Last updated: 2026-04-20

2018 Chevrolet Traverse Reliability Report
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse scores 62/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 416 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
416
Complaint Rate
28.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$656
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,850–$3,150
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (173)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (60)
- ENGINE (19)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is the first model year of the Second generation (2018).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- Refreshed in 2022.
- 2nd generation Traverse (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2018 pricing and recall counts against 2019+ before deciding.
2018: Second generation (2018) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
At 62/100, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
Owners log 416 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train (173). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, which scored the same.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −POWER TRAIN issues reported (173 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (60 complaints)
Compare 2018 Chevrolet Traverse With

2018 Buick Enclave
Reliability: 75/100

2018 Ford Explorer
Reliability: 64/100

2018 Nissan Pathfinder
Reliability: 68/100

2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Reliability: 44/100

2018 Ford Edge
Reliability: 57/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (173)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (60)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
28.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 26
Safety Incidents
9
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Chevrolet Traverse Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
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.
POWER TRAIN
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.
Buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Traverse? Check its history first
Every 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Chevrolet Traverse NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet TraverseRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$656
vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
18%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
20–22 MPG
Running cost: $3,500–$3,800/yr
Fuel + repair
17–20 city / 25–27 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traverse FWD 3.6L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 18 | 27 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Traverse AWD 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,000 |
| Traverse FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,150 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse.
Test for 'Shift to Park' error by turning off the vehicle in park
Inspect transmission for shuddering or failure to shift gears
Check for recurring alternator failures and battery charging issues
Examine exhaust system for cracks or leaks, especially catalytic converter
Ensure power steering functions smoothly without error messages
Verify seat belts latch securely and remain latched during use
Inspect rear suspension components for rust and wear
2018 Chevrolet Traverse Common Problems by Component
416 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
173 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the power train of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, particularly involving the "Shift to Park" message that prevents the vehicle from recognizing it is in park, often requiring manipulation of the gear shifter to resolve. Complaints frequently mention problems with the transmission, including failure to engage reverse and the need for complete transmission replacement, sometimes as early as 65,000 miles. Symptoms described include vehicle vibrations, inability to turn off the vehicle, and unintended vehicle movement even when parked. Safety implications are noted, with one incident involving a crash and multiple reports of vehicles stalling or losing power while driving. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers considering this model, especially regarding costly repairs and safety risks.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
60 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the "Shift to Park" error in the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, where the vehicle fails to recognize it is in park, preventing the car from shutting off and potentially draining the battery. This problem often requires repeated attempts to resolve and is commonly mentioned at various mileage points, with some reports starting as early as 26,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe recurring alternator failures and related electrical issues that can lead to vehicle stalling, with some incidents occurring while driving. Safety implications include the potential for loss of control and battery drainage, which could leave the vehicle inoperable. These patterns suggest buyers should be aware of potential electrical system concerns when considering this model.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
59 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report persistent issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse related to the "Shift to Park" error, where the vehicle fails to recognize when it is in the park position. This problem often prevents the vehicle from shutting down properly, leading to battery drainage and difficulty locking the car. Complaints frequently mention this issue persisting over several years, with some owners experiencing it as early as 2022. Additionally, there are reports of exhaust system problems, including rattling noises and fissures in the catalytic converter. While one complaint involves a crash and another a fire, the data does not provide detailed context on these events. These issues, particularly the "Shift to Park" error, are significant for potential buyers to consider, as they may involve costly repairs and impact the vehicle's usability.
ENGINE (19 complaints)
ENGINE
19 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the exhaust system, particularly involving broken or poorly welded brackets on the exhaust flex pipe, which can lead to exhaust leaks and cracked catalytic converters. Complaints often mention check engine lights and error codes like P0420, with some issues appearing around 33,000 to 63,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of problems with the purge valve affecting emissions systems, causing rough idling and stalling with check engine lights illuminated, typically around 60,000 to 93,000 miles. A few complaints also describe sudden loss of power or stalling while driving, which could pose safety risks, but no crashes or fires are reported. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for used car buyers considering this model.
SERVICE BRAKES (18 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
18 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the electric parking brake, including malfunctions that prevent the brake from setting or releasing properly, which can lead to the vehicle rolling unexpectedly. Several complaints describe the electronic parking brake engaging while driving, causing smoke from overheating brakes. Reports also highlight "shift to park" issues where the vehicle does not recognize when it is in park, making it difficult to turn off the vehicle. Symptoms often occur at various mileages, with some incidents noted as early as 35,000 miles. Safety implications include a crash resulting from the vehicle rolling while parked on a slope, and multiple instances of unintended brake engagement while driving, posing a risk of loss of control. These issues are significant for used car buyers considering this model year.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (16 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
16 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the exhaust system of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, including cracked exhaust manifolds, fractured exhaust pipes, and catalytic converter failures. Common symptoms described include loud engine noises, exhaust fumes entering the cabin, and illuminated check engine lights. These problems often occur at mileages ranging from approximately 30,000 to over 182,000 miles. Several complaints highlight safety concerns due to exhaust fumes affecting occupants' health and the vehicle losing motive power. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential need for exhaust system repairs in this model year.
STEERING (13 complaints)
STEERING
13 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the steering system of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, often involving sudden power steering failure, which results in difficulty steering the vehicle. Symptoms commonly described include error messages such as "Power Steering Assist Warning" or "Assisted Steering is Limited," and the steering wheel becoming hard to turn while driving. These issues appear at various mileages, with some vehicles experiencing problems as early as 552 miles. Additionally, some complaints mention associated problems with the Stabilitrak system, leading to vehicle stalls and loss of control, particularly at low speeds or when accelerating from a stop. Safety implications are evident, with several owners expressing concern about the potential for accidents due to the sudden loss of steering control.
SEAT BELTS (9 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
9 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the seat belts in the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, particularly with buckles failing to latch or remain latched. Complaints frequently mention that the seat belts in both the passenger and driver seats, as well as the second-row middle seat, either do not extend, fail to secure, or release unexpectedly. These problems are reported at varying mileages, with some occurring well before 30,000 miles. The inability to securely fasten seat belts poses a significant safety risk, as it may prevent proper occupant restraint in the event of a collision. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these potential seat belt malfunctions, especially as some owners report difficulty obtaining warranty coverage for repairs.
SUSPENSION (8 complaints)
SUSPENSION
8 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the rear suspension, particularly involving the rear toe links and control arms. Complaints often describe failures such as broken sway bar links and rust-related detachment of suspension components, with some incidents occurring around 46,000 to 51,000 miles. Symptoms include a shimmy or grinding feeling when driving and visible rust on suspension parts, raising concerns about potential loss of vehicle control. These patterns suggest that used car buyers should be cautious of suspension component integrity and inspect for rust and wear, especially in vehicles with similar mileage.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes. Complaints often describe severe accidents where no airbags deployed, even with significant vehicle damage, such as engine displacement and total vehicle loss. Two incidents also note that OnStar did not activate. These reports involve vehicles with varying mileage, including one with as low as 3,000 miles. Additionally, one complaint describes a vehicle catching fire after a minor accident. Buyers should be aware of the potential safety implications given the involvement of crashes, injuries, and a fire in these reports.
When Do 2018 Chevrolet Traverse Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Chevrolet Traverse Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Chevrolet Traverse Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Chevrolet Traverse year is 2025 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (73/100) and 2022 (73/100).
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 73/100 compared to 64/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Chevrolet Traverse Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse have?
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Chevrolet Traverse.
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