500 to repair right side, they ordered parts on 4/5/24 still awaiting receipt of parts for repair to be completed. Advised by dealership vehicle was okay to drive until repair could be completed.

Today 4/14/24 driving on Highway at 75 mph, heard a large thump underneath vehicle. Looked in rear view mirror to see something fly out from under my vehicle and nearly miss the windshield of the vehicle directly behind me. They had to swerve in heavy traffic to avoid being hit. Vehicle immediately sounded like a Harley without baffles. Immediate smell of exhaust in the cabin and audible loud exhaust with windows up and a/c on.

Pulled over, crawled under vehicle to see that the brackets had indeed flown off the pipe, resulting in a gaping hole on the driver's side pipe.

Special coverage for the left pipe only is ridiculous, as the pipes are bound together by these brackets, which impact both, not one singularly.

 

[gprett]

Here is an update to my ongoing issue. I was initially dealing with GM Customer Service about the denial of fixing my flex pipe under warranty. As a reminder, the dealer repaired my catalytic converter under warranty, but charged me approx. $600 for the flex pipe because they said there was a hole in it and is "not a covered part".
I pressed GM about this and cited the vehicle warranty that states “Miscellaneous Items Used with Above Components (catalytic converter) and certain tires are covered: Belts,boots,clamps,connectors,ducts,fittings,gaskets,grommets,hoses, housings, mounting hardware, pipes, pulleys, sealing devices…..”.
When I cited the warranty information, GM did not offer an explanation and instead offered a new denial rationale claiming that my vehicle suffered "accidental damage". I again pressed them on this issue and they repeatedly referred me to the dealer. When I persisted, GM emailed me to say that the dealer provided information that my Traverse's issue was "consistent with the vehicle bottoming out", and that the warranty coverage doesn’t include damage caused by accidents.
I advised GM and the dealer that my car did not bottom out nor did it suffer an accident, adding that my issue was gradual and consistent with all the other 2018-2021 Traverse exhaust problems. So I've been demanding this documentation (from the dealer and GM) supporting their claims to no avail. I will keep at this!

 

[PoManTraverse]

......Special coverage for the left pipe only is ridiculous, as the pipes are bound together by these brackets, which impact both, not one singularly.

There are TSBs in regards to this exact issue where it says GM will foot the bill for 15yrs / 150K miles for repair on it. Here's one for the 2021 model year: N222385510 Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin

Here's the TSB for the 2019 model year: N212356540 Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin

None of these mention covering only the left pipe and per the 2019 TSB, your 2019 should be fully covered per GMs wording.

Why 2018+ aren't covered is beyond me. They all use the same exact exhaust components.

 

[gprett]

There are TSBs in regards to this exact issue where it says GM will foot the bill for 15yrs / 150K miles for repair on it. Here's one for the 2021 model year: N222385510 Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin

Here's the TSB for the 2019 model year: N212356540 Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin

None of these mention covering only the left pipe and per the 2019 TSB, your 2019 should be fully covered per GMs wording.

Why 2018+ aren't covered is beyond me. They all use the same exact exhaust components.

Totally agree with you on the 2018s. I've argued that point with GM but they give their stock response that there are no recalls on my vehicle. They've also said that certain 2018s have "special coverage" based on VIN number but I'm told mine is not included.
I believe they are using the "bottoming out" or external damage/accident rationale to avoid paying for all of the repairs. I've repeated asked for the documentation to back up their claims, but (shocker!) I haven't been given anything!

 

[PoManTraverse]

We really should have a sticky on this topic that lists the available service bulletins and extended repair coverage available for 2018+.

Best I can tell there are three bulletins available on the all too common 2018+ exhaust system issue.

1) Is a bulletin for 2018-2019 models, but it does not have any special warranty coverage wording in it. Just states "For vehicles repaired under the Emissions warranty" Here: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10165909-9999.pdf

2) Is a TSB offering 15yrs/150K mile coverage on 2019 models: N212356540 Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin

3) Is a TSB offering 15yrs/150K mile coverage on 2021 models: N222385510 Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin

From the looks of it, 2019 and 2021 owners should not have to pay for this repair for a long time. Why 2018, 2020 and 2022+ aren't covered is beyond me.

 

[gprett]

Yeah I emailed the 2018 bulletin to the GM customer care rep and they simply played the "its just a bulletin" card and that there are no recalls on my vehicle. In my situation, the dealer fixed the catalytic converter under the warranty, but they charged me $600 to replace the flex pipe. I'm arguing that it all should be covered.
I've also asked about more clarification on which 2018 vehicles qualify for the "special coverage" and why they say mine does not, but of course they don't answer the question! They just say "it's VIN specific".

 

[Jack07231]

We really should have a sticky on this topic that lists the available service bulletins and extended repair coverage available for 2018+.

Best I can tell there are three bulletins available on the all too common 2018+ exhaust system issue.

1) Is a bulletin for 2018-2019 models, but it does not have any special warranty coverage wording in it. Just states "For vehicles repaired under the Emissions warranty" Here: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10165909-9999.pdf

2) Is a TSB offering 15yrs/150K mile coverage on 2019 models: N212356540 Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin

3) Is a TSB offering 15yrs/150K mile coverage on 2021 models: N222385510 Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin

From the looks of it, 2019 and 2021 owners should not have to pay for this repair for a long time. Why 2018, 2020 and 2022+ aren't covered is beyond me.

I agree.... I see no difference between the 2019 I owned and the 2023 I currently own. It makes no sense at all.

 

[gprett]

In the 2018 bulletin, the recommended repair states "to replace the pipe from the Bank 2 converter to the mid exhaust assembly. Also inspect for damage to the right catalytic converter and pipes caused by the Bank 2 pipe being broken."

I'm not a mechanic, but as per this bulletin is the flex pipe located within the CC and the mid exhaust assembly?

 

[Jack07231]

I'm not a mechanic, but as per this bulletin is the flex pipe located within the CC and the mid exhaust assembly?

Here is a pic of my '23 exhaust and yes, the flex is part of the pipe before the mid exhaust section. If you look right in front of the flex, you can see the connection that is the problem. Not the clearest pics but this was the best pic I could get right now.

HTH

 

[ArtisZ]

In my case the bracket broke thankfully its not leaking and exaust. But it does make a ratteling noise when the I start the car from cold. I am taking to a shop for an opinion.

 

[jron41944]

Same I’m having issues on my 2020 traverse and the exhaust, no where can I find warranty info on the 2020

I have the same problem with my 2020 Traverse. I was told by the dealer, that it very vin# specific. Mine is not covered. Of course its not.

 

[PoManTraverse]

I have the same problem with my 2020 Traverse. I was told by the dealer, that it very vin# specific. Mine is not covered. Of course its not.

Yeah unfortunately per the above documentation, only 2019 and 2021 model years have the 15yr/150K mile coverage on this. It makes no sense that it's only these years, but many things don't make sense in automotive world.

 

[RandyMan]

My 2019 is at the dealership now. Fingers crossed they'll fix it without some ridiculous quote. I crawled under the car and the bracket is broke (passenger side, not covered), but pipes are not leaking there. The sound for mine is coming from the cat behind the engine. I suspect it is cracked and am hoping it will be covered by the 80k warranty.

From my earlier research:
The special coverage (for my 2019) is only for the "Front pipe". This is the pipe that connects to the cat on the front of the engine and goes to the middle muffler. I am pretty sure that one has one of the flex pipes as the assembly. The other pipe (passenger side, connect to cat on back of engine) is an assembly that includes the middle muffler and rear cats. It is not covered by the special coverage.

This is the covered part:

Not covered:

RandyMan

 

[RandyMan]

Well, they fixed it, but not for free. I hate dealerships. The bracket was broke off the uncovered part (the one with 2 cats and the muffler). The catalytic converter between the engine and firewall was cracked up near the top flange, as I suspected. They replaced the cat (warranty), the font pipe (warranty, goes to catalytic converter between engine and radiator, bank2?), and the muffler (my dime). They wouldn't replace the broken cat unless I replaced the the broken bracket muffler. Since I needed it back ASAP, I paid the piper to the tune of $1K.

-RandyMan

 

[Jack Smith]

The recurring exhaust issue is likely due to inadequate support or tension on the exhaust system, causing stress at the welded joints, particularly where the exhaust transitions from the Y-pipe to parallel sections. The cracks on the welds indicate a failure in the design or installation, leading to fatigue over time. It is advisable to request a thorough inspection of the exhaust mounting points and consider reinforcing the system to prevent future failures rather than simply repairing the current pinhole.

 

[PoManTraverse]

@RandyMan thanks for the updates on that. That does suck that the 15yr/150K coverage wording states only "front pipe", so given that, the 15/150 coverage is basically useless. I see that "front pipe" assembly for 2018-2023 Traverses is available aftermarket for like $50. The "mid pipe" assembly that has the other flex pipe, the little clean up cats and the muffler is about $500.