VehicleVerdict

2018 Chevrolet Traverse problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 666 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Traverse year — the 2018 model ranks #4 of 18 Traverse years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 187 reports (28% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

666

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Traverse years?

Traverse NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted945 complaints2009: 584 complaints2010: 922 complaints2011: 945 complaints2012: 587 complaints2013: 295 complaints2014: 881 complaints2015: 421 complaints2016: 381 complaints2017: 430 complaints2018: 666 complaints2019: 563 complaints2020: 283 complaints2021: 110 complaints2022: 125 complaints2023: 106 complaints2024: 189 complaints2025: 311 complaints2026: 24 complaints
Traverse NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Traverse years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Traverse problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission18728%
Electrical System10716%
Other10616%
Engine10015%
Fuel System376%
Brakes365%
Driver Assistance152%
Steering142%
Lighting122%
Seat Belts112%
Body & Structure102%
Suspension102%
Speed Control81%
Airbags51%
Tires & Wheels51%
Visibility & Wipers30%

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V246000AirbagsApril 8, 2021 · 108 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.

20V668000TransmissionOctober 29, 2020 · 194,105 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, DROVE FORWARD, AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE DAMAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 1, 2018 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON A STEEP CITY STREET BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE TURNING LEFT. VEHICLE WENT TO MOVE FORWARD AND TURN LEFT AND IT SHUT OFF AND ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN THE STEEP HILL. WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED, BRAKES COULD NOT BE PRESSED, WHEN GAS WAS PRESSED IT DID NOT GO FORWARD, IT ROLLED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 26, 2019 · crash

“MY WIFE HIT A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD ON, VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. VEHICLE HAD 3000 MILES ON IT. MY WIFE HAD A SEAT BELT ON BUT WAS STILL INJURED. . ALSO ON STAR NEVER CAME ON. AN INVESTIGATOR FROM GM WAS HERE TODAY,AND SAID I SHOULD GET A COPY OF HIS REPORT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 7, 2018 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON A STEEP CITY STREET BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE TURNING LEFT. VEHICLE WENT TO MOVE FORWARD AND TURN LEFT AND IT SHUT OFF AND ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN THE STEEP HILL. WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED, BRAKES COULD NOT BE PRESSED, WHEN GAS WAS PRESSED IT DID NOT GO FORWARD, IT ROLLED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 26, 2019 · crash

“Catalytic converter failed, 3rd time in 2 years. Vehicle began losing power while on interstate. Issue has been confirmed by dealership inspection. Issue has been claimed by many other owners of this make and model but no recalls issued or warranty coverage for known issue. Check engine light came…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 6, 2024

2018 Chevrolet Traverse — common questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 666 complaints put the 2018 model at #4 of 18 Traverse years. It is one of the Traverse years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Traverse problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (187 complaints), electrical system (107 complaints), other (106 complaints).

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Traverse years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Traverse years to avoid are 2011, 2010, 2014, 2018. The cleanest record among Traverse years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.