2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse Front Bumper: Upper vs. Lower and What to Inspect

Understanding the Two-Piece Design: Upper vs. Lower

The most important thing to know about the 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse front bumper is that it is not a single part. It consists of two main pieces that are sold separately:

• Upper Bumper Cover: This is the large, painted portion that is visible from the front of the vehicle. It houses the main grille and Chevrolet emblem. It comes from the factory in a primer finish, ready to be painted to match your vehicle's color. Key OEM part numbers for the upper cover include 23190147 and its replacement, 23328140. The aftermarket Partslink number is typically GM1014107.
• Lower Bumper Cover / Valance: This is the lower, textured piece, usually in a dark gray or anthracite color. It is designed to take more abuse from road debris and parking curbs. The primary OEM part number for this lower section is 20983796. The corresponding aftermarket Partslink number is often GM1015114.

Symptoms of a Failing or Damaged Bumper Cover

Failure of a bumper cover is almost always due to physical damage. There are no mechanical or electrical functions within the cover itself, though it may have holes for components like parking sensors.

• Visible Damage: The most common symptoms are cracks, deep scuffs, punctures, or holes resulting from a collision or impact with road debris.
• Poor Fitment or Sagging: If the mounting tabs on the back of the cover are broken, the bumper may sag, have large gaps with adjacent panels like fenders or headlights, or appear misaligned. This can also cause rattling noises while driving.
• Paint Failure: On the upper cover, you might see peeling, cracking, or fading paint, which is a cosmetic issue but can precede the plastic underneath becoming brittle from UV exposure.

Buying a Used 2013-2017 Traverse Bumper Cover

A used OEM bumper cover is often a better choice than a new aftermarket one due to superior fit and material quality. However, careful inspection is key.

Inspection Checklist:

• Check All Mounting Tabs: This is the most critical inspection point. Turn the cover over and carefully inspect all the plastic tabs and slots where it attaches to the vehicle. Broken tabs are the number one reason for poor fitment and are difficult to repair properly. A cover with minor surface scratches but intact tabs is a better buy than a pristine-looking one with broken tabs.
• Look for Hidden Repairs: Check the back side of the cover for signs of previous repair work, such as fiberglass patches, epoxy, or melted plastic. These repairs can fail over time. The texture on the back should be consistent.
• Verify Sensor Holes: Some Traverse models (typically higher trims like LTZ and Premier) are equipped with front parking assist sensors. These bumper covers have precise holes for the sensors. Ensure the replacement cover matches your vehicle's configuration. Adding holes to a cover not designed for them is difficult to do cleanly, and a cover with holes will look wrong on a vehicle without sensors.
• Assess Surface Damage: Don't be overly concerned with minor scuffs or scratches on a used upper cover, as it will need to be sanded, primed, and painted to match your vehicle anyway. For the lower textured valance, deeper gouges will be permanent.

Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls

There are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from GM related to the bumper cover itself for the 2013-2017 Traverse. Issues with this part are almost exclusively related to impact damage. However, there are several significant safety recalls for this vehicle generation related to airbags that deploy from the dashboard and steering wheel, which are often replaced during major front-end repairs. If you are replacing a bumper due to a collision, it is critical to ensure these related safety systems are inspected and repaired correctly.

Replacement Overview

Replacing the front bumper cover on a 2013-2017 Traverse is a manageable DIY project for someone with basic tools and patience. The process involves removing a series of screws, bolts, and plastic clips.

Tools Needed:

• Ratchet with 7mm and 10mm sockets
• T20 Torx driver
• Trim removal tool or flat-blade screwdriver

General Steps:

1. Open the hood and remove the plastic push clips holding the upper radiator cover.
2. Remove the T20 Torx screws along the top edge of the bumper cover.
3. In each front wheel well, remove the 7mm screws that attach the cover to the fender liner and the fender itself.
4. Underneath the front of the vehicle, remove the screws and bolts securing the bottom of the cover to the subframe.
5. Carefully pull the sides of the bumper cover away from the vehicle to release them from the retaining clips under the headlights and on the fenders.
6. As you pull the bumper forward, disconnect any electrical connectors for fog lights or parking sensors. It's helpful to have a second person to hold the bumper during this step.
7. Installation is the reverse of removal.

Cost Breakdown

Prices can vary significantly based on supplier, condition, and whether the part is OEM or aftermarket.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)