Free used car buyer guide / Second generation / C1XX / 2018-2023
Chevrolet Traverse common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
5.1/10
3 walk-away risks, 3 serious faults, 2 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 9t65 harsh shifting, flare or valve-body failure. Score methodology.
The 2018-2023 Traverse is a strong family hauler when you buy past the early shifter and 9-speed problems instead of into them. The costly traps are 2018-2019 Shift-to-Park shifter switch failures, 9T65 harsh shifting or valve-body work, 2020 fuel-pump burr recall, 2020-2022 curtain-airbag harness recall, 2023 half-shaft and transmission-sun-gear recalls, and neglected LGX/LFY V6 cooling or oil leaks. The safest buy is a 2021-2022 3.6 AWD or FWD with closed airbag recalls, smooth 9-speed behavior, and no repeated park-message history. Current owners should keep shifter, transmission software, fuel-pump and airbag recall records because those papers decide resale confidence on this generation.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
9T65 harsh shifting, flare
Best years
2021-2022
Best buys
- 2021-2022 3.6 with airbag harness recall closed, clean scan, and no park-message complaints.
- 2020 after fuel-pump and tire-related recalls are closed and the 9T65 shifts correctly hot.
- 2023 only after half-shaft and transmission recalls are VIN-cleared.
Inspect hard
- 2018-2019 launch cars: shifter switch, 9-speed shift quality, and early electrical complaints.
- High-mile AWD cars: front axle seals, PTU/driveline noise, and wheel-bearing hum.
- Any car with blind-zone/cross-traffic faults after rear bumper or liftgate work.
Avoid
- Shift-to-Park message that keeps the vehicle awake or drains the 12V battery.
- 9-speed flare, delayed Drive/Reverse, P0741/P0776/P0796, or dealer says it needs a complete unit.
- Unclosed 2020 fuel-pump or 2023 driveline/transmission recall on a car being sold quickly.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Chevrolet Traverse viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Chevrolet Traverse should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
3.6L LFY/LGX V6 with 9T65 automatic
2018-2023
MAIN BUY, TRANSMISSION DECIDES
Most Traverses use this combination. The engine is generally more convincing than the old first-generation 3.6, but the 9-speed and shifter electronics need proof through service records and a proper hot test drive.
2.0L LTG turbo four-cylinder RS
2018 only in limited trims
RARE, BUY ONLY CHEAP AND CLEAN
The turbo four makes less sense in a large three-row crossover unless the car is priced well and used lightly. Cooling, boost behavior and parts familiarity matter because most shops see far more V6 Traverses.
3.6L with AWD driveline
2018-2023
BEST FAMILY SPEC IF DRY AND QUIET
AWD suits the Traverse, but it adds axle, PTU and tire-matching checks. A smooth AWD car with matched tires is worth more than a higher-trim vehicle with driveline vibration.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2018
Second generation launched with V6/9-speed and limited 2.0T RS availability.
Buyer: Inspect shifter behavior and 9-speed quality hard; this is the noisiest complaint year.
Owner: Address park-message and shift harshness while records are still traceable.
2019
Carryover year with Shift-to-Park bulletin relevance and transmission recall population.
Buyer: A clean 2019 can be good, but avoid cars with repeated shifter repairs.
Owner: Keep 20V668 and shifter repair proof together.
2020
Fuel-pump burr recall, tire recalls and airbag-related campaigns affect selected VINs.
Buyer: Run VIN before travel; fuel-system recall status matters more than trim.
Owner: If stalling or no-start appears, mention fuel-pump recall history first.
2021
Mature C1XX year with lower early-launch noise, but airbag sensor/harness recalls apply to some vehicles.
Buyer: One of the better years after recall closure and a clean transmission test.
Owner: Store recall paperwork for curtain-airbag and sensor work.
2022
Final full normal year before 2023 recall-heavy late production.
Buyer: Strong target if the airbag harness recall is closed and no shifter messages appear.
Owner: Maintain 9-speed fluid and avoid mismatched tires on AWD.
2023
Late second-generation year with half-shaft and transmission-sun-gear recall exposure.
Buyer: Do not assume newer means safer; VIN-check driveline and transmission campaigns.
Owner: Keep recall closure documents because these faults are specific and serious.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
Park switch / shifter message failure
Affects
2018-2023 Traverse, strongest pattern on 2018-2019.
Symptoms
Dashboard park message after selecting Park, vehicle will not fully shut down, repeated shifter cycling, dead battery.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-1,200 depending harness versus shifter assembly.
Codes / scan clues
B000A may be stored; body codes vary.
Root cause: Park switch signal in the transmission control/shifter assembly does not report Park correctly to the BCM.
Quick check
- Park and power down at least five times.
- Open the door and verify the vehicle fully sleeps.
- Scan body module for B000A or history faults.
- Ask whether repair followed PIT5641 or 19-NA-206.
Buyer note
Do not accept this as harmless. It can strand you with a vehicle that will not shut down.
Owner note
Video the message and repair it before repeated 12V battery drain creates extra faults.
Fault 2
9T65 harsh shifting, flare or valve-body failure
Affects
2018-2023 V6 Traverse with 9-speed automatic.
Symptoms
Hard shifts, delayed upshift, slipping, failure to engage, low-speed lurch, transmission replacement estimate.
Typical repair cost
EUR 300-900 calibration/fluid; EUR 1,500-3,500 valve body; EUR 5,000-8,000 replacement.
Codes / scan clues
P0700, P0741, P0776, P0796, ratio/slip codes.
Root cause: Valve-body/control issues, fluid condition, torque-converter behavior or internal clutch wear in the transverse 9-speed.
Quick check
- Drive cold, warm and after highway use.
- Check Reverse and Drive engagement after hot soak.
- Scan TCM for history codes.
- Reject any car needing throttle tricks to shift.
Buyer note
A family hauler with a suspect 9-speed can erase the savings in one repair.
Owner note
Service and diagnose early; repeated flares damage clutches.
Fault 3
2020 fuel-pump burr recall
Affects
Certain 2020 Traverse vehicles.
Symptoms
No-start, stall, fuel-pressure complaint, open recall.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 700-1,600 pump/customer-pay diagnosis.
Codes / scan clues
Fuel-pressure codes vary.
Root cause: Fuel pump assemblies may have internal burrs that interfere with pump operation.
Quick check
- Run VIN for N202314760 / 20V639.
- Check service invoice for pump replacement.
- Hot restart and idle test.
- Scan fuel-pressure history.
Buyer note
A 2020 with an open fuel-pump recall should be handled before money changes hands.
Owner note
Do not ignore intermittent no-start on a recall-population Traverse.
Fault 4
Curtain-airbag harness connector recall
Affects
Certain 2020-2022 Traverse vehicles.
Symptoms
Airbag light, open 22V210 recall, possible non-deployment concern.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 300-1,000 wiring/SIR diagnosis if damaged.
Codes / scan clues
SIR side-curtain codes vary.
Root cause: Harness connector condition can affect roof-rail curtain airbag deployment.
Quick check
- Run VIN recall lookup.
- Confirm airbag lamp self-test.
- Scan SIR module.
- Inspect headliner area only if prior repair is suspected.
Buyer note
A three-row family car with open airbag recall is not ready for delivery.
Owner note
Keep the airbag recall invoice; future buyers will ask.
Fault 5
2023 half-shaft assembly recall
Affects
Certain 2023 Traverse vehicles.
Symptoms
Click/clunk from front axle, loss of drive, recall 23V042 open.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 800-2,000 axle/driveline repair if outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none unless wheel-speed faults follow.
Root cause: Left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing retaining rings.
Quick check
- VIN-check 23V042.
- Inspect front axle retention/boots.
- Listen during parking-lot turns.
- Avoid driving if axle separation symptoms are present.
Buyer note
This is a hard stop on a 2023 until recall closure is proven.
Owner note
New clunk or loss of drive on a recall VIN needs towing, not another test drive.
Fault 6
2023 transmission sun-gear recall
Affects
Certain 2023 Traverse under 23V172.
Symptoms
Transmission lockup risk, harsh engagement, open recall, driveline bind.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 4,000-8,000 transmission replacement retail.
Codes / scan clues
Transmission internal ratio/speed codes vary.
Root cause: NHTSA recall data describes a transmission sun gear that may be incorrectly heat-treated.
Quick check
- Run VIN specifically for 23V172.
- Ask for transmission recall invoice.
- Perform slow-speed and highway shift test.
- Scan TCM before purchase.
Buyer note
A late Traverse with an unresolved internal transmission recall is not a safer buy than an older clean one.
Owner note
Keep campaign proof with the title documents.
Fault 7
Blind-zone / rear cross-traffic sensor faults
Affects
2018-2023 higher trims, often after bumper impact or water intrusion.
Symptoms
Side detection unavailable, cross-traffic alert fault, warning lamps, dead rear sensors.
Typical repair cost
EUR 250-900 sensor/wiring; EUR 1,000+ if bumper harness damage is broad.
Codes / scan clues
Side object detection module codes vary.
Root cause: Radar modules and bumper harnesses are vulnerable to impact, corrosion and poor collision repair.
Quick check
- Test blind-zone lamps and cross-traffic alert.
- Inspect rear bumper paint and brackets.
- Scan body/driver-assist modules.
- Check for water in rear quarters.
Buyer note
Driver-assist faults are often collision-repair clues.
Owner note
Fix water or bracket problems before replacing modules.
Fault 8
LGX/LFY V6 oil leaks and cooling neglect
Affects
2018-2023 3.6 V6, especially high-mile cars.
Symptoms
Oil seep at timing cover, coolant smell, overheating history, rough idle after coolant/oil neglect.
Typical repair cost
EUR 500-1,500 leak/cooling repairs; EUR 2,000+ if timing-cover labor is extensive.
Codes / scan clues
P0128, misfire codes, cooling-fan codes.
Root cause: Age, gasket seepage, thermostat/water-pump wear and poor maintenance on a transverse V6.
Quick check
- Inspect timing cover and lower engine for oil.
- Check coolant level and color cold.
- Watch temperature on long idle.
- Scan for thermostat and misfire history.
Buyer note
The V6 is generally solid, but a dirty, leaking Traverse is not the same car as a maintained one.
Owner note
Fix small cooling leaks early; overheating a transverse 3.6 gets expensive fast.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- VIN recall report for 20V668, 20V639, 22V210, 23V042 and 23V172 where applicable.
- Shifter repair invoice showing current bulletin path.
- Transmission service, software or valve-body records.
- Any fuel-pump, airbag or axle campaign closure document.
Walk around
- Inspect front axle boots and rear bumper sensors.
- Check for fluid under transmission and engine.
- Confirm matched tires on AWD.
- Look for liftgate/rear-quarter water signs.
In the car
- Power down repeatedly and confirm no park message.
- Check airbag light self-test.
- Test blind-zone and cross-traffic warnings.
- Confirm infotainment and camera function.
Test drive
- Drive cold and hot through all 9 speeds.
- Check Drive/Reverse engagement after parking.
- Listen for axle clunks in tight turns.
- Run highway cruise and low-speed stop-start traffic.
Scan tool
- Full ECM/TCM/BCM/SIR scan.
- Look for B000A, transmission slip/pressure codes and SIR codes.
- Check recent clears.
- Read freeze frames for park-message or shift faults.
Bottom line
Buy: A 2021-2022 V6 with closed recalls and clean shifter/transmission behavior is the best balance. A 2020 is fine after fuel-pump recall closure; a 2023 needs extra VIN discipline.
Avoid: Walk away from active park-message faults, 9-speed slipping, open fuel/airbag/driveline recalls, or a car with rear driver-assist faults after collision repair.
Quick answers
Chevrolet Traverse buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Chevrolet Traverse 2018-2023 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: Park switch / shifter message failure; 9T65 harsh shifting, flare or valve-body failure; 2020 fuel-pump burr recall. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Chevrolet Traverse years are the best to buy?
2021-2022 stand out in this generation. A 2021-2022 V6 with closed recalls and clean shifter/transmission behavior is the best balance. A 2020 is fine after fuel-pump recall closure; a 2023 needs extra VIN discipline.
Which Chevrolet Traverse should I avoid?
Walk away from active park-message faults, 9-speed slipping, open fuel/airbag/driveline recalls, or a car with rear driver-assist faults after collision repair.
Is the Chevrolet Traverse 2018-2023 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 5.1/10 (cautious buy). 3 walk-away risks, 3 serious faults, 2 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 9t65 harsh shifting, flare or valve-body failure.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Chevrolet Traverse guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- NHTSA recalls API 2018-2023 Traverse
- NHTSA complaints API 2018 Traverse
- GM PIT5641
- GM 19-NA-206
- GM fuel-pump FAQ 20V639
- CarComplaints 2018 Traverse transmission
- RepairPal Chevrolet Traverse
- CarComplaints 2018 Traverse park-message reports
- Reddit 2018 Traverse transmission owner report
- NHTSA recall API 2020 Traverse
- Justia 20V639 Traverse recall
- NHTSA recall API 2022 Traverse
- NHTSA recall lookup
- NHTSA complaints API 2021 Traverse
- NHTSA complaints API 2023 Traverse
- Center for Auto Safety 2018 Traverse complaints
- NHTSA complaints API 2020 Traverse
- CarParts Traverse common problems