2018 Chevrolet Traverse: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Engine · CA

The first time this happened was in 2024, my Traverse started to sound like a go-cart, loss of power to accelerate, and exhaust smell would leak into the cabin. Being active duty living on base with one car it was more convenient to use an insured Mobile Mechanic. - Front bracket that secures the Exhaust Manifold/ Catalytic Converter in place welds failed resulting in the parts to be under extreme additional stress breaking it. This has happened every year since, everytime Chevrolet/GM customer service has been contacted and we are told that my VIN year make and model are not on the Special coverage list and there is nothing they can do. Three Catalytic Converters in three years from an engineering flaw is not normal wear and tare.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MD

First issue-cracked catalytic converter caused leaking carbon monoxide inside vehicle. When I was driving I could smell strong, nauseating fuel smell and would have to drive with windows open to try and get fresh air. Took it to local shop for repair which cost $2700. After repair did some research and found special coverage warranty for 2018 Traverse for this same issue, however chevy told me because I took it to a third party they would not reimburse. Second issue-when car would go into gas saving mode vehicle would shut off quickly then start back up and all alert lights would come on (ie. engine light, parking light, etc.), vehicle would also show typed alert on screen something about power steering would be modified and drive safely. Recently took it to chevy to have it looked at, 3 issue were wrong, one being the purge solenoid needing to be replace. Because of known issue before, did some research and also found a special warranty coverage for 2018 traverses for this issue as well. However, my VIN is not showing any of these recalls so now chevy says they will also not cover this.

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Engine · 98,000 miles · NJ

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 federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Jun 4, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · 50,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the exhaust and smelled a gasoline odor. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Jan 26, 2024 · MI

The rear catalytic converter has a crack in it which causes exhaust fumes to blow right into the cab of the vehicle. I have called and reported. I asked if there was a recall, chevy said theres no recalls. I stated how bad the fumes are and that when quoted, it is over 2000.00 to repair. I have looked into this and it seems to be a common issue with the Traverse. Muffler shops and regular mechanics refuse to touch this issue and state it has to be taken to a dealership for replacement and repairs. I currently cannot transport my children in the vehicle. I drive 10 miles to work and have a headache all day due to the fumes i injest in the drive to work. By the time i get to work i am very light headed and dizzy. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and taken seriously before any fatalities due to the lack of concern or care from Chevrolet.

Filed Oct 20, 2023 · Engine · 76,600 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, there was an exhaust odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taking to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that he had headaches due to the exhaust odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 76,600.

Filed Oct 3, 2023 · OH

I have a 2018 chevrolwt Traverse which needs repairs matching the TSB PIP5681C. This issue is on every traverse from 2018, and they have since created a special coverage to fox the issue for every vehicle from 2019 until now. One of the special coverage#'s is - N222385510. This is an emissions issue and a safety issue as the bracket that breaks actually punctures the exhaust pipe causing exhaust fumes to constantly smelled inside the cabin. There is no reason that GM is paying a special coverage on the 2019-2022 but not on the 2018 as well for the same exact parts and same manufacturing flaw.

Filed Jun 22, 2018 · Fuel system · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 chevrolet traverse. While driving various speeds, a fuel odor was detected in the cabin of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (autonation chevrolet arrowhead, 9055 w bell rd, peoria, az 85382, (623) 428-8851), but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and a case was opened. The failure mileage and VIN were not available.