Second generation (C1XX)
2018 Chevrolet Traverse
The most reported problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is shift to park warning, with 94 complaints, usually around 44,000 miles.
- 461owner complaints
- 2recalls
- 9involved a crash
- 39,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 18, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Traverse doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2018 model year.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has 461 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 1.4 times the median of 331 for 2018 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 Traverse model years since 2014, it has the 2nd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017 and 2019
- At 51 complaints for each year on the road, the 2018 runs above the 2017 (36) and close to the 2019 (51).
- Top problem
- Shift to park warning leads with 94 of the 461 complaints (20%), ahead of stalling at 70. A quarter of the 36 owners who gave a mileage for shift to park warning saw it by about 27,000 miles, and half by about 44,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- Only 11 of the 461 complaints (2%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, well under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 9 reports mention a crash, 2 mention a fire and 7 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 4 of 9, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Shift to park warning and transmission shudder share a recall on the same system (20V-668). Stalling has none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Complaints are still climbing. 2025 brought 85, the most of any year so far. So far in 2026, 51 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: "shift to park" or "service shifter" warning comes on, 94 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
461 complaints is 1.7 times the median 2018 model on this site and 1.4 times the median 2018 SUV. Among the 10 Traverse model years here it ranks 2nd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
Chevrolet filed 1,109 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. 71 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
"Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 3 bulletins · 94 complaints
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of seeing an intermittent Shift to Park message displayed while vehicle is in Park.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of seeing an intermittent Shift to Park message displayed while vehicle is in park.
1 more on this problem
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of message displaying shift to park when in park.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 8 bulletins · 70 complaints
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of No Crank, No Start, Quick Start/Stall, No FOB Detected, Key FOBs Inoperative, B3924 00, B3925 00, B3926 00, B3927 00, B3928 00 Set.
This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
6 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
This Preliminary information communicates that a rotational clicking noise heard after engine shut down is a design characteristic and no repairs should be attempted.
This Preliminary information communicates a possible BCM and/or circuit 5985 concern if DTC P0747 sets during engine shut down when the transmission is in park or neutral when no hydraulic/mechanical transmission concerns are present.
N192266190 Service Update. Certain vehicles may have an engine control software issue that can occur during a stop/start event that is causing drivability concerns such as the engine running roughly.
This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from the field on vehicles that have the condition of Vehicle No Start, Stalls Repeatedly and/or Smoke from Under Hood at Battery.
Transmission Shudder, Low Idle, Stalling after Auto Start , Reduced Engine Power Displayed on Driver Information Center (DIC), Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTCs P034B, P0506, P0011, P0014, P0021 and/or P0024 Set Some customers may comment on ...
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 2 bulletins · 46 complaints
This Preliminary information communicates if a slight shudder is felt during a shift at speeds of 40 MPH or below to perform a transmission fluid drain and fill.
This Preliminary information communicates if a slight shudder is felt during a shift at speeds of 40 MPH or below to perform a trans fluid drain and fill and to perfrom a cooler flow test to flush the cooler.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 6 bulletins · 37 complaints
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of a rear brake squeal noise.
This service bulletin provides information for tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system concerns.
4 more on this problem
This Preliminary information communicates information to diagnose DTC C056D or C056E.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the front brake pads with single shim pad kit to correct a condition of Squeal Noise Originating from Front Brakes During Brake Apply.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to apply grease to the shims on the front brake pads to correct a condition of Squeal Noise Originating from Front Brakes During Brake Apply.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the power brake booster vacuum check valve and hose to correct a condition of Intermittent Service Power Brake Assist Message With a Brake Shudder and Possible DTC P0557 Set/Stored due to the Power Brake ...
Check engine light or misfire 24 bulletins · 36 complaints
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Vehicle Will Not Lock and Unlock (Loss of Active Functions) Crank or Start (Loss of Passive Functions) with DTC P0513 Set.
This service bulletin provides inspection/diagnosis/correction information on a cold start misfire and/or rough idle and DTC P0300 that may also be set.
22 more on this problem
This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce ...
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to ...
This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
This service bulletin provides repair procedures, depending on model year, to correct a customer concern of a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated with DTC P0172, P06DE and/or P0521 Set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P06DE set in the Engine Control Module.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible cause of engine oil consumption, misfire, cylinder leakage or blow by.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of the Service Engine Soon Lamp illuminated and/or Service Power Brake Assist message displayed, with DTCs P0557 or P0558 Stored.
This Bulletin provides inspection/diagnosis/correction information on a cold start misfire and/or rough idle and DTC P0300 that may also be set.
This Preliminary information communicates the repair recommendations for misfire and DTC's immediately following HFV6 re-manufactured engines replacement.
Plus 12 older ones not listed here.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 21 bulletins · 32 complaints
This service bulletin provides a procedure to check the rearview mirror coax connector for looseness by disconnecting and reconnecting the electrical connector to correct the customers concern for the rearview mirror video screen displaying blue.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the ICS for conditions of Radio Control Display Makes Random Selections with No User Input and/or Places Unwanted Phone Calls due to an internal concern.
19 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communicates to the technician that some customers may comment on the operation of their haptic seat during a Lane Keep Assist event. Lane Keep Assist works differently than Lane Departure Warning.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of the Service Engine Soon Lamp illuminated and/or Service Power Brake Assist message displayed, with DTCs P0557 or P0558 Stored.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of seeing an intermittent Shift to Park message displayed while vehicle is in park.
This Preliminary information communicates concern with the rear vision camera or surround vision camera image
This technical bulletin proves a procedure to update the rear infotainment monitors if found the cause of the audio concerns.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to check the rearview mirror coax connector for looseness by disconnecting and reconnecting the electrical connector and to correct the customers concern for the rearview mirror video screen displaying blue.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the HMI module to correct a condition of Radio Control (ICS) Display Does Not Remain Off at Times after it Has Been Turned Off in the Radio Settings Menu due to a software concern.
This informational bulletin provides information for the technicians on multi-media infotainment tester (MIT), does not function properly when diagnosing infotainment complaints, which may lead to mis-diagnosis.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to clear the codes and re-evaluate the XM radio channels to correct a condition of audio muting when listening to some Sirius XM channels but if they change channels they will find others that experience normal ...
Plus 9 older ones not listed here.
Battery dies or the car will not start 2 bulletins · 26 complaints
This Preliminary information communicates and issue with a no crank, Key Learn Pending or Ready For FOB 3 Message, Unable To Exit RVS With Push To Start Button, Symptoms Of A Dead Battery and has dealership inspect to see if the vehicle is falsely entering ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about a no start or another concern after swapping an Engine Control Module or other modules from one vehicle to another.
Transmission jerks, lurches or bangs into gear 5 bulletins · 25 complaints
This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
3 more on this problem
This informational bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operations.
This informational bulletin provides information on Some vehicles may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to program the RDCCM to correct a drivetrain whine/moan an/or clunk when in AWD.
Complaints filed by year
85 complaints came in 2025. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
All 2 recalls on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
Shift to park warning, with 94 of the 461 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 44,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2018 Chevrolet Traverse problems start?
Of the 213 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 15,000 miles and half by about 39,000.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse better or worse than the 2017 and 2019?
Counted per year on the road, the 2018 has more complaints than the 2017 and about as many complaints as the 2019: 51 a year against 36 and 51.
How many 2018 Chevrolet Traverse complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
11 of them (2%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for shift to park warning on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 20V-668. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.