Air bags: critical fasteners
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.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 465 owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. Most complaints involve power train (196) and electrical system (102). The EPA rates it 20–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Traverse model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 448 |
| 2010 | 669 |
| 2011 | 608 |
| 2012 | 354 |
| 2013 | 162 |
| 2014 | 549 |
| 2015 | 314 |
| 2016 | 292 |
| 2017 | 361 |
| 2018 | 465 |
| 2019 | 412 |
| 2020 | 235 |
| 2021 | 94 |
| 2022 | 101 |
| 2023 | 95 |
| 2024 | 144 |
| 2025 | 186 |
| 2026 | 29 |
| 2027 | 1 |
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving at 5–8 MPH, the transmission slipped. After coming to a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate for five seconds before jumping forward 3–5 feet. Several unknown warning lights briefly illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond while in reverse(R). The contact expressed safety concerns for his child who occupied the vehicle. An independent mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.”
“First issue-cracked catalytic converter caused leaking carbon monoxide inside vehicle. When I was driving I could smell strong, nauseating fuel smell and would have to drive with windows open to try and get fresh air. Took it to local shop for repair which cost $2700. After repair did some research and found special coverage warranty for 2018 Traverse for this same issue, however chevy told me because I took it to a third party they would not reimburse. Second issue-when car would go into gas saving mode vehicle would shut off quickly then start back up and all alert lights would come on (ie. engine light, parking light, etc.), vehicle would also show typed alert on screen something about power steering would be modified and drive safely. Recently took it to chevy to have it looked at, 3 issue were wrong, one being the purge solenoid needing to be replace. Because of known issue before, did some research and also found a special warranty coverage for 2018 traverses for this issue as well. However, my VIN is not showing any of these recalls so now chevy says they will also not cover this.”
“Engine light came on. Car started shaking and making noise when shifting. Speed would not increase while driving. When shifting into park the car does not recognize that’s it’s in park and had to jiggle the gear shift. Took it to an independent mechanic and they said it’s probably the transmission. Have to take it to a transmission shop.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traverse FWD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
| Traverse FWD Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,050 | 416 |
| Traverse AWD Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 465 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (196), electrical system (102), engine (85). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse at 20–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse 5 out of 5 stars overall.