2018 Chevrolet Traverse: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse: 2 recalls, 462 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #20V668000 · 2020 · 194,105 vehicles
What's wrong: The start/stop accumulator endcap May have missing bolts.
Why it matters: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and May progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source May increase the risk of fire.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020.
Airbags Vehicle recall #21V246000 · 2021 · 108 vehicles
What's wrong: The side curtain air bags May not be properly attached.
Why it matters: Unsecured side curtain air bags May not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (195): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (140), stalls / loses power (32).
- Other / unknown (104): the most common themes are electrical failure (18).
- Electrical (102): the most common themes are electrical failure (40), stalls / loses power (29).
- Engine (85): the most common themes are warning light on (27), stalls / loses power (21).
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has 462 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 18 Traverse model years for complaints (1.5× the average Traverse year). Complaints peaked in 2025 (85 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 32,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (361 complaints, 3 recalls), 2019 (410 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Premium |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Traverse problems?
Owners have filed 462 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (195), other / unknown (104), electrical (102).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 9-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.