2018 Chevrolet Traverse Complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/21/2026

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. engine light, parking light, etc.), vehicle would also show typed alert on screen something about power steering would be modified and drive safely. Recently took it to chevy to have it looked at, 3 issue were wrong, one being the purge solenoid needing to be replace. Because of known issue before, did some research and also found a special warranty coverage for 2018 traverses for this issue as well. However, my VIN is not showing any of these recalls so now chevy says they will also not cover this.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/31/2026

For months we have had issues with the known issue of “Shift to Park” which is a huge potential safety risk to myself, my children, and all of my neighbors who are ever remotely close to the vehicle. No dealer can resolve the known issue for this year/make/model. It has slipped from park to drive once but thankfully I was still in the vehicle. Additionally, at barely 100,000, my transmission has failed suddenly. After having the vehicle suddenly buck when driving down the road— again risking the safety of myself and my children, as well as other drivers around me- the check engine light came on. After being inspected, the codes coming up are P0700, P2723, and some other transmission related codes indicating there is an internal issue with the transmission. I am told I will need to replace the entire transmission and it will cost well over $9,000. This vin should have been included in the prior transmission recall for this year/make/model due to the negligent risk of the vehicle slipping out of park and slipping gears while driving. Please help.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/24/2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding a complete transmission failure in my 2018 Chevrolet Traverse (VIN 1GNEVGKW7JJ279077). The vehicle's transmission stopped functioning altogether, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion. The vehicle can no longer be driven and requires repair/towing. A sudden loss of propulsion can create a serious safety hazard, particularly if the failure occurs while driving in traffic. My mechanic has informed me that they have experienced multiple transmission problems with 2018 Chevrolet Traverses and that issues involving this transmission are still being researched and addressed. I am concerned that my failure may be part of a larger, known problem involving GM's 9T65 9-speed automatic transmission. GM has previously issued technical service information concerning the 9T65 transmission and established a transmission replacement pilot program involving certain vehicles equipped with this transmission. GM also developed additional diagnostic and repair strategies based on transmissions returned through that program. These actions raise concerns regarding the reliability and premature failure of this transmission. I am concerned that a transmission capable of completely failing and causing loss of propulsion represents a potential safety defect that warrants investigation, regardless of whether the vehicle remains under the original factory warranty. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate transmission failures involving 2018 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles equipped with the 9T65 transmission and determine whether there is a common defect or premature failure pattern. I ask NHTSA to review GM's technical service bulletins, warranty claims, field reports, customer complaints, and previous transmission replacement programs to determine whether additional corrective action or a safety recall is warranted. Vehicle: 2018 Chevrolet Traverse VIN: 1GNEVGKW7JJ279077 Component: Power Train / 9T65 Automatic Transmission Failure: Complete loss

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 09/19/2025

the vehicle will not register that it is in park, when the engine is turned off a beeping noise reads shift to park - you have to start the engine and shut it off multiple times, or slam the shifter into place to get it register in park. this happens constantly and is starting to get old, and annoying. it is listed as a known problem on the forum group. when the notice to shift into Park is stuck on, the beeping will not stop... Also there is a shudder while driving no matter the speed. They did a transmission service and messed with torque converters but has not done anything. Also will be driving down the road with cruise control and the cruise control with randomly jerk and shut off for no reason. Has happened on the interstate.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/30/2026

Car recently started to jolt when accelerating. Noticed it firsthand on the highway while on stop and go traffic. It's been doing it more often now when driving around the city. As soon as you accelerate past 15mph, it starts to jolt. The check engine light is not on. I do see that other 2018 Chevy Traverse have a recall, but my car (when checking by VIN) is not included.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/12/2025

the vehicle will not register that it is in park, when the engine is turned off a beeping noise reads shift to park - you have to start the engine and shut it off multiple times, or slam the shifter into place to get it register in park. this happens constantly and is starting to get old, and annoying. it is listed as a known problem on the forum group. when the notice to shift into Park is stuck on, the beeping will not stop and the battery will drain all the way. Only solution is to replace the transmission shifter assembly.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 07/30/2026

Cracked flex pipe on exhaust system

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/15/2026

On 08/15/26, I was at a traffic light waiting to make a left turn on a major roadway. Because the wait was on a hill, the park brake automatically engaged. When the traffic light turned green and as I attempted to accelerate, the electronic parking brake failed to release as it should and normally does. Since the vehicle would not move normally, I was unable to safely make my intended left turn so I had to continue straight in order to get out of the way of moving traffic. As I was driving to a parking lot of a business in the vicinity, my back tires were screeching and smoking as the park brake appeared to remain engaged. I was extremely concerned because I was in active traffic and could not operate the vehicle normally. I attempted to resolve the problem by turning the vehicle off, allowing it to sit for a few minutes and restarting it. After at least 20 tries, I could feel the pressure of the brakes release and I was finally able to move the vehicle normally. This was frightening and placed me and other motorists at risk. I was stopped at a major intersection on a hill when the vehicle failed to operate normally as traffic began moving. Had the parking brake remained engaged, I could have been stranded in moving traffic or potentially involved in a collision. I have experienced this parking-brake problem at least seven times, including this incident, since I have owned this vehicle since 2017. I have also experienced an abnormal condition involving the vehicle in which it would not allow me to shut off the engine when the park brake was engaged therefore wearing out the battery and I had to have it towed to the dealer. I am concerned that there may be an underlying electrical or electronic control-system defect. This greatly concerns me and it should be very alarming to the manufacturer. I have asked the dealer and called Chevrolet HQ to inquire about a recall or at least recoup some of the money I am constantly paying out of pocket.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/05/2026

Car wouldn’t move in Reverse, I’d give it gas and it would just rev. It would drive forward but very sluggish. Brought to 2 different mechanics and they both said I need to replace the transmission. Car has 97,500 miles on it. This is a known issue with these vehicles. The transmission ship had another traverse and a GMC Acadia in it for the same exact issue.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/28/2026

Transmission shuddering when gear changing as accelerate.

STRUCTURE — Filed 07/10/2026

I work full time in an auto body repair shop and a fire chief. I am coming across more and more white GM vehicles where the paint is not stuck where the windshield is glued in. A couple real hard pushes and the windshield will about come completely out.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/08/2026

Front passenger tire was losing air, on the way to bring it to tire shop dashboard displayed tire pressure sensor, power steering system, TCM notification, Electronic brake control. Got it to the tire shop bought a new tire and they did a diagnostic test it showed TCM passed and failed, lost communication with power steering passed and failed, lost communication with inflatable restraint passed and failed. Once tire was replaced vehicle was jerking with TCM notification coming on and off like the vehicle was sliding.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/23/2026

2 failed transmissions 2018 vehicle 2024 replacement of transmission 2026 needs another transmission

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/03/2026

the vehicle will not register that it is in park, when the engine is turned off a beeping notifcation reads "shift to park" - you have to start the engine and shut it off multiple times, or slam the shifter into place to get it register in park. this happens constantly and is starting to get old, and annoyoing.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/07/2026

2018 Chevy Traverse purchased from Carvana caused carbon monoxide exposure to my family in military housing. Vehicle locked itself while running in the garage (garage door open), and CO entered the home where my children were standing near the interior door. Fire dept forced entry into the vehicle and cleared the home. All family members required oxygen at the hospital; all 3 children had elevated COHb levels. Mechanic confirmed catalytic converter failure and exhaust defect. Full Description: On 6/7/26, our Traverse turned on and locked itself while running in our garage (door open) as we were preparing to leave. Exhaust was blowing toward the interior door of our military home, and CO entered the house. My children were inside near that door and became exposed. We could not unlock or shut off the vehicle. Fire dept forced entry, confirmed high CO levels, and cleared the home. At the hospital, all of us required oxygen; all 3 children had elevated COHb. A mechanic later confirmed catalytic converter failure, exhaust defect, P0171, and incomplete catalyst monitor—stating this can cause ongoing CO exposure. A Build Verification sheet found in the glove box (not disclosed at sale) showed pre‑existing issues: exhaust rattle, check engine light, and multiple mechanical reworks. Carvana refuses to assist. This vehicle is unsafe to drive or idle.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/27/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the driveway was on a slope, and his wife was attempting to reenter the vehicle while it was in parked and the engine was running, and in the process the vehicle began to roll forward down the contacts driveway, the contacts wife was injured in the process receiving bruises to her left leg and right hip, medical attention was required for the contacts injuries. The vehicle was brought to a stop upon crashing into a lawn mower trailer and the contact's garage with the vehicle's front passenger side quarter panel. Property damage was reported. The vehicle was going 5 MPH at the time of the crash. The contact confirmed that after the incident, the vehicle was still in the parked position after the crash. The vehicle was not towed. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not destroyed. The local dealer was contacted, however the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/15/2024

I was driving and just passed a vehicle while accelerating when I heard a pop noise, saw a lot of white smoke through my rear view mirror, had the engine light go on and the vehicle stopped working. I slowly pulled over to the side of the road and placed the vehicle in park followed by turning off the car. A person driving by stopped and advised me my vehicle was on fire under the undercarriage. I popped the hood and the engine was also in flames. I was unable to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher and the local fire department and law enforcement agencies helped to put out the fire. The vehicle was a complete loss. If it were not for the passer by person telling me the undercarriage of the vehicle was on fire, not sure if I would have known in time to get out of the vehicle safely. The root of the cause is under investigation by my insurance company. 2018 Chevrolet Traverse LS

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/17/2021

WE PARKED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE (TURNING IT OFF) ON A SLIGHT GRADE AS WE NORMALLY DO IN THE FRONT OF OUR HOUSE ON A PUBLIC STREET. WE AWOKE THE NEXT MORNING TO DISCOVER THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ADVANCED OR SLID FORWARD APPROXIMATELY 15' COMING TO REST AGAINST A TELEPHONE POLE ADJACENT TO OUR CORNER PROPERTY. IF THE TELEPHONE POLE WAS NOT IN THE PATH OF THE VEHICLE IT WOULD HAVE CROSSED A SIDE STREET AND COME TO REST IN OUR NEIGHBORS FRONT YARD. UPON VIEWING THE VEHICLE AFTER THE DRIFT FORWARD, BEFORE ENTERING THE VEHICLE WE COULD SEE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CLEARLY IN PARK AND TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS HAD (1) PREVIOUS SERVICE BY A DEALER FOR TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR.

AIR BAGS — Filed 01/04/2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOTALED; UPON IMPACT NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED AND ONSTAR DID NOT FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BILLY BECK TOWING AND RECOVERY (2455 HIGHWAY 70 MOREHEAD CITY NC 28557 252-728-2571). A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,887. *LN*JB

AIR BAGS — Filed 09/16/2020

ON 9/16, I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH LEAD TO MY CAR BEING TOTALED FROM APPX $30,000 IN DAMAGE. TRAFFIC CAME TO A STOP ON THE INTERSTATE AND I ENDED UP REAR ENDING A CAR WHICH CAUSED THE FOLLOWING DAMAGE: ENGINE WAS RIPPED FROM MOTOR MOUNTS AND SHOVED INTO FIREWALL, CRACKED ENGINE BLOCK, WHOLE FRONT END OF CAR WAS DAMAGED INCLUDING SIDE FENDERS AND DRIVERS DOOR UNABLE TO OPEN SMOOTHLY, CRUSHED A/C COMPRESSOR, AND MANY OTHER ITEMS UNDER THE HOOD. (I HAVE MORE PICTURES FROM THE COLLISION CENTER UPON REQUEST). WITH THE SEVERITY OF THE DAMAGE, THERE IS NO DOUBT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. HOWEVER, NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG WENT OFF IN THIS VEHICLE. I CAN PROVIDE ESTIMATES FROM THE COLLISION CENTER WITH ALL ITEMS DAMAGED ALONG WITH PICTURES. I WOULD HAVE ATTACHED BUT SIZE LIMITS PREVENT ME. I'M LUCKY I WAS NOT INJURED BUT SOMEONE ELSE MIGHT NOT BE AS FORTUNATE AS MYSELF.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 10/26/2019

VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON A STEEP CITY STREET BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE TURNING LEFT. VEHICLE WENT TO MOVE FORWARD AND TURN LEFT AND IT SHUT OFF AND ROLLED BACKWARDS DOWN THE STEEP HILL. WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED, BRAKES COULD NOT BE PRESSED, WHEN GAS WAS PRESSED IT DID NOT GO FORWARD, IT ROLLED BACKWARDS IT WAS LIKE IT SHUT OFF AFTER BEING IN AUTO STOP MODE. PARKING BRAKE ASSIST CAME ON AUTOMATICALLY AND VEHICLE ROLLED INTO A CEMENT POLE. VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. PARKING BRAKE WOULD NOT RELEASE. HAD TO SHUT OFF VEHICLE, RESTART AND TRIED TO RELEASE PARKING BRAKE 5 MORE TIMES BEFORE IT RELEASED. THIS VEHICLE OFTEN ROLLS BACKWARDS AFTER BEING IN AUTO STOP MODE AND THE GAS NEEDS TO BE PUSHED HARD IN ORDER FOR IT TO GO FORWARD. THIS VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT SLOWS DOWN WHEN PRESSING THE GAS AT TIMES AND YOU NEED TO PUSH THE GAS PEDAL HARDER. THE BRAKES SQUEAK OFTEN WHEN WET AND COLD AND SOMETIMES WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE BRAKE WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO PUSH IT DOWN, YOU HAVE TO PUSH IT SEVERAL TIMES, LET UP AND PUSH IT AGAIN BEFORE THE VEHICLE WILL START.

AIR BAGS — Filed 11/09/2018

2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO AFTER GETTING INTO A MINOR ACCIDENT THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *AS *TR

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 09/01/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, DROVE FORWARD, AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER DRIVE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. *TT *JB

LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 08/17/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES, THE BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A DELAY IN THE BLIND SPOT WARNING INDICATOR NOTIFYING THE DRIVER OF A VEHICLE TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT SITUATED IN THE BLIND SPOT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500.

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/07/2018

MY WIFE HIT A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD ON, VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. VEHICLE HAD 3000 MILES ON IT. MY WIFE HAD A SEAT BELT ON BUT WAS STILL INJURED. . ALSO ON STAR NEVER CAME ON. AN INVESTIGATOR FROM GM WAS HERE TODAY,AND SAID I SHOULD GET A COPY OF HIS REPORT.