Problems · by component

2018 Chevrolet Traverse fuel/propulsion system problems

30 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse cite fuel/propulsion system, 6% of all 465 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
30
6% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the fuel/propulsion system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“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
“My engine light came on, so I took it the mechanic. According to the reading it says it was my purge valve, they replaced. After driving 30 miles it came back on. I took it back and they thought it was a defected part so they replaced it again. After 30 miles, it came back on. The mechanic searched online and showed me this issue was for 2019 for a recall. I contacted GM to see if there is a recall for 2018. They said no. At this time the engine lights stays on, but it gives a evap engine light. I can't pass smog due to the issue. The gas tank does not have a cap, it's open. This is how it was when I purchased the vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 27, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11734037
“Valor Canister Purge solenoid is faulty. After filling it up with gas and start driving the vehicle begins to stutter. After a stop at an intersection the vehicle begins to stutter and shuts off.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 8, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11730052
“The exhaust system on my 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has failed due to cracking in the exhaust pipe and/or muffler assembly. This appears to be consistent with known issues in similar model years where exhaust pipe brackets separate and cause cracks or holes in the exhaust system. The failure has resulted in excessive exhaust noise and potential exhaust leakage. The dealership has confirmed the issue and recommended repairs costing several thousand dollars but stated my VIN is not included in the existing recall or special coverage. Yes, the vehicle and failed components are available for inspection upon request. The failure of the exhaust system creates a risk of exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide, entering the passenger cabin, which poses a serious health hazard. Additionally, a compromised exhaust system can affect vehicle performance and emissions, and in some cases may increase the risk of fire if hot exhaust gases escape in unintended areas. This issue is especially concerning because it has been identified in other model years of the same vehicle, yet my vehicle is not currently covered, despite experiencing the same failure. This creates an ongoing…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 17, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11724867
“ome customers may complain of a rattle or exhaust noise, a CEL/MIL on, or repeat concerns of lean codes or converter failures. The cause for these concerns could be a broken or poor weld with lack of penetration on the Bank 2 exhaust. Issue is exact same as listed in Bulletin PIP5681A”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 15, 2025Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11699609

Showing 6 of 30 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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