2018 Chevrolet Traverse
This year had 30% to 100% more 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 | 457 |
| 2019 | 403 |
| 2020 | 220 |
| 2021 | 88 |
| 2022 | 95 |
| 2023 | 85 |
| 2024 | 131 |
| 2025 | 173 |
| 2026 | 21 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
42% of complaints: power train — 192 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing floor shift and shift linkage/cable/rod.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Car wouldnât move in Reverse, Iâd give it gas and it would just rev. It would drive forward but very sluggish. Brought to 2 different mechanics and they both said I need to replace the transmission. Car has 97,500 miles on it.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260806
Transmission shuddering when gear changing as accelerate.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260728
22% of complaints: electrical system — 100 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing solenoid and speedometer/odometer.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
2018 Chevy Traverse purchased from Carvana caused carbon monoxide exposure to my family in military housing.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260619
18% of complaints: engine — 84 distinct reports on file.
CRASH8% of complaints: service brakes — 37 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250701
On 08/15/26, I was at a traffic light waiting to make a left turn on a major roadway. Because the wait was on a hill, the park brake automatically engaged.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260818
6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 29 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020.
Campaign 20V668000 — check if this car was fixed
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Chevrolet Traverse — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (192 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (100 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (84 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V668000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V246000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.