Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chevrolet Traverse vs GMC Acadia: Reliability Compared
Chevrolet Traverse
GMC Acadia
Choosing between the Chevrolet Traverse and the GMC Acadia? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. Both models currently share an average reliability score of 70/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia are evenly matched with a reliability score of 70/100.
Key Differences
- 1Chevrolet Traverse costs $78 less per year to repair
- 2GMC Acadia has 2 fewer total recalls
- 3Chevrolet Traverse has 1% lower major repair risk
Category Scoreboard
Chevrolet Traverse vs GMC Acadia: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Chevrolet Traverse | GMC Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 70/100 | 70/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 8 |
| Total Recalls | 19 | 17 |
| Total ComplaintsRaw count — varies with sales volume | 1417 | 770 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $656/yr | $734/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.4/yr | 0.4/yr |
| Major Repair Risk | 18% | 19% |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2026 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 3 (2 tied) | 3 (2 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia?
| Component | Chevrolet Traverse | GMC Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 431 | 200 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 222 | 139 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 182 | 106 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 138 | 70 |
| ENGINE | 114 | 37 |
| STEERING | 42 | 55 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 46 | — |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 10 | 23 |
| AIR BAGS | 20 | 12 |
| SEAT BELTS | 22 | 6 |
| STRUCTURE | 17 | 4 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 8 | 8 |
| SUSPENSION | 11 | 4 |
| SEATS | 9 | 6 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 7 | 6 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 6 | 5 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | — | 4 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | — | 4 |
| WHEELS | — | 3 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 2 | — |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | — | 2 |
| LANE DEPARTURE | — | 2 |
Raw complaint counts aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports. Counts vary with sales volume.
How Does Chevrolet Traverse vs GMC Acadia Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Chevrolet Traverse | GMC Acadia | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76/1000R / 6C | 76/1000R / 0C | Tie |
| 2025 | 75/1000R / 132C | 76/1000R / 51C | GMC Acadia |
| 2024 | 73/1000R / 107C | 76/1000R / 51C | GMC Acadia |
| 2023 | 72/1002R / 62C | 64/1004R / 37C | Chevrolet Traverse |
| 2022 | 73/1001R / 76C | 66/1003R / 44C | Chevrolet Traverse |
| 2021 | 71/1003R / 72C | 68/1002R / 134C | Chevrolet Traverse |
| 2020 | 62/1008R / 188C | 62/1006R / 84C | Tie |
| 2018 | 62/1002R / 416C | 68/1002R / 369C | GMC Acadia |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse scored 73/100 and the 2024 GMC Acadia scored 76/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
Chevrolet Traverse vs GMC Acadia: Common Questions
- Is the Chevrolet Traverse more reliable than the GMC Acadia?
- They're very close — both average 70/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.
- Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Traverse or the GMC Acadia?
- The Chevrolet Traverse has more recalls (19) compared to the GMC Acadia (17). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Traverse or the GMC Acadia?
- The GMC Acadia has fewer owner complaints (770) versus 1417 for the Chevrolet Traverse. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Traverse or the GMC Acadia?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Chevrolet Traverse is cheaper to maintain at $656/year versus $734/year for the GMC Acadia.
- Is the Chevrolet Traverse or GMC Acadia safer?
- Both the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Chevrolet Traverse comparisons
Decided between Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia
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.
See incorrect data? Report an issue