2018 Chevrolet Traverse Engine
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, there were exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the mechanic was notified of a failure with the exhaust manifold. The local dealer was contacted and informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the exhaust manifold weld needed to be re-welded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Exhaust pipe bracket that is welded to both exhaust pipes broke off allowing firewall side catalytic converter pipe to crack near the head of the engine.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was previously replaced for the same failure. Additionally, after shifting to park(P), the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. After several attempts, the contact was able to turn off the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 182,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was making an abnormally loud sound that became louder over time. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the exhaust system needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the exhaust system needed to be replaced and provided the contact an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a rattling and squeaking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who informed the contact that the exhaust manifold bracket had failed and needed to be replaced along with a section of the exhaust system. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and informed that the vehicle was not covered under the manufacturer's extended coverage related to the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Metal found in transmission and new transmission needed. 2018 Chevy Traverse
I have an exhaust issue with my 2018 Traverse that a Chevrolet/GM refuses to cover. I am getting check engine light that points to a leaking exhaust. The cause for these concerns could be a broken or poor weld with lack of penetration on the Bank 2 exhaust flex pipe bracket. It's a known GM issue on the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 models. GM has a safety bulletin PIP5681 and PIP5681A for this issue. N222385510 is the number for the 2021 recall. The dealership said it will not cover the repair because my vin has no associated recall. GM allowed the repair of the 2020 under the same recall number. This should be covered under Exhaust Warranty.
The contact called on behalf of a customer who owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the customer noticed a huge oil leak on the ground where the vehicle had been parked. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed low-pressure oil sensor. The contact stated that the low-pressure sensor had separated. The customer was informed that the low-pressure oil sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact stated that it was the second similar vehicle that was recently repaired for the same failure, with low mileage on the vehicles. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the emissions purge valve needed to be replaced. The contact did research and was made aware of Technical Service Bulletin Number: N232395300 however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.Â
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, an abnormal rattling sound was coming from the vehicle without warning. The contact stated that once the engine had warmed up, the rattling sound turned into a chugging sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the bracket used to hold the exhaust pipes together had rubbed against one of the pipes and formed a hole. The mechanic then explained that if not repaired, the catalytic converter would become damaged. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was made to have a diagnostic test performed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 117,600.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exhaust system failed. The contact stated that the exhaust system was extremely loud. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed exhaust system and the exhaust system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
bracket on the exhaust flex pipe bracket broke. This is a known issue by GM (PIP5681C) that covers 2018-2022 Chevy Traverse and Special Coverage notices have been issued for at least the 2019 (N212356540) and 2021 (N222385510). I called GM today and they said my 2018 Traverse would not be covered even though it is a known issue and had a bulletin issued on it. If this is a known issue for several years (including 2018), why wouldn't the 2018 model be included and covered?
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an extremely loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter, observing that the catalytic converter had detached from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred two additional times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 92,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to sound like a lawnmower. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with catalytic converter and failed flex pipe failures. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter and the flex pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and discovered the Manufacturer's Communication Number: 212356540; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not eligible for repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that when the vehicle started, the engine made an extremely loud sound and smoke came from the exhaust. The contact stated that the vehicle sounded like a motorcycle. While the contact's wife was driving the vehicle, there were fumes from the exhaust entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that his wife had asthma, and the fumes affected her breathing while driving the vehicle. Additionally, the contact's wife was the main driver of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fractured mid-pipe assembly bracket. The contact was informed that the mid-pipe assembly bracket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled to be taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under an undisclosed Technical Service Bulletin. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not associated with the Technical Service Bulletin. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,835.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, there was an abnormal thumping sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the contact noticed a smoky smell in the cabin of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,136.
The exhaust system mount bracket broken allowing exhaust system movement resulting in a cracked catalytic converter . The mount bracket broke due to a poor weld from the part supplier. The repair cost $2404.74 on 6/5/2023 at 33.953 miles . Recently I researched this issue and found GM policy # N212356540 on 2019 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave with exact same issue with coverage to 150,000 miles. My research also found that many other owners of 2018 Traverse complaining about the exact same issue with very similar costs. This obvious emission item should have been covered. l
My vehicle was getting a check engine code #P0420, took to my GM dealer for service on [XXX]. RK Chevrolet in Virginia Beach, VA. Was told the error was caused by the mounting bracket on the front exhaust pipe had separated from the pipe, resulting in a hole in the pipe. They replaced the front exhaust pipe (85542639) and 2 pipe gaskets (84135650) as well as the muffler section of the exhaust. GM has issued a special coverage [XXX] on the 2021 Traverse for these exact part numbers, and are replacing at no cost. But if the same part numbers are failing on the 2018 (and probably 2019 and 2020) shouldn't they be covering all models with these parts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the welt was defective, and that there was a hole in the exhaust pipe. The dealer offered to assist with the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to Special Coverage Adjustment N212356540 Front Exhaust Pipe. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 72,741.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while parked in the driveway, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust pipe was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure TSB Number: PIP5681. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Rough starting engine, close to stall while idle and stopped on-road. Check engine light activated. 2016 and 2017 model years of Chevrolet Traverse vehicles were recalled for this exact issue. This condition was covered in: Special Coverage Adjustment N192210240 Evaporative Emissions Purge Valve Replacement. Our experience shows that this recall may not have covered the entirety of this issue. It is ironic that we experienced this exact same problem in a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The GM dealership charged us >$300 to repair. The recall covering the immediately previous model year extended warranty and offered free replacement. I am reaching out to NHSTA to make them aware of the issue with the Purge Valve in the 2018 model year Traverse. I contacted GM and they were not able to help, other than stating the original recall did not cover 2018 model years. We believe that it should also cover the 2018 model year based on our experience.
The exhaust manifold is cracked and leaking and the weld on the front exhaust pipe is broken. When using auto start the cabin fills with exhaust fume smell
On June 29, 2021 Unable to turn off vehicle/engine. Started approximately 1 week before on 2 occasions where I finally was able to shut off vehicle. I called dealership/service to get an appointment, but had to go in immediately because it would no longer turn off. Repair was not covered under warranty which was only 4 months past the 3 year warranty and mileage was only 27,637. It cost me just under $450 to repair this. Service advisor at Classic Chevy in Grapevine, TX commented that they had been seeing this problem which they diagnosed as INTERNAL SHIFTER FAULT. (A C/S SHIFT TO PARK MESSAGE COMES ON CLUSTER is noted on the repair invoice.) This was unnerving at the very least, and safety risk. Is this problem under any recall or potential recall?
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 2 mph and making a turn, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle then restarted on its own with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that no issues were found however, the computer system was reset. The contact stated the failure reoccurred while making a left turn at a stoplight. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 21,685. Consumer stated vehicle has been in the shop for 6 months and still in the shop.
I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH MY 2018 TRAVERSE SINCE DECEMBER. THE PROBLEM STARTED AROUND 9,000 MILES. I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. I WOULD PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND THE "D" LIGHT WOULD BLINK BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. IN MARCH AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY FINALLY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THEY REMOVED THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACED A SENSOR. THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY ISSUES UNTIL JULY 23RD WHEN DRIVING ON A CITY ROAD THE CAR GOT STUCK IN FIRST GEAR. I WAS PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 20 MPH. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN AND THEY REPLACED THE TCM AND SOLENOID SENSOR. I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE ON 8/8 ONLY TO RETURN ON 8/15 WHEN THE CAR STALLED AND JERKED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. ON 8/16 I SPOKE WITH THE DEALERSHIP WHO INFORMED ME CHEVROLET ADVISED THEM TO CLEAR THE CODE AND RETURN THE VEHICLE TO ME. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE TO THEM AND THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IS WORKING ON FIGURING OUT THE PROBLEM. AS OF 8/18/2019 THIS VEHICLE HAS SPENT 47 DAYS IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS AND HAS 10 REPAIR ORDERS.
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The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse has 29 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.