Complaint volume
452 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Chevrolet Traverse Complaints
452 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, grouped by component category.
452 Total complaints
9 Crash reports
2 Fire reports
3 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are power train, unknown or other, electrical system. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 9 crash reports, 2 fire reports, 3 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 186 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 69,149 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to power train, unknown or other, electrical system?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Chevrolet Traverse
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse complaints?
9 Crash
2 Fire
3 Injury
0 Fatality
11 Towed
4 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Traverse complaint categories?
POWER TRAIN 114
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 56
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 21
ENGINE 20
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 15
SERVICE BRAKES 14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 9
452 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My car started making a rattling noise. It took over a month to finally determine it was coming from the exhaust system. When we inspected it to try to fix it, there is a crack and a hole at the exhaust bracket. This is what has caused it to loosen. After doing research on this, it appears this is a known issue and the warranty was extended for the 2019 but not the 2018 when it is the exact same issue for both. So my vehicle repair for a known issue is now not covered. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I have a 2018 Chevy traverse with less than 30,000 miles and I keep getting a “Shift to Park” message after my car is in park. It prevents me from turning off my car and locking it. Dealership told me it is a common issue. I will have to pay out of pocket in addition to, in order to diagnose, I have to have the issue happening while it is at the dealership. It randomly happens and I can’t go bk and forth to the dealership to fix it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the interior and exterior lights remained illuminated. Additionally, the radio remained on, and the horn sounded off. The instrument panel displayed the words "Shift to Park," which, the contact performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 52,000 |
| May 2023 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while parked in the driveway, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust pipe was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure TSB Number: PIP5681. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 42,000 |
| May 2023 | Carry Handle, Shell, Base | As a CPST, I am very concerned by the failure that I have witnessed on multiple occasions of the Snuglock mechanism of the Graco Turn2Me to secure the seat. The Snuglock mechanism is supposed to serve as a lockoff for the vehicle seatbelt, so that the seatbelt doesn't have to manually be locked. However, it seems that the Snuglock is failing to do so. I first noticed an issue back in October of 2022 when I went to put my rear facing 2yo into the seat and noticed that it was loose/"rocking". Upon taking hold of the seat, I could completely push the seat over, with very minimal force. I chalked it up to a squirming toddler whom was fighting his father to be bucked the previous day. However, since October, I have found that the seat repeatedly becomes loose over time. It is now to the point that I check the seat every single time we get into the car and there has been multiple times I have had to reinstall in the middle of store/restaurant parking lots. At this point, I am reinstalling weekly due to what I believe is a faulty Snuglock. When loose, you can visibly see the slack in the vehicle belt. It's my belief that, over time, the Snuglock is allow the vehicle seatbelt to "slip" causing this slack and, therefore, a very dangerous, unsecure install. As a CPST, I have helped a number of caregivers whom are experiencing the very same issue. I have 2 videos I would love to share: the first showing how loose the install becomes. The second showing the seat after I have reinstalled (testing in the same locations for reference.) Please reach out to me if you would like to view them. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | This Traverse is the Redline Edition. Beginning in November 2022, the Right Passenger quarter LED tail Lamp stopped working. it operates the turn signal and stop light. It is unavailable since that time. It is now 6 months I have been operating this vehicle which is unsafe. It is the whole assembly and I cannot replace it with the regular taillamp due to the wiring harness. I was told from Chevrolet to go to the dealer and the dealer tells me that the part has been on National Backorder for months. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift to park(P). The contact stated that the shift to park message was displayed. The contact stated that several manual attempts were needed before the vehicle properly shifted to park(P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 36,000 |
| Mar 2023 | SUSPENSION | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for tire replacement, the dealer determined that the rear toe link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to Ron Currier's Hilltop Chevrolet (385 NH-108, Somersworth, NH 03878) where it was also determined that the rear toe link needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the rear toe link. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 46,469. | Crash: No Fire: No | 46,469 |
| Mar 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I placed my car in park & an alert went off stating, “shift to park.” My car would not turn off, after multiple attempts, until I turned it on & off & drove the car a short distance. This has happened several times this month, with no warning or symptoms. My car is currently in for service & the dealership mentioned there’s a shortage in the switch, requiring a $400 repair. I feel my safety & that of others, is at risk, as my car currently does not know if it’s in park or drive. What’s to say this issue won’t arise, when I’m driving down the interstate at 70mph? Or I am having a medical emergency & can’t turn my car off to place it in park? I did a google search & apparently this is a very common issue with this type of car. The dealer mentioned it would have been covered under a 3 year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, but my car is 4 years old with 37,000 miles on it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Car has many issues: Jerks Shift to park error when it is parked causing car to have lights on for hours Brake error Fuel issue Traction error Computer failure at times I got the car used was not fixed when I received it needs recalls I have kids you people expect me to pay for your faulty equipment please make this right if I het into an accident it's because of your brand | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | POWER TRAIN | My 2018 Chevrolet Traverse says shift to park and an alarm sounds. The vehicle is in park but will not turn off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after an independent mechanic performed an oil change, the vehicle made abnormal sounds while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and the fuel line bracket had fractured due to corrosion. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 15,000 |
| Feb 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I had my 2018 Chevy Traverse serviced at a local Chevrolet dealership and the mechanic suggested that I get my rear toe adjust links replaced as soon as possible. He said that when the toe links fail, the back of the car becomes unstable and starts moving from side to side when you are driving it. The dealership asked if I had noticed whether the back of my car was moving back and forth when I drove it. Fortunately, I did not have that problem before getting the toe links replaced for $599.56. Given that my car is only 4.5 years old with only 39035 miles on it, I asked why the toe links were failing. The Chevrolet mechanic said it was due to a "crappy design." It appears there is a recall on the Chevy Malibu toe links but none currently on the Traverse. There should be. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | SEAT BELTS | The component that failed or is not functioning properly is the passenger seat seat belt component where the seat belt inserts into. The seat belt cannot be inserted into the component and lock/secure in place. This poses a safety hazard to the front seat passenger as they are not able to easily and safely buckle the seat belt. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they acknowledge the malfunctioning seat belt component and stated they will not cover the replacement of it even though the vehicle is less than 5 years old. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | On multiple occasions the vehicle slowed to a stop but engine was still running. This happened once on the interstate at the speed limit. I got warning that power brakes and steering were not working. Other times the car shudders and stops. I then have to turn engine off and restart. I then take to dealer and they check with a computer and can find nothing wrong. I also had “shift to park”. Message and was unable to turn off engine. $300ish to get this fixed. The dealer said common in that vehicle. I want to make clear that this shuddering and limp mode problems have happened at least five times. The date above is the most recent | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission problems and stabilitytrack issues. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Shift to park error. Happens often when the car is in park, the error states that the car is not in park and has an alarm that goes off. I am unsure if the car is safely in park and not sure my car will lock if I do not try to cancel out the message by continuously starting the car back up and shifting the gears to ensure it is in park. It happens very frequently. I was told by the dealership that they have replaced a lot of these parts and they are not sure why a recall has not been issued yet. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE | The tail light is collecting moisture out of nowhere. Went to the dealer to get the item looked at, was told that it was not covered under the warranty. The price to repair will be almost 1300 to replace, this is crazy. GM needs to do something about this. The moisture in the light is a potential for all the electrical wires to burnout. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the EVAP purge valve was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the check engine warning light became illuminated again. The contact also stated that the vehicle was jerking and stalling while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was a leak coming from the purge valve. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 87,000 |
| Dec 2022 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The right rear quarter panel stop turn signal light started to retain moisture then the turn signal and stop light stopped working all together. the light is an LED and therefore cannot replace just the bulb. I am having no luck finding the correct replacement as any search turns up a part discontinued by Chevrolet. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I have been having an issue with my Traverse Antilock Braking System for over a year now. I took it in the first time the icon message kept coming off & on intermittent technician stated that since the icon did not remain on and no check engine light was on nothing they could do and just keep driving it. It kept doing it but will not stay on long enough for me to take back to dealership to proof to them. Recently kept coming on more often and now it's a major and safety concern for me as I am handicapped and this is my only transportation. About 2 weeks ago finally check engine came on I drove to Auto Zone had them do the check engine test got a print out of all the codes made appointment with dealership they kept my vehicle for 4-5 days said they had to reprogram the system charged me for it cause they said my warranty did not cover this $209.00 later the next day same thing icon came back on took car back and again was told that nothing they can do unless check engine stays on. I was able to take a picture with my phone send to them not good enough. Have been driving my vehicle like this and everytime I stop at a traffic light icon comes on & off. I also got a message from my Onstar Diagnostics about this problem and says I should have this problem taken care of immediately as it could be dangerous. Do not understand why my local dealership is waiting for an accident to happen before they realize this should of been taken care of. Since I do not feel very safe driving my vehicle with this issue and I do not have any other means of transportation I have made my family aware of this issue and if something were to happen they know that this had been an issue I tried to have fixed and never happened cause the check engine light did not stay on and that's the only way the dealership said it could get fixed. Please do not hesitate to contact me via email if you need any other information as this is getting to be a scary problem for me now. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Both the driver and passenger side rear turning signals accumulate condensation (if conditions permit, liquid water). When the automatic lights are engaged the rear turning signal will blink rapidly (as if the bulb was out). This problem does not occur when the day-time running lights are on. Estimated repair costs are $600 per light, as the entire housing must be replaced rather than just replacing the bulbs when they wear out. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2022 | POWER TRAIN | The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact's daughter stated that when the gear shifter was shifted into park(P), the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that several attempts were needed before the computer recognized that the gear shifter was in park(P). The contact was then able to turn off the vehicle. Two unknown warning lights were illuminated. The failure was becoming more frequent; however, after the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact's daughter then took the vehicle to an unknown local dealer where she was made aware that there was currently no remedy available for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 65,000 |
| Oct 2022 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon shifting to park(P) and turning off the vehicle, the message "Vehicle Not in Park" was displayed. The contact stated that he had to restart the vehicle and move the gear shifter forward and backward until the transmission moved to the park(P) position. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly. The contact stated that he could not lock the doors of the vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the gear shift selector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 40,119. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,119 |
| Oct 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Rear taillight has moisture inside which can cause an electrical shortage. Upon Google search, there are tons of other 2018 Traverses with the same issue. I contacted the dealership about a GM service bulletin about the same issue but they stated we would have to pay out of pocket for this issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |