Chevrolet Traverse Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Chevrolet Traverse model year (2009–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Chevrolet Traverse Years to Avoid
4 recalls · 499 complaints
15 reported injuries
1 reported death
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 546
3 recalls · 449 complaints
14 reported injuries
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 486
3 recalls · 452 complaints
6 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 473
Best Chevrolet Traverse Years to Buy
1 recall · 25 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 34
1 recall · 67 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 76
1 recall · 58 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 81
Found the right year? Verify that specific Traverse with a free VIN report.
Chevrolet Traverse — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 25 | 3 | — | 34 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 168 | 6 | — | 180 | Good |
| 2024 | 0 | 124 | 3 | — | 130 | Good |
| 2023 | 1 | 67 | 3 | — | 76 | Good |
| 2022 | 0 | 76 | 10 | — | 96 | Good |
| 2021 | 1 | 58 | 10 | — | 81 | Good |
| 2020 | 5 | 139 | 4 | — | 162 | Good |
| 2019 | 1 | 300 | 10 | — | 323 | Caution |
| 2018 | 1 | 339 | 12 | — | 366 | Avoid |
| 2017 | 1 | 222 | 9 | 1 | 248 | Caution |
| 2016 | 1 | 196 | 8 | — | 215 | Caution |
| 2015 | 3 | 206 | 5 | — | 225 | Caution |
| 2014 | 3 | 452 | 6 | — | 473 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 2 | 158 | 8 | — | 180 | Good |
| 2012 | 4 | 288 | 7 | — | 314 | Caution |
| 2011 | 4 | 499 | 15 | 1 | 546 | Avoid |
| 2010 | 3 | 449 | 14 | — | 486 | Avoid |
| 2009 | 6 | 274 | 23 | — | 338 | Caution |
All 18 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Chevrolet Traverse Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent Traverse models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 34 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2013Mid-decade Traverse units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2013 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Traverse models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Traverse should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse if possible. It has 4 recalls, 499 owner complaints, and 1 reported death. The overall problem score is 546 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Traverse to buy?+
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 34. It has only 1 recall and 25 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Traverse has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2023, 2021 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Chevrolet Traverse Research
Check a Specific Chevrolet Traverse VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →