Last updated: 2026-10-10

2023 Chevrolet Traverse
RELIABILITY SCORE: 72/100 (GOOD)

2023 Chevrolet Traverse Reliability Report

The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse has a good reliability standing, but the transmission can lose drive as early as 13,000 miles.

Recalls

2

Complaints

62

Complaint Rate

5.3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$656

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,850–$3,000

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity71/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity87/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Two power train recalls and early transmission failures mark a year that otherwise rates good and about average.

Top Issues to Watch

  • POWER TRAIN (18)
  • ENGINE (9)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2023 is 1 year after the 2022 facelift refresh.

  • Year 6 in the Second generation (2018) (2018–2024).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 2nd generation Traverse (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2018: Second generation (2018) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2023: This Model Year

2023 is 1 year after the 2022 facelift refresh.

Should You Buy the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse?

Reliability is good, and it sits close to average among 2023 SUVs. Within the Traverse's scored model years it lands in the middle of nine. The 2022 and 2024 models rate about the same, so this year is neither a pick nor a warning. It earned 5 of 5 stars in federal crash tests, though independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs above the class figure.

The transmission is the main worry. Owners describe it slipping into what feels like neutral, sticking in first gear, or refusing to upshift past about 10 mph, with several failures between 13,000 and 22,000 miles. Federal recall records list two power train recalls for this year. Some owners say their VINs are not covered, and others say the part is unavailable. Exhaust flex pipe leaks usually appear at 30,000 to 40,000 miles and can return after repair. A few alternator failures led to stalls at 45,000 to 50,000 miles.

Ask the seller for proof that every open recall was completed. Request records of any transmission or exhaust repairs.

Compared to the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Low recall count
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • −Above-average repair costs for its class
  • −POWER TRAIN: Transmission loses drive or locks into a low gear (18 complaints)
  • −ENGINE: Exhaust leaks make up most of this category (9 complaints)

Compare 2023 Chevrolet Traverse With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (18)
  • ENGINE (9)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

2

recalls on record

The 2023 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

5.3

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 11.3

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

5

Crashes

0

Fires

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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

2023 Chevrolet Traverse Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V1720002023-03-16

POWER TRAIN

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.

Consequence

A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222389310.

23V0420002023-02-02

POWER TRAIN

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.

Consequence

A missing retaining ring on the half-shaft can cause half-shaft inner joint separation, resulting in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the left-side half-shaft assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222390180.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2023 Chevrolet Traverse? Check its history first

Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2023 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: 5/5

Rollover risk: 15.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard/Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver/Roof)
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 2023 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

20–21 MPG

Running cost: $3,500–$3,650/yr

Fuel + repair

17–18 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 2023 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

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse.

  • Run the VIN for recall 23V172000 and confirm the power train repair was completed, not left waiting on parts.

  • Listen under the car at cold start for a loud exhaust leak near the front flex pipe.

  • Inspect the exhaust from below for cracked flex pipe welds or a broken hanger bracket.

  • On the test drive, watch for slipping, harsh shifts, a stuck low gear, or no response in reverse.

  • On a gentle slope, shift to Park, shut the car off, and confirm it holds without rolling.

  • Check for Battery Saver Mode messages and low voltage readings that point to a failing alternator.

  • Restart the car several times and confirm the infotainment screen, audio, chimes, and backup camera all work.

  • Press the brake firmly before driving and watch for a hard pedal or a Service Brake Assist warning.

2023 Chevrolet Traverse Common Problems by Component

62 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

18
9
9
11
POWER TRAIN (18)ENGINE (9)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4)STRUCTURE (2)SERVICE BRAKES (2)AIR BAGS (2)Other (11)

POWER TRAIN

18 complaintsSafety-related

Traverse transmission problems across all model years

The transmission loses drive or locks into a low gear. Reports describe slipping into what feels like neutral, getting stuck in first gear, refusing to upshift past about 10 mph, and seizing abruptly in traffic or intersections. Several failures arrive between 13,000 and 22,000 miles. Two crash reports involve the vehicle rolling away after it was shut off or left in gear. Many owners link failures to recall 23V172000, but some VINs are not covered, and others say the recall part is unavailable.

18 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries

ENGINE

9 complaints

Exhaust leaks make up most of this category. The front flex pipe cracks, often at the welded hanger, which causes a loud idle and noise from under the car. Leaks tend to show up between 30,000 and 40,000 miles and come back after repair. Owners raise carbon monoxide concerns. Recall coverage is confusing. Some dealers say no recall applies. Others confirm one but report the part on back order for months. A smaller set of reports describes the engine shutting off at low speed.

9 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 complaints

The infotainment screen goes black and takes the radio, chimes, and backup camera with it. Dealer software updates and a stereo replacement do not always fix it. Alternator failure is the more serious pattern. Battery saver warnings and falling voltage end in a stall, sometimes at 50 MPH, and replacement parts are reported on back order. Other reports cover a brake booster pressure sensor fault with a hard pedal, a computer module that sets off the lights, horn, and wipers while parked, and engine wiring melting against a hot surface.

9 complaints total
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 complaints

Exhaust hardware failures account for much of this group. The mounting bracket separates and leaves the pipe hanging, which produces a loud revving sound. Owners say dealers deny recall coverage. Alternator failure shows up again, with a car stranded at 50,000 miles and no replacement part available. The other reports describe a transmission stuck in first gear or unable to go over 16 mph, plus false automatic braking alerts with no vehicle nearby.

5 complaints total
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 complaints

The hazard button can stop working while the flashers are on, leaving them running, and the replacement part is reported on back order. Automatic headlights wait until full darkness to come on, which owners say makes the car hard to see at dawn and dusk. Other reports describe high beams that light up treetops instead of the road, with the dealer declining to adjust them, and a failed rear brake and turn signal light.

4 complaints total
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

A rear side window shatters with a loud pop while driving, with no other vehicle or object nearby, and glass sprays across the cabin. The other report here is a broken weld on an exhaust bracket, which matches the exhaust hanger failures reported under other components. Only two complaints fall in this category, so neither one shows a broad pattern yet.

2 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

The brake pedal goes hard and the car barely slows, with a service brake warning on the dash. Both reports appear to come from the same vehicle, at 25,597 and 27,965 miles. The second event added a steering wheel that felt locked, wipers stuck halfway up, a horn and radio acting on their own, and theft protection warnings on the highway. That is a full loss-of-control risk, and the first dealer repair did not prevent it from happening again.

2 complaints total
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

The deploying airbag injures the driver's hand in both reports. The airbag cover or emblem cuts the left hand and tears tendons in the thumb and hand. Drivers also report chest injuries, including a bruised heart and partially collapsed lungs. Another vehicle caused both crashes, and neither report says the airbag failed to deploy. The concern is injury from the airbag cover itself.

2 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

One report describes the car losing propulsion or failing to hold in park, which raises the risk of a crash or roll-away. The other describes a loud sound from the front pipes at startup around 30,000 miles, with no warning lights. That symptom matches the front exhaust pipe leaks reported under the engine category. Neither report includes a diagnosis or repair.

2 complaints total
STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaint
2026-01-02

Vehicle: 2023 Chevrolet Traverse The vehicle has a recurring safety-critical defect. The steering assist becomes reduced while driving and the dashboard displays the warning message “Steering Assist Reduced – Drive with Care.” At the same time, multiple safety systems such as collision-avoidance functions become disabled. This failure is persistent and creates unsafe driving conditions. The vehicle has previously experienced electrical and fuel-system related issues, including fault codes such as P2635, P0E32 and P0E37. There have been multiple warranty repair attempts, but the defect continues. The warning remains active while driving and the vehicle may lose steering assist, causing unpredictable steering effort. This presents a serious safety concern for the driver and public. The vehicle is still under manufacturer warranty. I am requesting review of this recurring safety defect affecting steering assist and active safety systems. While driving, the vehicle repeatedly displays the warning “Steering Assist Reduced – Drive with Care,” and multiple safety systems become disabled, including collision-avoidance functions. The steering effort changes and the vehicle becomes unpredictable. This is a recurring safety-critical defect. The vehicle has also experienced electrical and fuel-system related faults, including codes P2635, P0E32 and P0E37. Warranty repairs have been attempted several times, but the defect continues to occur. This failure places the driver and others at risk because steering assist may be reduced while the vehicle is moving, and safety systems deactivate unexpectedly. The vehicle is still under manufacturer warranty and remains available for inspection. I am requesting review of this recurring safety defect affecting steering assist, electrical stability, and active safety systems.

When Do 2023 Chevrolet Traverse Problems Start?

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

13,000–22,000 milesTransmission slipping or seizing
30,000–58,480 milesFront exhaust pipe leaks
45,000–50,000 milesAlternator failure and stalling

Best & Worst Chevrolet Traverse Years

Best Chevrolet Traverse Years to Buy

Chevrolet Traverse Years to Avoid

Chevrolet Traverse Reliability Score Trend

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
2023(selected)72/100-1Good262
202273/100+2Good176
202171/100+9Good372
202062/1000Good8188
201962/1000Good3358
201862/100—Good2416

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
Yes, it has a good reliability standing. It is close to average against other 2023 SUVs and sits in the middle of the nine scored Traverse years. Owner complaints are mostly about the transmission, exhaust, and electrical system, so repair history matters more than the overall rating on any single car.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse?
Power train complaints lead, mostly transmissions that lose drive or lock into a low gear. Engine complaints are mainly exhaust leaks at the front flex pipe. Electrical complaints include a black infotainment screen and alternator failure that ends in a stall. Exterior lighting problems, such as late-activating automatic headlights, come next.
Does the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse have transmission problems?
Yes, it is the largest complaint area. Owners report the transmission slipping like neutral, staying in first gear, or not upshifting past about 10 mph. Several failures came between 13,000 and 22,000 miles. Two crash reports involve the vehicle rolling away after being shut off or left in gear.
How many recalls does the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse have?
Federal recall records show two recalls, both in the power train area. The 2022 model has one recall and the 2024 has none. Some owners say their VINs are not covered, and others say the part is unavailable, so confirm a specific car's status with a dealer.
How much does the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse cost to repair?
Independent repair-cost data estimates $656 a year across the model, compared with $573 for its class. That is higher than typical. Exhaust leaks that return after repair and alternator failures reported at 45,000 to 50,000 miles are examples of repairs that can add to the bill.

Don’t buy a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse does best on how many systems draw complaints (87/100) and worst on repair costs (60/100). 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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