2013 Chevrolet Traverse
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 448 |
| 2010 | 668 |
| 2011 | 608 |
| 2012 | 354 |
| 2013 | 162 |
| 2014 | 547 |
| 2015 | 313 |
| 2016 | 291 |
| 2017 | 361 |
| 2018 | 460 |
| 2019 | 404 |
| 2020 | 224 |
| 2021 | 89 |
| 2022 | 98 |
| 2023 | 86 |
| 2024 | 133 |
| 2025 | 175 |
| 2026 | 24 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
33% of complaints: electrical system — 53 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RESTARTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141107
Also filed under STEERING
28% of complaints: engine — 45 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
It happened several times already and couple of times was so dangerous, I had 4 kids in my car. When I drive from Salem, OR to Portland, OR, in the middle of a highway, my car suddenly doesn't drive.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231016
27% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 43 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE HEADLIGHT BULB BURNT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MORE SERIOUS THEN IT WAS IF I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN WARNED BY A PASSING MOTORIST.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180625
WHILE DRIVING THIS 2013 TRAVERSE, IT LOST ALL POWER WITH THE STABILINK AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS BEING ACTIVATED IN THE MESSAGE CENTER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150206
17% of complaints: power train — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing torque converter.
CRASH FIRE INJURY17% of complaints: air bags — 27 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE IN DEALER TO FIX AIR BAG LIGHT SEVERAL TIMES AND IT IS STILL ON. MY WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE AIRBAGS SHOULD OF DEPLOYED AND DIDN'T. LUCKILY SHE WAS NOT INJURED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180513
Service Air Bag light is on and wonât go off. Car was never in an accident or anything done for this light to be on so Iâm a bit confused.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260820
There was a recall on the airbag on my vehicle a while back. I took my car to the dealer to have it serviced. They fixed it supposedly but periodically when I start the the car the airbag light would take a while to go out, like a delay.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231012
Also filed under SUSPENSION
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014.
Campaign 14V118000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured...
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014.
Campaign 14V266000 — check if this car was fixed
Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021.
Campaign 21V246000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 3, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 10, 2022.
Campaign 21V782000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Chevrolet Traverse — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (53 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (45 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V118000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V266000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V246000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V782000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.