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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Shift assembly has failed twice - April 2021 and April 2024. For this latest occurrence (April 2024), the vehicle spontaneosly stops registering when I shift into park. When I shift, the vehicle sends a warning to shift into park. There is a safety concern because I cannot determine whether or not the vehicle is actually in park. The GM dealer has determined that the issue is a faulty shifter switch and harness and a faulty shift knob. The issue occurred and was repaired in April 2021. The issue began occuring again, intermittently, in January 2024. Issue became consistent (inability to shift to park) about March 2024. At the same time, the parking brake/stabilitrak began engaging each time the vehicle stops (e.g., at stop lights, etc), which has caused premature brake wear. In April 2024 the following parts were replaced: Shifter switch (Part #84955381) Harness (Part #84733196) Brake rotors Brake pads | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Shift to Park error occurs everytime I put my car into park. It does not turn off and the vehicle remains on until I jiggle the shifter. This has been "repaired" 2x 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 (18-NA-297). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES | Shift assembly has failed twice - April 2021 and April 2024. For both occurrences, the vehicle spontaneosly stops registering when I shift into park. When I shift, the vehicle sends a warning to shift into park. There is a safety concern because I cannot determine whether or not the vehicle is actually in park. The GM dealer determined that the issue is a faulty shifter switch and harness and a faulty shift knob. Both were replaced. In April 2021 transmission shifter (part #84698649) and jumper harness (part #84733196) were replaced. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | The transmission on my 2018 Chevy Traverse went out per the mechanic that recently inspected it. It was just purchased from a Chevy dealership not even 8 months ago. I first noticed the problem a couple weeks ago when my car hit about 25mph getting on the highway then wouldn’t go any faster as I would try to accelerate speed, then it was jerking and was harshly engaging from time to time. Then it finally felt like someone crashed into the back of my car it jerked so hard and then accelerated but only went up to 40mph and wouldn’t go any faster. It would hit 40 mph and then idol at the speed when you would hit the gas to accelerate. No engine light came on or anything at that time. Then a couple days later the shifter would be put into reverse and then not go in reverse when you hit the gas to go. Having two young kids, my husband told me it wasn’t safe to be driving it at all. We had it towed to a mechanic shop to be inspected since we depend on a car for our job. The mechanic inspected it with a diagnostic code reader as well as looking at the transmission. The overall condition is that the transmission is not working anymore. I have done research and for this specific make, model and year there are tons of recalls for the transmission. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I was driving and just passed a vehicle while accelerating when I heard a pop noise, saw a lot of white smoke through my rear view mirror, had the engine light go on and the vehicle stopped working. I slowly pulled over to the side of the road and placed the vehicle in park followed by turning off the car. A person driving by stopped and advised me my vehicle was on fire under the undercarriage. I popped the hood and the engine was also in flames. I was unable to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher and the local fire department and law enforcement agencies helped to put out the fire. The vehicle was a complete loss. If it were not for the passer by person telling me the undercarriage of the vehicle was on fire, not sure if I would have known in time to get out of the vehicle safely. The root of the cause is under investigation by my insurance company. 2018 Chevrolet Traverse LS | Crash: No Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission on this year/make/model has a bad track record as shown by numerous Technical Service Bulletins. Car will repeatedly not shift throughout 9 speed transmission TSB: PIP5546C 17-NA-317 PIP5621D 04-07-30-013E 20-NA-138 06-00-89-031 21-NA-201 PIP5697E 18-NA-298 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My quarter panel taillight has stopped working due to moisture in the light (no visible breakage on light). This part is on continuous backorder with no ETA of coming back in stock. Dealer has ordered part but will not give a loaner car. GM acknowledged backorder but will not give rental reimbursement. I have three children I am to put in this car that does not have a left turn signal or brake light. I feel unsafe driving this car as I may be rear ended but everyone I talk to says they can't do anything. What am I to do. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, an abnormal rattling sound was coming from the vehicle without warning. The contact stated that once the engine had warmed up, the rattling sound turned into a chugging sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the bracket used to hold the exhaust pipes together had rubbed against one of the pipes and formed a hole. The mechanic then explained that if not repaired, the catalytic converter would become damaged. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was made to have a diagnostic test performed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 117,600. | Crash: No Fire: No | 117,600 |
| Mar 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Exhaust cracks out creating a hole and cause’s problems with the catalytic converter. This is exactly the same problem as on the 2019 and up traverse that they have issued repairs on | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | It has a leak and having electrical issues. Everything else unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I currently own a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse with 63k miles the had a cracked catalytic converter. The catalytic converter was replaced but the dealer also charged me for a flex pipe replacement which they said was broken too. This is a known issue as per GM's own bulletin #PIP5681, yet they refused to cover the repair in it's entirety. GM is entirely covering this issue in 2018-2021 chevy traverse vehicles, but they are refusing to cover the costs of the flex pipe replacement for approximately $600. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | POWER TRAIN | EROR MESSAGE SHIFT TO PARK AND TRANSMISSION SHUTTER ABOVE 70 MILES PER HOUR. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ENGINE | The exhaust system mount bracket broken allowing exhaust system movement resulting in a cracked catalytic converter . The mount bracket broke due to a poor weld from the part supplier. The repair cost $2404.74 on 6/5/2023 at 33.953 miles . Recently I researched this issue and found GM policy # N212356540 on 2019 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave with exact same issue with coverage to 150,000 miles. My research also found that many other owners of 2018 Traverse complaining about the exact same issue with very similar costs. This obvious emission item should have been covered. l | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ENGINE | My vehicle was getting a check engine code #P0420, took to my GM dealer for service on [XXX]. RK Chevrolet in Virginia Beach, VA. Was told the error was caused by the mounting bracket on the front exhaust pipe had separated from the pipe, resulting in a hole in the pipe. They replaced the front exhaust pipe (85542639) and 2 pipe gaskets (84135650) as well as the muffler section of the exhaust. GM has issued a special coverage [XXX] on the 2021 Traverse for these exact part numbers, and are replacing at no cost. But if the same part numbers are failing on the 2018 (and probably 2019 and 2020) shouldn't they be covering all models with these parts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The rear catalytic converter has a crack in it which causes exhaust fumes to blow right into the cab of the vehicle. I have called and reported. I asked if there was a recall, chevy said theres no recalls. I stated how bad the fumes are and that when quoted, it is over 2000.00 to repair. I have looked into this and it seems to be a common issue with the Traverse. Muffler shops and regular mechanics refuse to touch this issue and state it has to be taken to a dealership for replacement and repairs. I currently cannot transport my children in the vehicle. I drive 10 miles to work and have a headache all day due to the fumes i injest in the drive to work. By the time i get to work i am very light headed and dizzy. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and taken seriously before any fatalities due to the lack of concern or care from Chevrolet. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | POWER TRAIN | My car just stopped working is related with the transmission | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exhaust system failed. The contact stated that the exhaust system was extremely loud. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed exhaust system and the exhaust system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,000 |
| Jan 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Catalytic converter failed, 3rd time in 2 years. Vehicle began losing power while on interstate. Issue has been confirmed by dealership inspection. Issue has been claimed by many other owners of this make and model but no recalls issued or warranty coverage for known issue. Check engine light came on just as issue began while driving with my family. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I shift into Park, then turn the car off and the dash starts dinging stating" shift to park" You then have to shove the gear up to get it to park all the way. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I had just got gas and the vehicle took longer than usual to start/turn over. I was leaving the store and sitting at the stop sign that is on a small incline. When I proceeded to go, my truck shook a few times, cut off, and I had no control of the vehicle. The brake pedal would not push down and my vehicle began rolling backwards. There was a car behind me that started honking his horn because I was going to run into him. I pushed the start/turn off ignition button and tried the brakes again and it worked. I had to sit there for about 5 minutes to get myself together because I was terrified to take off again. About a week later I was pulling out from my subdivision and the truck started alarming to service the StabiliTrak as I was pulling out. At the moment, the steering wheel became almost impossible to turn and the car didn't want to go! I had several cars coming my way and my vehicle was in the middle of the road. Thank goodness the cars slowed down and my vehicle decided to start working. About a month later it started sounding like a go-kart. I had the vehicle checked out by a mechanic and I was told I needed a new battery and my exhaust pipe had a hole. I bought the battery and the $1200 pipe and had it installed. Now a different exhaust pipe has a hole and the part is on back order because apparently this is a frequent reccuring issue but no recall. I never feel safe driving my truck and it is a 2018 and not yet at 100,000 miles, That is pretty sad! The vehicle is available for inspection. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | On Saturday December 16, 2023, I drove to Best Buy in Beaumont, Texas to pick up my son’s Christmas gift. I am inside for about 30 or so shopping around. When I get back to my car I notice my back moon roof was completely shattered. Only tiny particles of glass fell in my vehicle but I notice the middle of the glass was pushed up a little higher like something happened to it from the inside. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | POWER TRAIN | The car shifter doesn't detect that it's parked and keeps displaying "Shift to Park" message not allowing you to turn off the car completely. This problem happened before and was only fixed by replacing the shifter but it happens again after about the same time driving the original shifter. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I was driving on the highway and without any warning, the acceleration did not work in my car. I coasted to the side of the highway and waited for over an hour for a tow truck to arrive. Chevrolet replaced the transmission. I was told Chevrolet would consider rebates if I go through a Chevrolet dealership to fix it. They charged $2,000 over other shops, but only offered $200 off. They also took over a month to repair my vehicle. I wish I did not use them for repairs. Also, during heavy rains, the car leaked water through the electrical components in the roof. We intervened several times, but water persistently came through. Finally, we purchased the car at under 30,000 miles and immediately needed to replace the exhaust and shift to park feature. The car would not recognize when I was in park and could not turn off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | ENGINE,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking abnormally at start-up and while idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the purge valve was defective. The contact spoke with a dealer and the dealer confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 93,000 |
| Nov 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Active grille air shutter | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |