Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chevrolet Traverse Reliability by Year
Chevrolet Traverse reliability is good, but 2018 and 2019 bring shifter and transmission trouble. Here is what breaks and which year to buy.
Chevrolet Traverse Reliability Overview
Used Traverse shoppers should favor the 2024 and steer clear of 2018 and 2019. Reliability standing is good, though repair costs run above the midsize SUV average at $656 a year. The problems that matter most are a false "Shift to Park" warning that keeps the car from shutting off or locking and drains the battery, and transmission shudder in the early years.
Current generation: 3rd gen (2024–2023).
Best & Worst Chevrolet Traverse Years
Best Chevrolet Traverse Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Chevrolet Traverse year is 2024 with a reliability score of 73/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2022 (73/100) and 2023 (72/100). Newer model years (2025–2026) score higher partly because they've had less time to accumulate owner complaints.
Chevrolet Traverse Years to Avoid
The worst Chevrolet Traverse year is 2020 with a score of 62/100, primarily due to engine (35) issues. Also avoid 2019 (62/100).
Chevrolet Traverse Reliability Score Trend
Chevrolet Traverse reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 74/100 compared to 64/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 76/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
0 recalls · 6 complaints
Newest year, with no recalls and few complaints so far, though early reports center on low-speed braking and AWD faults.
2025 Chevrolet Traverse
0 recalls · 132 complaints
Rates good and sits among the stronger Traverse years, though early brake master cylinder failures and backordered parts drive most of its 132 complaints.
2024 Chevrolet Traverse
0 recalls · 107 complaints
Good standing with no recalls and a 5-star crash rating, but early master brake cylinder and transmission failures stand out in owner complaints.
2023 Chevrolet Traverse
2 recalls · 62 complaints
Two power train recalls and early transmission failures mark a year that otherwise rates good and about average.
2022 Chevrolet Traverse
1 recalls · 76 complaints
Rates among the stronger Traverse years, though a false Shift to Park warning and some early transmission failures stand out in owner complaints.
2021 Chevrolet Traverse
3 recalls · 72 complaints
Middle of the Traverse pack, with far fewer complaints and recalls than 2020 but a known alternator stalling problem near 40,000 miles.
2020 Chevrolet Traverse
8 recalls · 188 complaints
Weakest of the nine scored Traverse years, with eight recalls and cracking exhaust brackets that GM's special coverage leaves out.
2019 Chevrolet Traverse
3 recalls · 358 complaints
Rated good but weaker than most Traverse years, with a false Shift to Park fault and transmission complaints driving most reports, plus three recalls.
2018 Chevrolet Traverse
2 recalls · 416 complaints
First year of the second generation, with a recurring Shift to Park fault and transmission shudder that place it among the weaker Traverse years.
Common Chevrolet Traverse problems
Problem areas with the most owner complaints, each with the years affected, symptoms, and fixes.
Found Your Chevrolet Traverse? Check Its History
Power train (2) problems come up most in Chevrolet Traverse owner complaints, and 19 recalls cover the years we track. A VIN check shows whether the car you found had its recall work done, plus accident and title history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Chevrolet Traverse Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3/5
Annual Repair Cost
$656
Repair Frequency
0.4/yr
Major Repair Risk
18%
$83 above the midsize SUVs average of $573/yr.
Ranked #22 of 26 among midsize SUVs.
Chevrolet Traverse Resale Value
The Chevrolet Traverse is estimated to retain about 58.9% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
- Value Retained
- 58.9%
- Depreciation
- 41.1%
- Listings Analyzed
- 233
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Chevrolet Traverse depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comChevrolet Traverse Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Chevrolet Models
Compare all Chevrolet models by reliability
Compare Chevrolet Traverse With Similar SUVs
The Chevrolet Traverse competes with other midsize suvs such as Buick Enclave, Ford Explorer, and Nissan Pathfinder.
Traverse vs Buick Enclave
9 years tracked · 234 complaints
Traverse vs Ford Explorer
9 years tracked · 2694 complaints
Traverse vs Nissan Pathfinder
8 years tracked · 457 complaints
Traverse vs Toyota Grand Highlander
3 years tracked · 204 complaints
Traverse vs Ford Edge
7 years tracked · 1964 complaints
More Chevrolet Traverse comparisons
- Traverse vs Dodge Durango
- Traverse vs GMC Acadia
- Traverse vs Honda Passport
- Traverse vs Honda Pilot
- Traverse vs Hyundai Palisade
- Traverse vs Hyundai Santa Fe
- Traverse vs Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Traverse vs Kia Telluride
- Traverse vs Mazda CX-9
- Traverse vs Mazda CX-90
- Traverse vs Subaru Ascent
- Traverse vs Toyota 4Runner
- Traverse vs Toyota Highlander
- Traverse vs Volkswagen Atlas
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best year for a used Chevrolet Traverse?
- The 2024 is the site's pick. It has been on the road long enough to show a record, has no recalls in federal records, and draws far fewer complaints per vehicle sold than 2018 and 2019. The 2025 and 2026 look clean, but they have had less time to collect complaints.
- Is the Chevrolet Traverse reliable long term?
- Mostly yes, outside the early years. Standing is good and close to average among SUVs. The trouble clusters in 2018 and 2019, where power train complaints dominate. Later years draw fewer complaints per vehicle sold, though newer ones have had less time on the road.
- What are the most common Chevrolet Traverse problems?
- Power train complaints lead, mainly a false "Shift to Park" warning that keeps the car on and drains the battery, plus transmission shudder. Next come electrical faults, such as stalling after the auto stop feature restarts the engine, and service brake complaints, mainly the electric parking brake.
- How much does it cost to repair a Chevrolet Traverse?
- Independent repair-cost data puts the estimated annual cost at $656. That is above the $573 average for midsize SUVs. Expect to pay more if the shifter assembly needs replacing, since owners say dealers often charge for it.
- Does the Chevrolet Traverse have brake problems?
- Yes. Service brakes draw 138 complaints across all years, and the electric parking brake is the main safety concern. Some owners say it engages while driving, overheats the brakes, and will not release. Others say it will not set when parked, which raises the risk of rolling.
How we score the Chevrolet Traverse
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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