2018 Chevrolet Traverse · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 36owner reports
- 54,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jun 19, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
199 of the 461 complaints on this car are about the engine. 36 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 36 reports
Misfire on other Traverse years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the catalytic converter (6 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 18,835 and 87,000 miles, from the 28 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 27 service bulletins or notices for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse that deal with this problem. 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.
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.
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 ...
23 more on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse page.
What owners wrote
“Check engine light came on after feeling hesitation while driving and roughness while stopped. Diagnostic eval was done at shop and Evaporation Emissions Purge Valve was found to be faulty and replaced. Mechanic stated after the repair that this was a problem with certain year Traverses (unsure of which at the time) and an extended warranty was added that include 10 years or 150,000 miles.”
Filed Jun 3, 2026 · 150,000 miles
“Catalytic converter failed, 3rd time in 2 years. Vehicle began losing power while on interstate. Issue has been confirmed by dealership inspection. Issue has been claimed by many other owners of this make and model but no recalls issued or warranty coverage for known issue. Check engine light came on just as issue began while driving with my family.”
Filed Jan 10, 2024
“I went to shell and got Gas on september 7th and september 8th when i started. My traverse it started shaking like it was cold then the check engine light came on i went to autozone it read a p0496 code forevap system flow during non purge”
Filed Sep 11, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 36 reports involved a crash and 5 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- "Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 94 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 70 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 46 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 37 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 32 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 26 reports