Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Chevrolet Traverse
RELIABILITY SCORE: 62/100 (GOOD)

2019 Chevrolet Traverse Reliability Report

The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse scores 62/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 358 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

3

Complaints

358

Complaint Rate

24.3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$656

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,850–$3,150

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity50/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity78/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • POWER TRAIN (145)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (62)
  • ENGINE (25)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 2)

2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (2018).

  • Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
  • A refresh arrives in 2022.
  • 2nd generation Traverse (US).

What this means for buyers

Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.

If you're comparing prices, check 2018 (redesign year) vs 2019+ pricing and recalls.

2018: Second generation (2018) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2019: This Model Year

2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (2018).

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?

At 62/100, the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (2018).

Owners log 358 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 (145). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse, which scored the same. See also the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
  • +5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

  • Above-average repair costs for its class
  • Moderate recall count
  • POWER TRAIN issues reported (145 complaints)
  • 2 fire incidents reported in owner complaints

Compare 2019 Chevrolet Traverse With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (145)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (62)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

3

recalls on record

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

24.3

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 22

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

12

Crashes

2

Fires

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 Chevrolet Traverse Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21V2460002021-04-08

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.

20V6680002020-10-29

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.

18V7740002018-11-01

AIR BAGS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Consequence

If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2019 Chevrolet Traverse? Check its history first

Every 2019 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.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2019 Chevrolet Traverse NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Rear Seat, 3rd row)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Pelvis/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Driver Seat Head Curtain Air Bag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Chevrolet TraverseRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5

Based 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

Traverse
$656
Category Avg
$573
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

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.

This benchmark covers the Chevrolet Traverse model overall and is not specific to the 2019 model year.

Value Retained
58.9%

after 5 years

Depreciation
41.1%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
233

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.com

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 2019 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Traverse FWD 3.6L 6-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd182721$2,850
Traverse AWD 3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd172520$3,000
Traverse FWD 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd202622$3,150

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse.

  • Test for 'Shift to Park' error message when turning off the vehicle

  • Check for transmission shudder or failure, especially around 45,000 miles

  • Inspect rear toe links for wear or failure

  • Verify exhaust system for cracks or leaks

  • Ensure the air conditioning system functions properly

  • Check for any active recalls related to transmission or exhaust issues

2019 Chevrolet Traverse Common Problems by Component

358 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

145
62
55
POWER TRAIN (145)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (62)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (55)ENGINE (25)STEERING (12)SEAT BELTS (9)SUSPENSION (9)STRUCTURE (6)Other (35)

POWER TRAIN

145 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent transmission failures in the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, often requiring replacement around 57,000 to 115,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the vehicle failing to shift properly, unexpected stalling, and a persistent "Shift to Park" warning that prevents the vehicle from turning off. Some owners describe transmission shuddering and fluid leaks, with a few reports of the vehicle losing motive power or failing to reverse. Safety implications are noted in instances of sudden deceleration on highways and intersections, with two reported crashes and one injury. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and their potential impact on vehicle operation and safety.

145 complaints total2 crashes2 fires1 injury

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

62 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the "Shift to Park" error message, which occurs when the vehicle is in park but fails to recognize it, preventing the car from shutting off properly. Symptoms include needing to jiggle the gear shift or repeatedly shift in and out of park to clear the message, with some reports of the issue draining the battery. Complaints often arise around 49,000 miles, with several owners noting this problem has persisted since early 2024. In addition to the inconvenience, this issue poses safety concerns, as one complaint involves a crash and two injuries are reported. Buyers should be aware that this problem is well-documented, yet some vehicles may not be covered by existing recalls or warranties.

62 complaints total1 crash2 injuries

ENGINE

25 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues related to the exhaust system and engine components. Commonly noted problems include broken or leaking exhaust pipes, catalytic converter cracks, and broken exhaust brackets, often occurring around 43,000 to 116,000 miles. Symptoms described by owners include rattling noises, exhaust leaks, and loud sounds from the catalytic converter area. Additionally, some owners mention oil consumption and timing cover leaks. While no specific safety incidents like crashes or fires are reported, the described issues can lead to significant repair costs and potential vehicle downtime, which prospective buyers should consider.

25 complaints total
STEERING (12 complaints)

STEERING

12 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the steering system, including sudden loss of steering control and power steering malfunctions. Symptoms often described are the steering wheel becoming difficult to maneuver, warning lights activating on the dashboard, and in some cases, the vehicle stalling or losing power. These problems are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 40,000 miles. One complaint involves a crash where steering assist was reportedly reduced, leading to a collision with a pole. Potential buyers should be aware of these steering issues as they may impact vehicle safety and handling.

12 complaints total1 crash
SEAT BELTS (9 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

9 complaints

Owners report several issues with the seat belts in the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, particularly involving the middle row and front passenger seat belts. Complaints frequently mention that middle row seat belt buckles become jammed or crushed when adjusting the seats for third-row access, leading to buckles that do not latch properly or become unusable. Additionally, multiple owners describe the front passenger seat belt failing to lock or remaining in a locked position without cause. One incident reports an injury when a seat belt tightened excessively, requiring it to be cut to free the passenger. These issues are noted across various mileage ranges and have significant safety implications, as they can result in passengers being unable to wear seat belts properly or becoming trapped.

9 complaints total1 injury
SUSPENSION (9 complaints)

SUSPENSION

9 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the rear suspension, specifically the failure of rear toe links. Complaints often describe symptoms such as clicking or clinking noises from the rear, loose adjustment links, and vehicle misalignment. These issues are noted at mileage as low as 22,000 miles, with some owners experiencing repeated failures within a short time frame. Safety implications mentioned include potential loss of vehicle control and increased swaying at high speeds, which could lead to accidents. Buyers considering a used 2019 Traverse should be aware of these recurring suspension issues and the potential for additional repair costs.

9 complaints total
STRUCTURE (6 complaints)

STRUCTURE

6 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues related to the vehicle's structure, including sharp edges on the secondary hood latch hand release lever, which resulted in one injury. Complaints also describe problems with the sunroof, such as a massive leak due to a bent frame that affects the headliner and overhead controls, occurring while the vehicle is in motion. Additionally, there are reports of door misalignment shortly after purchase, leading to rubbing noises during driving. Paint chipping, a detached bracket under the vehicle, and a broken sunroof shade clip are also noted, with some issues arising as early as two weeks after purchase and others around 45,000 miles. These structural concerns do not mention crashes, fires, or loss of control, but the sharp latch lever poses a minor injury risk.

6 complaints total1 injury
SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the braking system, particularly involving brake pedal responsiveness and electronic stability control. Symptoms include the brake pedal depressing to the floor, unexpected activation of the emergency brake, and the "Service Stabili-trak" or "Service Brake Assist" alerts appearing on the dashboard. These issues have been observed at varying mileages, with one vehicle experiencing problems within the first few hundred miles. Notably, one complaint involved a crash where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated during a slow turn, resulting in significant damage. Multiple owners describe repeated visits to dealerships without resolution, indicating persistent and unresolved brake system concerns.

6 complaints total1 crash
AIR BAGS (6 complaints)

AIR BAGS

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report a recurring issue with the air bags in the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, specifically noting that they fail to deploy during crashes. Complaints frequently mention significant impacts, such as T-bone collisions and rear-end accidents at speeds ranging from 20 to 60 mph, where the airbags did not activate despite substantial vehicle damage. The typical symptoms described include injuries from hitting the steering wheel or other interior parts, with multiple reports of chest, head, and neck injuries requiring medical attention. These incidents often occur at varying mileages, with some as low as 4,193 miles. The safety implications are notable, as all six complaints involve crashes, and seven injuries are reported, which may be a concern for potential buyers considering the vehicle's safety performance in collisions.

6 complaints total6 crashes7 injuries
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (6 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 complaints

Owners report significant issues with the evaporative emissions system in the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, particularly involving the purge valve. Complaints frequently mention the check engine light activating, often linked to codes such as P0496, and recurring failures of the purge valve, with some owners replacing it multiple times within a year and a half. Symptoms include difficulties starting the engine after refueling, stalling, and rough idling, with some instances leading to potentially hazardous situations like unexpected stalling while driving. These issues appear to persist despite multiple repair attempts, and some owners note the problem as a recurring concern for this model year. There are no specific mileage ranges mentioned, but the repeated nature of the complaints suggests a persistent issue that prospective buyers should consider.

6 complaints total

When Do 2019 Chevrolet Traverse Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

45,000–57,000 milesTransmission failures
22,000–49,000 milesShift to Park error
22,000–40,000 milesRear suspension issues

Best & Worst Chevrolet Traverse Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Chevrolet Traverse Years to Buy

The best Chevrolet Traverse year is 2026 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (75/100) and 2024 (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).

62
Good

2020

8Recalls
188Complaints
62
Good

2019

(Current Model)

3Recalls
358Complaints

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. Current year highlighted.

Chevrolet Traverse reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201862/100Good
201962/100Good
202062/100Good
202171/100Good
202273/100Good
202372/100Good
202473/100Good
202575/100Good
202676/100Good

Chevrolet Traverse Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202676/100+1Good06
202575/100+2Good0132
202473/100+1Good0107
202372/100-1Good262
202273/100+2Good176
202171/100+9Good372
202062/1000Good8188
2019(selected)62/1000Good3358
201862/100Good2416

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 62/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 358 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse include: POWER TRAIN (145 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (62 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (55 complaints), ENGINE (25 complaints), STEERING (12 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse have?
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse has estimated annual repair costs of $656/year, which is $83 more than the midsize SUVs average of $573. With a reliability score of 62/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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