Chevy Traverse Years to Avoid – Top Picks to Skip
Thinking about buying a Chevy Traverse? It’s key to know which years to skip for a good driving experience. The years 2009 to 2016, along with 2020, are not great due to many complaints and recalls. These problems could mean lots of repair costs and stress. We’ll tell you which model years to avoid and discuss the issues with each year. This can help you stay away from these years and save you trouble.
We’re going to look at ratings from J.D. Power, Edmunds, and NHTSA. This will give a full picture of what to watch out for. With this info, you can make smart choices when buying a car. Now, let’s get into the Chevy Traverse years you should avoid and why it’s smart to keep away from these models.
Introduction to the Chevy Traverse
The Chevy Traverse first appeared in 2008. It quickly became popular among large SUVs for its roomy interior, fair price, and features perfect for families. This SUV is a great choice for those needing space and comfort. But, it’s important to know some Chevy Traverses have reliability issues. Knowing about these problems helps buyers make better choices.
The Chevy Traverse has changed over the years. Early models, especially from 2009 to 2012, had issues. Buyers reported problems with the engine, transmission, and electronics. It’s key to know which years are better. Some years are much more reliable than others.
Later models, from 2016 onwards, have shown a lot of improvement. They have fewer issues reported by owners. Knowing which years are good and which to avoid will make owning a Chevy Traverse a better experience.
Understanding the Chevy Traverse Generations
The Chevy Traverse has made quite a journey since 2008. It has been evolving for over 15 years across two main generations. The first generation spanned from 2009 to 2017, offering cool features for families and individuals. But it had its issues, especially in the beginning, making some models less desirable.
In the first generation, the 2010 and 2011 models had big engine troubles. These problems often led to expensive repairs. The 2011 Traverse also had steering problems, needing costly replacements. And the 2010 and 2011 models guzzled too much oil, which left some drivers stuck.
The second generation kicked off in 2018 with new designs and better technology. This generation faced some criticism initially for engine and electrical issues. But later models got a lot better in reliability. It’s important to know these differences when choosing a Chevy Traverse.
After 2013, the Traverse started to become more reliable. Resale values went up, and so did customer satisfaction. This information helps buyers know which years of the Chevy Traverse are good choices.
Chevy Traverse Years to Avoid
Some Chevy Traverse model years are known for mechanical problems. These can lead to big repair costs and unhappy owners. Knowing which years to steer clear of saves you hassle and money. Here are the riskiest years.
2010 Model Year Issues
The 2010 Chevy Traverse has more complaints than any other year. Engine issues often show up after 103,000 miles. Fixes average about $6,300. Steering problems can also start at around 79,000 miles, making driving difficult.
2011 Model Year Concerns
The 2011 model is often called the worst. Engines might fail after 88,000 miles, and repairs cost about $5,200. Also, around 72,000 miles, engines can lose power, raising more worries about its dependability.
2012 Model Year Problems
The 2012 model keeps up with the engine issues from before. If the engine seizes or blows, it could cost $7,900 to fix, especially after 85,000 miles. This adds to reasons for avoiding this year’s Traverse.
2015 Model Year Challenges
The 2015 Traverse has a lot of electrical issues. These can mess with important safety systems like Stabilitrak. A/C problems might happen between 54,000 and 56,000 miles, costing between $700 and $1,100 to repair. Also, fixing a sticking accelerator can cost up to $35,000.
2018 Model Year Troubles
Even with a new generation in 2018, this Traverse still has big issues. Many drivers have reported severe transmission problems. These issues make the 2018 model one to avoid.
Common Problems Across Unreliable Years
The Chevy Traverse has faced various issues over certain years. Understanding these can help you make better decisions about your vehicle. Below are the troubles reported most often.
Engine Troubles
Many models have had big engine problems. This includes failures that caused stalling and lower power. These problems usually start after 85,000 miles and fixing them can cost about $6,300. Engine issues are a major concern for chevy traverse owners.
Steering Issues
The 2011 model year had major steering problems. This raised safety worries for drivers. Owners reported these problems around 79,000 miles. It’s important to know these risks.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Many Traverses used too much oil, which risked the engine’s reliability. This could cause engine failures. Knowing about it helps you deal with chevy traverse reliability issues better.
Unusual Brake Noises
Newer models got complaints about strange brake sounds. These noises could point to bigger brake system problems. Not addressing them might lead to higher repair costs and safety risks.
Transmission Problems
Transmission troubles were common in models from 2009 to 2012. These usually happened after about 87,000 miles. Repairs could cost up to $3,200. Recognizing these issues can help in planning your maintenance.
The Most Reliable Years of the Chevy Traverse
Looking for the best Chevy Traverse years? It’s key to know which ones are reliable. Picking the right year can save you trouble and money. Users and experts say some years are much better.
Best Model Years Overview
The 2013, 2016, and 2017 Chevy Traverses are praised for their performance and reliability. They have good ratings and fewer complaints. Let’s dive into why these years are top choices.
Top Features of Reliable Models
- High owner satisfaction ratings, particularly from the 2013 and 2017 models.
- Fewer recalls compared to earlier models, with the 2017 model receiving only 130 complaints and 2 recalls.
- Successful safety ratings, maintaining at least a four-star rating from NHTSA.
- Lower average annual maintenance costs for models above 2014, which peaked at around $727.
- Consistent fuel economy improvements, with newer models achieving up to 20 mpg city.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Owner Satisfaction Rating | Annual Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 300+ | 4 | 4.0/5.0 | $1,063 |
| 2016 | Data less abundant, considered reliable | Minimal | Ratings high | $727 |
| 2017 | 130 | 2 | Highly rated | $250 |
| 2019 | Approx. 215 | 3 | Generally positive | $250 |
General Maintenance Concerns for the Chevy Traverse
Keeping up with regular maintenance is key to getting the most out of your Chevy Traverse. Failing to do so might lead to chevy traverse maintenance concerns that could have been avoided. It’s also a way to prevent spending extra on repairs. Here, we will discuss important upkeep tasks and compare costs between more and less reliable model years.
Routine Service Requirements
For the best performance of your Chevy Traverse, focus on these routine upkeep tasks:
- Oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to keep the engine running smoothly.
- Brake checks every 15,000 miles to avoid damage.
- Checking transmission, brake, and coolant fluids at each service time.
- Tire rotations between 5,000 to 8,000 miles for uniform tire wear.
- Testing the battery to prevent sudden failures, especially in older models.
Proactively dealing with these chevy traverse maintenance concerns means fewer big problems later.
Cost of Ownership Comparison
When thinking about how much it costs to own a Chevy Traverse, models with more issues often lead to higher repair costs. We’ve put together a table showing the average maintenance and repair costs for various model years:
| Model Year | Average Repair Costs | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | $3,200 (transmission) | Transmission failure |
| 2010 | $6,300 (engine) | Engine problems, power steering issues |
| 2011 | $5,200 (engine) | Engine failure |
| 2012 | $7,900 (engine) | Engines seizing and blowing |
| 2017 | $1,500 (typical maintenance) | Hardly any problems |
| 2019 | $1,800 (typical maintenance) | Few issues reported |
Getting to know these cost comparisons helps shoppers choose an option that’s both reliable and cost-effective. Newer models of the Chevy Traverse tend to be a smarter investment. They save you both time and money in the long run due to chevy traverse reliability issues being less common.
Comparative Analysis: Good vs. Bad Years
Understanding the differences between Chevy Traverse model years is crucial. It helps identify the best and worst years. An analysis of repair costs and owner satisfaction shows the importance of choosing wisely.
Cost of Repairs
Repair costs for Chevy Traverse models vary. Years to avoid often have higher maintenance costs. On the other hand, the best years show fewer issues and lower repair costs. Here’s a table showing average repair costs for less reliable years versus more reliable models:
| Model Year | Average Repair Cost (5 Years) |
|---|---|
| 2010 | $5,000 |
| 2011 | $4,800 |
| 2012 | $4,700 |
| 2015 | $3,200 |
| 2018 | $2,500 |
Owner Satisfaction Ratings
Owner feedback highlights satisfaction with Chevy Traverse models. Higher satisfaction comes from models with fewer issues. Below is a comparison of satisfaction ratings for less reliable years against the most reliable ones:
- 2010 Model: 3.2/5 – Common engine failures caused frustration.
- 2011 Model: 3.5/5 – Steering issues affected enjoyment.
- 2012 Model: 3.1/5 – Performance concerns were a problem.
- 2015 Model: 4.2/5 – Reliability and comfort were praised.
- 2018 Model: 4.6/5 – Scored high for safety and features.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Knowing what Chevy Traverse owners think adds value to its reliability analysis. Owners share their good and bad experiences. These insights help future buyers know what chevy traverse reliability issues and the chevy traverse problems to avoid.
Case Studies: Owner Experiences
Different Chevy Traverse models have provided varied experiences for their owners. Here are some notable points:
- The 2010 model has had many engine complaints, leading to owner frustration.
- Owners of the 2011 Traverse reported issues with power steering failures.
- Complaints about the 2012 model mainly dealt with its oil consumption, which led to high repair costs.
- The 2013 and 2014 models, however, are praised for their reliability and performance.
- The 2019 Traverse is seen as highly reliable, with fewer complaints received.
Expert Reviews and Ratings
Experts also weigh in on the Chevy Traverse. They consistently observe:
- Models from 2013 to 2019 generally have high reliability scores and owner satisfaction.
- Older models, particularly the 2010 and 2011, are noted for their engine and steering issues.
- On the whole, experts believe newer Traverse models are more durable based on their assessments.
Conclusion
When looking into the Chevy Traverse, it’s essential to know which model years to avoid. Stay clear of the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2018, and 2019. The 2011 model is particularly bad, with high repair costs around $3,200. This is because of engine and severe transmission problems.
The first-generation cars also had big issues with using too much oil and transmission failures. These problems get worse when the car hits around 80,000 miles.
The 2016 Chevy Traverse is known for being reliable, with less than 300 complaints to the NHTSA. On the other hand, the 2018 model has many issues with its transmission, engine, and electrical systems. This makes it one of the Chevy Traverse years to steer clear of. Meanwhile, the models from 2020 to 2022 are much better. They have shown great reliability with fewer than 100 complaints, making them a safer choice for buyers.
Understanding which Chevy Traverse years to avoid helps you pick a better car. Make sure to do regular maintenance and fix any issues quickly. This will help keep your Chevy Traverse dependable for a long time.
FAQ
Which Chevy Traverse years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2018 Chevy Traverse models. They have big problems like engine failures, steering issues, and transmission defects.
What are the common issues found in unreliable Chevy Traverse models?
These models often have engine and steering problems. You might also see excessive oil use, strange brake sounds, and transmission issues, especially from 2009 to 2012.
Are there specific years of the Chevy Traverse that have received positive feedback?
Yes, the 2016, 2017, and models after 2018 Chevy Traverse received good reviews. They have fewer complaints and higher satisfaction from owners.
What routine maintenance is necessary for a Chevy Traverse?
Keep your Chevy Traverse running well with regular oil changes and brake checks. You should also check fluids and rotate tires.
How does owning a reliable model year of the Chevy Traverse compare to an unreliable one in terms of costs?
Choosing a reliable Chevy Traverse model means fewer repair costs and happier owners. But, unreliable models can lead to big repair bills and frustration.
What should I expect regarding transmission problems in the Chevy Traverse?
Be wary of the 2010, 2011, and 2018 models for transmission issues. Problems like shifting difficulties could cost over ,000 to fix.
How can I determine if a specific Chevy Traverse is a good buy?
Check out owner reviews, look at reliability scores, recall history, and maintenance records. Going for models with fewer problems can make you more confident in your choice.
