Chevy Traverse Years to Avoid — the 2009–2011 and the 2018–2019.
The 2010 Traverse drew 669 NHTSA complaints, more than any other year, 287 about the power steering and 107 about the timing chain. On the 2018–2019, 356 complaints describe a "Shift to Park" message that will not clear, a fault no recall on NHTSA's list covers.
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Quick Answer
- What Chevy Traverse years should you avoid?
- The 2009–2011 and the 2018–2019. The 2009–2011 drew 1,725 complaints, 605 about the power steering, and the 2010 107 about the timing chain. The 2018 and 2019 drew 878, 356 of them about a "Shift to Park" message that will not clear.
- What is the best year for a used Traverse?
- Leaving out years where one fault is a quarter or more of complaints, 2021 (95), 2013 (162), 2020 (235) drew the fewest from 2009 to 2021. Only the 2013 of those is a first-generation (2009–2017) model.
- Is there a recall for the Traverse "Shift to Park" problem?
- Not on NHTSA's list as of 14 November 2026. 155 2018 and 201 2019 complaints describe it, and 39 on the 2022. The message stays on after parking and the SUV will not shut off fully, the same fault owners report on the GMC Acadia.
Five checks for a used Traverse, by year
The first-generation Traverse's weak spots are mechanical; the second's is a shifter that does not register Park.
- 1Read the year from the VINCharacter 10 is the model year; every Traverse VIN our visitors checked starts 1GN, the US code.
- 22009–2011: steeringTurn lock to lock with the engine idling; a whine, a heavy wheel or fluid at the pump and rack are warning signs.
- 32009–2012: timing chainAsk for chain records; a rattle at start-up or a cam-timing code can mean the chains are stretching.
- 42018–2019: park and shut offShift into Park and switch off several times; a "Shift to Park" message that stays on is the fault.
- 5Check title and mileage recordsA salvage brand or a mileage gap shows up by VIN; a stretched timing chain does not.
Avoid: the 2009–2011 Traverse
The first three model years drew 1,725 complaints, 31% of every Traverse complaint on file. The steering is the component owners name most on the 2009 and 2010: 605 complaints across the three years describe the power steering, a heavy wheel or a leaking pump or rack.
The 2010 also leads on timing chains: 107 of its 669 complaints name the chain or its codes, and 228 do across the 2009–2012.
Recall 14V118000 covers seat-mounted side-airbag wiring on the 2009–2013, and 15V415000 power-liftgate struts on the 2009–2012.
The 2009–2011 by the numbers
- 448 · 669 · 608 complaints on the 2009, 2010 and 2011.
- 605 about the power steering.
- 107 2010 complaints about the timing chain.
- 79 2010 complaints about stalling or a loss of power.
Avoid: the 2018–2019 and "Shift to Park"
The redesigned 2018 drew 466 complaints and the 2019 412, and the powertrain is the component owners name most on both. 356 describe a "Shift to Park" message that stays on after parking, so the SUV will not turn off fully.
The transmission comes next: 131 2018 complaints mention it or describe slipping, shuddering or hesitation. The shifter fault fades on the 2020 (22 "Shift to Park" complaints) but returns on the 2022 (39).
No recall on NHTSA's list covers the shifter. Recall 22V210000 covers curtain-airbag connectors on the 2020–2022.
The 2018–2019 by the numbers
- 466 · 412 complaints on the 2018 and 2019.
- 356 describe the "Shift to Park" fault.
- 131 2018 complaints mention the transmission or slipping.
- No recall on NHTSA's list covers the shifter.
Every Chevy Traverse Model Year Compared
NHTSA complaints and recall campaigns for every Traverse from 2009 to 2026, read on 14 November 2026.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crash · fire reports | Recalls | Most-cited component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1st | 448 | 17 · 2 | 8 | Steering |
| 2010 | 1st | 669 | 17 · 6 | 5 | Steering |
| 2011 | 1st | 608 | 16 · 4 | 5 | Engine |
| 2012 | 1st | 354 | 10 · 2 | 5 | Engine |
| 2013 | 1st | 162 | 7 · 2 | 4 | Electrical System |
| 2014 | 1st | 549 | 8 · 1 | 7 | Air Bags |
| 2015 | 1st | 314 | 11 · 3 | 5 | Air Bags |
| 2016 | 1st | 292 | 8 · 1 | 5 | Air Bags |
| 2017 | 1st | 361 | 13 · 2 | 3 | Air Bags |
| 2018 | 2nd | 466 | 10 · 2 | 2 | Power Train |
| 2019 | 2nd | 412 | 15 · 2 | 3 | Power Train |
| 2020 | 2nd | 235 | 11 · 1 | 8 | Engine |
| 2021 | 2nd | 95 | 4 · 1 | 3 | Electrical System |
| 2022 | 2nd | 103 | 3 · 0 | 1 | Power Train |
| 2023 | 2nd | 96 | 5 · 0 | 2 | Power Train |
| 2024 | 3rd | 148 | 0 · 1 | 0 | Service Brakes |
| 2025 | 3rd | 187 | 4 · 0 | 0 | Service Brakes |
| 2026 | 3rd | 31 | 4 · 0 | 2 | Electrical System |
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not divided by sales. The 2024 row includes the carried-over Traverse Limited.
Other Traverse Years With a Known Weak Spot
Smaller clusters in NHTSA's records, and the recalls behind them.
2013–2017: driver airbag
Recalls 21V782000 and 23V334000: the inflator may explode. 504 complaints on the 2014–2017 cite them, most from owners waiting for the replacement part.
2014: stalling
86 of the 2014's 549 complaints describe stalling or reduced engine power, often with a StabiliTrak warning.
2020: frame rail
Recall 19V643000: the right-hand frame rail in the engine compartment may be cracked.
2022: shifter
39 of the 2022's 103 complaints describe "Shift to Park" again.
2024–2025: brakes
80 of the 2025's 187 complaints describe the brakes failing or a brake-assist warning; NHTSA lists no recall for the 2024 or 2025.
2025: collision braking
35 2025 complaints describe the forward-collision system or unexpected braking.
What Traverse Owners Say on YouTube
First-generation Traverse owners split into two camps: high-mileage SUVs still on their original engine and transmission, and ones that needed a transmission and timing chains near 100,000 miles.
In owners' words (paraphrased)
- 2009 at 182,000 miles: reliable for the family for 15 years with regular maintenance and an oil change every 5,000 miles.
- 2011 at 240,000 miles: original engine and transmission; struts, a water pump, cam sensors, VVT solenoids and catalytic converters along the way.
- 2012: A/C lines and rear evaporator at 60,000, a transmission failure at 95,000 and timing chains at 100,000; the dealer wanted $11,000 for the repairs.
- 2018: a transmission replaced at 18,000 miles and facing another at 27,000, so the owner sold it back to the dealer.
- 2016 past 100,000 miles: only a purge valve and a transmission fluid change.
- 2015: the owner has had every issue in the video, with transmission trouble early.
Checking a Traverse for Sale?
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Fewest vs. Most Traverse Complaints
Fewest is limited to 2009–2021 and leaves out years where one fault is a quarter or more of complaints (2009–2010 and 2014–2019).
Fewest complaints
- 2021: 95 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2013: 162 complaints, 4 recalls
- 2020: 235 complaints, 8 recalls
- 2012: 354 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2011: 608 complaints, 5 recalls
Most complaints
- 2010: 669 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2011: 608 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2014: 549 complaints, 7 recalls
- 2018: 466 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2009: 448 complaints, 8 recalls
Recall counts include multi-model campaigns.
The Traverses Our Visitors Check
Between 13 June 2026 and 13 November 2026, visitors ran 503 different Chevy Traverse VINs through our free preview, all built in the US. 139 (28%) were first-generation 2009–2017 models, 254 (50%) 2018–2023 and 110 (22%) 2024 or newer.
87 (17%) were 2018–2019s, the "Shift to Park" years. The most-checked years were the 2020 and the 2023, at 53 VINs each.
Traverse Complaints by Generation
The first generation (2009–2017) drew 3,757 complaints over nine model years, the second (2018–2023) 1,407 over six and the third 366 so far.
What to Check on a Used Traverse
By year, the faults to look for.
2009–2012: steering
Look for fluid at the pump, lines and rack boots; listen for a whine when turning.
2009–2012: timing chain
Ask for records; a rattle at start-up or a cam-timing check-engine light are warning signs.
2013–2017: airbag recalls
Confirm 21V782000 or 23V334000 was done.
2018–2022: shifter
Park and switch off several times; ask whether the shifter was repaired.
2024–2025: brakes
Watch for a brake-assist or ESC warning and a soft pedal on the test drive.
Any year: VIN records
Open recalls, title brands and odometer history.
Reading Traverse Complaint Numbers
NHTSA complaints are owner reports, not verified and not divided by sales. On the 2014–2017, most airbag complaints cite recall 21V782000 or 23V334000, and most of those describe waiting for the replacement part.
The fault counts come from searching the words owners used, so they are a minimum. Newer years have had less time: the 2026 has 31 complaints so far, and the 2024 148.
Related Checks and Guides
Recalls, history checks and the Traverse's rivals.
Where These Facts Come From
Complaint and recall figures are NHTSA's own records; owner experiences are linked so you can read them in full.
NHTSA records read 14 November 2026. Written by the CarCheckerVIN editorial team with AI assistance, from NHTSA's complaint and recall records, our own preview logs and the owner posts linked above; figures checked November 2026. CarCheckerVIN is not affiliated with Chevrolet or General Motors.
Chevy Traverse Years to Avoid — Frequently Asked Questions
Steering, timing chains and the shifter.
What is the worst year for the Chevy Traverse?+
By NHTSA complaint count, the 2010 (669), then the 2011 (608) and the 2014 (549).
Which Traverse years have timing-chain problems?+
The 2009–2012 first-generation V6: 228 complaints mention the chain, 107 on the 2010. One 2012 owner's dealer wanted $11,000 for the A/C, transmission and timing-chain repairs.
What causes the Traverse "Shift to Park" message?+
Owners describe the shifter not registering that the SUV is in Park. 356 complaints describe it on the 2018–2019, and no recall on NHTSA's list covers it, so ask whether the shifter was repaired.
Is the Traverse the same as the GMC Acadia?+
They are GM siblings, and NHTSA's records show the same faults on both: steering and timing chains on the early years, "Shift to Park" on the later ones.
What about the 2024–2025 Traverse?+
The 2025 has 187 complaints, 80 describing the brakes failing or a brake-assist warning, and NHTSA lists no recall for it yet.
Will your report show these problems?+
No history report can tell you a timing chain is stretching. Ours lists title brands, NMVTIS junk and salvage records, insurance total-loss records, odometer readings, and auction records with the damage the auction recorded and its photos for the VIN. Recalls are free to check on NHTSA's site.
Test the Steering and Shifter, Then Check the Title
On a 2009–2011 Traverse, the steering and timing-chain history matter more than the mileage; on a 2018–2019, park and switch off a few times. Free preview first; the full report is $14.99 and lists title brands, NMVTIS junk and salvage records, insurance total-loss records, odometer readings, and auction records with the damage the auction recorded and its photos.
Complaint and recall figures are NHTSA's public records as read on 14 November 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports. Owner comments are paraphrased from the linked video. CarCheckerVIN is not affiliated with Chevrolet or General Motors. Records in our reports reflect what was reported to our data providers. Our reports do not include police or repair-shop accident entries.
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