I am submitting this complaint regarding a complete transmission failure in my 2018 Chevrolet Traverse (VIN 1GNEVGKW7JJ279077). The vehicle's transmission stopped functioning altogether, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion. The vehicle can no longer be driven and requires repair/towing. A sudden loss of propulsion can create a serious safety hazard, particularly if the failure occurs while driving in traffic. My mechanic has informed me that they have experienced multiple transmission problems with 2018 Chevrolet Traverses and that issues involving this transmission are still being researched and addressed. I am concerned that my failure may be part of a larger, known problem involving GM's 9T65 9-speed automatic transmission. GM has previously issued technical service information concerning the 9T65 transmission and established a transmission replacement pilot program involving certain vehicles equipped with this transmission. GM also developed additional diagnostic and repair strategies based on transmissions returned through that program. These actions raise concerns regarding the reliability and premature failure of this transmission. I am concerned that a transmission capable of completely failing and causing loss of propulsion represents a potential safety defect that warrants investigation, regardless of whether the vehicle remains under the original factory warranty. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate transmission failures involving 2018 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles equipped with the 9T65 transmission and determine whether there is a common defect or premature failure pattern. I ask the federal safety agency to review GM's technical service bulletins, warranty claims, field reports, customer complaints, and previous transmission replacement programs to determine whether additional corrective action or a safety recall is warranted. Vehicle: 2018 Chevrolet Traverse VIN: 1GNEVGKW7JJ279077 Component: Power Train / 9T65 Automatic Transmission Failure: Complete loss
2018 Chevrolet Traverse: complete transmission failure
20 of the 466 complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse describe complete transmission failure.
- owner complaints
- 20
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- typical repair cost reported
- $7,300
- recalls
- 1
Complete transmission failure by model year
What owners say
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.
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.
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.
Transmission had a shutter when we bought it from a dealership at approximately 80,000 miles and after taking it back to dealership 2 different times we were told that was just how these newer 9 speed transmissions shift. Everything was ok and there was nothing to worry about. At approximately 120,000 miles the transmission gave out. Dealership would not honor warranty. So we took it to a private repair shop, who repaired it. Then less than 2 months later, the transmission went out again. We had it towed back to the same repair shop, who kept it for 6 more months. I just got it back saturday June 13, 2026 and drove it about 100 miles out of town and transmission went out again.
Repeated problems trying to turn off vehicle with a "Shift to Park" notification being displayed. It took numerous attempts each time of banging the shift lever and flicking the shift button for it finally properly turn off. Otherwise, it would continually alarm. While the milage is only 26500, it was beyond the 5 yr warranty. I was never notified of any recall notice concerning this well documented problem. There were several class action lawsuits about this known issue, but all have since been closed. Dealer replaced transmission control range selector harness and jumper for $500.
Lost power to transmission at 36k miles. Transmission replaced by GM. Currently, the vehicle lost transmission power while driving and had to be towed to dealership. Notified that the transmission needs replaced again
Shift to park errors over multiple years, shutter when accelerating. Now pressure control solenoid code vehicle will not go in reverse or shift out of first gear. Transmission needs replacement. This is my family vehicle, i have 3 small children and it has turned off at stop lights etc. My families safety has been jeopardized many times driving this vehicle, especially the last time in particular. The vehicle stopped engaging in reverse and then in first would accelarate by itself on the way home from my 8 year olds baseball game.
Vibrations/shaking when driving. Took vehicle to a mechanic and the entire transmission needs to be replaced. I researched online and this is a common issue for the 2018 model. There where several transmission related recalls but my vehicle was not included in any of the recalls.
My 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, has unresolved safety defects that endanger occupants and other road users. These include transmission failure with loss of acceleration, “Shift‑to‑Park” malfunctions preventing engine shut‑off, inoperative blind‑spot/cross‑traffic sensors, faulty tire pressure monitoring, and an active oil leak from the timing gasket cover. These issues occur unpredictably during normal driving and parking, creating an immediate risk of collision, roll‑away, or engine fire. All of these issued happened within a very short time frame. June 2025 and I took my car into Crews Chevy, they want over $15,000 to repair. All of these items I have mentioned have numerous class action lawsuits (that they have won) for the year of my vehicle. I have spoken with GM (and have a case number) however, they are unwilling to repair, at no cost to me. I have an [XXX] daughter and work 7 days a week. I have been with out a car since [XXX] due to these issues. I do have the estimate for the repairs if needed. I do not have an actual repair invoice, as I wasn't able to afford the over $15,000 repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My transmission failed and had to be replaced for 10,000. The car is a 2018 so this was totally unexpected
Engine light- shifting rough, steering wheel shakes. I took it in to get checked, they replaced something for the emissions. Then told I need a twerk converter. Another place didn’t recommend that & I was told needs a new transmission. I have only had my vehicle 4 years and have kept it well maintenanced.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or...
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
- This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is...
- This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of seeing an intermittent...
- This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required...
- This service bulletin provides information on RDM Axle Ratios for AWD Vehicles for Vibration Diagnostics...
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission
- 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
Questions about the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse transmission failure
Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
20 of 466 owner complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse (4%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 2018.
How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $7,300 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
There is 1 recall and 91 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
Check engine light 60Jerking 32Stalling 22Loss of power 18Shudder 17Slipping 15Grinding brakes 12Hesitation 11Battery drain 9Fuel smell 8Won't shift 8Power steering loss 6Engine failure 5Seat belt 5Sunroof shattered 5
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