Chevrolet Traverse problems
442 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Electrical ground problem affecting transmission control is evident by a Shift to Park warning that displays on the driver information center and prevents vehicle from being turned off. GM has this problem so we’ll documented that a TSB exists and is on file with NHTSA. The…
The shift to park started popping up randomly for a month now does it every time I try to turn my car off. I have to wiggle, push the button and more times than not I have to turn back on the car and move gears to see if that will help (which it doesn't). Super annoying
The right rear quarter panel stop turn signal light started to retain moisture then the turn signal and stop light stopped working all together. the light is an LED and therefore cannot replace just the bulb. I am having no luck finding the correct replacement as any search…
Was sold a Chevy traverse with non-functioning airbags. Defective part number: 13524236
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 442 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 182 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 40,044 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 40,044 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Chevrolet Traverse has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 442 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.