Which year to buy
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2012GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.1× usual Extended coverage
307 serious complaints of 354, the most about engine (115) and stability control (84); per car on the road, 1.1× this model's usual year. 5 recalls.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to three different independent mechanics and on all three occasions, it was diagnosed that the timing chain failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, May 2021
“I will be driving down the road, either on highway or city street and all of a sudden a warning light comes on that says service stabilitrak/reduce engine power/traction control. The next day it will run fine.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the stability control, Aug 2019
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage On some 2008 model year (MY) Saturn Outlook; 2008-2009 MY Buick Allure, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac G8, Pontiac Montana SV6, Pontiac Torrent, and Saturn VUE; 2008-2010 MY Hummer H3 and Pontiac G6; 2008-2011 MY Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX, and Chevrolet Impala; 2008, 2011-2012 MY… (GCUS-9-939, Sep 2015)
- Extended coverage Certain 2008 2013 buick enclave, 2008-2013 gmc acadia, 2008-2010 saturn outlook, and 2009-2013 chevrolet traverse vehicles were recalled to address corrosion and/or loose crimps in the driver and passenger-seat mounted side-impact airbag (siab) wiring-harness connectors, which could cause an… (15536, Aug 2015)
- Repair program Vehicles may have leaks from the water pump shaft seal. Dealers are to check the engine coolant level and, if necessary, add the proper mixture of coolant directly to the radiator and the coolant recovery tank. (G-163500, Apr 2013)
- Repair program This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. (PIT5236F, Aug 2015)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
354 owner complaints · 5 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19 mpg · NHTSA: 5 of 5 stars · 2012 trims and features
Every Traverse year's verdict →
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl · Drive: AWD, FWD
2012 Traverse trims
| 2LT | LS | LT | LTZ |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Chevrolet reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Chevrolet aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 21–22 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 24 | Electrical system (7) | — |
| 2025 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 21–23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 179 | Service brakes (108) | Yes |
| 2024 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–23 mpg | 4–5 of 5 | 0 | 137 | Service brakes (54) | Yes |
| 2023 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–21 mpg | 4–5 of 5 | 2 | 89 | Power train (29) | Yes |
| 2022 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–21 mpg | 4–5 of 5 | 1 | 98 | Power train (43) | Yes |
| 2021 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–21 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 89 | Electrical system (22) | Yes |
| 2020 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–21 mpg | 5 of 5 | 8 | 229 | Engine (70) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–22 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 407 | Power train (169) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–22 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 462 | Power train (195) | Yes |
| 2017 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 17–18 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 361 | Air bags (263) | No |
| 2016 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 17–18 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 292 | Air bags (163) | No |
| 2015 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 313 | Air bags (162) | No |
| 2014 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19 mpg | 5 of 5 | 7 | 547 | Air bags (258) | No |
| 2013 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 162 | Electrical system (53) | No |
| 2012 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 354 | Engine (115) | No |
| 2011 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 608 | Engine (204) | No |
| 2010 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 669 | Steering (331) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: Traverse 2018–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | CHEVROLET TRAVERSE SUV N/A AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 24 |
| 2026 | CHEVROLET TRAVERSE SUV N/A FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 24 |
| 2025 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 0 | 179 |
| 2025 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 0 | 179 |
| 2024 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 0 | 137 |
| 2024 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 0 | 137 |
| 2024 | Chevrolet Traverse Limited SUV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 0 | 15 |
| 2024 | Chevrolet Traverse Limited SUV FWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 0 | 15 |
| 2023 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 2 | 89 |
| 2023 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 2 | 89 |
| 2022 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 98 |
| 2022 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 98 |
| 2021 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 89 |
| 2021 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 89 |
| 2020 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 8 | 229 |
| 2020 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 8 | 229 |
| 2019 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 407 |
| 2019 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 407 |
| 2018 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 462 |
| 2018 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 462 |
| 2017 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 361 |
| 2017 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 361 |
| 2016 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 292 |
| 2016 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 292 |
| 2015 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 313 |
| 2015 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 313 |
| 2014 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 7 | 547 |
| 2014 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 7 | 547 |
| 2013 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 4 | 162 |
| 2013 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | 5 | No | No | 4 | 162 |
| 2012 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 354 |
| 2012 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 354 |
| 2011 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 608 |
| 2011 | Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 608 |
| 2010 | Chevrolet Traverse 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 669 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Traverse AWD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 21 |
| 2026 | Traverse FWD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 22 |
| 2025 | Traverse AWD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 21 |
| 2025 | Traverse FWD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2024 | Traverse AWD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 21 |
| 2024 | Traverse FWD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2024 | Traverse Limited AWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 20 |
| 2024 | Traverse Limited FWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2023 | Traverse AWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 20 |
| 2023 | Traverse FWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2022 | Traverse AWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 20 |
| 2022 | Traverse FWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2021 | Traverse AWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 20 |
| 2021 | Traverse FWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2020 | Traverse AWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 20 |
| 2020 | Traverse FWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2019 | Traverse AWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 20 |
| 2019 | Traverse FWD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21–22 |
| 2018 | Traverse AWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 20 |
| 2018 | Traverse FWD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
21–22 |
| 2017 | Traverse AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 17 |
| 2017 | Traverse FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 18 |
| 2016 | Traverse AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 17 |
| 2016 | Traverse FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 18 |
| 2015 | Traverse AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2015 | Traverse FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2014 | Traverse AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2014 | Traverse FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2013 | Traverse AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2013 | Traverse FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2012 | Traverse AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2012 | Traverse FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2011 | Traverse AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2011 | Traverse FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2010 | Traverse AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2010 | Traverse FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.