Traverse (2nd)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The Traverse 2nd-gen file is the fifth generation-map conflation case in the current Track B batch. The data labels 2018-2025 as one generation, but Chevrolet redesigned the Traverse for the 2024 model year on GM's new midsize platform, the same architecture that brought the Acadia 3rd gen to market with the LK0 2.5L turbo as the sole engine. The pre-redesign 2018-2023 Traverse used GM's LFY 3.6L V6 on the C1XX platform shared with Acadia 2nd gen, Buick Enclave, and Cadillac XT5/XT6. Across the combined file, the Traverse accumulates 1,480 NHTSA complaints, 13 recalls, 46 crashes, 6 fires, 42 injuries, and 0 deaths. The recall record is comparatively clean for a high-volume GM midsize SUV.
The LFY 3.6L V6 (primary engine through the 2023 production line) carries 1,187 of 1,480 complaints, or 80%, at 197.0 complaints per year. The rating algorithm grades it "caution" at 2.0. Transmission complaints lead the file at 412 (35% of LFY entries), reflecting the GM 9-speed automatic the LFY paired with. Electrical complaints follow at 267, engine at 265, "other" at 179, fuel system at 83, and brakes at 82. The LFY accounts for 5 of the 6 fires across the file. The complaint distribution is mixed across categories rather than dominated by any single failure mode, which the algorithm reflects in the caution rating rather than avoid.
The LK0 2.5L turbo (2024-2025, post-redesign engine) carries 254 complaints at 127.0 complaints per year, rated "caution" at 2.3. The complaint distribution is dramatically brake-heavy: 142 of 254 complaints (56%) target brake systems, with safety systems at 74 and electrical at 53 rounding out the top three. The brake-dominant pattern parallels the Acadia 3rd-gen LK0 file, which had 49 of 98 brake-related complaints across two model years. The brake issues appear to be a platform-wide phenomenon on the new GM midsize architecture rather than a Traverse-specific defect. Two recent recalls hit the LK0 era: 23V042 (half-shaft missing retaining ring on 2023 Blazer plus Traverse) and 23V172 (transmission build defect on 2023 Cadillac XT6 plus GMC Acadia plus Chevy Blazer plus Traverse plus 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5).
The recall log is the cleaner side of this file. Only 13 campaigns covered the 8-year window, most of them multi-brand sweeps reflecting GM shared-supplier defects rather than Traverse-specific problems. 21V246 covers side curtain air bags across an unusual span of 2010-2019 Traverse and 2010-2017 Enclave plus 2011-2016 Acadia, a multi-generation sweep. 20V668 covers a multi-brand powertrain issue across 2018-2020 Traverse, Equinox, Terrain, and others. 19V643 covers a cracked right-hand frame rail in the engine compartment on 2020 Enclave plus Traverse. 21V472 is a recall for incorrectly performed dealer service on side air bag covers, similar in family to the Expedition's "incorrectly repaired" pattern but isolated to a single campaign.
For shoppers, the Traverse is the cleaner option within the GM C1XX midsize SUV family on reliability grounds, with the LFY 3.6L V6 reading "caution" rather than the "avoid" ratings carried by the Acadia 2nd-gen LGX 3.6L V6. The 2024-2025 redesigned Traverse with the LK0 2.5T is a separate buying decision still building field data; the brake-dominant complaint profile is worth verifying against current recall status before buying. Cross-shop the Toyota Grand Highlander (hybrid powertrain available, cleaner segment record), Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-90. Within GM, the Acadia carries the same platform exposure on both generations and is not a meaningful alternative.
Engine Reliability Ratings
Chevrolet Traverse Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LTG - SIDI, ALUM DOHC, VVT, DCVCP
2.0L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LK0
2.5L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LFY - Spark Ignited Direct injection, ATSS, GEN 1
3.6L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Chevrolet Traverse regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
Used-Traverse shopping splits between the 2018-2023 cars on the LFY 3.6L V6 (C1XX platform, GM 9-speed automatic, caution 2.0 with 5 fires across six model years) and the 2024-2025 cars on the LK0 2.5L turbo (new GM midsize platform, caution 2.3 with brake-dominant complaint profile and only two model years of field data). The 2018-2023 cars carry the bulk of the file's recall stack but mostly via multi-brand GM campaigns that have been resolved. The 2024-2025 cars are a smaller sample with the open question of whether the LK0 brake-complaint cluster reflects a platform-wide defect or early-production teething issues.
Inspection priorities before buying any Traverse: verify the 20V668 multi-brand powertrain recall on 2018-2020 cars; check the 18V774 Sensing Diagnostic Module recall on 2019 cars; confirm the 19V643 cracked right-hand frame rail recall on 2020 cars (the most serious structural recall in the file); verify the 21V246 side curtain air bag recall on 2010-2019 cars (multi-generation sweep, covers most of the LFY era); check the 22V210 side roof rail air bag harness on 2020-2022 cars; verify the 20V639 fuel pump jet nozzle on 2020 cars; and confirm 21V472 air bag cover service correction (the "incorrectly performed by dealer" recall) on 2021 cars. For 2024-2025 LK0 cars, verify 23V042 (half-shaft retaining ring on 2023 cars) and 23V172 (transmission build defect on 2023 multi-GM models).
Cross-shop the Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-90 for cleaner reliability profiles in the Midsize 3-row segment. Within GM, the Acadia 2nd-gen LGX 3.6L V6 rates "avoid" against the Traverse LFY's "caution" and isn't a meaningful internal alternative; the Buick Enclave shares the C1XX platform and most of the recall exposure; the Cadillac XT5/XT6 share the platform but carry different complaint profiles due to luxury-segment usage patterns.
Recalls (13)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place may chafe against the transmission case, possibly resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
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.
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly crimped to the inflator and could separate from the inflator during air bag deployment.
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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The right-hand frame rail in the engine compartment may be cracked.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2018-2025 Chevrolet Traverse problems?
The 2018-2025 Chevrolet Traverse has accumulated 1,480 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Chevrolet Traverse engine is most reliable?
The 2018-2025 Chevrolet Traverse was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2018-2025 Chevrolet Traverse a good used car?
The 2018-2025 Chevrolet Traverse can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,480 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018-2025 Chevrolet Traverse have?
The 2018-2025 Chevrolet Traverse has 1,480 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2018-2025 Chevrolet Traverse?
There are 13 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2018-2025 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Traverse?
Before buying a used Chevrolet Traverse, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Electrical System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Traverse?
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (18.5% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard & Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,480 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.