Owners have filed 674 complaints
about the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 18 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 77
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Traverse. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 16
3.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
61% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2018 compares with every other Chevrolet Traverse
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
923.1%
Exhaust System
923.1%
Blind Spot Detection
512.8%
Automatic Emergency Braking
410.3%
Catalytic Convertor
410.3%
Warning
37.7%
Floor Shift
37.7%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
25.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
145.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
6223.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
5620.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
7226.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3211.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
217.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
114.1%
150,000+ miles
20.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2017peak 24Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V246000
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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.
Risk: Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
20V668000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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 and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cameron, NC5 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2018 Chevy Traverse purchased from Carvana caused carbon monoxide exposure to my family in military housing. Vehicle locked itself while running in the garage (garage door open), and CO entered the home where my children were standing near the interior door. Fire dept forced entry into the vehicle and cleared the home. All family members required oxygen at the hospital; all 3 children had elevated COHb levels. Mechanic confirmed catalytic converter failure and exhaust defect. Full Description: On 6/7/26, our Traverse turned on and locked itself while running in our garage (door open) as we were preparing to leave. Exhaust was blowing toward the interior door of our military home, and CO entered the house. My children were inside near that door and became exposed. We could not unlock or shut off the vehicle. Fire dept forced entry, confirmed high CO levels, and cleared the home. At the hospital, all of us required oxygen; all 3 children had elevated COHb. A mechanic later confirmed catalytic converter failure, exhaust defect, P0171, and incomplete catalyst monitor—stating this can cause ongoing CO exposure. A Build Verification sheet found in the glove box (not disclosed at sale) showed pre‑existing issues: exhaust rattle, check engine light, and multiple mechanical reworks. Carvana refuses to assist. This vehicle is unsafe to drive or idle.
NHTSA complaint #11745280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cameron, NC5 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2018 Chevy Traverse purchased from Carvana caused carbon monoxide exposure to my family in military housing. Vehicle locked itself while running in the garage (garage door open), and CO entered the home where my children were standing near the interior door. Fire dept forced entry into the vehicle and cleared the home. All family members required oxygen at the hospital; all 3 children had elevated COHb levels. Mechanic confirmed catalytic converter failure and exhaust defect. Full Description: On 6/7/26, our Traverse turned on and locked itself while running in our garage (door open) as we were preparing to leave. Exhaust was blowing toward the interior door of our military home, and CO entered the house. My children were inside near that door and became exposed. We could not unlock or shut off the vehicle. Fire dept forced entry, confirmed high CO levels, and cleared the home. At the hospital, all of us required oxygen; all 3 children had elevated COHb. A mechanic later confirmed catalytic converter failure, exhaust defect, P0171, and incomplete catalyst monitor—stating this can cause ongoing CO exposure. A Build Verification sheet found in the glove box (not disclosed at sale) showed pre‑existing issues: exhaust rattle, check engine light, and multiple mechanical reworks. Carvana refuses to assist. This vehicle is unsafe to drive or idle.
NHTSA complaint #11745280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesSt Joseph, MOCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the driveway was on a slope, and his wife was attempting to reenter the vehicle while it was in parked and the engine was running, and in the process the vehicle began to roll forward down the contacts driveway, the contacts wife was injured in the process receiving bruises to her left leg and right hip, medical attention was required for the contacts injuries. The vehicle was brought to a stop upon crashing into a lawn mower trailer and the contact's garage with the vehicle's front passenger side quarter panel. Property damage was reported. The vehicle was going 5 MPH at the time of the crash. The contact confirmed that after the incident, the vehicle was still in the parked position after the crash. The vehicle was not towed. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not destroyed. The local dealer was contacted, however the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
NHTSA complaint #11670496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canyon Country, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving and just passed a vehicle while accelerating when I heard a pop noise, saw a lot of white smoke through my rear view mirror, had the engine light go on and the vehicle stopped working. I slowly pulled over to the side of the road and placed the vehicle in park followed by turning off the car. A person driving by stopped and advised me my vehicle was on fire under the undercarriage. I popped the hood and the engine was also in flames. I was unable to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher and the local fire department and law enforcement agencies helped to put out the fire. The vehicle was a complete loss. If it were not for the passer by person telling me the undercarriage of the vehicle was on fire, not sure if I would have known in time to get out of the vehicle safely. The root of the cause is under investigation by my insurance company. 2018 Chevrolet Traverse LS
NHTSA complaint #11580277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesCarnegie, PACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WE PARKED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE (TURNING IT OFF) ON A SLIGHT GRADE AS WE NORMALLY DO IN THE FRONT OF OUR HOUSE ON A PUBLIC STREET. WE AWOKE THE NEXT MORNING TO DISCOVER THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ADVANCED OR SLID FORWARD APPROXIMATELY 15' COMING TO REST AGAINST A TELEPHONE POLE ADJACENT TO OUR CORNER PROPERTY. IF THE TELEPHONE POLE WAS NOT IN THE PATH OF THE VEHICLE IT WOULD HAVE CROSSED A SIDE STREET AND COME TO REST IN OUR NEIGHBORS FRONT YARD. UPON VIEWING THE VEHICLE AFTER THE DRIFT FORWARD, BEFORE ENTERING THE VEHICLE WE COULD SEE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CLEARLY IN PARK AND TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS HAD (1) PREVIOUS SERVICE BY A DEALER FOR TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11388652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesCarnegie, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
WE PARKED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE (TURNING IT OFF) ON A SLIGHT GRADE AS WE NORMALLY DO IN THE FRONT OF OUR HOUSE ON A PUBLIC STREET. WE AWOKE THE NEXT MORNING TO DISCOVER THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ADVANCED OR SLID FORWARD APPROXIMATELY 15' COMING TO REST AGAINST A TELEPHONE POLE ADJACENT TO OUR CORNER PROPERTY. IF THE TELEPHONE POLE WAS NOT IN THE PATH OF THE VEHICLE IT WOULD HAVE CROSSED A SIDE STREET AND COME TO REST IN OUR NEIGHBORS FRONT YARD. UPON VIEWING THE VEHICLE AFTER THE DRIFT FORWARD, BEFORE ENTERING THE VEHICLE WE COULD SEE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CLEARLY IN PARK AND TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS HAD (1) PREVIOUS SERVICE BY A DEALER FOR TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11388652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Columbia, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
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. When the traffic light turned green and as I attempted to accelerate, the electronic parking brake failed to release as it should and normally does. Since the vehicle would not move normally, I was unable to safely make my intended left turn so I had to continue straight in order to get out of the way of moving traffic. As I was driving to a parking lot of a business in the vicinity, my back tires were screeching and smoking as the park brake appeared to remain engaged. I was extremely concerned because I was in active traffic and could not operate the vehicle normally. I attempted to resolve the problem by turning the vehicle off, allowing it to sit for a few minutes and restarting it. After at least 20 tries, I could feel the pressure of the brakes release and I was finally able to move the vehicle normally. This was frightening and placed me and other motorists at risk. I was stopped at a major intersection on a hill when the vehicle failed to operate normally as traffic began moving. Had the parking brake remained engaged, I could have been stranded in moving traffic or potentially involved in a collision. I have experienced this parking-brake problem at least seven times, including this incident, since I have owned this vehicle since 2017. I have also experienced an abnormal condition involving the vehicle in which it would not allow me to shut off the engine when the park brake was engaged therefore wearing out the battery and I had to have it towed to the dealer. I am concerned that there may be an underlying electrical or electronic control-system defect. This greatly concerns me and it should be very alarming to the manufacturer. I have asked the dealer and called Chevrolet HQ to inquire about a recall or at least recoup some of the money I am constantly paying out of pocket.
NHTSA complaint #11757817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parlin, NJ
POWER TRAIN
Car wouldn’t move in Reverse, I’d 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. This is a known issue with these vehicles. The transmission ship had another traverse and a GMC Acadia in it for the same exact issue.
NHTSA complaint #11755241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Paso, TX
POWER TRAIN
Transmission shuddering when gear changing as accelerate.
NHTSA complaint #11753379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colby, KS
STRUCTURE:BODY
I work full time in an auto body repair shop and a fire chief. I am coming across more and more white GM vehicles where the paint is not stuck where the windshield is glued in. A couple real hard pushes and the windshield will about come completely out.
NHTSA complaint #11749614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hensley, AR
POWER TRAIN
Front passenger tire was losing air, on the way to bring it to tire shop dashboard displayed tire pressure sensor, power steering system, TCM notification, Electronic brake control. Got it to the tire shop bought a new tire and they did a diagnostic test it showed TCM passed and failed, lost communication with power steering passed and failed, lost communication with inflatable restraint passed and failed. Once tire was replaced vehicle was jerking with TCM notification coming on and off like the vehicle was sliding.
NHTSA complaint #11749157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hensley, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Front passenger tire was losing air, on the way to bring it to tire shop dashboard displayed tire pressure sensor, power steering system, TCM notification, Electronic brake control. Got it to the tire shop bought a new tire and they did a diagnostic test it showed TCM passed and failed, lost communication with power steering passed and failed, lost communication with inflatable restraint passed and failed. Once tire was replaced vehicle was jerking with TCM notification coming on and off like the vehicle was sliding.
NHTSA complaint #11749157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bryson City, NC
POWER TRAIN
2 failed transmissions 2018 vehicle 2024 replacement of transmission 2026 needs another transmission
NHTSA complaint #11748831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Menasha, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
the vehicle will not register that it is in park, when the engine is turned off a beeping notifcation reads "shift to park" - you have to start the engine and shut it off multiple times, or slam the shifter into place to get it register in park. this happens constantly and is starting to get old, and annoyoing.
NHTSA complaint #11748130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sour Lake, TX
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle shudders when driving between 18mph and 40mph. Brought into dealership, was told that the Torque Converter is coming apart, and that it would require an entire Transmission replacement. This vehicle has been immaculately maintained, and only has 34745 miles on it. There is no reason that a main component of a powertrain should fail at such a low milage. I was told that the Warranty only convers the part for 5 years regardless of the low milage. Was quoted $8500 (at a discount) for the repair required to make the vehicle road worthy. Just to be clear, this is a one owner, garage kept vehicle that averaged less than 5000 miles a year, with a flawless service record. This is 100% a manufacturing issue.
NHTSA complaint #11746045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cameron, NC5 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2018 Chevy Traverse purchased from Carvana caused carbon monoxide exposure to my family in military housing. Vehicle locked itself while running in the garage (garage door open), and CO entered the home where my children were standing near the interior door. Fire dept forced entry into the vehicle and cleared the home. All family members required oxygen at the hospital; all 3 children had elevated COHb levels. Mechanic confirmed catalytic converter failure and exhaust defect. Full Description: On 6/7/26, our Traverse turned on and locked itself while running in our garage (door open) as we were preparing to leave. Exhaust was blowing toward the interior door of our military home, and CO entered the house. My children were inside near that door and became exposed. We could not unlock or shut off the vehicle. Fire dept forced entry, confirmed high CO levels, and cleared the home. At the hospital, all of us required oxygen; all 3 children had elevated COHb. A mechanic later confirmed catalytic converter failure, exhaust defect, P0171, and incomplete catalyst monitor—stating this can cause ongoing CO exposure. A Build Verification sheet found in the glove box (not disclosed at sale) showed pre‑existing issues: exhaust rattle, check engine light, and multiple mechanical reworks. Carvana refuses to assist. This vehicle is unsafe to drive or idle.
NHTSA complaint #11745280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cameron, NC5 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2018 Chevy Traverse purchased from Carvana caused carbon monoxide exposure to my family in military housing. Vehicle locked itself while running in the garage (garage door open), and CO entered the home where my children were standing near the interior door. Fire dept forced entry into the vehicle and cleared the home. All family members required oxygen at the hospital; all 3 children had elevated COHb levels. Mechanic confirmed catalytic converter failure and exhaust defect. Full Description: On 6/7/26, our Traverse turned on and locked itself while running in our garage (door open) as we were preparing to leave. Exhaust was blowing toward the interior door of our military home, and CO entered the house. My children were inside near that door and became exposed. We could not unlock or shut off the vehicle. Fire dept forced entry, confirmed high CO levels, and cleared the home. At the hospital, all of us required oxygen; all 3 children had elevated COHb. A mechanic later confirmed catalytic converter failure, exhaust defect, P0171, and incomplete catalyst monitor—stating this can cause ongoing CO exposure. A Build Verification sheet found in the glove box (not disclosed at sale) showed pre‑existing issues: exhaust rattle, check engine light, and multiple mechanical reworks. Carvana refuses to assist. This vehicle is unsafe to drive or idle.
NHTSA complaint #11745280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Iowa Park, TX
ENGINE
Corrosion of the exhaust pipes lead to an exhaust leak.
NHTSA complaint #11744668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deleay Beach, FL
POWER TRAIN
Engine light came on. Car started shaking and making noise when shifting. Speed would not increase while driving. When shifting into park the car does not recognize that’s it’s in park and had to jiggle the gear shift. Took it to an independent mechanic and they said it’s probably the transmission. Have to take it to a transmission shop.
NHTSA complaint #11743964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gulfport, MS
POWER TRAIN
Transmission had a shutter when we bought it from a dealership at approximately 80,000 miles and after taking it back to dealership 2 different times we were told that was just how these newer 9 speed transmissions shift. Everything was ok and there was nothing to worry about. At approximately 120,000 miles the transmission gave out. Dealership would not honor warranty. So we took it to a private repair shop, who repaired it. Then less than 2 months later, the transmission went out again. We had it towed back to the same repair shop, who kept it for 6 more months. I just got it back saturday June 13, 2026 and drove it about 100 miles out of town and transmission went out again.
NHTSA complaint #11744035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancouver, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car not registering that its in park, it sometimes takes up to 30 minutes of needing this to shut off and with hot tempatures and young children this to me is a safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11744070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deleay Beach, FL
ENGINE
Engine light came on. Car started shaking and making noise when shifting. Speed would not increase while driving. When shifting into park the car does not recognize that’s it’s in park and had to jiggle the gear shift. Took it to an independent mechanic and they said it’s probably the transmission. Have to take it to a transmission shop.
NHTSA complaint #11743964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Iowa Park, TX
POWER TRAIN
Shifter assembly- Shift to Park. The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse repeatedly shows a shift to park message when the vehicle is already in park, this causes the vehicle to not turn off. I have already had this issue fixed by a dealership previously and the issue has come back yet again.
NHTSA complaint #11743576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Coast, FL
POWER TRAIN
I purchase my 2018 Traverse in 2020 from day one there was a transmission problem. Took it to a Chevrolet dealer and they told me there something broken inside the transmission which it was still under warranty. A year later we notice the transmission would slip from time to time. Took it to the dealership told the service department the issue I was having with the vehicle. Just to be on the safe side I told them to do a transmission flush on the vehicle and ask the service tech to drive it to make there were any problems. Of course I was told everything was fine with the transmission. Maybe three weeks later it was still doing the same thing slipping from time to time. Now current yesterday I went to the store with no problem, went to leave the vehicle wouldn't go in reverse and barely wanting to move. I had to put the transmission into manual to get it home. The next day I was able to drive it to the dealership to see what was wrong with it. A few hours later, I received the unwanted phone call saying the transmission was done. I was told $11,000 dollars for the repair and two weeks for it to be complete. Now I am stuck in between a hard place and a rock. I am not sure if I want to take the chance on having it replaced for it to do the same thing again in the future.
NHTSA complaint #11742997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Repeated problems trying to turn off vehicle with a "Shift to Park" notification being displayed. It took numerous attempts each time of banging the shift lever and flicking the shift button for it finally properly turn off. Otherwise, it would continually alarm. While the milage is only 26500, it was beyond the 5 yr warranty. I was never notified of any recall notice concerning this well documented problem. There were several class action lawsuits about this known issue, but all have since been closed. Dealer replaced transmission control range selector harness and jumper for $500.
NHTSA complaint #11742952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Repeated problems trying to turn off vehicle with a "Shift to Park" notification being displayed. It took numerous attempts each time of banging the shift lever and flicking the shift button for it finally properly turn off. Otherwise, it would continually alarm. While the milage is only 26500, it was beyond the 5 yr warranty. I was never notified of any recall notice concerning this well documented problem. There were several class action lawsuits about this known issue, but all have since been closed. Dealer replaced transmission control range selector harness and jumper for $500.
NHTSA complaint #11742952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
ENGINE
Repeated problems trying to turn off vehicle with a "Shift to Park" notification being displayed. It took numerous attempts each time of banging the shift lever and flicking the shift button for it finally properly turn off. Otherwise, it would continually alarm. While the milage is only 26500, it was beyond the 5 yr warranty. I was never notified of any recall notice concerning this well documented problem. There were several class action lawsuits about this known issue, but all have since been closed. Dealer replaced transmission control range selector harness and jumper for $500.
NHTSA complaint #11742952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winchester, CA
POWER TRAIN
Lost power to transmission at 36k miles. Transmission replaced by GM. Currently, the vehicle lost transmission power while driving and had to be towed to dealership. Notified that the transmission needs replaced again
NHTSA complaint #11741911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dunellen, NJ
ENGINE
Check engine light came on after feeling hesitation while driving and roughness while stopped. Diagnostic eval was done at shop and Evaporation Emissions Purge Valve was found to be faulty and replaced. Mechanic stated after the repair that this was a problem with certain year Traverses (unsure of which at the time) and an extended warranty was added that include 10 years or 150,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11741889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sandusky, OH
POWER TRAIN
as i come to a stop and go to accelerate my transmission stutters and sometimes slips,i went to gm website and there is a recall on the 2018 chevy traverse transmission but my vin isnt included. i have all the symptons of the recall as described on the gm website but again my vin isnt included in the recall. it only has 61k miles i been having issue since around 30k i been in and out of dealership but the test drive it and it doesnt do it and they just give it back to me,they told me i gotta catch it doing it and try to get it in.i contacted chevy and they instructed me to come to this site fill this form out. chevy told me my vehicle probally wasnt included in the recall because not enough people reported it so i should fill out a report. around 55k miles when the transmission slipped and the rpms rose really high it snapped the drive shaft which was scary as i had my children in car and car just stopped moving right in the middle of traffic if it would of been busy i could of been rear ended because of the sudden stoppage. i keep trying to get back in dealership but i work mornings so the driving i do is later i day so when it acts up the dealer is closed and they are closed sat and sun so by the time i get to them the next day or on a monday it doesnt do it for them so they just keep giving me car back and i keep worrying about something happening like on the highway with my kids in car. the dealer did have someone test drive car and it did reproduce the symptoms but they made appointment for following week and when tech it then it didnt act up so it was returned to me once again
NHTSA complaint #11738931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Having to have the torque converter looked into, 2nd vehicle in the last 2 years with what appears to be same shifting / shuttering problem!
NHTSA complaint #11737825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.