Complaint volume
437 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
437 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, grouped by component category.
437 Total complaints
9 Crash reports
2 Fire reports
2 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, 2 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 183 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 69,391 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
2 Injury
0 Fatality
11 Towed
3 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Traverse complaint categories?
POWER TRAIN 108
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 54
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 20
ENGINE 18
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 14
SERVICE BRAKES 14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 8
437 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the shift gear was shifted to park, however, the contact stated that the vehicle did not turn off as intended. The contact stated that when turning the engine off, a warning light illuminated indicating shift to park instead. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle did not turn off. The contact stated that the failure began a year ago, however the failure has become persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 80,000 |
| Oct 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Had my traverse for two years, second owner. When I received the car, it had to immediately go into the shop as they couldn’t figure out why all sorts of dash lights where coming on. My car was at the dealership for three weeks and ultimately they replaced the chip, stating that was the issue. Two months down the road, I get the shift to park error message starting. Fast forward to 4 months ago when the stability error message starts to intermittently come on and off. 30 days ago I got the first of the service charging system message and the battery saver mode. My car shut itself down while I was doing 55 miles per hour on a back country road. Every lthing locked up and I had to force a turn to get out of traffic. It was determined my battery was good but alternator was bad. Checked fuses just to be safe all were good. Replaced the alternator with a new one. As of today, I am not able to drive my vehicle because of this same issue. This time I went ahead and replaced the battery and nothing has changed. They are saying it’s my alternator AGAIN. How is this possible that all of us 2018 traverse drivers are experiencing the exact same malfunctions in order and now we have to repeatedly replace the alternator? There is no way 1000s more of traverse owners are all buying “bad” alternators. Something is going on with this and these vehicles are not safe to drive. I can’t even trade mine in because my credit is shot. I pay way too much for this car to not be able to reliably and safely transport my kids to and from school. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(P), the message “Shift to Park” was displayed even thought the vehicle was in park(P). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,900. | Crash: No Fire: No | 54,900 |
| Oct 2024 | SUSPENSION | Incident Description: On 10/2/2024, I discovered a critical failure in the rear suspension of my 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The rear left control arm had completely rusted through and detached from the vehicle frame. This occurred unexpectedly while my family was backing the vehicle into the driveway from my garage. Had this failure happened while driving, it could have resulted in a catastrophic loss of control, leading to a severe accident with potential for serious injury or fatality to my family and others. This incident raises serious concerns about the safety of 2018 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The premature and sudden failure of a critical suspension component due to rust suggests a potential defect in the materials, anti-corrosion treatment, or design of the control arm. This could pose a significant safety risk to all owners of this vehicle model. I have taken detailed photographs of the failed control arm and the affected area of the vehicle frame, clearly showing the extent of the rust and corrosion. General Motors has issued a safety recall (N212346640) for certain vehicles due to a defect in the rear suspension toe links. These vehicles may have received improper electrocoating corrosion protection, making the toe links susceptible to premature rust and fracture. This could lead to a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. The similarity of this recall to the failure I experienced with the rear left control arm onmy 2018 Chevrolet Traverse suggests a potential pattern of corrosion-related suspension component failures in General Motors vehicles. This recall demonstrates that General Motors has acknowledged and addressed similar corrosion-related defects in other vehicles. It supports my concern that the control arm failure on my Traverse may also stem from a manufacturing defect and warrants a thorough investigation by the NHTSA. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Experienced slipping and shuddering while driving and a sudden loss of power. The vehicle also would not accelerate while driving. The vehicle was towed to a Chevy dealer as it was not drivable. The Chevy service department found an evap leak, vehicle does not move in reverse, slips going into drive. Checked fluid level and condition found level ok. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | Carry Handle, Shell, Base,Tether, Lower Anchor (on car seat or vehicle) | I purchased these Carseats after I was in an accident and needed to replace the 2 that I had, The tethers attached to the carseat were not effective at all, I could not get them anywhere near close to actually securing the Carseats. So I opted to use my vehicles seatbelts, with the seatbelts pulled as far as I could get them and locked the Carseats still moved more than an inch. I had to have my husband help me push the carseat as far down into my seat that I could to get the least amount of movement as possible. One of the Carseats even tipped over while I was driving after all of this. Needless to say that I will be replacing these seats as I do not feel they would keep my children safe in the event of an accident, I feel as though these seats endanger my children because they aren't keeping them secure enough not to become projectiles in the event of an accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated while attempting to reverse, the gear shifter failed to shift into reverse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer offered to assist with a monetary rebate to assist with the cost of the repair. In addition, the contact stated that there was an unknown recall for the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 77,000 |
| Sep 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated and shifted out of gear independently. The vehicle was repaired prior to the failure; however, the failure became persistent. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 93,000 |
| Sep 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | When putting my car in park and shutting off. My traverse says warning shift to park when I am clearly in park. I cannot lock my doors and horn beeps. It continues to ding with warning! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ENGINE | bracket on the exhaust flex pipe bracket broke. This is a known issue by GM (PIP5681C) that covers 2018-2022 Chevy Traverse and Special Coverage notices have been issued for at least the 2019 (N212356540) and 2021 (N222385510). I called GM today and they said my 2018 Traverse would not be covered even though it is a known issue and had a bulletin issued on it. If this is a known issue for several years (including 2018), why wouldn't the 2018 model be included and covered? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | The car will not turn off 85% of the time. When I put it in park and hit the start/stop engine button the vehicle does not turn off. It shows a message "Shift to Park" but it's in park. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | While I was driving, the rear sunroof suddenly "exploded". I was shocked as I did not feel any impact, but it sounded like a wrecking ball had hit my car. I don't think I swerved into the other lane or anything like that, but honestly it happened so fast, I'm not sure. My heart was racing, and I felt like I was in danger, but able to pull over fairly soon after. I began to feel unwell as if my blood pressure was elevated, which I'm sure it was. I inspected the outside of the vehicle and didn't see any damage, but then from inside noticed a crackling sound, which was localized to the rear sunroof. I examined it from the top and found it to be cracking in various areas around the perimeter of the glass. The shade on the sunroof was closed, so I don't believe any glass entered the interior of the car. I called my daughter to tell her what had happened and drove the rest of the way home. At this point, I have not had anyone else look at it but am reaching out to the dealership where I bought the car. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | Shift to Park Issue. Other years have been recalled for this issue but not 2018 (specifically this vin#). Car doesn't recognize when parking gear is engaged and asks for parking to be engaged. Issue is happening more often and it's becoming harder to park the car. Dealership says nothing can be done unless out of pocket. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a rattling sound coming from under the front passenger’s side seat. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a detached exhaust pipe bracket. The contact was informed that the bracket needed to be welded back onto the front of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under an unknown special coverage adjustment program. The contact was advised to contact the NHTTA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. The VIN was unavailable. | Crash: No Fire: No | 78,000 |
| Aug 2024 | POWER TRAIN | I’m having a constant issue where the vehicle does not recognize that it is in park, and won’t shut down properly. It keeps all electrical components running and drains my battery. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | My vehicle has not reached 100.000 miles and my transmission needs to be replaced | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | So since 8/02/23 when the vehicle had 54,000 miles it began to give electrical problems. I bought the car 01/16/23 it had only 26,000 miles. The service battery charging system light and battery saver mode went on and also the reduced steering light which began to shut the car down I immediately pulled over. Took it to gm dealer they tested battery was dead then charged it checked alternator it failed so they replaced alternator. 7 days later 8/10/23 the car is still running rough idle. Had savi code p0496 evap flow during non purge replaced purge solenoid. The car still the engine slightly was not 100 percent fixed I told them every time it wasn't good. 02/12/24 I took back to dealer engine running rough and every time I put gas it was hesitant the transmission I am assuming check engine light was on code p0496 the gm dealer diagnosised and replaced canister purge solenoid.so 2/28/24 battery saver mode light came on andservice battery charging vehicle stalled out checked alternator failed replaced alternator. 6/25/24 took to another gm dealer and the diagnosised it check engine light was on and told them my car wasn't starting well after I filled my gas and rough engine. Told me to come back 7/03/24 to do evap canister check engine light was on they found evap leak from from evap canister charged me 508 dollars. So I took vehicle from dealer towards hone filled up gas car would not start problem was not fixed called dealer immediately manager said get here before they close I did and manager left but on service guy got the master mechanic to look at it he said it's purge valve the next day they were closed due to 4th of July so was told to take back on 7/5/24 to replace purge solenoid. The gas issue was fixed but now the transmission is worse when I accelerate it stutters bad I been telling both dealers was told they can't look at vehicle unless check engine light was on so 3 faulty purge valves 2 alternators replaced and car stutters worse shift to park light. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This concerns a defective transmission control (shifter) assembly. The defective shifter assemblies prevent the vehicles from detecting when the driver places the car in “Park.” As a result, the vehicle goes into accessory mode and one cannot shut off or lock the vehicle, the instrument cluster displays a “Shift to Park” message even though the gear shifter is already in “Park,” and the battery drains. Because one cannot reliably turn off their vehicles when reaching their destination, the Defect substantially impairs the vehicles’ ability to provide safe and reliable transportation. Shifter assemblies are not expected replacement or maintenance parts and absent a defect should not require replacement. Nonetheless, GM had knowledge of the defect and GM fails to repair the GM known Defect. Chevrolet service department has confirmed the defect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an extremely loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter, observing that the catalytic converter had detached from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred two additional times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 92,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 92,000 |
| Jul 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to sound like a lawnmower. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with catalytic converter and failed flex pipe failures. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter and the flex pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and discovered the Manufacturer's Communication Number: 212356540; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not eligible for repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 80,000 |
| Jul 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the driver’s side taillight was blown due to water entering the taillight assembly. While driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the battery failure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the following day while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The battery warning light remained illuminated along with the check engine warning light. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,700. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 45,700 |
| Jun 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Shift to Park error occurs 90% of the time I put my car into park. The car turns off but none of the electrical does, like its in accessory mode. Dings when you try to leave the car and will not lock. Display reads 'Shift into Park'. I have to jiggle the shifter to get it to engage. Could be a couple jiggles or 5 mins of jiggling and restarting the car, shifting from drive to park over and over.. This has been "repaired" once under warranty. Now that it is out of warranty the manufacturer refuses to cover any of the expenses on this known issue with a bulletin per your website. I did not realize this was happening to so many. Should be a recall for sure! VERY FRUSTERATING. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION | when driving my vehicle with the air condition on after about 25 minutes, the audio system completely goes out. no sound from the stereo, the backup camera alert, the blind spot alert, the "clicking" sound from the blinkers, all chimes, everything. The mechanic looked at the car and stated that this is a result of the condensation from the HVAC system entering the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) module through the module vents. He stated this should have been a recall as it is an extreme safety hazard as it prevents any audio alerts of the blind spot or backup camera warning systems. He states the ANC module should be replaced and a secondary shield should be installed to prevent this in the future. The sound eventually comes back once the condensation dries up but once the Air condition comes back on again shortly all the sounds go out again. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The gear shift is malfunctioning. When parking keep getting shift to park message when in park. Have to tap shift or turn car off and on several times and shift gears for it to register the car is parked. Has not been inspected yet. No warning messages at all. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The shift lever is not sensing that the vehicle is in park. This is the second time this has happened. I have to click the shift lever button rapidly to get it to sense that it is in park. The problem was confirmed in 2019 by a dealer and the whole housing was replaced. It is ultimately failing again. GM needs to be held liable for this fix. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |