Chevrolet Traverse Common Problems

POWER TRAIN

Owners report frequent issues with the power train of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, particularly involving the "Shift to Park" message that prevents the vehicle from recognizing it is in park, often requiring manipulation of the gear shifter to resolve. Complaints frequently mention problems with the transmission, including failure to engage reverse and the need for complete transmission replacement, sometimes as early as 65,000 miles. Symptoms described include vehicle vibrations, inability to turn off the vehicle, and unintended vehicle movement even when parked. Safety implications are noted, with one incident involving a crash and multiple reports of vehicles stalling or losing power while driving. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers considering this model, especially regarding costly repairs and safety risks.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

POWER TRAIN

Owners report frequent transmission failures in the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, often requiring replacement around 57,000 to 115,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the vehicle failing to shift properly, unexpected stalling, and a persistent "Shift to Park" warning that prevents the vehicle from turning off. Some owners describe transmission shuddering and fluid leaks, with a few reports of the vehicle losing motive power or failing to reverse. Safety implications are noted in instances of sudden deceleration on highways and intersections, with two reported crashes and one injury. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and their potential impact on vehicle operation and safety.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 2 fire, 1 injury reports

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the brake system, often involving the failure of the master cylinder. Common symptoms include illuminated warning lights for ABS, traction control, and brake assist, as well as a spongy or unresponsive brake pedal. These issues typically emerge at low mileages, often between 2,000 and 10,000 miles. Some complaints also describe phantom braking and emergency braking activation without cause. Safety implications are significant, with reports of brake failures leading to crashes and instances where the vehicle unexpectedly decelerates or stops. Buyers should be aware of potential backorders for replacement parts, which can delay repairs.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the "Shift to Park" error message, which occurs when the vehicle is in park but fails to recognize it, preventing the car from shutting off properly. Symptoms include needing to jiggle the gear shift or repeatedly shift in and out of park to clear the message, with some reports of the issue draining the battery. Complaints often arise around 49,000 miles, with several owners noting this problem has persisted since early 2024. In addition to the inconvenience, this issue poses safety concerns, as one complaint involves a crash and two injuries are reported. Buyers should be aware that this problem is well-documented, yet some vehicles may not be covered by existing recalls or warranties.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report frequent issues with the "Shift to Park" error in the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, where the vehicle fails to recognize it is in park, preventing the car from shutting off and potentially draining the battery. This problem often requires repeated attempts to resolve and is commonly mentioned at various mileage points, with some reports starting as early as 26,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe recurring alternator failures and related electrical issues that can lead to vehicle stalling, with some incidents occurring while driving. Safety implications include the potential for loss of control and battery drainage, which could leave the vehicle inoperable. These patterns suggest buyers should be aware of potential electrical system concerns when considering this model.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report persistent issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse related to the "Shift to Park" error, where the vehicle fails to recognize when it is in the park position. This problem often prevents the vehicle from shutting down properly, leading to battery drainage and difficulty locking the car. Complaints frequently mention this issue persisting over several years, with some owners experiencing it as early as 2022. Additionally, there are reports of exhaust system problems, including rattling noises and fissures in the catalytic converter. While one complaint involves a crash and another a fire, the data does not provide detailed context on these events. These issues, particularly the "Shift to Park" error, are significant for potential buyers to consider, as they may involve costly repairs and impact the vehicle's usability.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

ENGINE

Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues related to the exhaust system, particularly involving cracked or broken welds on the exhaust bracket, leading to exhaust leaks and rattling noises. Common symptoms include a loud exhaust noise, reduced vehicle performance, and exhaust fumes entering the cabin, which poses a potential safety risk due to carbon monoxide exposure. These problems often emerge around 45,000 to 101,000 miles, with some owners noting that similar issues have been covered under special coverage for other model years but not for the 2020 model. Buyers should be aware of these potential exhaust system concerns, as repairs can be costly and may not be covered under warranty.

POWER TRAIN

Owners report that the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse frequently experiences a "Shift to Park" issue where the vehicle does not recognize it is in park, preventing the engine from fully shutting off. This issue is noted across various mileages, with some reports mentioning it as early as 22,168 miles and others around 85,000 miles. Symptoms include the vehicle's dashboard displaying a "Shift to Park" message, the radio and lights remaining active, and the potential risk of the vehicle rolling away if the parking mechanism fails. Additionally, some owners describe transmission-related problems such as shuddering during acceleration and unusual sounds, often leading to recommendations for transmission flushes or replacements. These issues present potential safety concerns, with one report involving a crash and four injuries, indicating the importance of thorough inspection before purchase.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports