Best Chevrolet Traverse Model Years to Buy and Years to Avoid | Your Family SUV Guide
You’re loading up the family for a weekend trip, and the Chevrolet Traverse swallows everything from sports gear to suitcases with room to spare — but picking the right model year makes all the difference between reliable adventures and costly breakdowns.
The Chevy Traverse has been a popular three-row SUV since 2009, offering families plenty of space without the truck-like feel of larger SUVs. But here’s the honest truth — some years are rock-solid, while others will leave you at the mechanic’s shop more often than you’d like. Let’s figure out which Traverse years deserve your money and which ones you should walk away from.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
The Chevrolet Traverse has a split reliability story. First-generation models (2009–2017) are hit-or-miss, with 2009–2012 being the absolute worst years to buy due to major engine and timing chain failures . The 2018–2021 models are the best years, offering improved reliability and modern tech . The 2017 model is the safest first-generation pick if you’re on a budget . Avoid 2024–2025 models for now, as early data shows transmission and brake problems . The 2022 model earned a rare above-average reliability rating from Consumer Reports .
Key Takeaways
- Best Overall: 2018–2021 – The second-generation Traverse offers vastly improved reliability over first-gen models .
- Golden Year: 2022 – The only Traverse year to earn a better-than-average reliability rating from Consumer Reports .
- Budget Pick: 2017 – The final year of the first generation, with the fewest complaints .
- Years to Avoid: 2009–2012 – Known for timing chain failure, engine failure, and power steering problems .
- Skip 2024–2025 – Recent models have transmission leaks and brake master cylinder failures reported at low mileage .
The Best Chevrolet Traverse Years to Buy
2018–2021: The Second-Generation Sweet Spot
If you want a Traverse that won’t let you down, start your search with the 2018 model year. This was the start of the second generation, and Chevy made massive improvements over the problematic first-gen models .
The 2018–2021 Traverse comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine making 310 horsepower, paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission . Fuel economy is decent for a big SUV — around 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models .
2020 added a big tech upgrade with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, a standard HD Rear Vision Camera, and available HD Surround Vision Camera that gives you a 360-degree view . The 2020 model also introduced the Trailering Package with Hitch Guidance for easier towing up to 5,000 pounds .
2021 brought Chevy Safety Assist as a standard feature on higher trims, including Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Forward Collision Alert .
The annual maintenance costs on these models can be as low as $250 per year, and they earn FIXD and owner reliability ratings from seven to nine out of ten .
2022: The Reliability Star
Here’s something interesting — the 2022 Traverse is the only model year that Consumer Reports rated as having better-than-average reliability . That’s a big deal for a vehicle that usually scores average or below.
The 2022 model also made Chevy Safety Assist standard across all trims, and higher trims got Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Pedestrian Alert . Plus, it got a refreshed front design that looks more modern .
2017: The Best First-Generation Pick
If your budget won’t stretch to a second-gen model, look for a 2017 Traverse. It’s the final year of the first generation, and it has the fewest complaints from owners . The first-gen Traverse has the potential to hit 200,000 miles and beyond, especially in the 2011–2016 range, and the 2017 benefits from years of refinements .
Just be aware — the 2017 still uses the older 3.6-liter V6 that had issues in earlier years, but by 2017, most of those problems had been worked out.
Chevrolet Traverse Years to Avoid
2009–2012: The Problem Years
These are the years that gave the Traverse its bad reputation. The early first-generation models are plagued with serious issues .
The biggest problem? The 3.6-liter V6 engine. The timing chains and tensioners fail frequently, causing poor performance and expensive repairs . One owner reported their 2010 Traverse died while driving with no oil in the engine, despite regular oil changes — the repair quote was $13,200 for a seized engine .
Other common issues include:
- Oil consumption leading to engine failure
- Power steering failure
- Catalytic converter problems
- A/C problems
- Transmission issues
The 2011 model is widely considered the worst year of all, with the highest volume of complaints about engine and transmission problems . The 2010 model ranks close behind with the highest overall complaint totals .
Annual maintenance costs for 2012 and 2013 models exceeded $1,000 . These cars might be cheap to buy, but they’ll cost you in repairs.
2013–2015: Improved but Still Risky
The 2013 refresh brought some improvements, but you should still be careful through 2015 . Complaints spiked again in 2014 because of power loss and electrical faults . If you’re looking at one of these years, get a diagnostic scan tool to inspect it, check the service history, and test drive it for any intermittent power loss or stalling .
2024–2025: Proceed with Caution
The third-generation Traverse (2024–present) is too new to have long-term reliability data, but early signs aren’t great. Consumer Reports gave the 2024 model some of the worst reliability scores of any Traverse .
The 2025 model has serious reported issues: transmission fluid leaks and failures within the first few thousand miles, brake system malfunctions causing complete brake loss, and persistent electrical problems affecting the infotainment system . One owner reported a transmission failure at just 900 miles .
Other complaints about the 2025 include cheap interior materials, an unpleasant engine sound, and fussy controls . The third-row seats also don’t fold completely unless the second-row seats are in just the right position — a frustrating design flaw .
Generations at a Glance
| Generation | Model Years | Engine | Reliability Rating | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Gen | 2009–2017 | 3.6L V6 (281–288 hp) | Poor to Average | Timing chain failure, oil consumption, engine failure, power steering failure |
| Second Gen | 2018–2023 | 3.6L V6 (310 hp) | Good | Transmission quirks, electrical glitches (mostly 2018) |
| Third Gen | 2024–Present | 2.5L Turbo 4-cyl (328 hp) | Unknown/Poor (early data) | Transmission leaks, brake failures, electrical issues |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the most reliable Chevrolet Traverse year?
The 2022 Traverse is the only year to earn a better-than-average reliability rating from Consumer Reports, making it the most reliable choice .
Which Chevy Traverse years should I avoid?
Avoid 2009–2012 due to major engine and timing chain problems. Also be cautious with 2024–2025 models, which have reported transmission and brake failures .
Does the Chevy Traverse have transmission problems?
Yes, some model years do. The 2018 model (first year of the second generation) had transmission quirks, and 2024–2025 models have reported serious transmission fluid leaks and failures .
Is the 2017 Chevy Traverse reliable?
The 2017 is the most reliable first-generation Traverse, with the fewest owner complaints. It’s a good budget choice if you can’t afford a second-gen model .
How long do Chevy Traverse engines last?
First-generation models (especially 2011–2016) are most likely to hit 200,000 miles and beyond . Second-generation models are too new to have long-term data but should be similar.
Is the 2024 Chevy Traverse reliable?
Early data suggests the 2024 Traverse has poor reliability, according to Consumer Reports . It’s too new to fully assess, but proceed with caution .
How much does it cost to maintain a Chevy Traverse?
Annual maintenance costs for 2019–2021 models can be as low as $250 per year . Earlier models, especially 2012–2013, can cost over $1,000 per year in maintenance and repairs .
Finding Your Perfect Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse can be an excellent family SUV — but only if you pick the right year. The sweet spot is 2018–2021, with the 2022 model being the reliability standout. If you’re on a tight budget, the 2017 is your best bet. Just stay far away from the 2009–2012 years unless you’re ready for some seriously expensive repairs.
And here’s some advice you won’t hear from a dealer — always check the vehicle history report, get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic who knows Traverse weak spots, and ask about any timing chain or transmission work that’s been done. A little homework now can save you thousands later.
What year Traverse do you own, and has it been reliable? Drop your experience in the comments below — it might help someone else avoid a costly mistake.
References & Further Reading
