2018 Chevrolet Traverse recalls and problems

The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has 2 safety recalls and 466 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
466
Crashes / fires
10 / 2
Injuries / deaths
8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse recalls

Recall 21V-246: Air Bags

Reported Apr 8, 2021 · 108 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.

Risk: Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.

Recall 20V-668: Power Train

Reported Oct 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train196
Unknown or Other105
Electrical System102
Engine86
Service Brakes38
Fuel/Propulsion System30
Engine and Engine Cooling17
Steering14
Exterior Lighting12
Structure11
Seat Belts11
Suspension10

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 9
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 9
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 5
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 5
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 4
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 3
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 32,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Chevrolet Traverse complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Nov 4, 2026
The first time this happened was in 2024, my Traverse started to sound like a go-cart, loss of power to accelerate, and exhaust smell would leak into the cabin. Being active duty living on base with one car it was more convenient to use an insured Mobile Mechanic. - Front bracket that secures the Exhaust Manifold/ Catalytic Converter in place welds failed resulting in the parts to be under extreme additional stress breaking it. This has happened every year since, everytime Chevrolet/GM customer service has been contacted and we are told that my VIN year make and model are not on the Special…
Service Brakes · reported Oct 26, 2026
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
Power Train · at 148,000 miles · reported Oct 14, 2026
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.
Unknown or Other · reported Oct 10, 2026
Sporadic issues when parking. When pressing the push to start button to turn off when in park, it will not turn off. It displays shift to park. Sometimes it appears to happen on unlabeled surfaces.
Engine · reported Oct 1, 2026
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.…

Other Chevrolet Traverse years

Compare all Chevrolet Traverse years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse: 21V-246 (air bags), 20V-668 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?

Owners report power train problems most often (196 reports), followed by unknown or other (105). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 32,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.