2018 Chevrolet Traverse Problems

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving at 5–8 MPH, the transmission slipped. After coming to a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate for five seconds before jumping forward 3–5 feet. Several unknown warning lights briefly illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond while in reverse(R). The contact expressed safety concerns for his child who occupied the vehicle. An independent mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

For months we have had issues with the known issue of “Shift to Park” which is a huge potential safety risk to myself, my children, and all of my neighbors who are ever remotely close to the vehicle. No dealer can resolve the known issue for this year/make/model. It has slipped from park to drive once but thankfully I was still in the vehicle. Additionally, at barely 100,000, my transmission has failed suddenly. After having the vehicle suddenly buck when driving down the road— again risking the safety of myself and my children, as well as other drivers around me- the check engine light came on. After being inspected, the codes coming up are P0700, P2723, and some other transmission related codes indicating there is an internal issue with the transmission. I am told I will need to replace the entire transmission and it will cost well over $9,000. This vin should have been included in the prior transmission recall for this year/make/model due to the negligent risk of the vehicle slipping out of park and slipping gears while driving. Please help.

First issue-cracked catalytic converter caused leaking carbon monoxide inside vehicle. When I was driving I could smell strong, nauseating fuel smell and would have to drive with windows open to try and get fresh air. Took it to local shop for repair which cost $2700. After repair did some research and found special coverage warranty for 2018 Traverse for this same issue, however chevy told me because I took it to a third party they would not reimburse. Second issue-when car would go into gas saving mode vehicle would shut off quickly then start back up and all alert lights would come on (ie. engine light, parking light, etc.), vehicle would also show typed alert on screen something about power steering would be modified and drive safely. Recently took it to chevy to have it looked at, 3 issue were wrong, one being the purge solenoid needing to be replace. Because of known issue before, did some research and also found a special warranty coverage for 2018 traverses for this issue as well. However, my VIN is not showing any of these recalls so now chevy says they will also not cover this.

the vehicle will not register that it is in park, when the engine is turned off a beeping noise reads shift to park - you have to start the engine and shut it off multiple times, or slam the shifter into place to get it register in park. this happens constantly and is starting to get old, and annoying. it is listed as a known problem on the forum group. when the notice to shift into Park is stuck on, the beeping will not stop... Also there is a shudder while driving no matter the speed. They did a transmission service and messed with torque converters but has not done anything. Also will be driving down the road with cruise control and the cruise control with randomly jerk and shut off for no reason. Has happened on the interstate.

The first time this happened was in 2024, my Traverse started to sound like a go-cart, loss of power to accelerate, and exhaust smell would leak into the cabin. Being active duty living on base with one car it was more convenient to use an insured Mobile Mechanic. - Front bracket that secures the Exhaust Manifold/ Catalytic Converter in place welds failed resulting in the parts to be under extreme additional stress breaking it. This has happened every year since, everytime Chevrolet/GM customer service has been contacted and we are told that my VIN year make and model are not on the Special coverage list and there is nothing they can do. Three Catalytic Converters in three years from an engineering flaw is not normal wear and tare.

First issue-cracked catalytic converter caused leaking carbon monoxide inside vehicle. When I was driving I could smell strong, nauseating fuel smell and would have to drive with windows open to try and get fresh air. Took it to local shop for repair which cost $2700. After repair did some research and found special coverage warranty for 2018 Traverse for this same issue, however chevy told me because I took it to a third party they would not reimburse. Second issue-when car would go into gas saving mode vehicle would shut off quickly then start back up and all alert lights would come on (ie. engine light, parking light, etc.), vehicle would also show typed alert on screen something about power steering would be modified and drive safely. Recently took it to chevy to have it looked at, 3 issue were wrong, one being the purge solenoid needing to be replace. Because of known issue before, did some research and also found a special warranty coverage for 2018 traverses for this issue as well. However, my VIN is not showing any of these recalls so now chevy says they will also not cover this.

First issue-cracked catalytic converter caused leaking carbon monoxide inside vehicle. When I was driving I could smell strong, nauseating fuel smell and would have to drive with windows open to try and get fresh air. Took it to local shop for repair which cost $2700. After repair did some research and found special coverage warranty for 2018 Traverse for this same issue, however chevy told me because I took it to a third party they would not reimburse. Second issue-when car would go into gas saving mode vehicle would shut off quickly then start back up and all alert lights would come on (ie. engine light, parking light, etc.), vehicle would also show typed alert on screen something about power steering would be modified and drive safely. Recently took it to chevy to have it looked at, 3 issue were wrong, one being the purge solenoid needing to be replace. Because of known issue before, did some research and also found a special warranty coverage for 2018 traverses for this issue as well. However, my VIN is not showing any of these recalls so now chevy says they will also not cover this.

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.

I was driving along the Jackie Robinson Parkway when, on a curve, the car braked on its own and crashed into a wall, resulting in the total destruction of the vehicle. My son had to be hospitalized. This car had braked on its own before—at speeds of 10 or 15 mph—but I didn’t think much of it at the time; however, this time we were traveling at 45 mph when the

On 08/15/26, I was at a traffic light waiting to make a left turn on a major roadway. Because the wait was on a hill, the park brake automatically engaged. When the traffic light turned green and as I attempted to accelerate, the electronic parking brake failed to release as it should and normally does. Since the vehicle would not move normally, I was unable to safely make my intended left turn so I had to continue straight in order to get out of the way of moving traffic. As I was driving to a parking lot of a business in the vicinity, my back tires were screeching and smoking as the park brake appeared to remain engaged. I was extremely concerned because I was in active traffic and could not operate the vehicle normally. I attempted to resolve the problem by turning the vehicle off, allowing it to sit for a few minutes and restarting it. After at least 20 tries, I could feel the pressure of the brakes release and I was finally able to move the vehicle normally. This was frightening and placed me and other motorists at risk. I was stopped at a major intersection on a hill when the vehicle failed to operate normally as traffic began moving. Had the parking brake remained engaged, I could have been stranded in moving traffic or potentially involved in a collision. I have experienced this parking-brake problem at least seven times, including this incident, since I have owned this vehicle since 2017. I have also experienced an abnormal condition involving the vehicle in which it would not allow me to shut off the engine when the park brake was engaged therefore wearing out the battery and I had to have it towed to the dealer. I am concerned that there may be an underlying electrical or electronic control-system defect. This greatly concerns me and it should be very alarming to the manufacturer. I have asked the dealer and called Chevrolet HQ to inquire about a recall or at least recoup some of the money I am constantly paying out of pocket.

I was driving along the Jackie Robinson Parkway when, on a curve, the car braked on its own and crashed into a wall, resulting in the total destruction of the vehicle. My son had to be hospitalized. This car had braked on its own before—at speeds of 10 or 15 mph—but I didn’t think much of it at the time; however, this time we were traveling at 45 mph when the

the vehicle will not register that it is in park, when the engine is turned off a beeping noise reads shift to park - you have to start the engine and shut it off multiple times, or slam the shifter into place to get it register in park. this happens constantly and is starting to get old, and annoying. it is listed as a known problem on the forum group. when the notice to shift into Park is stuck on, the beeping will not stop... Also there is a shudder while driving no matter the speed. They did a transmission service and messed with torque converters but has not done anything. Also will be driving down the road with cruise control and the cruise control with randomly jerk and shut off for no reason. Has happened on the interstate.

While driving going home to Deming,NM together with my daughter and son on [XXX] . I was driving over a bridge over path on [XXX] and without warning my electrical power steering gave out on the traverse I could not turn my steering wheel left or right I thought I was going to be in an accident because there was semi trucks going 80 miles an hour behind me we almost got hit by semi’s. Thank God I forced my steering wheel to the right with all my strength. I had to call the towing company we waited 3 hours until he got there even he said we could of had an accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The power steering shut off suddenly while driving and I could not move my steering wheel.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while his daughter driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop at a traffic light, the vehicle lost automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the hazard lights were also inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 108,316.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the driver’s side taillight was blown due to water entering the taillight assembly. While driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the battery failure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the following day while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The battery warning light remained illuminated along with the check engine warning light. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,700.

I work full time in an auto body repair shop and a fire chief. I am coming across more and more white GM vehicles where the paint is not stuck where the windshield is glued in. A couple real hard pushes and the windshield will about come completely out.

Had my traverse for two years, second owner. When I received the car, it had to immediately go into the shop as they couldn’t figure out why all sorts of dash lights where coming on. My car was at the dealership for three weeks and ultimately they replaced the chip, stating that was the issue. Two months down the road, I get the shift to park error message starting. Fast forward to 4 months ago when the stability error message starts to intermittently come on and off. 30 days ago I got the first of the service charging system message and the battery saver mode. My car shut itself down while I was doing 55 miles per hour on a back country road. Every lthing locked up and I had to force a turn to get out of traffic. It was determined my battery was good but alternator was bad. Checked fuses just to be safe all were good. Replaced the alternator with a new one. As of today, I am not able to drive my vehicle because of this same issue. This time I went ahead and replaced the battery and nothing has changed. They are saying it’s my alternator AGAIN. How is this possible that all of us 2018 traverse drivers are experiencing the exact same malfunctions in order and now we have to repeatedly replace the alternator? There is no way 1000s more of traverse owners are all buying “bad” alternators. Something is going on with this and these vehicles are not safe to drive. I can’t even trade mine in because my credit is shot. I pay way too much for this car to not be able to reliably and safely transport my kids to and from school.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while attempting to use the second-row middle seat buckle, the contact became aware that the buckle was inoperable. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: N192223110-01. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the buckle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and confirmed there was no coverage on the vehicle and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Regarding the vehicle's functionality, the horn activated unexpectedly on or around May 2, 2025, sounding continuously for approximately 10-15 minutes while the vehicle was occupied. Subsequently, the horn has ceased to function. Furthermore, on or around May 10, 2025, the powertrain system indicator illuminated, leading to a diagnosis on May 18th that identified code P0455, indicating an EVAP system leak. Concurrently, the driver's side seat belt buckle has exhibited a tendency to detach and fall between the seat components, failing to remain in its intended position.

While driving going home to Deming,NM together with my daughter and son on [XXX] . I was driving over a bridge over path on [XXX] and without warning my electrical power steering gave out on the traverse I could not turn my steering wheel left or right I thought I was going to be in an accident because there was semi trucks going 80 miles an hour behind me we almost got hit by semi’s. Thank God I forced my steering wheel to the right with all my strength. I had to call the towing company we waited 3 hours until he got there even he said we could of had an accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

For the past few months now my 2018 Chevy Traverse has had a weird shimmy when changing lower gears. Got it looked at and they said one of the 9 clutches are going out and needs to be replaced for a total of $6664.63. After doing my own research, this is a common problem with the 2018 Chevy Traverse after reading all the complaints on Social Media and a few Chevy enthusiasts websites. I’ve called the dealership and they refuse to help out at all with the pricing or do anything without a recall issued. If I’d had to calculate the amount of cars effected that already had work done and cars that haven’t had work done yet due to the insane cost, I’d say at least 30-40% of these vehicles have these issues right now that people know about or have already had fixed. The transmission place I sent our vehicle to said he does work on all these Chevys constantly with the same issue. I tried to call corporate and they gave me this site to go ahead and log a safety concern about this problem because it truly is a safety concern. The constant shim and rough feel when switching between lower gears makes it difficult when needing to pull out into traffic unless your lucky enough to get no traffic in your lane. I’ve also noted the start stop problem when it starts back up at a red light it sometimes has issues shifting in between 2nd, 3rd, & 4th gear like it doesn’t want to do it in that order. Feels more like it wants to skip 2nd and 3rd gear which may be fine but it definitely has a shimmy/ grinding feeling. Not sure if the transmission clutch can cause all these problems but after witnessing these issues, I’m definitely rethinking purchasing Silverado 2500’s for my family owned plumbing business. Thank you and hopefully this helps.

I was driving along the Jackie Robinson Parkway when, on a curve, the car braked on its own and crashed into a wall, resulting in the total destruction of the vehicle. My son had to be hospitalized. This car had braked on its own before—at speeds of 10 or 15 mph—but I didn’t think much of it at the time; however, this time we were traveling at 45 mph when the

I have had this car seat a little over a year and the chest buckle randomly stopped magnetizing. It will appear magnetized but will pop apart. This is absolutely unsafe and these seats need pulled from the consumers.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after his wife had parked the vehicle, the vehicle failed to turn off as intended. The contact also stated that the vehicle had failed to start while at a gas station. Additionally, the contact stated that upon shifting from reverse(R) to park(P), the vehicle failed to respond and continued reversing. The contact 's wife depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to Main Street Service Station, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the transmission shifter cable; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall, and he had to pay for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

When in park, a warning alerts “shift to park” and doesn’t stop.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOTALED; UPON IMPACT NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED AND ONSTAR DID NOT FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BILLY BECK TOWING AND RECOVERY (2455 HIGHWAY 70 MOREHEAD CITY NC 28557 252-728-2571). A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,887. *LN*JB

ON 9/16, I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH LEAD TO MY CAR BEING TOTALED FROM APPX $30,000 IN DAMAGE. TRAFFIC CAME TO A STOP ON THE INTERSTATE AND I ENDED UP REAR ENDING A CAR WHICH CAUSED THE FOLLOWING DAMAGE: ENGINE WAS RIPPED FROM MOTOR MOUNTS AND SHOVED INTO FIREWALL, CRACKED ENGINE BLOCK, WHOLE FRONT END OF CAR WAS DAMAGED INCLUDING SIDE FENDERS AND DRIVERS DOOR UNABLE TO OPEN SMOOTHLY, CRUSHED A/C COMPRESSOR, AND MANY OTHER ITEMS UNDER THE HOOD. (I HAVE MORE PICTURES FROM THE COLLISION CENTER UPON REQUEST). WITH THE SEVERITY OF THE DAMAGE, THERE IS NO DOUBT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. HOWEVER, NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG WENT OFF IN THIS VEHICLE. I CAN PROVIDE ESTIMATES FROM THE COLLISION CENTER WITH ALL ITEMS DAMAGED ALONG WITH PICTURES. I WOULD HAVE ATTACHED BUT SIZE LIMITS PREVENT ME. I'M LUCKY I WAS NOT INJURED BUT SOMEONE ELSE MIGHT NOT BE AS FORTUNATE AS MYSELF.

1. WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING WHILE RAINING AND 2. NOW, THE SHIFTER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, WHEN YOU SHIFT INTO PARK YOU GET AN ERROR MESSAGE THAT THE CAR IS NOT IN PARK AND CAR WILL NOT TURN OFF UNTIL YOU JIGGLE THE SHIFTER

PURCHASED A YEAR AGO IN FL. MY WINDSHIELD CAME LOOSE TWICE ALREADY WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE PADDING IN THE DASHBOARD AREA AGAIN. THE TIRE ON DRIVER SIDE HAS TO HAVE AIR IN IT SEVERAL TIMES AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 20 MINS. PRESSURE KEEPS READING AT 26 AND ALARM GOING OFF WITH THE PROBLEM. HUSBAND REFILLS AND THREE DAYS LATER I MOVE THE VEHICLE AND IT HAPPENS AGAIN. WINDSHIELD YOU CAN HEAR AIR LEAKING FROM IT. SEVERAL TIMES WHEN I STARTED MY CAR IT HAD A WEIRD ENGINE NOISE LOUD ACCELERATION EVEN WHEN SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. I READ NO RECALLS BUT POSSIBLE CLASS ACTION PENDING IF YOU REFUSE TO FIX THE VEHICLES. I WILL BE OVER 36 MONTHS BEFORE MY CAR REACHES 30K MILES. I DRIVE TO AND FROM DOCTORS, GROCERY SHOPPING. CASUAL DRIVING.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while in park, there was an alarm beeping. The message “Shift to Park” was displayed. Additionally, the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

I purchased these Carseats after I was in an accident and needed to replace the 2 that I had, The tethers attached to the carseat were not effective at all, I could not get them anywhere near close to actually securing the Carseats. So I opted to use my vehicles seatbelts, with the seatbelts pulled as far as I could get them and locked the Carseats still moved more than an inch. I had to have my husband help me push the carseat as far down into my seat that I could to get the least amount of movement as possible. One of the Carseats even tipped over while I was driving after all of this. Needless to say that I will be replacing these seats as I do not feel they would keep my children safe in the event of an accident, I feel as though these seats endanger my children because they aren't keeping them secure enough not to become projectiles in the event of an accident.