2018 Chevrolet Traverse Problems: 12 Known Issues

On the 2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse, many second-gen Traverse owners experience random no-crank / no-start events, sometimes after the engine shuts off while driving. GM service bulletins identify two patterns: bent or backed-out terminals at body connector X203 causing loss of communication on the HSLAN data bus with multiple stored DTCs, and a separate intermittent no-crank condition on certain 2019 3.6L LFY models built before February 22, 2019, flagged by ignition coil supply and ignition relay feedback codes and caused by loose terminal tension in the underhood fuse block. The result is being stranded with a vehicle that will not respond to the start button.

On the 2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse, the MyLink/infotainment touchscreen on 2018-2020 Traverse units can go black or freeze (in some cases the radio, volume and USB still function while the screen stays dark) and does not always recover with a normal restart. Owners have traced some failures to blown resistors on the screen's power-circuit board, requiring display/board replacement; software-related freezes are also common.

On the 2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse, owners frequently report a "Shift to Park" warning that appears even when the transmission is already in Park, often preventing the ignition from shutting off and risking battery drain (the radio stays on and the doors won't lock). The root cause is a weak/failing park switch in the console shifter assembly (often bad harness connectors) that fails to pull the Body Control Module signal low, a defect documented across multiple GM models and addressed in a GM service bulletin.

On the 2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse, certain 2018-2020 Traverse units (with the global front-wheel-drive 6- or 9-speed transmission) left the factory with missing or loose bolts on the start/stop transmission accumulator endcap. This can cause a transmission fluid leak that may progress to a loss of propulsion while driving, and leaking ATF near an ignition source raises fire risk. GM issued safety recall N202313440 (NHTSA 20V-668) covering this defect across multiple GM models, with the remedy beginning December 15, 2020.

On the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, gM bulletin 18-NA-091 covers certain 2018 Traverse vehicles with the 9T65 automatic (RPO M3W or M3V). A slight shudder during a light-throttle shift below 40 mph may involve torque-converter clutch reapplication. The bulletin does not cover the later eight-speed Traverse or establish that every vibration is converter failure.

On the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LFY, some 2018 Traverse models with the 3.6L LFY V6 and GM's 9T65 9-speed automatic can exhibit a slight shudder felt during gear shifts at speeds below about 40 mph with light throttle. GM bulletin 18-NA-091 attributes it to possible torque converter clutch (TCC) shudder on re-apply after a shift.

On the 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, one or two of the weld nuts that secure the right or left roof-rail airbag to the vehicle might be damaged, out of position, or missing, because repairs flagged during assembly may not have been performed or may have been performed improperly. If the roof-rail airbag is not properly secured, it may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury in certain crash conditions. Applies to: Only 55 specific 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse built March 25, 2010 to December 4, 2018 at Lansing Delta Township, identified from that plant's roof-rail airbag fastener repair records; vehicles that did not get that repair during manufacture are not included. GM recall bulletins N202321200 and N202321201.

On the 2018-2023 Chevrolet Traverse, the moonroof feeds rainwater into a rain tray above the headliner that drains through tubes routed down the pillars. Debris clogs the tubes (and tray outlets), so the tray overflows and water runs down the inside of the headliner, dripping from the overhead console, dome/map light area, or near the rearview mirror. Second-generation (2018-2023) owners report soaked headliners, wet front floors, and damaged overhead electronics. Some cars also have poorly seated/kinked or leaking quick-connect drain hoses that leak even after the tubes are cleared.

On the 2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LFY, the second-generation 3.6L LFY runs four cam phasers fed by oil-control solenoids. On early C1XX Traverse builds the solenoids stick or screen-clog with casting/machining debris and varnish, and the ECM calibration was itself part of the problem. The result is a set of correlated cam timing codes — commonly P0011 with P0014, P0021 and P0024 appearing together — plus a rough idle, a rattle on start-up as the phasers fail to lock, and reduced power. On 2018 models GM addressed the calibration side with Service Update N192266190, an ECM reprogram for an engine-control software issue during auto stop/start events that could cause rough running, reduced power or a stall with P0011/P0014/P0021/P0024. This is distinct from the LLT/LFX timing chain stretch problem: the chains here are not necessarily worn, the phaser control is.

On the 2018-2022 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LFY, traverse owners widely report the air conditioning blowing warm air after only a year or two of use, caused by refrigerant escaping the system. GM bulletin PIT5710 instructs dealers to leak-check the condenser and, if no external leak is found, inspect the rear auxiliary A/C evaporator. GM bulletin 18-NA-240 also identifies a leak at the A/C condenser receiver/dehydrator tank plug on early 2018 builds.

On the 2018-2022 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LFY, gM PIP5681C documents a possible exhaust bracket/weld failure on specified 2018-2022 LFY Traverse applications. Noise and mixture or catalyst codes can accompany the leak, but do not establish it without inspection. The adjacent Bank 1 pipe can also be damaged.

On the 2018-2023 Chevrolet Traverse, a very large share of second-generation Traverse front-end noise complaints that get misdiagnosed as struts, control arm bushings or sway bar links are actually the cradle brace — a flat bar bolted across the front subframe with a single bolt at each end. When the brace is loose, mispositioned or was never torqued to spec, it knocks against the cradle over small bumps and during turning maneuvers, producing exactly the clunk owners associate with worn suspension. GM covers the diagnosis in bulletin PIT5931A for 2018-2023 Traverse. Owners have replaced struts and sway bar links with no change before the brace was found.