Chevrolet Traverse Years to Avoid
We analyzed 3433 owner complaints and 48 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Chevrolet Traverse model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2014 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in airbags & restraints.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Airbags & Restraints
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Chevrolet Traverse Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Chevrolet Traverse Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Chevrolet Traverse | 354 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Chevrolet Traverse | 162 | 4 | 67/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Chevrolet Traverse | 548 | 7 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Chevrolet Traverse | 314 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Chevrolet Traverse | 292 | 5 | 86/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Chevrolet Traverse | 361 | 3 | 97/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Chevrolet Traverse | 465 | 2 | 97/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Chevrolet Traverse | 412 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Chevrolet Traverse | 235 | 8 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Chevrolet Traverse | 94 | 3 | 42/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2022 Chevrolet Traverse | 101 | 1 | 24/100 | Safe to Buy | Report → |
| 2023 Chevrolet Traverse | 95 | 2 | 33/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
Buying a Used Chevrolet Traverse: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Chevrolet Traverse years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Chevrolet Traverse model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring airbags & restraints issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Chevrolet Traverse?
The most reliable used model year for the Chevrolet Traverse is 2022 (as well as 2022), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Chevrolet Traverse?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Chevrolet Traverse are Airbags & Restraints, Powertrain & Transmission, Electrical System. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Chevrolet Traverse?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 48 safety recall campaigns and recorded 3433 official owner complaints for the Chevrolet Traverse.