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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
16,343 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2018 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #46

Jul 022024

Traverse

  • 45,700 miles

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

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the driver-??s side taillight was blown due to water entering the taillight assembly. While driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the battery failure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the following day while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The battery warning light remained illuminated along with the check engine warning light. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,700.

- Macon, GA, USA

problem #45

Jun 052023

Traverse

  • miles
The exhaust system mount bracket broken allowing exhaust system movement resulting in a cracked catalytic converter. The mount bracket broke due to a poor weld from the part supplier. The repair cost $2404.74 on 6/5/2023 at 33.953 miles. Recently I researched this issue and found GM policy # N212356540 on 2019 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave with exact same issue with coverage to 150,000 miles. My research also found that many other owners of 2018 Traverse complaining about the exact same issue with very similar costs. This obvious emission item should have been covered. l

- Empire, MI, USA

problem #44

Jan 262024

Traverse

  • miles
My vehicle was getting a check engine code #P0420, took to my GM dealer for service on [XXX]. RK Chevrolet in Virginia Beach, VA. Was told the error was caused by the mounting bracket on the front exhaust pipe had separated from the pipe, resulting in a hole in the pipe. They replaced the front exhaust pipe (85542639) and 2 pipe gaskets (84135650) as well as the muffler section of the exhaust. GM has issued a special coverage [XXX] on the 2021 Traverse for these exact part numbers, and are replacing at no cost. But if the same part numbers are failing on the 2018 (and probably 2019 and 2020) shouldn't they be covering all models with these parts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #43

Nov 232023

Traverse

  • 93,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking abnormally at start-up and while idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the purge valve was defective. The contact spoke with a dealer and the dealer confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

- East Taunton, MA, USA

problem #42

Feb 162022

Traverse

  • 76,600 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was an exhaust odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taking to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that he had headaches due to the exhaust odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 76,600.

- Levittown, NY, USA

problem #41

Sep 152023

Traverse

  • miles
N222385510, the exhaust system separated from the car. There are current recalls from GM for 2019-Current Traverse models with the exact same issue. Our 2018 has the exact same problem and our local GM dealer verified it, but they will not cover this expense. We were quoted $2,000 + for the fix, GM Customer Care has been no help.

- Lapeer, MI, USA

problem #40

Sep 042022

Traverse

  • miles

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

"shift to park" when car is already in park

- Green Bay, WI, USA

problem #39

May 292022

Traverse

  • miles
Rough starting engine, close to stall while idle and stopped on-road. Check engine light activated. 2016 and 2017 model years of Chevrolet Traverse vehicles were recalled for this exact issue. This condition was covered in: Special Coverage Adjustment N192210240 Evaporative Emissions Purge Valve Replacement. Our experience shows that this recall may not have covered the entirety of this issue. It is ironic that we experienced this exact same problem in a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The GM dealership charged us >$300 to repair. The recall covering the immediately previous model year extended warranty and offered free replacement. I am reaching out to NHSTA to make them aware of the issue with the Purge Valve in the 2018 model year Traverse. I contacted GM and they were not able to help, other than stating the original recall did not cover 2018 model years. We believe that it should also cover the 2018 model year based on our experience.

- Okemos, MI, USA

problem #38

Mar 302022

Traverse

  • 77,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while attempting to turn the vehicle off while parked, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact stated that a message was displayed on the instrument panel to shift into park(P). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

- Georgetown, TX, USA

problem #37

Jul 312021

Traverse

  • miles
Due to the ems recall it has caused the ABS to malfunction went to two dealerships more than four times was told to pay in order to have my car fixed due to ems recall service provider: Due to the ems recall it has caused the ABS to malfunction per ems recall this can be fixed free of charge. I am being denied by both killeen and temple Chevy dealerships.

- Harker Heights, TX, USA

problem #36

Jun 292021

Traverse

  • miles

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

On June 29, 2021 Unable to turn off vehicle/engine. Started approximately 1 week before on 2 occasions where I finally was able to shut off vehicle. I called dealership/service to get an appointment, but had to go in immediately because it would no longer turn off. Repair was not covered under warranty which was only 4 months past the 3 year warranty and mileage was only 27,637. It cost me just under $450 to repair this. Service advisor at Classic Chevy in Grapevine, TX commented that they had been seeing this problem which they diagnosed as INTERNAL SHIFTER FAULT. (A C/S SHIFT TO PARK MESSAGE COMES ON CLUSTER is noted on the repair invoice.) This was unnerving at the very least, and safety risk. Is this problem under any recall or potential recall?

- Keller, TX, USA

problem #35

Oct 072019

Traverse 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,685 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 2 mph and making a turn, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle then restarted on its own with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that no issues were found however, the computer system was reset. The contact stated the failure reoccurred while making a left turn at a stoplight. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 21,685. Consumer stated vehicle has been in the shop for 6 months and still in the shop.

- Fox Point, WI, USA

problem #34

Apr 282021

Traverse

  • 40,000 miles
When shifting into park and attempting to turn off the car, 80% of the time the vehicle would not register that the car was in park and allow the vehicle to turn off. It would alarm & charm with a message to "shift to park". this is a known manufacturing issues with the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC acadias, and possibly other models of Chevy/GMC. This is a major safety concern as there is no way to know if the vehicle is truly in park and can leave you in scary situations when you cannot turn off the car. We have also been stranded with a dead battery because the "shift to park" chime and message drained the battery. Chevrolet has provided their dealerships with bulletins in how to add a jumper harness and add/replace a switch in the gear shift assembly to correct the issue, but refuse to take accountability. I have had multiple service advisors admit they have had to fix numerous gear shifters and that this is a known issue. A recall needs to be issued on this problem as it is a safety concern for anyone affected. Please address! I am including my receipt on the service I had to pay for to fix this problem. Also an example of one of the technical bulletins Chevrolet has sent their service department.

- Newberry, FL, USA

problem #33

Apr 172021

Traverse

  • 32,400 miles
Today driving around 35 to 40 mph. Car started to lose speed, engine light, park brake light and dash read engine in reduced speed. Still not safe to drive. 3rd time this has happened and has been to dealership, service dept after each occurance. Not safe.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #32

Apr 132021

Traverse

  • 32,500 miles
Driving down busy road at about 35 40 miles an hour. Vehicle began to slow down engine light park light started blinking. Drifted into parking lost. Then only engine light was showing. Next a message of engine reduce power was on display. Called dealership stated not to drive and had it towed in. Now no engine light is present. This is the 2nd time something like this has happened. Not safe at all.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #31

Feb 012020

Traverse

  • 3,600 miles
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.

- Seffner, FL, USA

problem #30

Feb 242020

Traverse

  • miles
Shift to park error message while the vehicle is in park. This prevents turning the vechicle off, locking the doors, etc. This problem has been well documented on several thousand vehicles. However, GM has only quietly fixed problem case by case and will not cover under power train warranty. A national recall should be issued asap to fix and replace the shifter. Poses a safety issue as well since it involves a faulty gear shifter.

- Bowie, MD, USA

problem #29

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 #28

Oct 262019

Traverse

  • 24,450 miles
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 #27

Oct 232019

Traverse

  • 1,000 miles
2018 Chevy Traverse when decelerating around speeds under 35mph city driving the vehicle will randomly rev up and the RPM will go up to 4000 or 5000 RPM, this also happens while braking. Sometimes the car will jerk forward as if it was going to accelerate and other times it just stays at a high RPM for 5 seconds or less until I either come to a complete stop or try to accelerate and it does not respond. The engine sounds like it is in neutral and the accelerator is being held down. It also does not respond to the gas pedal when it is reving like this, and if I try to accelerate the car will eventually kick into gear and lunge forward. Took it to the dealer withing the first few months of owning it and they could not replicate the issue and said the computer did not return any issue. This problem comes and goes since I bought the car brand new in 2018 and concerns me, because it feels as if the car is accelerating on its own and may cause me to crash.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

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