Chevrolet Traverse years to avoid and best years
Newer Chevrolet Traverse years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2018 has the most complaints per year, at 46 (461 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 8 (from 89 complaints), 2013 at 10 (from 162 complaints), and 2012 at 11 (from 354 complaints). The Chevrolet Traverse 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, 119 of 461 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
2021
2013
2012
2025–26
Chevrolet Traverse reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Chevrolet Traverse. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 21.5 |
| 2025 → Too early | 89 | 177 | 0 | Service brakes | 22 |
| 2024 → | 45 | 136 | 0 | Service brakes | 21.3 |
| 2023 → | 20 | 89 | 2 | Powertrain | 20.5 |
| 2022 → | 15 | 98 | 1 | Powertrain | 20.5 |
| 2021 → Fewest | 8 | 89 | 3 | Electrical system | 20.5 |
| 2020 → | 12 | 228 | 8 | Engine | 20.5 |
| 2019 → | 25 | 405 | 3 | Powertrain | 21 |
| 2018 → Most | 46 | 461 | 2 | Powertrain | 21 |
| 2017 → | 15 | 361 | 3 | Air bags | 17.5 |
| 2016 → | 16 | 292 | 5 | Air bags | 17.5 |
| 2015 → | 13 | 313 | 5 | Air bags | 19 |
| 2014 → | 24 | 547 | 7 | Air bags | 19 |
| 2013 → Fewest | 10 | 162 | 4 | Air bags | 19 |
| 2012 → Fewest | 11 | 354 | 5 | Engine | 19 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 5W-30 (dexos1) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/70R17 to 255/55R20 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 21V-782 covers certain 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2008-2017 Buick Enclave vehicles: the driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect, sending sharp metal fragments into the cabin; dealers replace the driver's air bag module. Recall 14V-266 covers certain 2009-2014 Traverse vehicles among other GM Lambda crossovers: the flexible steel cable connecting the seat belt to the front outboard seats may fatigue and separate so the belt may not restrain the occupant; dealers inspect and repair or replace the lap pretensioner. The published unit counts for these campaigns are shared across the listed GM nameplates.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (3.6L V6); 5W-30 (2.0L turbo where equipped) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 255/55R20 to 255/65R18 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 20V-668 covers certain 2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles among other GM crossovers: the start/stop transmission accumulator end cap may have missing bolts, which can lead to a transmission fluid leak and possible loss of propulsion. Dealers inspect the accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing. Recall 23V-042 covers certain 2023 Chevrolet Traverse and Blazer vehicles: left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring, which can allow the half shaft to disengage and cause a loss of drive power.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.5L turbo where equipped) · 5.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 255/55R20 to 275/45R22 (trim-dependent)
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Traverse years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 8 (from 89 complaints), 2013 at 10 (from 162 complaints), and 2012 at 11 (from 354 complaints).
Which Chevrolet Traverse year has the most owner complaints?
2018 has the most complaints per year, at 46 (461 complaints). On the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, 119 of 461 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Chevrolet Traverse owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Chevrolet Traverse years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Chevrolet Traverse years are too early to compare?
The Chevrolet Traverse 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What generation is the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?
2nd generation (2018-2023).
What engine oil does a Chevrolet Traverse use?
5W-30 (dexos1)
What does NHTSA recall 21V-782 cover on the Chevrolet Traverse?
Recall 21V-782 covers certain 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2008-2017 Buick Enclave vehicles: the driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect, sending sharp metal fragments into the cabin; dealers replace the driver's air…