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2018 Chevrolet Traverse VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 416 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (173), Electrical System (60), Unknown Or Other (59).

Traverse reliability snapshot

62/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$656
Avg annual repair cost vs $573 category avg
#22/26
Ranking in midsize SUVs · better than 15% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Chevrolet Traverse before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2018 Chevrolet Traverse issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Power Train173
  • Electrical System60
  • Unknown Or Other59
  • Engine19
  • Service Brakes18
  • Engine And Engine Cooling16

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Test for 'Shift to Park' error by turning off the vehicle in park
  • Inspect transmission for shuddering or failure to shift gears
  • Check for recurring alternator failures and battery charging issues
  • Examine exhaust system for cracks or leaks, especially catalytic converter
  • Ensure power steering functions smoothly without error messages
  • Verify seat belts latch securely and remain latched during use
  • Inspect rear suspension components for rust and wear

2018 Traverse recalls (2)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Traverse. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V246000Apr 8, 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.

    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.

  2. POWER TRAINNHTSA 20V668000Oct 29, 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.

    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.

Used-market value

2018 Chevrolet Traverse resale snapshot

58.9%estimated value retained after 5 years
233listings in the model-level benchmark
$29,500median asking price from 35 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse on the road

146,264 2018 Chevrolet Traverse units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse

With a 66/100 reliability score against a 75/100 segment average, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse lands below the class norm. That gap points to a mixed reliability picture and a higher likelihood of owner-reported problems than most peers, especially for a model year expected to set the baseline for the generation.

Complaints are not evenly spread. They cluster heavily around the powertrain, with electrical-system reports forming a secondary tier. A notable share also falls into unknown or other categories, which suggests many concerns don’t map cleanly to a single system. Engine and service-brake issues appear present but are not the primary drivers of reported trouble. Recall activity is limited rather than elevated.

Overall risk level: moderate-to-elevated for this segment.

What you get in a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2018 Chevrolet Traverse — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?

With a 66/100 reliability score against a 75/100 segment average, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse lands below the class norm. That gap points to a mixed reliability picture and a higher likelihood of owner-reported problems than most peers, especially for a model year expected to set the baseline for the generation.

How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse have?

2 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Traverse problems?

The most-reported 2018 Chevrolet Traverse problem areas are: Power Train (173), Electrical System (60), Unknown Or Other (59).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.