Is the 2013 Chevrolet TRAVERSE reliable?

The 2013 Chevrolet TRAVERSE has 295 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (53 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (46 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS (43 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

The 2013 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 2013 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Chevrolet TRAVERSE is approximately $1,520/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.

2013 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Chevrolet TRAVERSE has 295 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 421. The most common issue is electrical problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet traverse. the contact stated that the global positioning navigational system was difficult to read because the font was entirely too small. the navigational system also exhibited white lettering on a light green background, which did not provide enough contrast. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 6 fire reports filed.

6 fire reports 10 crash reports 6 injuries

295

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

53 complaints

18%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLOBAL POSITIONING NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM WAS DIFFICULT TO READ BECAUSE THE FONT WAS ENTIRELY TOO SMALL. THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM ALSO EXHIBITED WHITE LETTERING ON A LIGHT GREEN BACKGROUND, WHICH DID NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH CONTRAST
• I WENT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF EAST HILLS CHEVROLET TO RESPOND TO THE 2 RECALLS THEY HAD ON MY CAR. THEY FOUND SOMETHING ELSE WITH THE CAR AND PROCEEDED TO FIX THAT. AFTER GETTING THE CAR BACK, IT HAS A NEW ISSUE....IT PERIODICALLY SHORTS OUT WHILE I AM DRIVING IT. I SEEMS LIKE IT STALLS, AL
• THE REAR SEAT AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING MODULE CONTROLS GET EXTREMELY HOT WHENEVER THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON OR WHENEVER THE REAR UNIT IS IN USE. THE CONTROLS FOR THE AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING UNIT ON THE DASH NEVER GET HOT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER TODAY TO HAVE THEM CHECK THE PROBLEM. I WAS

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 2 fire reports💥 1 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLOBAL POSITIONING NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM WAS DIFFICULT TO READ BECAUSE THE FONT WAS ENTIRELY TOO SMALL. THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM ALSO EXHIBITED WHITE LETTERING ON A LIGHT GREEN BACKGROUND, WHICH DID NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH CONTRAST”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

Based on 234 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 77K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

In line with typicalmedian 75K mi · 41 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 89K mi · 39 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 80K mi · 18 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 69K mi · 16 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 47K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 71K mi · 13 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 (4)

SEAT BELTS20/05/2014

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.

Risk: If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.

Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014. A second notice will be mailed to owners once parts become available. The recall for the 2009-2010 model years began on July 11, 2014. The interim letter for the 2011-2014 model years were distributed on July 11, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 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 2013 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

$1,520

Full coverage / month

$127

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

-9%

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 rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1520

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 2013 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 295 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLOBAL POSITIONING NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM WAS DIFFICULT TO READ BECAUSE THE FONT WAS ENTIRELY TOO SMALL. THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM ALSO EXHIBITED WHITE LETTERING ON A LIGHT GREEN BACKGROUND, WHICH DID NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH CONTRAST
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: AS I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND AND CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. I HAD NO WARNING AND NO ABILITY TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I COULD NOT RESTART THE CAR AND I HAD NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. I HAD MY CAR TOWED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS: THIS HAS NOW OCCURRED TWICE WITHIN THE PAST 30 DAYS. WHILE IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSIONS JERKS, AND SPEED IS IMMEDIATELY REDUCED TO 5MPH. THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AS DOES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. A REMOTE DIAGNOSTICS SCAN FROM ON-STAR IDENTIFIED 3 ERROR CODES: C0561, P0700, P182E.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: TRANSMISSION WAS SURGING AND ABRUPTLY SHIFTING FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR AND AGAIN FROM FIFTH TO SIXTH GEAR. THE MORE IT WAS DRIVEN THE WORSE IT WAS GETTING. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. WAVE PLATE AND PISTONS AND SEALS GEARS 3, 5 AND REVERSE WERE ALL REPLACED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)