2018 Chevrolet Traverse: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Roomy, feature-rich redesign let down by a troubled early nine-speed automatic (hard shifts, hesitation, some failures). 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse ranged from $29,930 to $52,600 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Roomy, feature-rich redesign let down by a troubled early nine-speed automatic (hard shifts, hesitation, some failures).
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=tra…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/traverse
- slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1998963/chevrolet-traverse-best-and-worst-years-to-…
Known issues
-
Nine-speed (9T50) automatic exhibits hard or jerky shifts, hesitation, shudder and, in some cases, failure to shift out of gear; worst on the early 2018 build.
commonly reported · 113 NHTSA complaints · typically 20k–90k miles · transmission
-
Electrical and stop/start faults reported (battery drain and auto stop/start malfunctions) on early second-generation models.
occasional · 33 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=tra…
- gmauthority.comhttps://gmauthority.com/blog/2024/02/gm-releases-updated-2014-2017-chevy-trav…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Smooth, composed ride with a strong 310-hp 3.6L V6 and easy towing.
- Well-equipped with user-friendly infotainment and strong family-safety gear.
- Class-leading cargo room behind the third row and a genuinely usable third row.
Cons
- Firm second- and third-row seat cushions criticized on long drives.
- Repair costs and reliability ranking trail the segment leaders.
- Early 2018-2019 nine-speed transmission complaints (hard shifts, hesitation, failures).
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | $29,930 | discontinued | — | — |
| LS | $32,600 | discontinued | — | — |
| LT | $35,100 | $40,800 | — | — |
| RS | $42,600 | $55,400 | — | — |
| Premier | $45,000 | discontinued | — | — |
| High Country | $52,600 | $55,100 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2018-chevrolet-traverse-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/chevrolet-traverse-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($29,930). Higher trims started higher (up to $52,600), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/chevrolet-traverse/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $650–700/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,300–2,400/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/traverse
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/chevrolet/traverse/insurance
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse have?
Documented issue patterns include: Nine-speed (9T50) automatic exhibits hard or jerky shifts, hesitation, shudder and, in some cases, failure to shift out of gear; worst on the early 2018 build; Electrical and stop/start faults reported (battery drain and auto stop/start malfunctions) on early second-generation models. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
Roomy, feature-rich redesign let down by a troubled early nine-speed automatic (hard shifts, hesitation, some failures).
How much did the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse cost new?
Between $29,930 and $52,600 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Chevrolet Traverse expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $650–700/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.