2024 Z71 four cylinder turb was a huge letdown

[QuantumElf404]

I don't usually post, but I felt like I had to say something about this. Thought I was making a solid choice with the 2024 Z71 and its turbo four-cylinder but man… I was way off. Claiming to have solid power, but in real-world driving, it just didn't cut it. My biggest issue? That high-pitched chirping noise from the engine. Drove me nuts!! Took it in and was told its "normal." Decided I couldn't deal with it anymore and traded it in for something with a V8.

Don't get me wrong, there were things I liked. The new body style is nice, the electronics are solid, and the cargo space was decent. But the downsides? Too many. No OEM brake controller, rough shifting, couldn't tow my trailer without major struggles, and the gas mileage was brutal especially when towing. Had to switch to AWD just to keep it stable and even then it felt like the engine was working way too hard.

Maybe if they put a V6 turbo or twin turbo, it'd be a different story. But as it is, I just couldn't make it work for me.

 

[JesusHeKnowsMe]

no offense my man but a massive suv without a honking v8 is like a tiger that meows

 

[HoloKnight77]

@QuantumElf404 : honestly this chirping four-cylinder Z71 seems less like a turbocharged engine and more like an annoyed cricket trapped under the hood, and while I get the logic of trading it in for a V8, can we talk about how automakers keep pairing massive SUVs with engines that act like they need a pep talk to tow anything bigger than a bicycle? Also, @JesusHeKnowsMe, your tiger analogy is spot-on because no one buys a beast like this hoping for it to purr like a kitten. Did either of you find better performance on your replacements

 

[fairlyoddparent]

y'all are on point, gm dropped the ball with this engine. On paper, it looks good, but in real-world driving, especially towing, it just doesn't cut it. The chirping noise is normal, but that doesn't mean it's not annoying. Plus, no oem brake controller? come on. Fuel economy tanks when you're hauling, and you end up working the engine way too hard. gm should've gone with a V6 turbo or a small V8 instead.

 

[DeLorean]

a few years ago i drove the second gen traverse with the v6 and i have to say the new 4 bangers are disappointment. i probably wouldn't trade it for something else but i still feel like chevy shouldn't have ditched the v6

 

[UnicornTears]

I don't usually post, but I felt like I had to say something about this. Thought I was making a solid choice with the 2024 Z71 and its turbo four-cylinder but man… I was way off. Claiming to have solid power, but in real-world driving, it just didn't cut it. My biggest issue? That high-pitched chirping noise from the engine. Drove me nuts!! Took it in and was told its "normal." Decided I couldn't deal with it anymore and traded it in for something with a V8.

Don't get me wrong, there were things I liked. The new body style is nice, the electronics are solid, and the cargo space was decent. But the downsides? Too many. No OEM brake controller, rough shifting, couldn't tow my trailer without major struggles, and the gas mileage was brutal especially when towing. Had to switch to AWD just to keep it stable and even then it felt like the engine was working way too hard.

Maybe if they put a V6 turbo or twin turbo, it'd be a different story. But as it is, I just couldn't make it work for me.

I hate to go against the grain but I am with you on the V8 thing. Your priorities include towing so that's not compatible with the Z71 that's just for light-duty work. Don't worry man I got you.

 

[Jackofalltradez]

Reading through all the replies and there really isnt much left to say but sorry man, I get why the V8 was a better fit for you. At least the body and electronics were decent, but perhaps the turbo four just wasn't cutting it for your needs. Hopefully, your new ride works out better

 

[strandedwolf54]

I don't usually post, but I felt like I had to say something about this. Thought I was making a solid choice with the 2024 Z71 and its turbo four-cylinder but man… I was way off. Claiming to have solid power, but in real-world driving, it just didn't cut it. My biggest issue? That high-pitched chirping noise from the engine. Drove me nuts!! Took it in and was told its "normal." Decided I couldn't deal with it anymore and traded it in for something with a V8.

Don't get me wrong, there were things I liked. The new body style is nice, the electronics are solid, and the cargo space was decent. But the downsides? Too many. No OEM brake controller, rough shifting, couldn't tow my trailer without major struggles, and the gas mileage was brutal especially when towing. Had to switch to AWD just to keep it stable and even then it felt like the engine was working way too hard.

Maybe if they put a V6 turbo or twin turbo, it'd be a different story. But as it is, I just couldn't make it work for me.

That chirping noise and rough shifting sound are headaches no one wants, particularly when towing. Switching to a V8 is the smart move for solid power and reliability. The new body style and tech deserve a shout-out, though. Here's hoping they refine their engine options in future models.

 

[afragile.human]

hmmm, all this bashing about the "24 Z71 and to think my friend was about to join the family, oh well, I guess there are forums for a reason

 

[spammywammy]

I don't usually post, but I felt like I had to say something about this. Thought I was making a solid choice with the 2024 Z71 and its turbo four-cylinder but man… I was way off. Claiming to have solid power, but in real-world driving, it just didn't cut it. My biggest issue? That high-pitched chirping noise from the engine. Drove me nuts!! Took it in and was told its "normal." Decided I couldn't deal with it anymore and traded it in for something with a V8.

Don't get me wrong, there were things I liked. The new body style is nice, the electronics are solid, and the cargo space was decent. But the downsides? Too many. No OEM brake controller, rough shifting, couldn't tow my trailer without major struggles, and the gas mileage was brutal especially when towing. Had to switch to AWD just to keep it stable and even then it felt like the engine was working way too hard.

Maybe if they put a V6 turbo or twin turbo, it'd be a different story. But as it is, I just couldn't make it work for me.

What do you mean by way off? It's ok I guess if it doesn't work for you. Feel sorry. Has the buyback lapsed already? When did you get your Z71?

 

[CarWhispererBro]

I don't usually post, but I felt like I had to say something about this. Thought I was making a solid choice with the 2024 Z71 and its turbo four-cylinder but man… I was way off. Claiming to have solid power, but in real-world driving, it just didn't cut it. My biggest issue? That high-pitched chirping noise from the engine. Drove me nuts!! Took it in and was told its "normal." Decided I couldn't deal with it anymore and traded it in for something with a V8.

man, that's sucks. idk what's the matter when I heard a new car is having issue. didn't they got qc in the factory?

 

[grayspeed]

I am left wondering if you have an issue even though the dealer said otherwise.

My 2025 2.5L Traverse AWD 2.5L turbo engine doesn't bother me at all, and I'm not hearing strange noises, chirping, or rough shifting.

When I practice towed my 7 x 16 enclosed motorcycle trailer at 65 mph on expressway it ran well and was usually in 7th gear and no drama or noise. Installing a brake controller was a couple hours work after reading about where to find the four stub wires GM provides for the controller. On hills at 70 mph into 20 mph headwind with trailer it was running in 6th gear out of 8 or around 3000 rpm. Engine noise was fine. I usually pull my trailer at 65 mph, but I tried it at 70 mph, uphill with stiff head wind just to see performance. The engine held well, and noise didn't bother us. The fuel economy, if anything, was better than my 2016 4.3L (the modernized V6 with 6 speed transmission) equipped Silverado 1500 that I've used to tow the trailer all over for thousands of miles. The 4.3 L Silverado runs in gear 4 out of 6 in the uphill, upwind 70 mph condition described above, and gets about 8 to 9 mpg in that condition. And it's noisy. The Traverse engine noise, shifting patterns, and ride quality is definitely an improvement over the Silverado. I have weight distribution hitch setup for both vehicles, so there was no drama with trailer bounce or sway. My wife agreed it's quieter and more comfortable driving the Traverse than our pickup.
Without trailer and driving 9 mph over the speed limit on a 1400-mile trip (so about 500 miles of that is running 79 mph) i got 26.5 mpg average. There was no engine noise that bothered me or my wife. I asked her if she understands the noise issue people complain about and she said, "what noise?" Part of that route is Appalachian Mountain driving, and the engine performed well going up hills. That's a 3 to 4 mpg improvement over my 2015 3.6L Traverse on the same trip that I've taken many times (Detroit suburbs to Raleigh, NC).

Based on my comparison to the Silverado, I'll use my Traverse when it's just me and my wife pulling the motorcycle trailer with one bike in it. It's just a more comfortable ride, and the engine is not an issue to us. I invested in the load leveling hitch for when my 7 x 16 trailer is loaded for 4000 lbs or less. I'll still use my truck if I travel with others and take 2 dresser motorcycles which puts the trailer at around 4800 lbs. The GCWR of 10250 lbs is pushed to the limit at 5000 lbs trailer and doesn't leave much weight leftover for passengers, coolers, and luggage/camping gear. I use stiffer weight distributing spring bars for when the trailer is heavier and behind the pickup.

I've driven all over the U.S. with the enclosed trailer using my brother's 5.3L Silverado and my 4.3 L Silverado. The 8 cylinder is better than my 4.3L Silverado, but it doesn't ride as quiet as the Traverse with 2.5 L turbo engine. For sure the 5.3L pickup is best option, though, if you have substantial size trailer.