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2018 Chevrolet Traverse transmission problems

196 complaints (42% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 33,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
196
of this car's complaints
42%
typical mileage
33,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
    3
  • Shift linkage/cable/rod
    1
  • Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
    1
  • Automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Traverse transmission problems in other years

2009201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Jerking 32Transmission failure 20Shudder 17Slipping 15Hesitation 11Won't shift 8

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Buick Customer service at 1‑866‑608‑8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

Recall number 20V668000 · Recall details

What 2018 Chevrolet Traverse owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Transmission · 148,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving at 5–8 MPH, the transmission slipped. After coming to a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate for five seconds before jumping forward 3–5 feet. Several unknown warning lights briefly illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond while in reverse(R). The contact expressed safety concerns for his child who occupied the vehicle. An independent mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Transmission · VT

For months we have had issues with the known issue of “Shift to Park” which is a huge potential safety risk to myself, my children, and all of my neighbors who are ever remotely close to the vehicle. No dealer can resolve the known issue for this year/make/model. It has slipped from park to drive once but thankfully I was still in the vehicle. Additionally, at barely 100,000, my transmission has failed suddenly. After having the vehicle suddenly buck when driving down the road— again risking the safety of myself and my children, as well as other drivers around me- the check engine light came on. After being inspected, the codes coming up are P0700, P2723, and some other transmission related codes indicating there is an internal issue with the transmission. I am told I will need to replace the entire transmission and it will cost well over $9,000. This vin should have been included in the prior transmission recall for this year/make/model due to the negligent risk of the vehicle slipping out of park and slipping gears while driving. Please help.

Filed Sep 6, 2026 · Transmission · CT

Car recently started to jolt when accelerating. Noticed it firsthand on the highway while on stop and go traffic. It's been doing it more often now when driving around the city. As soon as you accelerate past 15mph, it starts to jolt. The check engine light is not on. I do see that other 2018 Chevy Traverse have a recall, but my car (when checking by VIN) is not included.

Filed Sep 6, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · AR

the vehicle will not register that it is in park, when the engine is turned off a beeping noise reads shift to park - you have to start the engine and shut it off multiple times, or slam the shifter into place to get it register in park. this happens constantly and is starting to get old, and annoying. it is listed as a known problem on the forum group. when the notice to shift into Park is stuck on, the beeping will not stop... Also there is a shudder while driving no matter the speed. They did a transmission service and messed with torque converters but has not done anything. Also will be driving down the road with cruise control and the cruise control with randomly jerk and shut off for no reason. Has happened on the interstate.

Filed Aug 30, 2026 · Transmission · IL

the vehicle will not register that it is in park, when the engine is turned off a beeping noise reads shift to park - you have to start the engine and shut it off multiple times, or slam the shifter into place to get it register in park. this happens constantly and is starting to get old, and annoying. it is listed as a known problem on the forum group. when the notice to shift into Park is stuck on, the beeping will not stop and the battery will drain all the way. Only solution is to replace the transmission shifter assembly.

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

Car wouldn’t move in Reverse, I’d give it gas and it would just rev. It would drive forward but very sluggish. Brought to 2 different mechanics and they both said I need to replace the transmission. Car has 97,500 miles on it. This is a known issue with these vehicles. The transmission ship had another traverse and a GMC Acadia in it for the same exact issue.

Filed Jul 28, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Transmission shuddering when gear changing as accelerate.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · AR

Front passenger tire was losing air, on the way to bring it to tire shop dashboard displayed tire pressure sensor, power steering system, TCM notification, Electronic brake control. Got it to the tire shop bought a new tire and they did a diagnostic test it showed TCM passed and failed, lost communication with power steering passed and failed, lost communication with inflatable restraint passed and failed. Once tire was replaced vehicle was jerking with TCM notification coming on and off like the vehicle was sliding.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Transmission · NC

2 failed transmissions 2018 vehicle 2024 replacement of transmission 2026 needs another transmission

Filed Jun 23, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Vehicle shudders when driving between 18mph and 40mph. Brought into dealership, was told that the Torque Converter is coming apart, and that it would require an entire Transmission replacement. This vehicle has been immaculately maintained, and only has 34745 miles on it. There is no reason that a main component of a powertrain should fail at such a low milage. I was told that the Warranty only convers the part for 5 years regardless of the low milage. Was quoted $8500 (at a discount) for the repair required to make the vehicle road worthy. Just to be clear, this is a one owner, garage kept vehicle that averaged less than 5000 miles a year, with a flawless service record. This is 100% a manufacturing issue.

Questions about the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse transmission

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 196 complaints about the transmission of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, 42% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2018 Chevrolet Traverse transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 33,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 20V668000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Traverse have bad transmission?

The Chevrolet Traverse model years with the most transmission complaints are 2018 (196 complaints), 2019 (170 complaints) and 2011 (79 complaints).

Other 2018 Chevrolet Traverse problems

Electrical 102Engine 101Brakes 38Fuel system 38Driver assistance 21Steering 14Lights 12Body 11Seat belts 11Suspension 10Acceleration 8Airbags 5Wheels 5Visibility 3Tires 1

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