Is the 2010 Chevrolet TRAVERSE reliable?

The 2010 Chevrolet TRAVERSE has 922 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2010 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

Top problems: STEERING (334 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (187 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (68 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2010 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS, STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE, SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW, SEAT BELTS. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

The 2010 Chevrolet TRAVERSE gets 19 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2526. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2010 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2010 Chevrolet TRAVERSE is approximately $1,494/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2010 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2010 Chevrolet TRAVERSE has 922 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.2x the segment average of 421. The most common issue is steering problems (36% of all complaints), specifically: tl*the contact owns a 2010 chevrolet traverse. the contact stated that while attempting to make a turn at an unknown speed, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. there was also an unusual grinding noise in the steering wheel. the dealer replaced the power steering pump yet the noise. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 7 fire reports filed.

7 fire reports 11 crash reports 6 injuries

922

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

334 complaints

36%

• TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO TURN. THERE WAS ALSO AN UNUSUAL GRINDING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP YET THE NOISE
• VEHICLE LOSES POWER STEERING ASSIST AT LOW VEHICLE AND ENGINE SPEED, SUCH AS PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE OR DRIVEWAY. OCCURS INFREQUENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. LOCAL DEALER LOOKED AT IT AND CANNOT REPLICATE PROBLEM. IS SAFETY ISSUE AS AN UNSUSPECTING DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICL
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN MAKING A TURN AT LOW SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING MADE A LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FA

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 6 crashes

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO TURN. THERE WAS ALSO AN UNUSUAL GRINDING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP YET THE NOISE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

Based on 778 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 75K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

140

60-100K

380

100-150K

152

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

Reported earliermedian 66K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

Reported earliermedian 49K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Reported earliermedian 74K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 69K mi · 304 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

165

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 85K mi · 153 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 84K mi · 61 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (5)

AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS08/04/2021

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,527

Per month

$211

Per mile

21.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,087/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,494

Full coverage / month

$125

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

-11%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1494

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet TRAVERSE Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2010 TRAVERSE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 922 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO TURN. THERE WAS ALSO AN UNUSUAL GRINDING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP YET THE NOISE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 45 MPH WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED WHEN THE AIR BECAME HOT. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WAS 12,000. UPDATED 01/26/11*LJ THE CO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON HILL OR GRADE, THE TRAVERSE ROLLS BACKWARD WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. THE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AUTO TRANSMISSION DOES NOT HOLD THE TRAVERSE IN PLACE. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE SERVICE STABILITRAK, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, PARK ASSIST OFF AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, IT FUNCTIONED NORMALLY BUT THE CHECK ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT CON
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)