The best Traverse years to buy are 2021 and 2022. Avoid the 2012 and 2014: timing chain wear, StabiliTrak warnings and power steering faults give them the most complaints.
Best years: 20212022 Years to avoid: 20122014
Every Traverse year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known Traverse problems
Year by year
| Year | Complaints | Per 100k sold | Recalls | Top issue | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 145 | - | 0 | Brakes | Too new to judge |
| 2023 | 95 | - | 2 | Transmission and drivetrain | Too new to judge |
| 2022 | 103 | 106 | 1 | Transmission and drivetrain | Good buy |
| 2021 | 95 | 82 | 3 | Electrical | Good buy |
| 2020 | 235 | 187 | 8 | Engine | Good year |
| 2019 | 412 | 280 | 3 | Transmission and drivetrain | Average |
| 2018 | 466 | 319 | 2 | Transmission and drivetrain | Average |
| 2017 | 361 | 292 | 3 | Air bags | Average |
| 2016 | 292 | 250 | 5 | Air bags | Average |
| 2015 | 314 | 262 | 5 | Air bags | Average |
| 2014 | 549 | 528 | 7 | Air bags | Skip this year |
| 2013 | 162 | 168 | 4 | Electrical | Good year |
| 2012 | 354 | 414 | 5 | Engine | Skip this year |
About the Traverse
The Traverse is Chevrolet's three-row family SUV. First-generation cars (2009-2017) with the 3.6L V6 are known for stretched timing chains, 'Service StabiliTrak' warnings with reduced power, and steering faults. The 2018 redesign improved things, and the 2021-2023 cars have the lowest complaint rates.
- 2012-2017: First generation. Timing chain, StabiliTrak and steering complaints; 2014 has air bag recalls.
- 2018-2023: Second generation. Complaints fall; some transmission and shifter faults.
- 2024 on: Third generation, too new to judge.
Traverse warranty extensions and special coverage
Carmakers sometimes extend the warranty on a part that fails too often, or pay for a fix outside a recall. These notices come from the dealer bulletins Chevrolet files with NHTSA. 3,245 Traverse bulletins are on file in total.
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where coolant leaks from the radiator hose quick connect at the radiator inlet.
Customer Satisfaction Program.
Customer Satisfaction Program - Certain vehicles were invoiced with accessory splash guards that were not available at the time of vehicle purchase.
Customer Satisfaction Program - Due to the industry-wide semiconductor shortage, the park assist feature is not functional on certain vehicles listed, built beginning December 2, 2021.
Customer Satisfaction Program - Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the moonroof glass was produced without clear surface primer.
Customer Satisfaction Program - Various vehicle makes and models listed may have a condition in which the transmission case leaks fluid due to porosity around a mount bolt hole.
Special Coverage.
Ask a dealer to check a specific car by VIN. Extensions usually have a time or mileage limit.
Government investigations into the Traverse
NHTSA opens an investigation when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Some end in a recall and some close without one.
Engineering analysis EA26006 · 2024 · opened Aug 2026
On April 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24011 after receiving complaints concerning a loss of brake assist in 2023 MY Cadillac Lyriq vehicles.
Engineering analysis EA20002 · 2012–2014 · opened Aug 2020, closed Aug 2024 · led to recall 21V245
On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) EA20002, as an upgrade of Recall Query (RQ) RQ19003.
Recall query RQ19003 · 2012–2014 · opened May 2019, closed Aug 2020
On May 19, 2014, General Motors LLC (GM) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct Safety Recall 14V266 to address fatigue and separation of the flexible steel cable that connects the front outboard seat belts to the seat-mounted belt pre-tensioner in 1.4 million model year (MY) 2009-2...
Traverse vs rivals
Questions
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Traverse?
2021 and 2022. The best Traverse years to buy are 2021 and 2022. Avoid the 2012 and 2014: timing chain wear, StabiliTrak warnings and power steering faults give them the most complaints.
Which Chevrolet Traverse years should I avoid?
2012, 2014. These drew far more owner complaints per car sold than the Chevrolet Traverse average.
What does 'Service StabiliTrak' mean on a Traverse?
On first-generation Traverses it often comes with reduced engine power and is usually caused by a stretched timing chain, a bad sensor or a throttle fault, not the stability system itself. A timing chain job costs $1,500 to $2,500.
Based on 3,583 complaints filed by owners with U.S. safety regulators for model years 2012 to 2024, and U.S. sales by calendar year. How we score.