2018 Chevrolet Traverse Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 196about this part
- Share
- 42%of 465 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,750miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 196 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, 42% of the 465 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,750 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car would only stop running when at red lights I'd have to shut off and restart.. Jerking transmission all the time then while driving expressway the transmission car stopped while I was going 65 shut down I barely could get over most frightening experience ever. I'm scared to drive this vehicle dealership cannot get me out of lease without paying more money for another car.”
NHTSA complaint #11318099, filed 2020-03, 24,000 miles“Several instances have occurred when I have put the vehicle in park and attempted to turn the vehicle off I received a message shift to park , even though the vehicle is already in park. When this occurs, it will not allow me to turn the vehicle off. It will take several minutes of shifting the vehicle from drive to park before it will register the park position.”
NHTSA complaint #11270141, filed 2019-10, 43,300 miles“Sporadic transmission failure during operation of vehicle. During operation of vehicle a sudden jerk of the transmission occurs and the vehicle is unable to shift gears in transit. I am force to pull over and stop vehicle in order to procedure. This has occurred 3 times in the past 7 months. Dealer has informed me that GM reported they are unable to repair this problem at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #11190485, filed 2019-03, 30 miles“The vehicle auto-stopped at a stop sign. When it restarted and I made a right turn out of my neighborhood, the vehicle would not accelerate, it would only lurch. It lurched as if someone was punching the gas pedal quite aggressively. The vehicle's engine light eventually illuminated. The car had to be towed. At this time there is a service bulletin for this issue (from february 2018) but no known repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11258044, filed 2019-09, 15,000 miles“Started SUV then noticed check engine came on once driving. Went down a major road and noticed the SUV was losing power and wasn't shifting properly. Had my kids in the car and was able to turn around to get back to my house. Once I got it to a safe spot I pressed on the gas to properly park it. Then the SUV jerked forward in a sudden amd hard fashion and I almost hit the car in front of me.”
NHTSA complaint #11145345, filed 2018-11, 5,300 milesRelated recalls
- 20V668000Oct 29, 2020General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain…Covers: Chevrolet Traverse 2018–2020, Equinox 2018–2020, GMC Terrain 2018–2020 +9 more
Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011225Oct 29, 2024This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 11% |
| 2025 | 13 | 7% |
| 2024 | 19 | 13% |
| 2023 | 32 | 34% |
| 2022 | 45 | 45% |
| 2021 | 16 | 17% |
| 2020 | 40 | 17% |
| 2019 | 170 | 41% |
| 2018 | 196 | 42% |
| 2017 | 18 | 5% |
| 2016 | 37 | 13% |
| 2015 | 23 | 7% |
| 2014 | 36 | 7% |
| 2013 | 28 | 17% |
| 2012 | 46 | 13% |
| 2011 | 79 | 13% |
| 2010 | 66 | 10% |
| 2009 | 58 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
109 complaintsElectrical system
102 complaintsEngine
85 complaintsBrakes
38 complaintsFuel system
38 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsElectronic stability control
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology