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 inability to turn off the vehicle when this is encountered is a significant safety issue. We paid out of pocket to have…
2018 Chevrolet Traverse powertrain problems
moderate 182 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
182
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 182 powertrain complaints filed for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Of the 17 model years of Chevrolet Traverse we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 182.
Powertrain accounts for 41% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 11 categories tracked.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Park to shift keeps popping up on dash while driving. Vehicle will not recognise when in park at times to allow vehicle to be shut off properly. The stability track warning pops up on dash now as well. The check emits comes on with codes for all going back to transmission control module system and when replaced spark plugs we found that the PCV (cam cvr to turbo) tube was cracked all the way…
Shift to Park message displays on the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the vehicle has been shifted to Park and the ignition has been turned to the Off position. This causes alarm chimes to go off when door is opened and the battery to drain.
I have had two major issues. First is the whole "shift to park" message that you have to vigorously wiggle the transmission lever to get to go away so you may exit the vehicle. I have had it in the dealer for it once already and they said they replaced the wireing harness. This did nothing. I am the second owner and I had that done at about 35,000 miles but it never completely went away. Now I…
Transmission issues since 85k miles, park to shift sensor error since owned, rear ideoendent suspension bolts were stripped needed alignment. Car has not performed since ownership.
I purchased this vehicle in 2022 of October after about a year. I started noticing the car beginning to jerk back. Also, I noticed that the shift the handle when I would put it into park. It would not stay in park. It kept giving me a beeping noise. It kept slipping. At the time it wasn’t doing is it as much but lately I’ve noticed that it’s been happening more frequently so I took it into a…
The vehicle will not shut off and vehicle information screen states Shift to park. When this happens we have 2 options. 1st to sit and wait for the vehicle to turn off(takes over an hour on average), 2nd Disconnect the negative battery connection. The vehicle shuts down nearly instantly. Then reconnect the battery before being able to use the vehicle again
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 182 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 72 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 18,991 and 52,000 miles, with the median around 36,700. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,991; a quarter make it past 52,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.