This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Chevrolet Traverse electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse have filed 65 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 18,835 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
65
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Traverse | 103 |
| 2015 Traverse | 25 |
| 2016 Traverse | 21 |
| 2017 Traverse | 19 |
| 2018 Traverse (this page) | 65 |
| 2019 Traverse | 71 |
| 2020 Traverse | 23 |
| 2021 Traverse | 21 |
| 2022 Traverse | 8 |
1crash
5injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 65 electrical complaints filed for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 65 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 18 model years of Chevrolet Traverse in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTC P3055 Set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Vehicle Will Lock and Unlock (Active Functions Work) but Will Not Crank or Start (Loss of Passive Functions Do Not Work).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Traverse electrical system triggers a consistent pattern of complaints across 62 narratives. The most common and serious issue is the "Shift to Park" failure: owners shift into park, but the vehicle refuses to shut off, the dash screams a "Shift to Park" warning, the radio and lights stay on, and the chiming won't stop until the driver either disconnects the battery or cycles the engine multiple times. This is caused by a faulty microswitch in the shifter assembly and drains batteries overnight.
Alternators fail repeatedly—a driver will have one replaced only to face the same failure six months later or within days. Multiple owners report replacing alternators twice, with some still facing recurrence. Compounding this, the EVAP purge valve fails repeatedly, preventing restart especially after refueling. One owner had three purge solenoid replacements in under a year.
Engines shut down suddenly while driving in traffic, including at highway speeds and intersections, with loss of steering and braking assist. Taillights fail due to moisture intrusion, and because the affected units are backordered nationwide for six months or longer, owners drive without brake lights. Brake connections and seat connections have melted from apparent electrical surges. The auto-stop feature kills the engine on hills, leaving the vehicle coasting backward with no power steering or brakes. Some owners report condensation disabling the audio system entirely, eliminating backup camera and blind-spot alerts.
Same Chevrolet Traverse electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Shift to Park Detection Failure
Gear shifter assembly microswitch malfunction prevents vehicle from recognizing park position. Dashboard displays 'Shift to Park' warning even when transmission is in park, vehicle stays in accessory mode with lights and electronics remaining on, prevents engine shutdown, causes continuous chiming/beeping, and requires battery disconnect or repeated shifting attempts to resolve.
When: Intermittent to frequent; affects vehicles throughout ownership period, worsening over time
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard warning 'Shift to Park' displays despite vehicle being in park; Continuous alarm/chime will not stop; Engine will not shut off completely; Electrical systems remain in accessory mode (radio, lights, display stay on); Vehicle cannot be locked; Battery drains if left unattended; Requires multiple restart/shifting cycles or battery disconnect to clear
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter assembly microswitch replacement required; some dealers added jumper harness to gear shift assembly per technical bulletin; labor reported but parts cost varies; parts on extended backorder at dealership level
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Technical Service Bulletin 19-NA-206; dealers advised to charge customer for repair; GM refuses to issue recall despite known defect; numerous owners report GM service departments acknowledge widespread issue
Alternator Failure - Repeated
Alternator fails repeatedly within short intervals (days to months apart). Pattern shows initial replacement followed by recurrence 6 months to 1 year later, or multiple failures within single year, suggesting systemic charging system issue beyond individual alternator defect.
When: Multiple instances reported from 54,000 miles through 149,000+ miles; recurrence within 8 days to 6 months after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illuminates; Service battery charging system message displays; Battery saver mode activates; Vehicle stalls while driving (reported at 30 mph, 45 mph, 55 mph, and in traffic); Power steering assist warning light illuminates; Steering wheel seizes; Vehicle refuses to restart or requires extended cranking; Multiple electrical system failures
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement performed multiple times per vehicle; some owners report replacing both alternator and battery with no resolution; labor costs not detailed but multiple service visits required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM aware of pattern; advised dealers to check alternators; no recall issued; dealers lack explanation for repeated failures
EVAP System Purge Valve / Canister Failures
Evaporative emission control system components fail repeatedly. Purge valve and canister failures prevent vehicle from restarting, especially after refueling. Multiple repairs on same vehicle without lasting resolution, with pattern matching alternator recurrence.
When: Reported from 25,600 to 52,000+ miles; multiple failures on same vehicle within 6-month period
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start after refueling; Engine runs rough at idle; Engine hesitation when accelerating; Check engine light with code P0496 (EVAP flow during non-purge); Rough idle that persists after repair; Gas/fuel issues preventing restart
Codes mentioned: P0496
Repairs/costs cited: Purge solenoid replaced multiple times (3+ instances on same vehicle); EVAP canister replaced; SOP solenoid replaced; costs reported up to $508 for leak diagnosis and repair; repairs fail to resolve underlying issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued; dealers diagnose and replace components but acknowledge pattern does not resolve
Engine Stall / Loss of Power While Driving
Engine loses power and stalls during driving, including in traffic and at intersections, with loss of steering and braking assistance. Vehicle shuts down unexpectedly or fails to restart after stalling, creating safety hazard in active traffic.
When: Reported from 25,600 miles; occurs in various driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies without warning while driving; Vehicle jerks and lurches before shutting down; Instrument panel goes dark/loses power; Loss of power steering and braking assistance; Vehicle stalled in middle of heavy traffic at intersection; Check engine light illuminates after stall; Difficult or slow restart (up to 15 minutes reported); Engine dies after auto-stop function; Vehicle rolls backward after auto-stop on hills
Codes mentioned: P0014, P0024, Camshaft sensor issue, LIN BUS 14 lost communication
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostics performed but no repairs completed in most cases; dealer advised codes would be cleared; software issue suspected but not repaired; OnStar alert system notified owner of engine/transmission issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM aware; manufacturer advised clearing codes and returning vehicle without repair; advised recall pending but no timeline provided; no remedy stated
Electrical Connection Overheating / Melting
Electrical connectors throughout vehicle overheat and melt, including power seat connections, headlight connections, diagnostic block under dash, and brake light connections. Meltdowns create fire hazard and component failures.
When: Multiple instances within 2 years of new purchase; occurred as early as 2 days after purchase; latest instance at 21,700 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger seat connection melted causing seat failure; Driver seat connection melted; Headlight connection melted; Brake light connection melted; Brake light blown out of vehicle with explosion sound; Diagnostic block under dash melted and required replacement; Lights fail to function
Repairs/costs cited: Seat replacements, headlight repairs, diagnostic block replacement, brake light replacements; vehicle in shop repeatedly over 7-8 days for multiple electrical fires; parts and labor costs not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM offered $250 in accessories and dropped the problem, claiming all repairs covered under warranty; refused to investigate root cause of voltage surge or thermal issue
Electric Parking Brake - Unintended Engagement
Electric parking brake engages automatically while vehicle is in motion without driver input. Brake stays engaged despite multiple attempts to disengage, immobilizing vehicle in traffic. Also fails to disengage when intentionally activated.
When: Reported in heavy traffic, at 5 mph; also reported during stop at shopping center and at home; pattern suggests multiple episodes per vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Electric parking brake activates while driving in traffic; Brake remains engaged despite shifting to Park, Neutral, etc.; Vehicle does not move forward or backward when brake is engaged; Red parking brake light illuminates; Service parking brake light flashes amber; Brake disengages spontaneously after 1-5 minutes; Difficulty releasing intentionally engaged brake (requires multiple attempts)
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates performed by dealer; multiple incidents reported on same vehicle with no permanent fix
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer performed software update after third occurrence; no recalls issued
Taillight Assembly - Moisture Intrusion & Backorder
Moisture enters taillight assemblies causing electrical shorts and light failure. Affected taillight LED units unavailable on national backorder for months (6+ months reported) with no ETA, forcing owners to operate vehicles without functional brake lights or turn signals.
When: Reported at various mileages; backorder status ongoing from November 2022 through current complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Taillight stops working; Moisture visible inside taillight assembly; No visible light breakage but internal damage from condensation; Quarter panel LED tail lamp inoperative; Affects turn signal and stop light function
Repairs/costs cited: Whole taillight assembly replacement required; cannot use regular taillight due to Redline Edition wiring harness difference; parts on national backorder indefinitely; dealer will not provide loaner vehicles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged backorder status but refuses rental reimbursement; dealer states parts unavailable; GM service bulletin exists but dealer charges customer out-of-pocket for fix
Shift to Park Sensor Failure
Shift to park position sensor fails to detect when transmission is in park, generating false warning even when vehicle is properly parked.
When: Reported at 116,479 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shift to park warning illuminates when vehicle is in park
Repairs/costs cited: Shift to park sensor replacement required; vehicle not repaired; owner advised to contact NHTSA
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware and case filed; owner referred to NHTSA Hotline; no repair performed
Audio System Dropout - ANC Module Condensation
Active Noise Cancellation module receives condensation from HVAC system, causing complete audio system shutdown. All audio warnings lost including backup camera alert and blind spot warning, creating safety hazard.
When: Occurs after approximately 25 minutes of AC operation
Symptoms owners cite: Complete audio system failure; No stereo sound; Backup camera alert disabled; Blind spot alert disabled; Turn signal click sounds lost; All chimes disabled; Audio eventually returns after condensation dries
Repairs/costs cited: ANC module requires replacement; secondary shield installation recommended to prevent future condensation intrusion; mechanic stated should have been recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite safety hazard of lost audio alerts
Instrument Cluster Display Flickering
Driver information display flashes on and off repeatedly while driving, disabling steering wheel controls and menu navigation.
When: Two separate occasions reported while driving at highway speeds (65 mph) and city speeds (45-65 mph); flashing lasted 10-20 minutes each time
Symptoms owners cite: Display screen flashes on and off repeatedly; Steering wheel buttons will not change menu screens during flashing; Soft diagnostic code present
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer refused service because only soft code, not hard code, was logged
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; dealer stated no repair action taken for soft codes
Stabilizer Trak Warning Light - Intermittent
Service Stabilitrack warning light illuminates intermittently and disappears 20 seconds later during normal driving. Occurs randomly at stops and while driving, causing concern about stability control functionality.
When: Multiple random occasions reported; timing unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Service Stabilitrack warning light illuminates; Warning disappears 20 seconds later; Occurs at traffic lights during normal stop; Occurs during idle periods; Multiple reports online from other 2018/2019 Traverse owners with identical issue
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate issue; no fix provided; one complaint mentions sensor suspected in battery drain situation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite being common problem across model year; dealer unable to resolve
Forward Collision Warning - False Activation
Forward collision warning system flashes large red warning on instrument panel while driving on curve with no actual collision hazard, causing unnecessary emergency braking and creating traffic safety incident.
When: Reported while driving on right-hand curve with opposite-direction traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Large red warning flash on instrument panel near speedometer; False collision warning triggers unnecessary hard braking; Warning occurs despite no actual collision hazard
Repairs/costs cited: No repair mentioned
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response mentioned
Auto Stop Feature - Loss of Power on Hills
Auto-stop function shuts down engine on inclines, causing loss of steering and braking power while vehicle is still in motion, creating dangerous rollback situation. Vehicle becomes impossible to control on steep hills or curves.
When: Reported in Branson, Missouri (hill country) and other hilly terrain; one report at steep city street stop
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stops during auto-stop function despite driver trying to prevent it; Loss of power steering; Loss of brake assist/power brakes; Vehicle rolls backward down hill uncontrollably; Difficult or impossible to restart immediately; Parking brake assist activates automatically but does not prevent rollback
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs implemented; one owner asked if auto-stop can be disabled/reprogrammed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None
Transmission Stuttering / Hesitation After Repairs
After alternator and EVAP repairs, transmission develops stuttering and hesitation on acceleration. Transmission issues worsen over time despite multiple service visits.
When: Reported after EVAP purge valve repairs; multiple visits through mid-2024
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stutters when accelerating; Car hesitates when gas applied; Stuttering worsens over time; Shift to park light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers initially could not address without check engine light active; issue persists
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to resolve; cite inability to diagnose without active diagnostic codes
Door Lock Audio Confirmation - Failure
Manual door locking audio or light confirmation ceases to function, preventing driver verification that doors locked.
When: Intermittent failure reported
Symptoms owners cite: No audio or light confirmation when manually locking doors
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer investigating
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update attempted as remedy
Bluetooth Disconnection - Intermittent
Bluetooth connection repeatedly disconnects during vehicle operation.
When: Ongoing issue reported
Symptoms owners cite: Bluetooth disconnects repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: No repair successful; appears to be software-related
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response mentioned
Brake Squeak - Persistent and Excessive
Brakes squeak constantly, especially when wet and cold, from time vehicle is driven off lot through years of ownership. Brake pedal difficult to depress on cold starts.
When: From new (reported time vehicle driven off lot) through multiple years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Constant brake squeak in wet/cold conditions; Intermittent brake squeak in other conditions; Brake pedal resistance on cold starts (requires multiple attempts to depress fully)
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs mentioned
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner advised to try higher octane fuel (inappropriate response)
Vehicle Battery Drain from Unshutdown State
Vehicle unable to fully shut off due to shift-to-park failure keeps electrical systems powered, draining battery completely if left unattended for hours.
When: Intermittent; can last up to 30 minutes per incident
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drain from continuous accessory-mode operation; Owner forced to disconnect battery to prevent complete drain; Dead battery on subsequent start attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Owners disconnecting batteries as workaround; no repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None
Fuel Economy Display - Malfunction
Fuel economy system display fails to function correctly and does not turn off when stopped at traffic lights.
When: Reported multiple times with recurring failures
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel economy system does not work; Display does not turn off at traffic lights when engine is at idle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer updated software as remedy
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update issued
Complete Electrical System Failure
All electrical power lost while driving, including engine, lights, hazard lights, and OnStar, leaving vehicle dead in traffic with no way to signal or call for help.
When: 35 mph on roadway
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off; All lights shut off; Hazard lights inoperative; OnStar inoperative; Key fob inoperative; Vehicle will not restart; Vehicle power completely unavailable
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suspected 'brain box' (main control module); vehicle provided loaner and tow
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Investigation ongoing; vehicle released after software reset
Rain-Induced Electrical Instability
During rainy driving, engine experiences power surges and loss of power alternating repeatedly, then complete engine shutdown. Check engine light active.
When: Reported at 20 mph in rainy conditions; event lasted several minutes
Symptoms owners cite: Engine alternates between power surge and no power repeatedly; Engine jerks forward then loses power; Complete engine shutdown; Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: LIN BUS 14 lost communication with device, Intake camshaft issues, Exhaust camshaft issues
Repairs/costs cited: History codes found during DTC check; no current fault found; diagnosis pending
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None
Catalytic Converter Failure
Catalytic converter fails, leading to oxygen sensor failure and burnt spark plugs. Pattern complaint across online forums suggests systemic issue.
When: Various mileages reported
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sputters; Electrical codes for catalytic converter failure; Oxygen sensor failure secondary to converter issue
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs detailed in complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite online reports of pattern failure across model year
Car Alarm - Random Activation
Car alarm activates randomly with or without alarm system armed.
When: Reported weeks after backup camera recall completion
Symptoms owners cite: Car alarm sounds randomly
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer denies problem exists
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None
Door Defrost / Defroster Failure
Driver side mirror defrost/defroster function stops working.
When: Reported concurrently with alarm issues
Symptoms owners cite: Driver mirrors do not defrost
Repairs/costs cited: No repair mentioned
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None
Phone Charger - Malfunction
Built-in phone charger stops functioning.
When: Reported after backup camera recall work
Symptoms owners cite: Phone charger does not work
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer rebooted charger as remedy, or denied problem exists
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Conflicting dealer responses
Backup Camera - Post-Recall Failure
Backup camera continues to malfunction even after manufacturer recall service performed. Dealers did not follow all recall instructions initially.
When: Continued failure after recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera not functioning despite recall repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer re-performed recall work stating they had not followed all instructions; final status unclear
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued but apparently incomplete in field execution
Odometer / Mileage Discrepancy
Mileage recorded on vehicle increased 1,454 miles between purchase and registration without evidence of dealer operation.
When: Discovered at time of vehicle registration after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Mileage at purchase: 35,532 miles; Mileage at registration: 36,986 miles
Repairs/costs cited: No repair mentioned; potential fraud
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None
Synthesized from 65 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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
After shifting from drive or other gear to park, vehicle will not register vehicle is in the "park" gear. Vehicle is in the "park" gear and will not move but is not turning off. "Shift to park" is displayed on the display. Vehicle will not shutdown the display system and keeps beeping. The issues worsens over time and continues to drain the battery. The vehicle is kept on.
When driving on a right hand curve with traffic in the opposite direction lane, the forward collision warning system flashed a large red warning flash on the instrument panel near the speedometer. This was alarming and caused me to put on the brakes immediately, although there was no impending crash. This cause the cars behind me to take evasive action and apply their brakes in an emergency…
The car has a "Shift to Park" error message. We noticed a recall for other 2018 Traverse vehicles and wonder why ours is not covered. Car will not shut down completely. Battery is drained. Dealer is requesting $767.43 to repair when other GMC/Chevy vehicles are identified in a recall.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and shifted to park(P), the shift to park sensor failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked; however, the shift to park(P) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the shift to park sensor needed to be replaced.…
Had electrical trouble with your 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a meaningful issue. 65 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 9,808 and 40,000 miles, with the median around 18,835. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,808; a quarter make it past 40,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Chevrolet/Traverse.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.