Chevrolet Traverse Common Problems by Model Year | Complete Buyer’s Guide
You’re looking at a used Chevy Traverse and the price seems right — but some model years can turn that affordable family SUV into a money pit with timing chain failures costing over $5,000 and transmissions that fail before 100,000 miles.
The Chevrolet Traverse has been a popular three-row SUV since 2009, offering spacious seating for up to eight passengers. But reliability varies dramatically by model year. Here’s what you need to know about common problems and which years to buy or avoid.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
The best used Traverse years are 2019–2021 — they have the highest reliability scores, annual maintenance as low as $250, and modern safety features . Avoid 2009–2012 at all costs, especially 2010–2011, which have the most complaints for engine failure, timing chain issues, and transmission problems . The 2022 model is the only year to earn a better-than-average reliability rating from Consumer Reports . If you’re on a budget, the 2017 model is the best first-generation choice, with the fewest owner complaints .
Key Takeaways
- 2009–2012: The worst years — timing chain failure, engine failure, power steering loss, and transmission problems
- 2013–2016: Improved but still risky — annual maintenance costs exceeded $1,000 for some years
- 2017: The best first-generation pick — last year before redesign, fewest owner complaints
- 2018: First year of redesign — has transmission issues (some failed around 4,700 miles) and electrical glitches
- 2019–2021: Sweet spot — reliability scores of 8–10/10, low maintenance costs
- 2022: The reliability standout — Consumer Reports rated it better than average
- 2024–2026: Too new for long-term data, but Consumer Reports gave the 2024 poor reliability scores
First Generation (2009–2017): The Problem Years
2009–2012 — The Years to Avoid
These early Traverse models are the riskiest buys. The first-generation used GM’s 3.6-liter V6 engine, which had significant design flaws .
Most common problems:
- Timing chain failure and engine damage: The timing chains and tensioners stretched prematurely, causing poor performance and, in some cases, complete engine failure. One owner reported a $13,200 quote for a seized engine .
- Engine failure at highway speeds: Owners reported sudden loss of power and engine shutdown, often around 70,000–103,000 miles .
- Power steering failure: Sudden loss of power assist at slow speeds — dangerous when parking or maneuvering a 5,000-pound SUV .
- Transmission failure: Loss of 3rd, 5th, and reverse gears due to a cracked wave plate inside the transmission .
- Oil consumption: Excessive oil burning, especially in 2009 models around 100,000 miles .
2011 is widely considered the worst year for engine and transmission issues, while 2010 has the highest overall complaint totals . RepairPal gives the Traverse only 3 out of 5 for reliability, ranking it 22nd out of 26 midsize SUVs .
Annual maintenance costs for 2012–2013 exceeded $1,000 .
2013–2016 — Improved but Still Risky
The 2013 refresh brought cosmetic updates and some reliability improvements, but the 3.6-liter V6 still had issues .
Problems reported:
- 2013: HVAC system failures, with some systems stopping suddenly
- 2014: Complaints spiked again due to power loss and electrical faults
- 2015: A/C compressors melting, excessive oil consumption, and transmission problems
- 2016: Known transmission issues, similar to earlier years
What to watch: Use a diagnostic scan tool to inspect vehicles from these years, review service history, and test drive for intermittent power loss or stalling .
2017 — The Best First-Generation Pick
As the final year of the first generation, the 2017 Traverse has the fewest owner complaints . It benefits from years of refinements, though it still uses the older 3.6-liter V6. It’s the safest bet if you’re on a budget.
Second Generation (2018–2023): The Modern Era
2018 — The First-Year Redesign
The 2018 model brought a new platform, a revised 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower, and a 9-speed automatic transmission . But first-year redesigns often have teething problems, and the 2018 is no exception.
Common issues:
- Transmission failure: Some owners reported transmission failure as early as 4,700 miles, and others paid over $6,000 for a rebuild .
- “Shift to Park” message: The car wouldn’t recognize it was in park, preventing key removal and draining the battery .
- Climate system problems: A/C compressor failures and rear evaporator leaks .
- Electrical issues: The alternator failing due to an incorrectly installed battery, electrical accessories problems, and warning lights .
- Exhaust issues: Corroded flexible collector brackets causing loud rattling — a $600 repair .
Consumer Reports shows the 2018 Traverse is less reliable than other cars from the same model year .
2019–2021 — The Sweet Spot
These are the best used Traverse years. Reliability scores range from 8–10 out of 10, annual maintenance is as low as $250, and safety ratings are strong at 4.75–4.8 out of 5 .
What owners love:
- Plenty of cargo space and comfortable ride
- Good safety features and handling
- Low maintenance costs
What to watch: Some 2019 models have reported evaporative system codes (P0442, P0496) related to the fuel tank not sealing correctly . Recall counts: 2019 has 3 recalls, 2020 has 8, and 2021 has 3 .
The 2022 model is the only Traverse year to earn a better-than-average reliability rating from Consumer Reports . It also adds Chevy Safety Assist as standard across all trims.
2023 — A Solid Choice
The 2023 model continues the second-generation platform with minimal changes. Consumer Reports rates it as average for reliability . It’s a good choice if you want a newer vehicle without the first-year issues of the 2024 redesign.
Third Generation (2024–Present): Too New to Trust?
The 2024 Traverse was completely redesigned with a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower . While it brings modern styling and tech, Consumer Reports gave the 2024 model poor reliability scores .
Early reports are mixed. It’s too soon to know long-term reliability, but proceed with caution. The 2025 and 2026 models remain below average in Consumer Reports ratings .
Quick Reference: Traverse Years at a Glance
| Model Years | Generation | Reliability | Key Issues | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–2012 | First | Very Poor | Timing chain failure, engine failure, power steering failure, transmission failure | AVOID |
| 2013–2016 | First | Below Average | HVAC failures, power loss, electrical faults, transmission issues | Use caution |
| 2017 | First | Average | Fewest first-gen complaints | Good budget choice |
| 2018 | Second | Below Average | Transmission failure, “Shift to Park” issue, electrical glitches | Be cautious |
| 2019–2021 | Second | Good to Excellent | Minimal issues, low maintenance costs | BEST BUY |
| 2022 | Second | Above Average | Considered most reliable by Consumer Reports | BEST OVERALL |
| 2023 | Second | Average | Solid, but unremarkable | Good choice |
| 2024–2026 | Third | Below Average | Too new; early reliability concerns | Proceed with caution |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the most reliable Chevy Traverse year?
The 2022 Traverse is the only year to earn a better-than-average reliability rating from Consumer Reports . For used buyers, the 2019–2021 models offer the best balance of reliability and value .
Which Chevy Traverse years should I avoid?
Avoid 2009–2012, especially 2010–2011, due to timing chain failure and engine issues. The 2018 model also had early transmission and electrical problems .
Does the Chevy Traverse have engine problems?
Yes, especially in 2009–2012 models. The 3.6-liter V6 had timing chain and tensioner failures that could cause complete engine failure. Repairs often cost thousands of dollars .
Does the Chevy Traverse have transmission problems?
Yes. The first-generation (2009–2017) had a cracked 3-5-R wave plate causing loss of gears. The 2018 model also had transmission failures as early as 4,700 miles .
Is the 2019 Chevy Traverse reliable?
Yes. The 2019 model has reliability scores of 8–10 out of 10, with only 3 recalls and low annual maintenance costs . It’s one of the best used Traverse years to buy.
How many miles will a Chevy Traverse last?
The 2011–2016 models are most likely to hit 200,000 miles with proper maintenance . However, early models often fail well before that due to timing chain and engine issues.
Is the 2024 Chevy Traverse reliable?
Consumer Reports gave the 2024 Traverse poor reliability scores, with problems in the electrical system, climate system, and paint/trim . It’s too new to fully assess, but proceed with caution.
Final Thoughts: Which Traverse Should You Buy?
The Chevrolet Traverse is a spacious, comfortable family SUV — if you pick the right year.
For most buyers, the 2019–2021 models are the sweet spot. They offer modern features, strong reliability scores, and low maintenance costs. The 2022 model is the reliability winner if you can afford it.
If you’re on a budget, the 2017 model is the best first-generation choice, with the fewest owner complaints. But stay far away from 2009–2012 models — the timing chain and engine issues are expensive and potentially dangerous.
One final piece of advice: always check the vehicle history report, get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic who knows the Traverse’s weak spots, and verify any recall work has been done. A little homework now can save you thousands later.
What year Traverse do you own, and how has it held up? Drop your experience in the comments below.
References & Further Reading
- Endurance Warranty – Unreliable Vehicles To Avoid: Chevrolet Traverse
- Yahoo! Autos – Consumer Reports Traverse Reliability
- FIXD – Best and Worst Years of Chevrolet Traverse
- CarBuzz – Traverse Generations Ranked By Reliability
- SlashGear – Common Problems With The Chevrolet Traverse
- Consumer Reports – 2018 Traverse Reliability
