Problems · NHTSA complaints

2018 Chevrolet Traverse problems

Owners filed 465 complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse with NHTSA between Oct 2017 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (196).

Complaints
465
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
10
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
8
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train196
  2. Electrical system102
  3. Engine85
  4. Service brakes38
  5. Fuel/propulsion system30
  6. Engine and engine cooling16
  7. Steering14
  8. Exterior lighting12
  9. Structure11
  10. Seat belts11
  11. Suspension10
  12. Forward collision avoidance8
  13. Fuel system, gasoline8
  14. Vehicle speed control8

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20172
201831
201958
202048
202137
202232
202350
202467
202585
202655

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Power train

196 reports1 crash1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026Power trainODI 11771096

Electrical system

102 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11768232

Engine

85 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 14, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11743964

Service brakes

38 reports4 crashes
“I was driving along the Jackie Robinson Parkway when, on a curve, the car braked on its own and crashed into a wall, resulting in the total destruction of the vehicle. My son had to be hospitalized. This car had braked on its own before—at speeds of 10 or 15 mph—but I didn’t think much of it at the time; however, this time we were traveling at 45 mph when the”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Wheels, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11773779

Fuel/propulsion system

30 reports
“Special coverage programs for the 2018 Chevy Traverse front exhaust pipe mounting bracket failure. GM has focused on coverage specifically on 2019-2021 models, but 2018 models are affected as well. I'm being forced to pay for a new exhaust when 2018 models should have been included for the Specific special coverage (e.g., N212356540, N222385510) exists for 2019–2021 vehicles, offering repairs (sometimes for 15 years or 150,000 miles) when the front mounting bracket breaks.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 11, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11737069

Engine and engine cooling

16 reports
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, there were exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the mechanic was notified of a failure with the exhaust manifold. The local dealer was contacted and informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the exhaust manifold weld needed to be re-welded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 2, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11714978
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.