Car Record Book

2018 Chevrolet Traverse recalls & problems

The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has 2 safety recalls and 465 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (196 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints465filed by owners
Crashes · fires10 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths8 · 0reported in complaints
2018 Chevrolet Traverse in an NHTSA crash test
2018 Chevrolet Traverse in an NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Air bags › Critical fasteners

NHTSA recall 21V246000 · Apr 8, 2021 · 108 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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 › Automatic transmission

NHTSA recall 20V668000 · Oct 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2018 Chevrolet Traverse NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2018 Chevrolet Traverse NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

2018 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk15%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2018 Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk16.9%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Traverse FWD

22mpg combined
City / highway20 / 26 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

Traverse FWD

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Traverse AWD

20mpg combined
City / highway17 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Power train
Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift; Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
19610032,750 mi
Unknown or other
10521615,438 mi
Electrical system
12v/24v/48v battery; Adas › Parking assist › Sensors
10210521,700 mi
Engine
8510018,835 mi
Service brakes
3840137,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system
3000018,991 mi
Engine and engine cooling
Exhaust system; Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
1700078,300 mi
Steering
140004,631 mi
Exterior lighting
Tail lights; Hazard flashing warning lights
1200045,700 mi
Structure
Body; Frame and members
1100013,000 mi
Seat belts
Rear/other › Buckle assembly
1100021,958 mi
Suspension
1000025,610 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.