Chevrolet Traverse Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Chevrolet Traverse years to avoid are 2010, 2011, 2019, and 2025, based on NHTSA complaint index scores of 87, 93, 80, and 100. The best years by far are 2013, 2021, 2022, and 2023, with complaint index scores of 7, 0, 13, and 20.
Avoid 2010Avoid 2011Avoid 2019Avoid 2025Best 2013Best 2021Best 2022Best 2023
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 4,989
- Recall campaigns
- 27
- Crashes reported
- 140
- Fires reported
- 27
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Avoid | 87 | 669 | 17 | 6 | 5 | Steering | 19 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 93 | 608 | 16 | 4 | 5 | Engine | 19 | 5★ |
| 2012 | Good | 47 | 354 | 10 | 2 | 5 | Engine | 19 | 5★ |
| 2013 | Best | 7 | 162 | 7 | 2 | 4 | Engine | 19 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 73 | 547 | 8 | 1 | 7 | Airbags | 19 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Good | 33 | 313 | 10 | 3 | 5 | Airbags | 19 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Good | 27 | 292 | 8 | 1 | 5 | Airbags | 17.5 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 53 | 361 | 13 | 2 | 3 | Airbags | 17.5 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 67 | 461 | 9 | 2 | 2 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Avoid | 80 | 405 | 15 | 2 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Good | 40 | 228 | 11 | 1 | 8 | Engine | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Best | 0 | 89 | 4 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 13 | 98 | 3 | 0 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Best | 20 | 89 | 5 | 0 | 2 | Transmission & Powertrain | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Caution | 60 | 136 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Brakes | 21 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Avoid | 100 | 177 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 22 | 5★ |
Traverse years to avoid: what went wrong
2025 Chevrolet Traverse Index 100 · 177 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2025 Traverse has the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100, ranking worst overall, though it has no recall campaigns yet. Brake complaints lead at 63% of reports, with a median failure mileage near 10,498 miles, including reports of automatic emergency braking activating unexpectedly or failing to respond. Collision avoidance and camera complaints follow at 36% (median 7,926 miles). Owners also report airbags failing to deploy in crashes.
2025 brakes problems →2025 collision avoidance & cameras problems →2025 electrical system problems →
2011 Chevrolet Traverse Index 93 · 608 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2011 Traverse carries a complaint index of 93, the second worst of all years covered. Engine problems lead at 42% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 80,000; owners report engine compartment smoke and fires. Steering issues follow at 27% (median 66,500 miles) and brakes at 23% (median 74,175 miles). This year shares the same 5 recalls as 2010, including the airbag attachment recall and a power liftgate software recall.
2011 engine problems →2011 steering problems →2011 brakes problems →
2010 Chevrolet Traverse Index 87 · 669 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2010 Traverse has a complaint index of 87 and ranks 3rd worst out of 16 model years. Steering complaints dominate, making up 49% of reports, with a median failure mileage around 69,500 miles; owners describe the steering wheel becoming hard to turn or nearly locking at low speed. Engine complaints follow at 32%, with failures reported near 82,000 miles. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this year, including one covering side curtain airbags that may not be properly attached.
2010 steering problems →2010 engine problems →2010 brakes problems →
2019 Chevrolet Traverse Index 80 · 405 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2019 Traverse has a complaint index of 80, ranking 4th worst. Transmission and powertrain issues are the top concern at 41% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 57,000. Electrical system problems follow at 28% (median 36,500 miles), and some owners reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this year, including one for the start-stop transmission accumulator and one for a sensing diagnostic module stuck in manufacturing mode.
2019 transmission & powertrain problems →2019 electrical system problems →2019 engine problems →
Most common Chevrolet Traverse problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine1,324 (27%)
- Airbags1,023 (21%)
- Transmission & Powertrain852 (17%)
- Electrical System839 (17%)
- Brakes828 (17%)
- Steering720 (14%)
- Other583 (12%)
- Fuel System229 (5%)
- Seat Belts148 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires147 (3%)
Frequently asked questions
- Which Chevrolet Traverse years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data points to 2010, 2011, 2019, and 2025 as the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 87, 93, 80, and 100 respectively — all well above the other model years.
- What are the best Chevrolet Traverse years to buy?
- 2013, 2021, 2022, and 2023 rank as the best years, with complaint index scores of 7, 0, 13, and 20, the lowest across all 16 model years covered.
- What is the most common problem area for the Chevrolet Traverse overall?
- Across all years, engine issues account for the largest share at 27% of the 4,989 total complaints, followed by airbags at 21% and transmission/powertrain and electrical system tied at 17% each.
- Does the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse have transmission problems?
- Yes, transmission and powertrain complaints make up 41% of all 2019 Traverse complaints, with a median failure mileage of 57,000, and NHTSA issued a recall for the start-stop transmission accumulator.
- Are there brake issues with the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse?
- Yes, brakes are the top complaint area for 2025, at 63% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of about 10,498 miles; owners report automatic emergency braking activating unexpectedly or failing to respond.