2018 Chevrolet Traverse complaints

To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to inquire about an issue recently encountered with my 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. On July 21, 2025, my vehicle was at Riverview Chevy for its state inspection, during which the rear toe links were identified as failed and required replacement. This service, including the necessary alignment, resulted in an out-of-pocket expense of approximately $750. I recall previous discussions regarding a potential recall concerning failing rear toe links on 2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse models. While my vehicle is a 2018 model and experienced this exact issue, the dealership indicated that no recall was pending for my specific VIN. I find this discrepancy concerning, particularly given the known history of this component in similarly years and the fact that my vehicle indeed suffered this failure. I will be submitting the relevant documentation from the dealership outlining the repairs performed. I kindly request that you review this matter and provide clarification regarding the recall status for my vehicle's VIN. I am seeking a resolution regarding the costs incurred for this repair, as it appears to be a known issue for which a recall may have been appropriate. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

My 2018 Traverse has had the “shift to park” message displayed on the instrument cluster when I put the vehicle in park. Even though the red P for park is illuminated and the vehicle is clearly in park the ignition will not power off when you depressed the start/stop button. The vehicle displays the message shift to park. Now this has transpired for about 3 months and it is very frustrating when you can not park in your garage especially when storms are imminent from the forecast not to mention carbon monoxide poisoning! Now I or my wife have to continuously push on the shifter to get it to turn off. Or we have to turn the vehicle back on and try driving around the block or wherever we are at. Now not being able to turn your engine off is a definite safety concern especially when you have children and pets . This has been happening in GM SUV’s and is a known issue by GM but they seem it’s not a safety issue due it not causing any issues while driving. I had the vehicle repaired at our local dealer and it was $789 to repair the malfunctioning item. I have never heard of a shifter being defective in today’s modern cars. Whether it’s a mechanical issue or electrical issue it needs to be addressed. If I were to live an apartment dwelling with indoor parking I would have to find some other means to park if I could not turn my engine off. I have read numerous complaints online via forums which is very saddening when these automakers claim dependability with their very expensive veh

I have had to repair the muffler and now the catalytic converter. There was a fissure on the muffler and now there’s a fissure on the catalytic converter.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while attempting to use the second-row middle seat buckle, the contact became aware that the buckle was inoperable. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: N192223110-01. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the buckle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and confirmed there was no coverage on the vehicle and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and jerked abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Transmission shudders at low speeds changing gears. Less than 79,000 miles and changed or flushed transmission 3 times at dealership. Vehicle has been at dealership over a month with no fix in sight.

Constantly displays “shift to park” when vehicle is properly in park and shut off which keeps the electrical system operating. Warning beeping (which can’t be turned off), interior and exterior lights, stereo, etc. continue for anywhere from minutes to hours until it randomly shuts down. Exterior lights have to be shut off manually. Meanwhile the battery is being drained and alarm system can’t be armed while warning beep is alerting passersby that the vehicle is powered on while unoccupied and unprotected. Other than waiting it out, the only option to shut the vehicle off is to disconnect the battery.

Regarding the vehicle's functionality, the horn activated unexpectedly on or around May 2, 2025, sounding continuously for approximately 10-15 minutes while the vehicle was occupied. Subsequently, the horn has ceased to function. Furthermore, on or around May 10, 2025, the powertrain system indicator illuminated, leading to a diagnosis on May 18th that identified code P0455, indicating an EVAP system leak. Concurrently, the driver's side seat belt buckle has exhibited a tendency to detach and fall between the seat components, failing to remain in its intended position.

Engine light- shifting rough, steering wheel shakes. I took it in to get checked, they replaced something for the emissions. Then told I need a twerk converter. Another place didn’t recommend that & I was told needs a new transmission. I have only had my vehicle 4 years and have kept it well maintenanced.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the driveway was on a slope, and his wife was attempting to reenter the vehicle while it was in parked and the engine was running, and in the process the vehicle began to roll forward down the contacts driveway, the contacts wife was injured in the process receiving bruises to her left leg and right hip, medical attention was required for the contacts injuries. The vehicle was brought to a stop upon crashing into a lawn mower trailer and the contact's garage with the vehicle's front passenger side quarter panel. Property damage was reported. The vehicle was going 5 MPH at the time of the crash. The contact confirmed that after the incident, the vehicle was still in the parked position after the crash. The vehicle was not towed. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not destroyed. The local dealer was contacted, however the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while his daughter driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop at a traffic light, the vehicle lost automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the hazard lights were also inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 108,316.

The power steering shut off suddenly while driving and I could not move my steering wheel.

There is a shutter at a low speed. Upon research, this is a common problem with the torque converter.

The vehicles fails to recognize it’s in park and does not shut off. Shift to park indicator turns on. Frequently have to park on incline and worried the vehicle will roll. The vehicle will not completely turn off and this has caused the steering to lock. When the vehicle finally turned off, then turned it back on we couldn’t get the steering wheel to unlock. Had to drive it with what felt like no power steering for a period of time. Shift to park indicator blinks and warning light appears that says no remote is detected, yet the remote is in the vehicle. Been in a situation where had to quickly get in to a Dr but the vehicle wouldn’t turn off so had to leave the vehicle running. At that point anything could happen, but had to take care of a sick child.

I have an exhaust issue with my 2018 Traverse that a Chevrolet/GM refuses to cover. I am getting check engine light that points to a leaking exhaust. The cause for these concerns could be a broken or poor weld with lack of penetration on the Bank 2 exhaust flex pipe bracket. It's a known GM issue on the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 models. GM has a safety bulletin PIP5681 and PIP5681A for this issue. N222385510 is the number for the 2021 recall. The dealership said it will not cover the repair because my vin has no associated recall. GM allowed the repair of the 2020 under the same recall number. This should be covered under Exhaust Warranty.

Metal found in transmission and new transmission needed. 2018 Chevy Traverse

I began hearing a rattling noise from my engine area recently. I made an appt with my local Radley Chevrolet dealer. It was noted by the technician that the front exhaust pipe bracket that connects the 2nd front exhaust pipe is broken and tapping against each other causing the noise concern. They listed for me to replace the front exhaust pipe that goes from under the oil pan to the catalytic converter. Upon researching this issue, this appears to be a known issue for my specific year and make and model. However, upon calling GM they have nothing listed under my specific VIN number. I believe this to be an issue that should be covered under a special coverage or recall given the amount of owners having this same issue.

9t65 auto transmission failed at 115,000 miles. It won't change past 3rd gear, and engine has reduced power. Towed it to the Chevy dealership where we bought it in York SC. They told me it needed a new transmission and it was not covered by any warranty. I then took it to a transmission repair place and was told it needed a new transmission and the cost was estimated at $7300. I've read lots on the Internet about numerous people having the same issue. There was even a very short term trial program to repair or replace the transmission on some vehicles....had to be low miles and fairly new. Meanwhile, our traverse has been sitting for about a year while I continue to make monthly payments on it.

Issue with my exhaust pipe from catalytic converter code and I seen it has a hole on the exhaust

The vehicle would not shift into park. We were told by the dealer park switch sticking at times.

Catalytic converter going bad and exhaust has broken off from the weld.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 35,532 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 36,986.

When I stopped and ready to park the car, I put transmission to 'P' park position and press button to stop the engine. Even it is in park (P) position, the display shows 'shift to P position' message. I have to restart the engine and change the transmission and put it again 'P' position. Sometimes I had to try few times. I searched the internet and this looks like a common problem, but no recalls on this model.

The E Brake engaged while driving our car, by the time we could safely stop our vehicle, less than a mile, the transmission fluid reached 175 degrees and our vehicle was smoking. We took the traverse to a local service center, they stated this has been a known issue with the make and model of our car. There is a service bulletin about this issue. The brake actuator is faulty, and allows water to seep into the actuator creating a short to ground the electric park brake actuator.

This vehicle's canister purge valve solenoid has failed multiple times since we purchased it used in 2021. We've taken it to multiple Chevrolet dealerships for repair and the issue has not been fixed. The issue is once the part fails, the vehicle is unable to be filled with fuel completely or it sputters when trying to start and the engine turns off or it stalls right after placing into drive. This causes a safety concern. There are multiple articles all over the internet and social media about the purge valve solenoid specifically in 2018 Traverses with no recalls. This is disappointing!

Every time I turn the vehicle off I get a warning “Shift to Park” but it IS in park. I’ve called the dealership and was told there is no recall or bulletin for my VIN but it is a known issue on other Chevy Traverse’s. The dealership is going to charge me to run diagnostics and repair but since this is a known issue it should be a recall.

* when in park and turned off it will display shift in to park * while accelerating from a stop it will get stuck when trying to switch gears * when in car play mode it will freeze to the point you can not turn the volume up or down until you turn the car completely off for a while. * when at a stop light the car will display stailbreak * there is a clicking noise when accelerating or pressing on gas * auto start does not work

I have 69k miles on my car and my mechanic is saying I need a new transmission.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, with the gear shift lever in park(P), the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact shifted the gear shifter back and forth and then into park(P) before the proper gear was recognized. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired for the same failure, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,800.

2018 Traverse. 70k miles. We purchased it brand new at the end of 2017. On [XXX], we were driving home from Michigan the car sputtered and would not accelerate. We were almost hit by a semi that was driving behind us. We were able to pull into a gas station and put the car in park. While sitting at gas station the car shut off and wouldn't restart. No warning lights came on prior to the vehicle shutting down. We had it towed to our mechanic (VIP Automotive- New Lenox, Illinois). The mechanic went through the car and advised that the engine had seized. All fluid levels were fine, no leaks, all scheduled maintenance completed on time. He found metal chunks- not just shavings- in the oil pan. He said he's never seen anything like this and that the catastrophic engine failure had to be due to a defect in the engine. It ended up costing us almost $6,000 to have another motor installed in the car. I contacted Chevy, and was basically told too bad, and that they would not cover or assist with anything. The car was extremely well maintained and I provided a copy of all service records dating back to 2017 when we purchased the car. There are numerous groups on Facebook that have same/similar complaints on the Chevy Traverse (3.6L V6) and Chevy Trucks/SUVs (6.2L V8). I believe they are aware that there are numerous issues with these vehicles and continue to sell them, despite the risk to consumer safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the purge valve needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The purge valve was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the place of employment. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after his wife had parked the vehicle, the vehicle failed to turn off as intended. The contact also stated that the vehicle had failed to start while at a gas station. Additionally, the contact stated that upon shifting from reverse(R) to park(P), the vehicle failed to respond and continued reversing. The contact 's wife depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to Main Street Service Station, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the transmission shifter cable; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall, and he had to pay for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

For the past 3 years my 2018 Traverse will randomly say shift to park and won't let me turn my vehicle off even though I am in park. In the last week it has gotten worse happening almost every time I drive it and not recognizing that I am in park for anywhere from 2-10 minutes.

Truck stuck in shift to park

I recently had my alternator fixed and the torque converter last year. I was having issues with the battery staying charged, car would jerk, radio, heat and air would shut off and come back on, car would go in reverse although I'm trying to go forward, shift to park warning message when car was in park and there are shortages out something that will connect and disconnect the Bluetooth when I'm on calls via Bluetooth. I picked my car up from Love Chevrolet 1/28/2025. Everything seemed fine but the car still jerked when I would take off at lights, make turns or go up hills. The shift to park message is still happening. When I park the car and turn it off the car makes a sound and the warning pops up. The car lights will not go off when this happens. I have to turn the car off and on or take it out of park a few times for it to stop. I'm afraid to leave the car with that warning on because the doors won't lock and I'm afraid it will roll. Love Chevrolet said they didn't see the error message for it while they were driving but it constantly happens to me. Even when I turn the car on to warm it up it gives me that error message.

Shift to Park issue. Car does not recognize the it is shifted into to Park. Shift to Park warning appears and warning bell. Seems to happen quite often and I have noticed that other years have been recalled for this same issue. Makes it quite difficult to Park and Lock the car. Electrical system stays on.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park(P); however, the “Shift to Park” message was displayed. The contact was unable to turn off the vehicle and left the vehicle running until the battery died. The vehicle needed to be jumpstarted the next day. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: PIT5616 (Vehicle Displays Shift to Park Message On DIC When In Park); however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

I own a 2018 Chevy Traverse and have been experiencing an issue with the stabilizer trak. When my vehicle goes in idle, occasionally I am getting an alert to check the stabilizer trak. I have reached out to several mechanics and they have all stated that this is a common problem with the 2018 and 2019 chevy traverse. This is a safety issue with this vehicle and I’m wondering how there is no recall for it with it being a common issue found. This issue caused issues with controlling our vehicles, will Chevrolet take action.

Car will not accelerate fast up hills

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and jerked abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,505.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the emissions purge valve needed to be replaced. The contact did research and was made aware of Technical Service Bulletin Number: N232395300 however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle was emitting a vibrating and rattling noise while driving. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated while driving uphill and accelerating, the engine backfired. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that there was an EVAP leak. The vehicle received an undisclosed repair however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to immediately start-up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed because the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the check engine warning light illuminated, and the rattling noise became more prominent. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who diagnosed that a weld had fractured on the exhaust pipe. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.

I purchased this vehicle in 2022 of October after about a year. I started noticing the car beginning to jerk back. Also, I noticed that the shift the handle when I would put it into park. It would not stay in park. It kept giving me a beeping noise. It kept slipping. At the time it wasn’t doing is it as much but lately I’ve noticed that it’s been happening more frequently so I took it into a mechanic to have it checked and they said it is a defect on the transmission. when I searched it up under NHTSA website I seen that there was multiple defects for this 2018 Chevy traverse.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and shifted to park(P), the shift to park sensor failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked; however, the shift to park(P) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the shift to park sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,479.

The vehicle will not shut off and vehicle information screen states Shift to park. When this happens we have 2 options. 1st to sit and wait for the vehicle to turn off(takes over an hour on average), 2nd Disconnect the negative battery connection. The vehicle shuts down nearly instantly. Then reconnect the battery before being able to use the vehicle again

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that when the vehicle started, the engine made an extremely loud sound and smoke came from the exhaust. The contact stated that the vehicle sounded like a motorcycle. While the contact's wife was driving the vehicle, there were fumes from the exhaust entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that his wife had asthma, and the fumes affected her breathing while driving the vehicle. Additionally, the contact's wife was the main driver of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fractured mid-pipe assembly bracket. The contact was informed that the mid-pipe assembly bracket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled to be taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under an undisclosed Technical Service Bulletin. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not associated with the Technical Service Bulletin. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,835.

When I turn my vehicle off it says that it’s not in park when it is and it keeps beeping

Third instance of failure on this vehicle. Vehicle does not recognize that gear selector is in Park. "SHIFT TO PARK" warning is displayed when shift selector is firmly in Park.

The issue is with the Traverse Stabilitrak system. The Stabilitrak system controls, includes traction control, emergency brakes, tire monitoring, etc. as I understand it. The Stabilitrak lights has been intermittently coming on for several months. I took the truck to the manufacture and was charged over $1,700.00 to fix the problem. After the repairs, I picked up the vehicle and within three miles of the dealership the issue manifested itself again. The Stabiltrak system light usually indicates as the vehicle waits at a traffic light, and just as I accelerate for the signal change. The vehicle frequently stalls at that point, creating a rear end hazard, and a dangerous situation for me and other commuters. Upon returning the vehicle to the dealership, they claimed not to be able to identify the issue, that they initially charged me over $1,700.00 to fix. The said they could not recreate the problem, although it is a persistent problem that occurs within minutes of the vehicle operation.

The gear shifter in my vehicle consistently fails to lock into “Park.” Whenever I place the car in “Park,” a message appears on the dashboard stating, “Shift to Park,” which prevents me from turning off the vehicle. It takes multiple attempts to get the shifter to lock into place and for the message to disappear. This issue is not only frustrating but also poses a potential safety hazard, as the vehicle does not reliably indicate that it is in “Park.”