Chevrolet Traverse Best and Worst Years (2009–2025)
Chevrolet Traverse years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2011, 2019, and 2025, with 2010 rated worst (complaint index 100). The best years, based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, are 2013, 2021, 2022, and 2023, all with low complaint indexes.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2009Avoid 2010Avoid 2011Avoid 2019Avoid 2025Best 2013Best 2021Best 2022Best 2023
- Model years
- 17
- 2009–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 5,437
- Recall campaigns
- 31
- Crashes reported
- 157
- Fires reported
- 29
- Top problem area
- Engine
Traverse Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Chevrolet Traverse problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Avoid | 81 | 448 | 17 | 2 | 8 | Steering | 19 | — |
| 2010 | Avoid | 100 | 669 | 17 | 6 | 5 | Steering | 19 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 88 | 608 | 16 | 4 | 5 | Engine | 19 | 5★ |
| 2012 | Good | 44 | 354 | 10 | 2 | 5 | Engine | 19 | 5★ |
| 2013 | Best | 0 | 162 | 7 | 2 | 4 | Engine | 19 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 69 | 547 | 8 | 1 | 7 | Airbags | 19 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Good | 25 | 313 | 10 | 3 | 5 | Airbags | 19 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Good | 31 | 292 | 8 | 1 | 5 | Airbags | 17.5 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 50 | 361 | 13 | 2 | 3 | Airbags | 17.5 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 63 | 461 | 9 | 2 | 2 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Avoid | 75 | 405 | 15 | 2 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Caution | 56 | 228 | 11 | 1 | 8 | Engine | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Best | 6 | 89 | 4 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 13 | 98 | 3 | 0 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Best | 19 | 89 | 5 | 0 | 2 | Transmission & Powertrain | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Good | 38 | 136 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Brakes | 21 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Avoid | 94 | 177 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 22 | 5★ |
Traverse years to avoid: what went wrong
2010 Chevrolet Traverse Index 100 · 669 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2010 Traverse ranks worst of all years, with 669 complaints, 5 recalls, and a complaint index of 100. Steering was the top problem area at 49% of complaints (median 69,500 miles), followed by engine issues at 32% (median 82,000 miles). Owners described engine fires with smoke from under the hood, seat belts failing to lock during crashes, side airbags not deploying in side-impact collisions, and steering wheels becoming difficult to turn at low speed. Recalls addressed side curtain airbag attachment, liftgate software, and seat belt pretensioners. NHTSA logged 17 crashes and 6 fires for this year.
2010 steering problems →2010 engine problems →2010 brakes problems →
2025 Chevrolet Traverse Index 94 · 177 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2025 Traverse has 177 complaints, no recalls yet, and a complaint index of 94, second-worst of all years. Brakes account for 63% of complaints (median 10,497.5 miles) and collision-avoidance/camera systems for 36% (median 7,926 miles). Owners reported automatic emergency braking systems failing to respond as intended, airbags failing to deploy or deflate during side-impact crashes, and collision-avoidance systems locking doors unexpectedly during a crash event. These issues were reported at very low mileage. NHTSA recorded 4 crashes for this model year so far.
2025 brakes problems →2025 collision avoidance & cameras problems →2025 electrical system problems →
2011 Chevrolet Traverse Index 88 · 608 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2011 Traverse had 608 complaints, 5 recalls, and a complaint index of 88. Engine problems led at 42% of complaints (median 80,000 miles), followed by steering at 27% and brakes at 23%. Owners reported engine compartment fires with smoke and flames, burning odors after routine dealer service, and airbags failing to deploy in frontal and side-impact crashes. One complaint described a fuel smell followed by a fire that spread to the passenger area. Recalls covered airbag attachment, liftgate software, and seat belt pretensioners. This year recorded 16 crashes, 30 injuries, and 1 death.
2011 engine problems →2011 steering problems →2011 brakes problems →
2009 Chevrolet Traverse Index 81 · 448 complaints · 8 recalls
The 2009 Traverse logged 448 complaints and 8 recall campaigns, earning a complaint index of 81. Steering accounted for 52% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 76,000 miles. Owners reported warning indicators lighting up together, burning odors near the front of the vehicle, transmission gears skipping unexpectedly, and airbags failing to deploy in low-speed crashes. Engine and transmission issues each made up smaller shares. Recalls covered a power liftgate software update, seat belt pretensioner inspection, and airbag wiring harness connections. NHTSA recorded 17 crashes and 16 injuries for this model year.
2009 steering problems →2009 engine problems →2009 transmission & powertrain problems →
2019 Chevrolet Traverse Index 75 · 405 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2019 Traverse recorded 405 complaints, 3 recalls, and a complaint index of 75. Transmission and powertrain problems led at 41% of complaints (median 57,000 miles), followed by electrical system issues at 28% (median 36,500 miles). Owners reported the automatic stop-start system failing to function properly, airbags not deploying in rear-end and side-impact crashes even at highway speeds, and the vehicle rolling on its own while parked. Recalls addressed side curtain airbag attachment, a transmission accumulator bolt issue, and an airbag sensing module stuck in manufacturing mode. NHTSA logged 15 crashes and 17 injuries for this year.
2019 transmission & powertrain problems →2019 electrical system problems →2019 engine problems →
Most common Chevy Traverse problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Engine1,400 (26%)
- Airbags1,049 (19%)
- Steering951 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain910 (17%)
- Electrical System877 (16%)
- Brakes863 (16%)
- Other619 (11%)
- Fuel System239 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires167 (3%)
- Seat Belts165 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Chevrolet Traverse should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2019, and 2025 Traverse. The 2010 model year has the highest complaint index at 100, making it the worst year overall.
- Which Chevrolet Traverse model years are best?
- The 2013, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Traverse are rated Best based on NHTSA data, with complaint indexes of 0, 6, 13, and 19 respectively, the lowest of all 17 model years covered.
- Why is the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse rated so poorly?
- The 2010 Traverse has 669 complaints and 5 recalls, giving it a complaint index of 100, the worst of any year. Steering problems make up 49% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 69,500 miles.
- Is the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse reliable so far?
- The 2025 Traverse carries a complaint index of 94 and is rated Avoid, with brakes (63% of complaints) and collision-avoidance/camera systems (36%) as the top problem areas, both failing at low mileage.
- What is the most common problem area across all Chevrolet Traverse years?
- Across all 17 model years, engine complaints are the most common, accounting for 1,400 of 5,437 total complaints, or 26%. Airbags (19%) and steering (17%) follow closely behind.