2018 Chevrolet Traverse Fuel system Problems

Special coverage programs for the 2018 Chevy Traverse front exhaust pipe mounting bracket failure. GM has focused on coverage specifically on 2019-2021 models, but 2018 models are affected as well. I'm being forced to pay for a new exhaust when 2018 models should have been included for the Specific special coverage (e.g., N212356540, N222385510) exists for 2019–2021 vehicles, offering repairs (sometimes for 15 years or 150,000 miles) when the front mounting bracket breaks.

NHTSA ID

11737069

Incident

May 7, 2026

The vehicle shudders and it very slow to shift from park to drive.

NHTSA ID

11736108

Incident

Apr 30, 2026

My engine light came on, so I took it the mechanic. According to the reading it says it was my purge valve, they replaced. After driving 30 miles it came back on. I took it back and they thought it was a defected part so they replaced it again. After 30 miles, it came back on. The mechanic searched online and showed me this issue was for 2019 for a recall. I contacted GM to see if there is a recall for 2018. They said no. At this time the engine lights stays on, but it gives a evap engine light. I can't pass smog due to the issue. The gas tank does not have a cap, it's open. This is how it was when I purchased the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11734037

Incident

Apr 17, 2026

Valor Canister Purge solenoid is faulty. After filling it up with gas and start driving the vehicle begins to stutter. After a stop at an intersection the vehicle begins to stutter and shuts off.

NHTSA ID

11730052

Incident

Mar 31, 2025

The exhaust system on my 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has failed due to cracking in the exhaust pipe and/or muffler assembly. This appears to be consistent with known issues in similar model years where exhaust pipe brackets separate and cause cracks or holes in the exhaust system. The failure has resulted in excessive exhaust noise and potential exhaust leakage. The dealership has confirmed the issue and recommended repairs costing several thousand dollars but stated my VIN is not included in the existing recall or special coverage. Yes, the vehicle and failed components are available for inspection upon request. The failure of the exhaust system creates a risk of exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide, entering the passenger cabin, which poses a serious health hazard. Additionally, a compromised exhaust system can affect vehicle performance and emissions, and in some cases may increase the risk of fire if hot exhaust gases escape in unintended areas. This issue is especially concerning because it has been identified in other model years of the same vehicle, yet my vehicle is not currently covered, despite experiencing the same failure. This creates an ongoing safety concern for myself, my passengers, and others on the road. The problem been reproduced and confirmed by a certified Chevy dealer.

NHTSA ID

11724867

Incident

Feb 9, 2026

ome customers may complain of a rattle or exhaust noise, a CEL/MIL on, or repeat concerns of lean codes or converter failures. The cause for these concerns could be a broken or poor weld with lack of penetration on the Bank 2 exhaust. Issue is exact same as listed in Bulletin PIP5681A

NHTSA ID

11699609

Incident

Nov 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. Additionally, the vehicle failed to immediately restart after refueling. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed and determined that the purge valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the purge valve was replaced on two previous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ID

11694738

Incident

May 21, 2022

Mileage

55,000 mi

The vehicle has a design flaw which causes a bracket which connects the 2 pipes which connect to the catalytic converter to fail. Once the bracket has failed, the rear catalytic converter is allowed to vibrate more than designed, adding extra stress to the catalytic converter. Over time, this additional stress causes the catalytic converter to fail, releasing harmful gases directly from the engine exhaust manifold with carbon monoxide and other harmful gases into the air and into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. This is a know issue that GM has recalled on the 2019 (recall N212356540) and 2021 (recall N222385510) model year Traverse. Other years may have also been recalled that I am not aware of. For some reason, GM has neglected to take ownership of this issue on the 2018 Traverse which shares the same design as both the 2019 and 2021 model years. I have gone to the dealership and contact Chevrolet's customer service multiple times and they refuse to reimburse me for the cost of the necessary repairs. I have already purchased the broken and necessary, ancillary components and repaired the vehicle myself because I did not want to pay the dealership over $2000 in labor which they quoted me.

NHTSA ID

11680527

Incident

Apr 4, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11675100

Incident

Jul 18, 2025

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!

NHTSA ID

11658062

Incident

Apr 30, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11654610

Incident

Apr 14, 2025

Mileage

84,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11630946

Incident

Dec 16, 2023

Mileage

65,000 mi

So since 8/02/23 when the vehicle had 54,000 miles it began to give electrical problems. I bought the car 01/16/23 it had only 26,000 miles. The service battery charging system light and battery saver mode went on and also the reduced steering light which began to shut the car down I immediately pulled over. Took it to gm dealer they tested battery was dead then charged it checked alternator it failed so they replaced alternator. 7 days later 8/10/23 the car is still running rough idle. Had savi code p0496 evap flow during non purge replaced purge solenoid. The car still the engine slightly was not 100 percent fixed I told them every time it wasn't good. 02/12/24 I took back to dealer engine running rough and every time I put gas it was hesitant the transmission I am assuming check engine light was on code p0496 the gm dealer diagnosised and replaced canister purge solenoid.so 2/28/24 battery saver mode light came on andservice battery charging vehicle stalled out checked alternator failed replaced alternator. 6/25/24 took to another gm dealer and the diagnosised it check engine light was on and told them my car wasn't starting well after I filled my gas and rough engine. Told me to come back 7/03/24 to do evap canister check engine light was on they found evap leak from from evap canister charged me 508 dollars. So I took vehicle from dealer towards hone filled up gas car would not start problem was not fixed called dealer immediately manager said get here before they close I did and manager left but on service guy got the master mechanic to look at it he said it's purge valve the next day they were closed due to 4th of July so was told to take back on 7/5/24 to replace purge solenoid. The gas issue was fixed but now the transmission is worse when I accelerate it stutters bad I been telling both dealers was told they can't look at vehicle unless check engine light was on so 3 faulty purge valves 2 alternators replaced and car stutters worse shift to park light.

NHTSA ID

11606943

Incident

Aug 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the exhaust and smelled a gasoline odor. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11592421

Incident

Jun 4, 2024

Mileage

50,000 mi

It has a leak and having electrical issues. Everything else unknown.

NHTSA ID

11575898

Incident

Mar 6, 2024

I currently own a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse with 63k miles the had a cracked catalytic converter. The catalytic converter was replaced but the dealer also charged me for a flex pipe replacement which they said was broken too. This is a known issue as per GM's own bulletin #PIP5681, yet they refused to cover the repair in it's entirety. GM is entirely covering this issue in 2018-2021 chevy traverse vehicles, but they are refusing to cover the costs of the flex pipe replacement for approximately $600.

NHTSA ID

11574662

Incident

Dec 28, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11564772

Incident

Jan 6, 2024

I had just got gas and the vehicle took longer than usual to start/turn over. I was leaving the store and sitting at the stop sign that is on a small incline. When I proceeded to go, my truck shook a few times, cut off, and I had no control of the vehicle. The brake pedal would not push down and my vehicle began rolling backwards. There was a car behind me that started honking his horn because I was going to run into him. I pushed the start/turn off ignition button and tried the brakes again and it worked. I had to sit there for about 5 minutes to get myself together because I was terrified to take off again. About a week later I was pulling out from my subdivision and the truck started alarming to service the StabiliTrak as I was pulling out. At the moment, the steering wheel became almost impossible to turn and the car didn't want to go! I had several cars coming my way and my vehicle was in the middle of the road. Thank goodness the cars slowed down and my vehicle decided to start working. About a month later it started sounding like a go-kart. I had the vehicle checked out by a mechanic and I was told I needed a new battery and my exhaust pipe had a hole. I bought the battery and the $1200 pipe and had it installed. Now a different exhaust pipe has a hole and the part is on back order because apparently this is a frequent reccuring issue but no recall. I never feel safe driving my truck and it is a 2018 and not yet at 100,000 miles, That is pretty sad! The vehicle is available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11561367

Incident

Apr 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking abnormally at start-up and while idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the purge valve was defective. The contact spoke with a dealer and the dealer confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ID

11557507

Incident

Nov 23, 2023

Mileage

93,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11543760

Incident

Sep 8, 2023

Catalytic converter issues and flex pipes, needing replaced due to weak welding and lack of structure is dangerous releasing carbon monoxide and gas in the car while driving with my children

NHTSA ID

11529775

Incident

Jan 2, 2023

Car has many issues: Jerks Shift to park error when it is parked causing car to have lights on for hours Brake error Fuel issue Traction error Computer failure at times I got the car used was not fixed when I received it needs recalls I have kids you people expect me to pay for your faulty equipment please make this right if I het into an accident it's because of your brand

NHTSA ID

11513147

Incident

Mar 22, 2023

On multiple occasions the vehicle slowed to a stop but engine was still running. This happened once on the interstate at the speed limit. I got warning that power brakes and steering were not working. Other times the car shudders and stops. I then have to turn engine off and restart. I then take to dealer and they check with a computer and can find nothing wrong. I also had “shift to park”. Message and was unable to turn off engine. $300ish to get this fixed. The dealer said common in that vehicle. I want to make clear that this shuddering and limp mode problems have happened at least five times. The date above is the most recent

NHTSA ID

11504266

Incident

Jan 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the EVAP purge valve was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the check engine warning light became illuminated again. The contact also stated that the vehicle was jerking and stalling while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was a leak coming from the purge valve. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

NHTSA ID

11500915

Incident

Dec 9, 2022

Mileage

87,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the vehicle experienced rough idling while starting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty EVAP purge solenoid valve. The dealer replaced the EVAP purge solenoid valve. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

NHTSA ID

11481973

Incident

Aug 30, 2022

Mileage

69,000 mi