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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
9,446 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse electrical problems

electrical problem

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2018 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #25

Feb 032020

Traverse

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

3 rd time repair sunroof -leaking issue 3rd time repair transmission- telling me to put car in drive when the vehicle is in drive. Turned vehicle off restarted -accelerated on its on when vehicle in drive. Electrical passenger window starting not to go down must hit button several times. This is happening daily now. Right front making a awful sound 2nd time brought in for repair. Radio-and xm not working- bluetooth not connecting. This Traverse has been a big disappointment. Always something wrong now electrical stuff..

- Gulf Breeze, FL, USA

problem #24

Dec 262019

Traverse

  • 9,000 miles
Export version only. Country: Colombia. 1. shitf to park. When you park the vehicle ask you to put it in park and it is already. Dealer is working on that as I write this thread. Tech found a recall or bulletin from manufacturer to repair or possible replacement of some parts 2. service stabilitrack. In many and ramdom ocacions this service light comes on and 20 seconds later goes off. When stopping at a light. Dealer unable to duplicate and no fix yet 3. fuel economy system, it does not work right now, and it happened twice before. Does not turn off when you stop at a traffic light. Delaer has updated software in order to remedy this issue. 4. locking audio confirmation. When you manually lock the doors it gives you an audio or lights confirmation. It does not work any more. Dealer looking into this issue. 5. electric parking brake. The electric parking brake activated it self while driving in traffic. Heavy traffic situation 5 mph and the E. brake came on and stayed on. The vehicle did not move forward or backwards. Turn the engine off several times, put in parking, neutral etc etc. After 5 minutes of blocking traffic had to force the vehicle to the shoulder. Almost did not make it. Turn vehicle off and called the flat bed. While waiting 15-20 minutes later turn vehicle on and surprise!!! it was fixed. Magic. The E brake was off and the vehicle was free. While this was going on the E brake light (red) was on, and service parking brake light (amber) was flasing all the time. Dealer did an update to the system and not sure if it will happened again. But this is the third time this happened. Once at my house about six months ago but it took about 1 minute and it fix it self so I did not pay attention to it. The second time it happened to my wife at a shopping center but she left it in the lot and went back shopping and when it came out it was fixed.

- Old Bridge, NJ, USA

problem #23

Nov 012019

Traverse

  • 15,000 miles
For the past several months we have been having difficulty turning off the engine, with an error warning us to 'shift to park', when it is already in park position. This renders the driver unable to turn off the vehicle and will lead to battery drain. We brought the vehicle once again to lucas Chevrolet service department on December 31st to fix this and were made aware that this is a known problem, not yet at the recall level. It has now been a month since the service department ordered the part needed to make the repair, assuming they even know what that is. This is absolutely unacceptable considering we were told the part would be delivered in just a few days.

- Southampton, NJ, USA

problem #22

Dec 292019

Traverse

  • 44,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

First issue is, when you stop driving the Traverse, place it in park and hit the button to turn off the engine, it will shut off the engine but not the electronics. The car displays "action required shift to park" even though it is already in park with the red P lit up. You cannot turn off the vehicle until you repeatedly start the vehicle, place it in drive then back to park. Eventually it will work correctly. Vehicle will not lock when this happens. This now happens every time I try to turn off the vehicle. I am just out of warranty and dealership says I need to replace the entire steering column as the recommended fix from manufacturer did not work. All of which are out of pocket expenses despite this being a well known issue. Also, vehicle will randomly have a long delay before the vehicle shifts in gear. You shift to D and hit the gas and the engine revs like it is in neutral and eventually it will finally start to go. This delay with engine revving also happens randomly when at a stop and accelerating through intersections and I have had a few near misses of almost being hit because of this! this second issue only seems to happen when going from a stop.

- Peoria, AZ, USA

problem #21

Dec 022019

Traverse

  • 25,000 miles
I was stopped at an intersection and the transmission did not allow the vehicle to move forward, it appeared to disengage even though the shifter and dash icon were set in "drive" mode. There is also an alarm sounding when I shut the vehicle motor off and the dash screen reads "shift to park". I found that I need to restart the vehicle and shift out and back in to "park" in order for this alarm to shut off. It appears there is a bad connection between the computer and the transmission or visa versa. GM has already issued several tsbs related to this vehicle as you might be aware.

- Redlands, CA, USA

problem #20

Oct 152018

Traverse

  • 7,800 miles
On October 1, 2018 I purchased a new Traverse from kelley Chevrolet of fort wayne Indiana. My question is can the auto stop on my new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse be disabled. I just had a close call involving the auto stop. I was in branson mo on vacation and this place is built on hills and more hills. I had come to a stop on a hillside and the car went to auto stop. When I lifted my foot on the brake so auto stop would not be engaged the engine stopped. I had no brakes or steering of the vehicle and it started rolling backward ' thank goodness there were no cars behind me. The vehicle was rolling toward a very steep hill on the side of the road and with no brakes I could not stop. Instead I pulled hard on the steering wheel and got it crosswise stopped in the middle of the road. It took me several times before I could get the engine started. Auto stop is a pain in the butt and this scared the dickens out of me. Can it be reprogrammed to not work?

- Fort Wayne, IN, USA

problem #19

Oct 262019

Traverse

  • 24,450 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle was stopped on a steep city street behind another vehicle turning left. Vehicle went to move forward and turn left and it shut off and rolled backwards down the steep hill. Wheel could not be turned, brakes could not be pressed, when gas was pressed it did not go forward, it rolled backwards it was like it shut off after being in auto stop mode. Parking brake assist came on automatically and vehicle rolled into a cement pole. Vehicle was able to be restarted. Parking brake would not release. Had to shut off vehicle, restart and tried to release parking brake 5 more times before it released. This vehicle often rolls backwards after being in auto stop mode and the gas needs to be pushed hard in order for it to go forward. This vehicle feels like it slows down when pressing the gas at times and you need to push the gas pedal harder. The brakes squeak often when wet and cold and sometimes when starting the vehicle the brake will not allow you to push it down, you have to push it several times, let up and push it again before the vehicle will start.

- Lake Linden, MI, USA

problem #18

Sep 282019

Traverse

  • 15,000 miles
When I attempt to turn my vehicle off, I get a message on the screen that says to put the car in park. I verified that the car is in park and the screen reads that it is. The message continues, and the vehicle will not allow me to shut anything off or lock the vehicle. The vehicle just continues to chime. The only recourse is to disconnect the battery. But then, I cannot lock the vehicle. I have included a picture of the screen to show what I am seeing. I have seen several issues online regarding GM vehicles with this issue. I was told by the dealership, who has left me stranded without a car, that they have seen this but there are not enough issues out there to warrant a recall. It would seem to me that this is a safety issue that should require immediate attention.

- Cortlandt Manor, NY, USA

problem #17

Sep 142019

Traverse

  • 17,000 miles
Multiple instances have occurred where entertainment system and other areas of dash randomly shutdown while driving. Music can not be played, turn signal sounds are no longer heard, and voice operations do not work. Turning car on and off does not solve problem, however after sitting over night seems to work normal. Most recent two instances happened September 14th, 2019 and September 8th, 2019 so just a week apart.

- Aurora, IL, USA

problem #16

Jun 192019

Traverse

  • miles
Began 6/19, with progressive worsening. When the vehicle is placed into park and shut-off, a warning appears on the info display stating" shift to park". at which point the vehicle keeps all lights on the inside and outside of the vehicle illuminated, the ac stays on, the radio/entertainment display stays on, in addition to a warning beep/chime that is typical when the vehicle is left "on" and you open the door. In other words, our vehicle still thinks it is "on" and "in" gear. In the beginning it would take 2-5 times of turning the vehicle back on and off in order for the warning to go away and the vehicle to shut-off properly. Now, it will no longer shut-off regardless of how many times the engine is restarted and the stick-shift is moved out of park & back. Have resorted to unplugging the battery every time we exit the vehicle to keep it from being drained. The vehicle has also not re-started at all(taking 15 minutes of re-engaging the starter button at its worst). Leaving my wife & toddlers stuck in 100plus degree heat. When it does not re-start, the dash display reads the vehicle at "0 mph" and allows the gears to be shifted. There are numerous other people online stating similar issues. Some have resolved with a change of the shifter mechanism, & others still with continued issues after that. The dealership stated there is only 1 part left in town, and that it is on back-order and they can't get it from the manufacturer(they tried their two nationwide warehouse locations). Not only that, the dealership said we needed to leave the vehicle with them and they would not even "look at it" for up to 1.5 weeks, and that they were out of loaner vehicles. The vehicle is still under warranty, and was purchased certified-used. Nothing has occurred while driving the vehicle or when stopped at a light/stop-sign, but we certainly don't want to find out what "could" happen.

- Lubbock, TX, USA

problem #15

Aug 022019

Traverse

  • 14,700 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle starts intermittently and once started it will run for a while, then engine will turn off, all power steering, brakes etc will not work. Tried jumping the vehicle and would not power cycle.

- Hudson, WI, USA

problem #14

Jun 142019

Traverse

  • 9,500 miles
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,

- Ottoville, OH, USA

problem #13

Jul 162019

Traverse

  • 27,000 miles
After I shift car in to park I get a warning alarm to "shift to park". I contacted dealer and was advised that it was okay to drive and safe however it takes me anywhere from 2-5 mintues to get it to shut off or sometimes I have had to leave it on.

- College Park, MD, USA

problem #12

Jul 092019

Traverse

  • 27,000 miles
Issue 1 when you stop driving the Traverse, place it in park and hit the button to turn off the engine, it will shut off the engine but not the electronics. The car displays 'action required shift to park' even though the shifter is in park with the red P lit up. You cannot turn off the vehicle until you repeatedly start the vehicle, place it in drive then back to park. Eventually it will work correctly. It also seems to clear if I shift all the way down to L then back to park. Issue 2 randomly (but often) when you start the vehicle and shift it into drive there is a long delay before the vehicle shifts in gear. You shift to D and hit the gas and the engine revs like it's in neutral. Looking at the display the D keeps flashing then eventually it will stop flashing and the vehicle will go in gear. This is happening more and more frequently.

- Eldersburg, MD, USA

problem #11

Jul 092019

Traverse

  • 27,000 miles
My vehicle's transmission is lagging. It sometimes won't go when in drive and given gas. The engine will rev up but won't move. It shifts hard as well. The shift to park indicator comes on when the vehicle is in park and not moving. The radio screen sometimes won't turn off or on, like it's froze. When I turn the vehicle off and all power is off, I can walk in the house and about 4 minutes later my radio comes on by itself. Even if the radio is powered off. The volume will only go up to 32-36, as far as sound, while the radio screen shows 63. It's not loud at all! when I turn the volume button down, the radio increases volume but still isn't as loud as before. It has less than 30,000 miles on it and it's very upsetting. I've already had to put in the shop to replace one faulty part already.

- Jonesboro, LA, USA

problem #10

Jun 032019

Traverse

  • 4,571 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. While attempting to turn into a parking lot, the check engine indicator illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was towed to hampton Chevrolet (757-325-9604, located at 1073 w Mercury blvd, hampton, va 23666) where the technician performed a diagnostic test and found codes P0014 and P0024. The manufacturer was made aware of the codes and advised the technician to clear the codes and return the vehicle to the contact. The technician acted accordingly. The contact stated that the manufacturer and the technician stated that there was no remedy for the failure. The contact insisted that the vehicle was not repaired and unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 4,571.

- Hampton, VA, USA

problem #9

Apr 232019

Traverse

  • 8,126 miles
In early April 2019, approximately the first week of April, I was driving the Traverse on a hill and stopped at a stop light. When the light turned green, I attempted to step on the gas and pull forward, but the car rolled backwards. I looked down to see if I was in reverse, but the car was in drive. This specific incident occurred a total of two times. On April 23, 2019 around 9:40 am I was driving and my car stalled multiple times during this trip. I was not sure if the car was going to make it to my final destination. The check engine light illuminated. On April 24, I received a call from the dealership. The dealership informed me that the car showed 4 'codes'. P0011 'a' camshaft position ' timing over-advanced or system performance bank 1 P0014 'B' camshaft position ' timing over-advanced or system performance bank 1 P0021 'a' camshaft position ' timing over-advanced or system performance bank 2 P0024 'B' camshaft position ' timing over-advanced or system performance bank 2 these codes represented a software problem related to the engine. Tim informed me that according to the GM bulletin (pip5568E or document id# 5251270), the recommendation is to delete the codes and that there is not a software solution to the problem at this time. The dealership informed me that because of the severity of the symptoms I was experiencing related to the codes he did not feel comfortable with the recommendation from the GM bulletin and he would be escalating the issue to the GM district manager. The ultimate result is that they want to delete the codes and have me come pick up the car as there is no solution to the issue at this time.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #8

Apr 252019

Traverse

  • 25,600 miles
On a normal sunny afternoon after about driving for 20 or so miles, we were approaching a red light in a line of traffic at a busy intersection, the vehicle appeared to start slightly jerking as I was coming to a stop. Once stopped the stop/start function operated. Upon releasing the brake to accelerate thru the intersection the vehicle started jerking and lurching uncontrollably then shut down completely, the instrument panel went dark. I could not get the car out of the line of heavy traffic, I had to put it in park right in the middle of the road and try the start button. Thankfully the vehicle started, the check engine light came on and stayed on but the vehicle appeared to be running normal again and we were able to proceed. This was very upsetting and dangerous as it occurred in heavy traffic at an intersection. I took it back to the dealership the next day (I bought this vehicle used 2 weeks prior, this was only my 2nd time driving it and I had only put 70 miles on it in the 2 weeks I had it). The current mileage is approx. 25,600. The hard code the dealer retrieved noted a camshaft sensor issue. The sensor was notreplaced, I was told that GM is aware of this problem and would be issuing a recall but they are not sure when. They said it was a computer program issue. I am very concerned for our safety while operating this vehicle as they said the issue may or may not happen again. Onstar sent me an email notifying me that my 2018 chev Traverse had and engine/transmission issue and to take it to the dealer asap. Thank you onstar, I am very aware of the issue and it was already at the dealer but I appreciate that you also recognize that there was a problem. Hoping GM does something very soon, this is a $50,000 vehicle with only 25K miles on it and it is not safe to operate under these conditions.

- White Hall, MD, USA

problem #7

Mar 242019

Traverse

  • 18,835 miles
Vehicle turned off during operation. Vehicle was traveling at 45 mph on a local highway and turned off. Coasted the vehicle into an empty parking lot where parking gear was applied and vehicle was restarted. Check engine light was now present. Vehicle was dropped off at dealership where it was purchased. Was informed it was a software anomaly and is currently being investigated. No repair, software was reset and vehicle was released

- Hinesville, GA, USA

problem #6

Jan 092019

Traverse

  • 9,808 miles
On 2 separate occasions, one while on a highway going around 65 mph. The other occasion was while going around 45-65 mph on a city road. The display screen in front of the driver flashed on and off for around 10-20 minutes. While the screen was flashing on and off, the buttons on the steering wheel would not change any of the menu screens. I took the vehicle back to the dealer and they informed me that because it was a soft code and not a hard code, they would not do anything.

- Chester, NH, USA

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