Last updated: 2026-03-04

Chevrolet Traverse

2 Chevrolet Traverse Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Chevrolet Traverse average of 69/100

The Chevrolet Traverse years to avoid are 2020, 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 62/100. The best Chevrolet Traverse year to buy is 2025 75/100.

Verdict

The 2020, 2019 Chevrolet Traverse score significantly below the model average of 69/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 62/100 due to engine (35) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2021 71/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Chevrolet Traverse Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Chevrolet Traverse average of 69/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202062/100Good8188Engine (35)
2201962/100Good3358Power Train (145)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

62
GoodReliability score: 62 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse has good reliability. There are 8 recalls and 188 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (35), Power Train (30), Unknown Or Other (29).

8 recalls188 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (35), Power Train (30), Unknown Or Other (29), Engine And Engine Cooling (22), Electrical System (22), Steering (6)

View full 2020 reliability report →
62
GoodReliability score: 62 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 358 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. Severity signals include 12 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (145), Electrical System (62), Unknown Or Other (55).

3 recalls358 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (145), Electrical System (62), Unknown Or Other (55), Engine (25), Steering (12), Seat Belts (9)

View full 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common Chevrolet Traverse Problems?

Top reported issues across all Chevrolet Traverse model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

431 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

222 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

138 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

121 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2022

ENGINE

114 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

46 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

Best Chevrolet Traverse Year to Buy Instead

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 72 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (20), Unknown Or Other (12), Power Train (6).

Score: 71/100 (Good)3 recalls72 complaints
View full 2021 reliability report →

All Chevrolet Traverse Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Chevrolet Traverse years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Chevrolet Traverse years: 2020 (score: 62/100), 2019 (score: 62/100). These model years score significantly below the Chevrolet Traverse average of 69/100.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Traverse?
The best year for the Chevrolet Traverse is 2025, with a reliability score of 75/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 132 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Traverse have?
Across all years in our database, the Chevrolet Traverse has a total of 19 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Chevrolet Traverse worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 75/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 69/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Chevrolet Traverse problems?
The most common Chevrolet Traverse problems are power train (431 complaints), electrical system (222 complaints), service brakes (138 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Chevrolet Traverse reliable long-term?
The Chevrolet Traverse has an average reliability score of 69/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Chevrolet Traverse generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Chevrolet Traverse generation is the Second generation (2018) with an average score of 68/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Chevrolet Traverse?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Chevrolet Traverse is $656 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 75/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 132 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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