Is the 2018 Chevrolet TRAVERSE reliable?

The 2018 Chevrolet TRAVERSE has 665 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (186 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (106 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (100 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, 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 2018 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

The 2018 Chevrolet TRAVERSE gets 20 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2400. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Chevrolet TRAVERSE is approximately $1,652/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.

2018 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Chevrolet TRAVERSE has 665 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.6x the segment average of 421. The most common issue is transmission problems (28% of all complaints), specifically: i purchased a 2018 traverse/redline on 6 feb 2018, drove it less than 100 miles, and the transmission stopped working two (2) days later. the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. the service section advised they don't have the equipment needed to diagnose the problem, and that the equipment is exp. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 9 crash reports 11 injuries

665

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

186 complaints

28%

• I PURCHASED A 2018 TRAVERSE/REDLINE ON 6 FEB 2018, DROVE IT LESS THAN 100 MILES, AND THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING TWO (2) DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE SERVICE SECTION ADVISED THEY DON'T HAVE THE EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, AND THAT THE EQUIPMENT IS EXP
• PURCHASED A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE IN OCTOBER. BEGINNING WITHIN THE FIRST 30 DAYS THE CAR MADE A LOUD ROARING NOISE WHEN @ 2100 RPM AND GOING APPROXIMATELY 74 MPH. JUST THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE. THEN STARTING IN DECEMBER, WHILE TRAVELLING OUT OF TOWN, IT PERSISTED EVERY TIME WE DROVE IT. IT ALSO WOUL
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT SWITCH GEARS EASILY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EMISSION FUMES ENTERED INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CLICKING NOISE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“I PURCHASED A 2018 TRAVERSE/REDLINE ON 6 FEB 2018, DROVE IT LESS THAN 100 MILES, AND THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING TWO (2) DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE SERVICE SECTION ADVISED THEY DON'T HAVE THE EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, AND THAT THE EQUIPMENT IS EXP”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

Based on 270 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 25K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

149

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 33K mi · 77 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 32K mi · 55 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 22K mi · 33 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 15K mi · 25 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 34K mi · 17 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 7 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 (2)

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION29/10/2020

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,401

Per month

$200

Per mile

20.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,920/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 2018 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

$1,652

Full coverage / month

$138

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

-1%

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 age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1652

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 2018 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

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 665 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: I PURCHASED A 2018 TRAVERSE/REDLINE ON 6 FEB 2018, DROVE IT LESS THAN 100 MILES, AND THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING TWO (2) DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE SERVICE SECTION ADVISED THEY DON'T HAVE THE EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, AND THAT THE EQUIPMENT IS EXP
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WAS DRIVING FROM NYC TO TORONTO. WE STOPPED 3 HOURS AFTER FOR BATHROOM BREAK AND LUNCH. I DID NOT LEAVE THE CAR THEREFORE THE CAR REMAINED ON. DROVE FOR ANOTHER 2 HOURS AND STOPPED FOR A BATHROOM BREAK AT JUNIUS PONDS TRAVEL PLAZA AROUND 330PM. TURNED OFF THE CAR AND THATS WHEN WE REALIZED WE DROVE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: WAS DRIVING FROM NYC TO TORONTO. WE STOPPED 3 HOURS AFTER FOR BATHROOM BREAK AND LUNCH. I DID NOT LEAVE THE CAR THEREFORE THE CAR REMAINED ON. DROVE FOR ANOTHER 2 HOURS AND STOPPED FOR A BATHROOM BREAK AT JUNIUS PONDS TRAVEL PLAZA AROUND 330PM. TURNED OFF THE CAR AND THATS WHEN WE REALIZED WE DROVE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: PURCHASED A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE IN OCTOBER. BEGINNING WITHIN THE FIRST 30 DAYS THE CAR MADE A LOUD ROARING NOISE WHEN @ 2100 RPM AND GOING APPROXIMATELY 74 MPH. JUST THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE. THEN STARTING IN DECEMBER, WHILE TRAVELLING OUT OF TOWN, IT PERSISTED EVERY TIME WE DROVE IT. IT ALSO WOUL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)