Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 Chevrolet Traverse Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse scores 62/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 358 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (2018).
Recalls
3
Complaints
358
Complaint Rate
24.3
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$656
Above avgMajor Repair Risk
18%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
3 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
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.
Second generation (2018)
Should You Buy the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse scores 62/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (2018).
With 358 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (145). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
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
2019 Volkswagen Atlas
Score: 48/100
2019 Nissan Pathfinder
Score: 71/100
2019 Ford Explorer
Score: 69/100
2019 Toyota Highlander
Score: 70/100
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Score: 67/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (145)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (62)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (55)
- ENGINE (25)
- STEERING (12)
- SEAT BELTS (9)
- SUSPENSION (9)
- STRUCTURE (6)
- SERVICE BRAKES (6)
- AIR BAGS (6)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (6)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)
- VISIBILITY (2)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
- WHEELS (2)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
- FUEL SYSTEM (1)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- TIRES (1)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse has 3 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
24.3
per 10k soldSegment avg: 20.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
12
Fires
2
Injuries
12
Deaths
0
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.
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.
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.
2019 Chevrolet Traverse NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.0%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet Traverse Repair 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.
When Buying a Used 2019 Chevrolet Traverse
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- 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
Check Any 2019 Chevrolet Traverse's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Traverse in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Chevrolet Traverse with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Chevrolet Traverse Common Problems by Component
358 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
145 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
62 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ENGINE
25 complaintsOwners 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.
STEERING (12 complaints)
STEERING
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SEAT BELTS (9 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
9 complaintsOwners 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.
SUSPENSION (9 complaints)
SUSPENSION
9 complaintsOwners 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.
STRUCTURE (6 complaints)
STRUCTURE
6 complaintsOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (6 complaints)
AIR BAGS
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (6 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
6 complaintsOwners 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.
When Do 2019 Chevrolet Traverse Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Chevrolet Traverse Years
Best Chevrolet Traverse Years to Buy
The 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).
2020
8 recalls · 188 complaints
2019(this page)
3 recalls · 358 complaints
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 2019 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse have?
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse expensive to maintain?
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.
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