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2018 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2018 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has 607 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve power train and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

5.8/ 10

Based on 607 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

POWER TRAIN

167 27.5%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

91 15%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

84 13.8%

ENGINE

71 11.7%

SERVICE BRAKES

35 5.8%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is POWER TRAIN, accounting for 27.5% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 47 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has 607 owner complaints in this dataset. POWER TRAIN is the most common complaint category, representing about 28% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse are POWER TRAIN (167), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (91), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (84).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 269 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 Traverse complaints2019 Traverse complaints2020 Traverse complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 20 of 20 systems

POWER TRAIN

66 Reports26% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASED A 2018 TRAVERSE/REDLINE ON 6 FEB 2018, DROVE IT LESS THAN 100 MILES, AND THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING TWO (2) DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE SERVICE SECTION ADVISED THEY DON'T HAVE THE EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, AND THAT THE EQUIPMENT IS EXPECTED SOMETIME NEXT WEEK. TODAY, 20 FEB 2018, STILL AWAITING EQUIPMENT. I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP MGR THAT I DON'T WANT THAT VEHICLE BACK. THE MGR SAID THAT HIS HANDS ARE TIED AND I WOULD HAVE TO DEAL WITH GM. CONTACTED GM ON 9 FEB, AND COMPLETED AN APPLICATION FOR WHAT I WAS LET TO BELIEVE WAS A 'BUY BACK' OF MY VEHICLE. THE GM REP INFORMED ME THAT SOMEONE WOULD CONTACT ME WITHIN TWO DAYS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT DIDN'T HAPPEN. I CALLED GM BACK ON 13 FEB, SPOKE WITH ANOTHER REP WHO HAD NO CLUE AS TO WHY I WAS CALLING. THIS REP ASKED FOR 72 HOURS, AND WOULD GET BACK TO ME. ON 20 FEB, I RCVD A CALL FROM THE GM REP WHO STATED THAT GM CAN ONLY DO A BUY BACK AFTER 3 OR MORE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. BOTTOM LINE IS THAT I BOUGHT A 46,000 DOLLAR PIECE OF JUNK, AND OF COURSE, NO ONE WANTS IT BACK. AND GM IS MORE THAN AWARE THIS PROBLEM EXISTS... THANK GOD I WASN'T MAKING A TURN IN FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED... TRULY AN UNSAFE VEHICLE... BUYER BEWARE !

2/20/2018

PURCHASED A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE IN OCTOBER. BEGINNING WITHIN THE FIRST 30 DAYS THE CAR MADE A LOUD ROARING NOISE WHEN @ 2100 RPM AND GOING APPROXIMATELY 74 MPH. JUST THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE. THEN STARTING IN DECEMBER, WHILE TRAVELLING OUT OF TOWN, IT PERSISTED EVERY TIME WE DROVE IT. IT ALSO WOULD LOSE POWER OR SOMETHING STRANGE WHEN PUTTING IT IN GEAR AFTER BACKING OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY. WE WOULD ACCELERATE FOR A SHORT DISTANCE WHEN THE RPM'S WOULD REV-UP TO 6-7,000 RPM BUT THE CAR WOULDN'T GO. IT WAS ALMOST AS IF IT WOULD SLIP ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. WE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN 4 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR REPAIR AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. THE CAR ALSO TURNS ITSELF OFF. THE PANEL GOES BLACK. WHEN WE START HEARING A LOUD RUMBLING NOISE WHILE SITTING IN NEUTRAL AT A FAST FOOD DRIVE THRU OR RED LIGHT WE TURN THE AIR CONDITIONING OFF TO TRY AND HEAR THE NOISE BETTER AND THE CAR DIES AND THE PANEL GOES BLACK. WE HAVE HAD TO ACTUALLY RE-START THE CAR. WE ARE EXTREMELY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE AND ARE RETURNING IT DO THE DEALERSHIP TOMORROW FOR OUR FINAL TIME. THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND THINGS ARE ACTUALLY GETTING WORSE. THIS IS SUCH A SHAME BECAUSE WE WERE SO EXCITED ABOUT OUR NEW CAR. WE LIVE ON A VERY BUSY ROAD WHERE VEHICLES AND 18 WHEELERS CAN GO IN EXCESS OF 70 MILES AN HOUR AND I AM AFRAID TO PULL OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WITH THIS CAR. WE HAVE EVEN COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN IT LOOSES POWER TO AVOID BEING HIT FROM BEHIND. THE DEALERSHIP WOULDN'T EVEN START REPAIRS UNTIL THEY COULD DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. FINALLY A MECHANIC ROAD WITH US AND WITNESSED THE NOISE BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO "DUPLICATE" THE SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR TYPE PROBLEMS. SINCE IT IS HAPPENING REGULARLY NOW, MAYBE THEN CAN SEE FOR THEMSELVES. IT HAS TRULY BECOME A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM.

6/4/2018

64 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

36 Reports14% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WAS DRIVING FROM NYC TO TORONTO. WE STOPPED 3 HOURS AFTER FOR BATHROOM BREAK AND LUNCH. I DID NOT LEAVE THE CAR THEREFORE THE CAR REMAINED ON. DROVE FOR ANOTHER 2 HOURS AND STOPPED FOR A BATHROOM BREAK AT JUNIUS PONDS TRAVEL PLAZA AROUND 330PM. TURNED OFF THE CAR AND THATS WHEN WE REALIZED WE DROVE WITHOUT THE KEY. THIS IS IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR. WE CALLED ONSTAR AND CHEVY BUT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST IN ANYWAY. MY PARENTS HAD TO DRIVE TO US TO GIVE US THEY KEY. IT TOOK THEM OVER 6 HOURS BECAUSE IT WAS RUSH HOUR. IMAGINE 6 HOURS BEING STRANDED WITH KIDS. LUCKILY WE WERE AT A REST STOP WITH FOOD, BATHROOM AND MOST IMPORTANTLY HEAT. IT TURNED OUT WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS BUSY PACKING UP THE CAR, HE HAD SWITCHED INTO HIS WINTER JACKET LEAVING HIS SWEATSHIRT BEHIND WHICH THAT KEYS WERE IN. THE CAR WAS IN PARK IN OUR DRIVEWAY. WE DROVE OFF AND THERE WERE NO NOTIFICATIONS. WE EVEN STOPPED AT STARTBUCKS AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK AGAIN. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AS THIS WILL MAKE IT EASY FOR THEFT AND RISKS THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE IN THE CAR. CAN YOU IMAGINE IF WE HAD STOPPED AT A PLACE THAT DID NOT HAVE HEAT. ONSTAR ONLY ALLOWS 2 REMOTE ENGINE START THEN IT WILL TELL YOU THAT THE CAR ENGINE HAS TO BE MANUALLY TURNED ON BEFORE USING THE REMOTE START AGAIN. IM NOT TALKING ABOUT IF A CHILD ACCIDENTALLY THROWS THE KEYS OUT THE WINDOW IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR SHOULD TURN OFF. IM SUGGESTING THAT THE CAR SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO MOVE FROM PARKING IF THE KEY IS NOT IN THE VEHICLE. IMAGINE DRIVING 5 HOURS 300+ MILES AWAY FROM THE KEY AND NO WARNING.

1/23/2018

AT 7,256 MILES, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DALE WILLEY AUTOMOTIVE REPLACED THE ENGINE COOLANT FAN MOTOR & ASSEMBLY, AS IT WAS INTERMITTENTLY TURNING ON & OFF, CAUSING A CODE TO BE FIRED FOR THE ENGINE LIGHT. THE RADIATOR ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A LEAK. ALSO, A FUSE HAD TO BE REPLACED THAT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY BY THE FACTORY WITH A PLASTIC COATING COVERING THE METAL CONTACT OF THE FUSE WHICH WAS CAUSING INTERMITTENT POWER .

4/25/2018

34 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

34 Reports14% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PURCHASED A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE IN OCTOBER. BEGINNING WITHIN THE FIRST 30 DAYS THE CAR MADE A LOUD ROARING NOISE WHEN @ 2100 RPM AND GOING APPROXIMATELY 74 MPH. JUST THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE. THEN STARTING IN DECEMBER, WHILE TRAVELLING OUT OF TOWN, IT PERSISTED EVERY TIME WE DROVE IT. IT ALSO WOULD LOSE POWER OR SOMETHING STRANGE WHEN PUTTING IT IN GEAR AFTER BACKING OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY. WE WOULD ACCELERATE FOR A SHORT DISTANCE WHEN THE RPM'S WOULD REV-UP TO 6-7,000 RPM BUT THE CAR WOULDN'T GO. IT WAS ALMOST AS IF IT WOULD SLIP ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. WE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN 4 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR REPAIR AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. THE CAR ALSO TURNS ITSELF OFF. THE PANEL GOES BLACK. WHEN WE START HEARING A LOUD RUMBLING NOISE WHILE SITTING IN NEUTRAL AT A FAST FOOD DRIVE THRU OR RED LIGHT WE TURN THE AIR CONDITIONING OFF TO TRY AND HEAR THE NOISE BETTER AND THE CAR DIES AND THE PANEL GOES BLACK. WE HAVE HAD TO ACTUALLY RE-START THE CAR. WE ARE EXTREMELY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE AND ARE RETURNING IT DO THE DEALERSHIP TOMORROW FOR OUR FINAL TIME. THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND THINGS ARE ACTUALLY GETTING WORSE. THIS IS SUCH A SHAME BECAUSE WE WERE SO EXCITED ABOUT OUR NEW CAR. WE LIVE ON A VERY BUSY ROAD WHERE VEHICLES AND 18 WHEELERS CAN GO IN EXCESS OF 70 MILES AN HOUR AND I AM AFRAID TO PULL OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WITH THIS CAR. WE HAVE EVEN COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN IT LOOSES POWER TO AVOID BEING HIT FROM BEHIND. THE DEALERSHIP WOULDN'T EVEN START REPAIRS UNTIL THEY COULD DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. FINALLY A MECHANIC ROAD WITH US AND WITNESSED THE NOISE BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO "DUPLICATE" THE SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR TYPE PROBLEMS. SINCE IT IS HAPPENING REGULARLY NOW, MAYBE THEN CAN SEE FOR THEMSELVES. IT HAS TRULY BECOME A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM.

6/4/2018

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD 35 MPH, CAR DIED ENGINE SHUT OFF ALL LIGHTS SHUT OFF. WOULD NOT RESTART, HAZARD LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK!!!!!. WAS GOING UP HILL DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH POWER TO GET TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. ON STAR WOULD NOT WORK, KEY FOB WOULD NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS. ALL ELECTRICAL DEAD. WAS VERY DANGEROUS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND ALMOST GOT HIT TRYING TO SAVE PEOPLE AROUND. DEALERSHIP GOT US A LOANER AND A TOW. THEY SAY ITS THE BRAIN BOX

8/3/2018

32 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

33 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WAS DRIVING FROM NYC TO TORONTO. WE STOPPED 3 HOURS AFTER FOR BATHROOM BREAK AND LUNCH. I DID NOT LEAVE THE CAR THEREFORE THE CAR REMAINED ON. DROVE FOR ANOTHER 2 HOURS AND STOPPED FOR A BATHROOM BREAK AT JUNIUS PONDS TRAVEL PLAZA AROUND 330PM. TURNED OFF THE CAR AND THATS WHEN WE REALIZED WE DROVE WITHOUT THE KEY. THIS IS IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR. WE CALLED ONSTAR AND CHEVY BUT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST IN ANYWAY. MY PARENTS HAD TO DRIVE TO US TO GIVE US THEY KEY. IT TOOK THEM OVER 6 HOURS BECAUSE IT WAS RUSH HOUR. IMAGINE 6 HOURS BEING STRANDED WITH KIDS. LUCKILY WE WERE AT A REST STOP WITH FOOD, BATHROOM AND MOST IMPORTANTLY HEAT. IT TURNED OUT WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS BUSY PACKING UP THE CAR, HE HAD SWITCHED INTO HIS WINTER JACKET LEAVING HIS SWEATSHIRT BEHIND WHICH THAT KEYS WERE IN. THE CAR WAS IN PARK IN OUR DRIVEWAY. WE DROVE OFF AND THERE WERE NO NOTIFICATIONS. WE EVEN STOPPED AT STARTBUCKS AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK AGAIN. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AS THIS WILL MAKE IT EASY FOR THEFT AND RISKS THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE IN THE CAR. CAN YOU IMAGINE IF WE HAD STOPPED AT A PLACE THAT DID NOT HAVE HEAT. ONSTAR ONLY ALLOWS 2 REMOTE ENGINE START THEN IT WILL TELL YOU THAT THE CAR ENGINE HAS TO BE MANUALLY TURNED ON BEFORE USING THE REMOTE START AGAIN. IM NOT TALKING ABOUT IF A CHILD ACCIDENTALLY THROWS THE KEYS OUT THE WINDOW IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR SHOULD TURN OFF. IM SUGGESTING THAT THE CAR SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO MOVE FROM PARKING IF THE KEY IS NOT IN THE VEHICLE. IMAGINE DRIVING 5 HOURS 300+ MILES AWAY FROM THE KEY AND NO WARNING.

1/23/2018

MY WIFE HIT A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD ON, VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. VEHICLE HAD 3000 MILES ON IT. MY WIFE HAD A SEAT BELT ON BUT WAS STILL INJURED. . ALSO ON STAR NEVER CAME ON. AN INVESTIGATOR FROM GM WAS HERE TODAY,AND SAID I SHOULD GET A COPY OF HIS REPORT.

5/3/2018

31 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

18 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AFTER ABOUT 1000 MILES THE BRAKES STARTED GRINDING, AND ALERT WOULD POP UP TO SERVICE THEM AND THEY WOULD BE A HEAVY VIBRATION AS THE ANTILOCK BRAKES WOULD BE KICKING IN EVEN AT VERY LOW SPEED'S. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY REPLACED ALL OF THE BRAKE SENSORS, AFTER ANOTHER TWO WEEKS IT STARTED HAPPENING AGAIN THEY REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS BECAUSE THEY SAID IT HAD A SHORT IN IT . BOTH TIMES I WAS TOLD THE PARTS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER WHICH LED ME TO BELIEVE THIS IS A LARGE PROBLEM. IT HAS NOW HAPPENED THE THIRD AND FOURTH TIME BUT I HAVE NOT HAD TIME TO BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. I LOST ALMOST 2 WEEKS OF HAVING THE CAR IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS THAT I'VE OWNED IT. IT NOW HAS 3500 MILES ON IT. THE PROBLEM IS HAPPENING AT 5 MPH AND EVEN ON THE HIGHWAY EVERY TIME THE BRAKES WERE TOUCHED

3/31/2018

109 MILES ON MY TRAVERSE 2018 & ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE. DALE WILLEY AUTOMOTIVE REPLACED THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM CHECK VALVE & HOSE. DROVE IT AND WITHIN 2 DAYS WHILE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS BACK ON AGAIN. DROVE IT OVER THE WEEKEND AND RETURNED TO THE DEALER AT 438 MILES AND THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER WAS REPLACED. HAVE HAD NO ISSUES AFTER THIS WAS DONE REGARDING THE BRAKES.

4/25/2018

16 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

10 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (AUTONATION CHEVROLET ARROWHEAD, 9055 W BELL RD, PEORIA, AZ 85382, (623) 428-8851), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

6/22/2018

THE GIST OF THIS COMPLAINT IS THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO LOCK THE GAS FILLER DOOR, SO ANYONE AT ANY TIME CAN OPEN THE GAS FILLER DOOR AND POTENTIALLY ACCESS AND/OR CONTAMINATE THE FUEL. THIS IS A SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD. THERE IS NO GAS CAP, EITHER. ITS IS A "CAPLESS" DESIGN, SO ANYONE CAN ACCESS THE VEHICLE'S FUEL SYSTEM.

6/28/2018

8 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

KEEP GETTING ERROR MESSAGE: "ASSISTED STEERING IS LIMITED. PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY". THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET TRUING TURNS. WHEN ERROR CODE WAS DISPLAYED. CAR ONLY HAS 552 MILES. THIS COULD BE A POTENTIAL STEERING ISSUES FOR THE 2018 MODELS.

10/6/2017

I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR LESS THAN 4 MONTHS, BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW OFF THE SHOW ROOM FLOOR. I WAS DRIVING TODAY TO PICK UP LUNCH ON A CITY STREET WHEN AN ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED SAYING CAUTION, POWER STEERING AND SUDDENLY IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO CAREFULLY DRIVE AND PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

2/7/2018

6 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING ON A 45 MPH ROAD, SLOWLY COMING TO A STOP WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED TO SPUTTER, ALMOST LIKE A PUTT-PUTT FEELING. WHEN I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, & THE AUTO STOP FEATURE CLICKED ON, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I RESUMED DRIVING & TRIED TO GET UP TO THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT, IT WAS HARD TO ACCELERATE. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH, BUT IT FELT LIKE THE ACCLERATOR WAS RESISTING. I THOUGHT MAYBE THE SENSOR CAME ON BY ACCIDENT, SO WHEN I GOT HOME, I POWERED THE VEHICLE OFF, WAITED 30 SECONDS, & POWERED IT BACK ON. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY WERE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THAT THE CRANKSHAFT WIRING HARNESS SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR AT THE TIME OF BEING DROPPED OFF AT THE DEALERSHIP HAD APPROXIMATELY 9000 MILES ON IT, & I PURCHASED IT IN NOVEMBER 2017.

3/21/2018

WHEN I STOP DRIVING AND PUT IN PARK WARNING COMES UP ON DISPLAY "SHIFT TO PARK" IT TAKES A LITTLE BIT TO GET IT TO TURN OFF , BUT IF YOU DONT SEE IT YOU COULD HAVE DEAD BATTERY WHEN GET BACK IN CAR.. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL , GETTING TIRED OF ALWAYS RESHIFTING IT EVERY TIME I TURN CAR OFF,

7/27/2019

6 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MAIN SUNROOF (THE ONE THAT TILTS AND OPENS) SHATTERED. IT WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME, ALL WINDOWS WERE CLOSED, DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN A GOOD, SMOOTH HIGHWAY AT 74 MPH, IN GOOD WEATHER, ON MAY 16, 2018

6/20/2018

MAIN SUNROOF (THE ONE THAT TILTS AND OPENS) SHATTERED. IT WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME, ALL WINDOWS WERE CLOSED, DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN A GOOD, SMOOTH HIGHWAY AT 74 MPH, IN GOOD WEATHER

8/14/2018

4 more complaints are available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CHILD(REN) ARE AT RISK IN THE 2ND ROW AS THE SEAT BELT NO LONGER FASTENS.

12/5/2018

ATTEMPTED TO PUT SEAT BELT ON. WON'T LATCH THEREFORE DOESN'T STAY ON. CAR WAS STATIONARY AT TIME FIRST ATTEMPTED TO USE THE SEAT BELT, WAS IN MOTION WHEN MADE SEVERAL OTHER ATTEMPTS. INTERIOR LOCKING MECHANISM MUST BE BROKEN/DEFECTIVE.

11/15/2019

4 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WAS SOLD A CHEVY TRAVERSE WITH NON-FUNCTIONING AIRBAGS. DEFECTIVE PART NUMBER: 13524236

12/28/2017

MY WIFE HIT A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD ON, VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. VEHICLE HAD 3000 MILES ON IT. MY WIFE HAD A SEAT BELT ON BUT WAS STILL INJURED. . ALSO ON STAR NEVER CAME ON. AN INVESTIGATOR FROM GM WAS HERE TODAY,AND SAID I SHOULD GET A COPY OF HIS REPORT.

5/3/2018

3 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, DROVE FORWARD, AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER DRIVE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. *TT *JB

10/12/2018

STARTED SUV THEN NOTICED CHECK ENGINE CAME ON ONCE DRIVING. WENT DOWN A MAJOR ROAD AND NOTICED THE SUV WAS LOSING POWER AND WASN'T SHIFTING PROPERLY. HAD MY KIDS IN THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO TURN AROUND TO GET BACK TO MY HOUSE. ONCE I GOT IT TO A SAFE SPOT I PRESSED ON THE GAS TO PROPERLY PARK IT. THEN THE SUV JERKED FORWARD IN A SUDDEN AMD HARD FASHION AND I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.

11/5/2018

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVING THIS SUV ON THE ROAD THE INNER LINER UNDER THE FENDER STARTED TO COME DOWN AND RUB ON THE TIRE, SMELLY RUBBER WAS BEING BURNT AS I STOP RIGHT AWAY AND NOTICE THE WEAK CHEAP FABRIC THAT WAS IN-PLACE INSTEAD OF A HARD PLASTIC CAME DOWN ALMOST CAUSING A FIRE HAZARD !! WHAT A CHEAP CAR AND YES TO THOSE WHO OWN THIS CAR OR DRIVE IT YOUR IN DANGER BEWARE! THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE REPLACED ASAP, BEFORE A COUNTER LAWSUIT HAPPENSGM!ALSO IVE NOTICE! IF YOU TURN YOUR WHEEL ALL THE WAY YOUR CV,JOINTS WILL MAKE THIS CLICKING NOISE LIKE THERE READY TO GO OUT ? TOOK IT TO MY DEALER AND THEY SAID GM TOLD THEM TO REPLACE A CREW TO STOP THE NOISE CALLED GM AND ASK THEM BUT THEY SAID NO WE DIDN'T ?

8/20/2018

OVER TWO DOZEN AREAS ON THE POWDER COATED SUB FRAME AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS HAVE RUSTY WELD BEADS WITH FLAKING PAINT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION AND FILED A CLAIM WITH CHEVROLET. CHEVROLET SAID THE RUST IS "OPERATING AS DESIGNED" AND NO REPAIR WOULD BE COMPLETED. THE AREAS ARE INCREASING TO RUST AND I BELIEVE THIS MAY LEAD TO A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FRAME AND STEERING COMPONENTS.

12/10/2018

2 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVING THIS SUV ON THE ROAD THE INNER LINER UNDER THE FENDER STARTED TO COME DOWN AND RUB ON THE TIRE, SMELLY RUBBER WAS BEING BURNT AS I STOP RIGHT AWAY AND NOTICE THE WEAK CHEAP FABRIC THAT WAS IN-PLACE INSTEAD OF A HARD PLASTIC CAME DOWN ALMOST CAUSING A FIRE HAZARD !! WHAT A CHEAP CAR AND YES TO THOSE WHO OWN THIS CAR OR DRIVE IT YOUR IN DANGER BEWARE! THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE REPLACED ASAP, BEFORE A COUNTER LAWSUIT HAPPENSGM!ALSO IVE NOTICE! IF YOU TURN YOUR WHEEL ALL THE WAY YOUR CV,JOINTS WILL MAKE THIS CLICKING NOISE LIKE THERE READY TO GO OUT ? TOOK IT TO MY DEALER AND THEY SAID GM TOLD THEM TO REPLACE A CREW TO STOP THE NOISE CALLED GM AND ASK THEM BUT THEY SAID NO WE DIDN'T ?

8/20/2018

STEERING, TURN EITHER WAY, BACKING OUT OF SPACE THERE IS A STRANGE CLICK NOISE, HAS 4631 MILES ONLY. BLUE TOOTH WON'T COME ON ALL OF SUDDEN EITHER FOR HANDS FREE SPEAKING.

3/2/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MANY ISSUES FROM THE DAY THAT I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. 1) NOTICED FRONT WINDSHIELD AND OR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAVING LOTS OF AIR NOISE COMING IN AND WIND CAN BE HEARD AS IM DRIVING. 2) THE AUTO START DOES NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY WHEN GOING TURNS OFF AND ABOUT TO DRIVE OFF IT TUMBLES/SHAKES. 3) HEARING A NOISE ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT PART OF THE VEHICLE THAT CAN BE HEARD ON THE INSIDE AS IM DRIVING. SORT OF A KNOCKING RATTLING SOUND.

11/16/2019

PURCHASED A YEAR AGO IN FL. MY WINDSHIELD CAME LOOSE TWICE ALREADY WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE PADDING IN THE DASHBOARD AREA AGAIN. THE TIRE ON DRIVER SIDE HAS TO HAVE AIR IN IT SEVERAL TIMES AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 20 MINS. PRESSURE KEEPS READING AT 26 AND ALARM GOING OFF WITH THE PROBLEM. HUSBAND REFILLS AND THREE DAYS LATER I MOVE THE VEHICLE AND IT HAPPENS AGAIN. WINDSHIELD YOU CAN HEAR AIR LEAKING FROM IT. SEVERAL TIMES WHEN I STARTED MY CAR IT HAD A WEIRD ENGINE NOISE LOUD ACCELERATION EVEN WHEN SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. I READ NO RECALLS BUT POSSIBLE CLASS ACTION PENDING IF YOU REFUSE TO FIX THE VEHICLES. I WILL BE OVER 36 MONTHS BEFORE MY CAR REACHES 30K MILES. I DRIVE TO AND FROM DOCTORS, GROCERY SHOPPING. CASUAL DRIVING.

3/5/2020

1 more complaint is available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD 35 MPH, CAR DIED ENGINE SHUT OFF ALL LIGHTS SHUT OFF. WOULD NOT RESTART, HAZARD LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK!!!!!. WAS GOING UP HILL DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH POWER TO GET TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. ON STAR WOULD NOT WORK, KEY FOB WOULD NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS. ALL ELECTRICAL DEAD. WAS VERY DANGEROUS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND ALMOST GOT HIT TRYING TO SAVE PEOPLE AROUND. DEALERSHIP GOT US A LOANER AND A TOW. THEY SAY ITS THE BRAIN BOX

8/3/2018

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES, THE BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A DELAY IN THE BLIND SPOT WARNING INDICATOR NOTIFYING THE DRIVER OF A VEHICLE TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT SITUATED IN THE BLIND SPOT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500.

8/20/2018

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO JOE BOWMAN CHEVROLET CADILLAC (2455 E MARKET ST, HARRISONBURG, VA 22801, (540) 434-6731) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS DAMAGED. WHILE PERFORMING THE REPAIR, THE DEALER FRACTURED THE TUBE THAT CONNECTED THE FUEL PUMP TO THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THERE WERE THREE MORE FAILURES WITH THE FUEL PUMP THAT WERE CURRENTLY LINKED TO THE ENGINE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE TUBE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

1/7/2019

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FORWARD ALERT SYSTEM BECAME INOPERABLE AND FAILED TO BEEP WHEN A VEHICLE WAS IN VIEW. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MORAN CHEVROLET CLINTON TWP (35500 GRATIOT AVE, CLINTON TWP, MI 48035, (866) 774-3206) WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED AND THE FEATURE WOULD BE ACTIVATED BY SPEED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.*PM*JB

9/24/2019

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE GEARS ARE GRINDING AND THE CAR IS BREAKING HARDER THAN I AM APPLYING PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND I CAN FEEL THE VEHICLE SHUTTERING AND GRINDING TO A STOP THROUGH THE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE DOES STOP, BUT A WARNING THEN DISPLAYS ON THE DASH "BRAKE ASSIST ACTIVATED". THIS WARNING DISPLAYS EVERYTIME THE BRAKES ARE USED. ONLY HAVE DISABLING THE FORWARD COLLISION BREAK ASSIST DOES THE VEHICLE THEN DRIVE NORMAL. THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED TWICE NOW ONCE IN TOWN DRIVING 30-40 MILES AN HOUR AND ANOTHER STOPPING COMING UP TO A LIGHT AT INTERSECTION.

12/7/2020

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?

The most reported complaint category for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is POWER TRAIN, with 167 owner reports. That is about 28% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 269 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse severe?

269 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Chevrolet Traverse: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
607
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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