Chevrolet Traverse 2018 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Chevrolet Traverse 2018 and 462 complaints filed by owners. It's the model year with the most complaints for the Chevrolet Traverse between 2016 and 2025.
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Chevrolet Traverse 2018? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Chevrolet Traverse 2018
Air bags
NHTSA campaign 21V246000 · 2021-04-08
What happens
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.
Consequence
Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 20V668000 · 2020-10-29
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
462 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
9 with a crash · 2 with a fire · 7 injuries
Most reported problems on the Chevrolet Traverse 2018
- Powertrain and transmission: 195 (42% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 102 (22% of complaints)
- Engine: 85 (18% of complaints)
- Brakes: 37 (8% of complaints)
- Fuel and propulsion: 30 (6% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Chevrolet Traverse 2018
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2018 Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Chevrolet Traverse recalls by year
- 2016 : 5 recalls · 292 complaints
- 2017 : 3 recalls · 361 complaints
- 2018 : 2 recalls · 462 complaints
- 2019 : 3 recalls · 410 complaints
- 2020 : 8 recalls · 232 complaints
- 2021 : 3 recalls · 90 complaints
- 2022 : 1 recalls · 99 complaints
- 2023 : 2 recalls · 91 complaints
- 2024 : 0 recalls · 140 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 180 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Traverse 2018 have?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Chevrolet Traverse 2018. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Chevrolet Traverse 2018?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: powertrain and transmission (195 of 462 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 12, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).