Which Years Of Used Chevy Traverses Are Most Reliable?
We explore the Chevy Traverse's various generations to narrow down its most reliable years. See which ones, so you can center your SUV search around dependability.
Three-row SUVs are a popular choice among American families for their added utility. Hence, many car companies have released their three-row SUVs to meet consumer demand. In 2008, Chevrolet introduced the 2009 Traverse, which is an impressively sizable three-row SUV. Unlike many three-row models, this car-based SUV features a third row that can actually accommodate adults. With that said, the Chevy Traverse might be a good option for used car buyers looking for a midsize three-row SUV.
However, you’re probably wondering which model is the most reliable year of Chevy Traverse. While the Traverse offers many attractive features and options like responsive handling, a quiet interior, and a spacious third row, not all of its model years are reliable.
THE CHEVY TRAVERSE YEARS TO AVOID
By having a foundational knowledge about the great makes and the ones that have caused users issues, you can select that will benefit you for years to come. Read on to learn more about the Chevy Traverse years to avoid.
Today, we look at the current generations of this SUV and determine the most reliable year of Chevy Traverse and which models you should avoid. Let’s dive right in.
2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse (1st Generation)
The first-generation Traverse can be an excellent hauler for families on a tight budget. Some model years stand out for the right and wrong reasons.
Avoid: 2009 Chevy Traverse
Unfortunately, the debut model year of the Traverse is anything but reliable. While praised for being sleek-looking, quiet, and spacious, it had various issues that ended up more trouble than it was worth. As per CarComplaints.com, the 2009 Traverse was plagued by transmission issues, and many high-mileage owners had to replace the transmission for thousands of dollars.
Another widely reported issue of this model is the difficulty in turning. With 16 written complaints, frustrated owners provide detailed accounts regarding the less-than-ideal turning performance of the Traverse.
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Avoid: 2010 Chevy Traverse
The 2010 Chevy Traverse wasn’t any better; in fact, it’s a worse outing than the debut model. CarComplaints.com collected over a thousand complaints and five recalls for this model. Its number one issue and a definite deal breaker is the engine trouble. Many drivers first experienced the check engine light, and then it went downhill from there. Some symptoms include loud engine noises, timing chain problems, loss of power, etc. Lastly, it also earned the “Beware of the Clunker” award from CarComplaints.
Avoid: 2011 Chevy Traverse
Also, in the running for the worst Traverse model, the 2011 model year shared many of the issues of the 2010 year. The engine failure is at the top of its laundry list of issues, with 27 written complaints so far from CarComplaints. Some owners claimed they still experienced this problem despite proper and timely maintenance. In addition, the 2011 also received power steering-related complaints among high-mileage vehicles. CarComplaints says 2011 is the worst model year of the Traverse.
Buy: 2013 Chevrolet Traverse
Finally, a Traverse model year we can recommend buying. We gave this model year a “buy” rating because it didn’t have the mechanical woes of its predecessors, including the dreaded engine issues. The 2013 Traverse received 300+ complaints and four recalls, according to CarComplaints. Consumer Reports also gave it a high consumer satisfaction rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. Plus, you know things are looking up when the worst issue you can find is about the A/C system.
Avoid: 2014-2015 Chevy Traverse
These two Traverse years lack the serious mechanical issues of the earlier first-gen models, but they sure have their own problems.
For example, the 2014 Traverse saw a rise in complaints and recalls from the primarily excellent 2013 model year. It logged over 600 NHTSA complaints and six recalls, as per CarComplaints. Its main issue was losing power while driving at around 70k miles, a significant safety hazard. According to owners, the SUV decided to shut off on its own, sometimes even on a busy highway. In addition, the 2014 Traverse was also riddled with electrical issues that affected the Stabilitrak traction control and inaccurate fuel gauge readings.
Meanwhile, the 2015 model year was an improvement in reliability and issues, but it certainly had problems of its own. One of its most annoying issues was the melted A/C compressor that failed around 50k miles. According to some drivers, the melted compressor caused their vehicle to stall, and the fact that it happened at relatively low mileage added to the frustration. Moreover, Consumer Reports gave the 2015 Traverse a low reliability verdict of 1.0 out of 5.0, citing significant issues like engine cooling and transmission trouble spots.
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Buy: 2017 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2017 model is one of the best years of the Traverse and had significantly fewer complaints and recalls than earlier models. It had a few electrical issues concerning the fluctuating fuel gauges and faulty oxygen sensors, but they were not widespread at all. CarComplaints received only 130 complaints and two recalls for the 2017 Traverse.
2018-2022 Chevrolet Traverse (2nd Generation)
The 2nd generation Traverse features a longer wheelbase and offers more passenger space.
Avoid: 2018 Chevy Traverse
Unfortunately, the second-gen Traverse debuted with the problematic 2018 Traverse. According to CarComplaints, the 2018 Traverse received over 380 complaints and two recalls under its belt. One issue that annoyed many drivers was the “Shift To Park” issue, where the engine refused to turn off until the SUV finally registered in park. This was just one of the many transmission issues that affected the 2018 Traverse. In addition, many transmission problems reared their ugly heads at the very low mileage of 11,000+. Thankfully, many of these transmission woes were covered by manufacturer warranty.
Buy: 2019 Chevrolet Traverse
For the most reliable year of Chevy Traverse, we pick the 2019 model year. If you don’t mind buying a newer, used three-row SUV, the 2019 model is easily the best year for the Traverse. It only received about 215 complaints and three recalls, as per CarComplaints. It did receive reports of engine failure, but they seem to be isolated cases since reports are not that prevalent.
Overall, this excellent three-row SUV boasts enormous cargo capacity, top-notch connectivity features, and room for up to eight passengers. Average retail prices ($20,425 - $33,450) are still a bit high, but it’s worth it for a reliable three-row SUV that will serve you for a long while.
Frequently Asked Questions: Most Reliable Chevy Traverse Years
Q: What are the Chevy Traverse model years to avoid due to reliability issues?
A: When shopping for a used Chevy Traverse, it’s best to steer clear of the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2018 model years, as they have been known to have various problems and a higher number of complaints.
Q: Which model years are considered the most reliable for the Chevy Traverse?
A: The 2013, 2017, and 2019 Chevy Traverse model years are generally considered the most reliable options, with fewer complaints and issues compared to other years.
Q: Are there any notable issues with the 2014 and 2015 Chevy Traverse models?
A: The 2014 Traverse had problems with losing power while driving, electrical issues affecting the Stabilitrak traction control, and inaccurate fuel gauge readings. The 2015 model had problems with melted A/C compressors failing around 50,000 miles.
Q: What are some of the attractive features of the Chevy Traverse that make it a popular choice among used car buyers?
A: The Chevy Traverse is known for its responsive handling, quiet interior, spacious third row that can accommodate adults, enormous cargo capacity, and top-notch connectivity features.
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