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
5 recalls · 499 complaints
15 reported injuries
1 reported death
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 549
4 recalls · 449 complaints
14 reported injuries
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 489
4 recalls · 449 complaints
6 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 473
Best Chevrolet Traverse Years to Buy
0 recalls · 7 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 7
0 recalls · 44 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 50
1 recall · 54 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 77
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 | 0 | 7 | — | — | 7 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 128 | 1 | — | 130 | Good |
| 2024 | 0 | 92 | 3 | — | 98 | Good |
| 2023 | 0 | 44 | 3 | — | 50 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 0 | 63 | 10 | — | 83 | Good |
| 2021 | 1 | 54 | 10 | — | 77 | Good |
| 2020 | 3 | 117 | 3 | — | 132 | Good |
| 2019 | 2 | 275 | 8 | — | 297 | Caution |
| 2018 | 1 | 311 | 2 | — | 318 | Caution |
| 2017 | 1 | 212 | 6 | 1 | 232 | Caution |
| 2016 | 2 | 192 | 8 | — | 214 | Caution |
| 2015 | 1 | 205 | 5 | — | 218 | Caution |
| 2014 | 4 | 449 | 6 | — | 473 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 3 | 156 | 8 | — | 181 | Good |
| 2012 | 5 | 288 | 7 | — | 317 | Caution |
| 2011 | 5 | 499 | 15 | 1 | 549 | Avoid |
| 2010 | 4 | 449 | 14 | — | 489 | Avoid |
| 2009 | 5 | 274 | 23 | — | 335 | 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 7 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 5 recalls, 499 owner complaints, and 1 reported death. The overall problem score is 549 — 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 7. It has only 0 recalls and 7 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 →