2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE Unknown Or Other Problems

94 NHTSA complaints on file

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Unknown Or Other Issues in the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE

94 unknown or other complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. Of these, 2 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 1 resulted in injury.

94
Complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Unknown Or Other Complaints

#11719184 |
Noxious emissions fill passenger compartment while at idle, or when using remote start. Cannot drive with windows closed, or with recirculation on. Passengers feel, "sleepy". Bracket holding flex pipe fails at the same point in several different traverse vehicles. The 2018 model we have, is not covered by a recall, even though the 2019 of the same design and fail point, is. N222385510 GM is addressing this on only select models, even though the same issue is applicable to other models, and the same part numbers are the cause and or affected.
#11714898 |
Shift to Park" Error.. even after turning the car back on.. slowly going through each gear and back down to park I'm still getting this error
#11709074 |
The Chevy suffers from the "Shift to Park" issue due to a faulty park switch in the shifter assembly, which is an electrical issue. Apparently GM does not cover this repair but it is dangerous as the car does not shut off even when engine is off and the gear is in park.
#11706518 |
When the gear shift is in the park position, the system does not recognize it so the car doesn’t properly shut down; on occasion draining the battery. The shift to park problem has been present for 4 years. It has not drained the battery until this month.
#11706203 |
Park to shift keeps popping up on dash while driving. Vehicle will not recognise when in park at times to allow vehicle to be shut off properly. The stability track warning pops up on dash now as well. The check emits comes on with codes for all going back to transmission control module system and when replaced spark plugs we found that the PCV (cam cvr to turbo) tube was cracked all the way through where the hard plastic meets metal on the part and had to replace it. This is all after multiple failed parts that had to be replaced dealing with the ac unit and it’s lines. Today is the second time in two weeks that the vehicle has been in operational mode in the middle of a foward motion driving at the time. Luckily this time I was in a housing area and not a major street...
#11704574 |
The car has a "Shift to Park" error message. We noticed a recall for other 2018 Traverse vehicles and wonder why ours is not covered. Car will not shut down completely. Battery is drained. Dealer is requesting $767.43 to repair when other GMC/Chevy vehicles are identified in a recall.
#11700108 |
I am unable to shift the car into park in order to turn off the engine. I constantly reverse and drive again to try again and again until it stays in park or the sensor realizes it is in park and turn off the engine.
#11699106 |
Light is telling me Shift To Park, this is third time it has happened, first time 2022, second time 2023 or 2024 and now 2025
#11693234 |
When I put my car in park and turn the vehicle off I get a warning that says shift to park. This has happened before and I have had it fixed a couple years ago. This problem has been ongoing for a couple months. It is not covered under warranty. I have to either start the car again and take the car out of park and then place it in park and then turn the car off, or push up on the gear shift to get the car to recognize that it is in park.
#11691206 |
electrical codes saying power steering failure which could cause loss of control of vehicle catalytic converter failure - leading to oxygen sensor failure and burnt spark plugs. engine sputters. If you look online its non-stop reports of this same year having the same issues of catalytic converter failures. health concern, emissions concern, safety concern. GM needs to recall and replace these
#11690496 |
My 2018 Chevy traverse has a shift to park warning that continues to come on. It makes the vehicle not lock or park and you have to wait till it goes off. Sometimes it takes restarting the car and turning it off again before it will turn off. this seems to be a known problem when you look it up that 2018-2019 traverse are experiencing this. This should be a national recall for those years specifically.
#11688222 |
Exhaust raddling
#11688232 |
I’ve had this vehicle for about a year or less the car ran fine with minor problems that come with having a vehicle. Up until last week the car never showed any signs of a failing transmission, it went from running fine to shuttering and suddenly I wasn’t able to reverse. The check engine light never came on, I’ve did all my routine checks and more with the dealership I bought it from and was never told anything when the vehicle was brought in for inspections.
#11686091 |
Frequent symptom is an "Action Required: Shift to Park" message on the dashboard. Which is preventing my vehicle from shutting down properly, and causing the battery to drain, and hinder my car's ability to start in addition to getting trapped in the vehicle because the vehicles fail to shift to the ‘Park’ position preventing me from being able to exit the vehicle. This is a known issue affecting various GM models which one being my 2018 traverse by GM but not willing to make official recall of the issue. There is a class action settlement due to this issue that was not privileged to me as an owner of a used vehicle included in this notice and have.
#11677775 |
Been receiving a "shift to park" warning message since last year. It seems to be a known issue, however nothing has been done about it. I've had trouble from time to time getting the car to recognize the Park position I've put the shifter in and occasionally have sat in my car with it on for minutes attempting what I can think of to have to car finally recognize that I shifted into Park. I had called a Chevy dealership near me who advised because my car is outside warranty it would not be a covered repair. I'm concerned as I have 2 young children and this is our family vehicle. I cannot leave a car running while I have my children inside or with them inside and me outside trying to turn the car off.
#11675372 |
My 2018 Traverse has had the “shift to park” message displayed on the instrument cluster when I put the vehicle in park. Even though the red P for park is illuminated and the vehicle is clearly in park the ignition will not power off when you depressed the start/stop button. The vehicle displays the message shift to park. Now this has transpired for about 3 months and it is very frustrating when you can not park in your garage especially when storms are imminent from the forecast not to mention carbon monoxide poisoning! Now I or my wife have to continuously push on the shifter to get it to turn off. Or we have to turn the vehicle back on and try driving around the block or wherever we are at. Now not being able to turn your engine off is a definite safety concern especially when you have children...
#11675100 |
I have had to repair the muffler and now the catalytic converter. There was a fissure on the muffler and now there’s a fissure on the catalytic converter.
#11671342 |
Regarding the vehicle's functionality, the horn activated unexpectedly on or around May 2, 2025, sounding continuously for approximately 10-15 minutes while the vehicle was occupied. Subsequently, the horn has ceased to function. Furthermore, on or around May 10, 2025, the powertrain system indicator illuminated, leading to a diagnosis on May 18th that identified code P0455, indicating an EVAP system leak. Concurrently, the driver's side seat belt buckle has exhibited a tendency to detach and fall between the seat components, failing to remain in its intended position.
#11671378 |
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.
#11668093 |
There is a shutter at a low speed. Upon research, this is a common problem with the torque converter.
#11664488 |
The vehicles fails to recognize it’s in park and does not shut off. Shift to park indicator turns on. Frequently have to park on incline and worried the vehicle will roll. The vehicle will not completely turn off and this has caused the steering to lock. When the vehicle finally turned off, then turned it back on we couldn’t get the steering wheel to unlock. Had to drive it with what felt like no power steering for a period of time. Shift to park indicator blinks and warning light appears that says no remote is detected, yet the remote is in the vehicle. Been in a situation where had to quickly get in to a Dr but the vehicle wouldn’t turn off so had to leave the vehicle running. At that point anything could happen, but had to take care of a sick child.
#11662281 |
I began hearing a rattling noise from my engine area recently. I made an appt with my local Radley Chevrolet dealer. It was noted by the technician that the front exhaust pipe bracket that connects the 2nd front exhaust pipe is broken and tapping against each other causing the noise concern. They listed for me to replace the front exhaust pipe that goes from under the oil pan to the catalytic converter. Upon researching this issue, this appears to be a known issue for my specific year and make and model. However, upon calling GM they have nothing listed under my specific VIN number. I believe this to be an issue that should be covered under a special coverage or recall given the amount of owners having this same issue.
#11660477 |
Issue with my exhaust pipe from catalytic converter code and I seen it has a hole on the exhaust
#11659243 |
Catalytic converter going bad and exhaust has broken off from the weld.
#11658041 |
* when in park and turned off it will display shift in to park * while accelerating from a stop it will get stuck when trying to switch gears * when in car play mode it will freeze to the point you can not turn the volume up or down until you turn the car completely off for a while. * when at a stop light the car will display stailbreak * there is a clicking noise when accelerating or pressing on gas * auto start does not work
#11643859 |
Truck stuck in shift to park
#11639872 |
I recently had my alternator fixed and the torque converter last year. I was having issues with the battery staying charged, car would jerk, radio, heat and air would shut off and come back on, car would go in reverse although I'm trying to go forward, shift to park warning message when car was in park and there are shortages out something that will connect and disconnect the Bluetooth when I'm on calls via Bluetooth. I picked my car up from Love Chevrolet 1/28/2025. Everything seemed fine but the car still jerked when I would take off at lights, make turns or go up hills. The shift to park message is still happening. When I park the car and turn it off the car makes a sound and the warning pops up. The car lights will not go off when this happens. I have to turn the car off and...
#11637618 |
Shift to Park issue. Car does not recognize the it is shifted into to Park. Shift to Park warning appears and warning bell. Seems to happen quite often and I have noticed that other years have been recalled for this same issue. Makes it quite difficult to Park and Lock the car. Electrical system stays on.
#11627864 |
When I turn my vehicle off it says that it’s not in park when it is and it keeps beeping
#11611997 |
When putting my car in park and shutting off. My traverse says warning shift to park when I am clearly in park. I cannot lock my doors and horn beeps. It continues to ding with warning!
#11610813 |
The car will not turn off 85% of the time. When I put it in park and hit the start/stop engine button the vehicle does not turn off. It shows a message "Shift to Park" but it's in park.
#11610697 |
While I was driving, the rear sunroof suddenly "exploded". I was shocked as I did not feel any impact, but it sounded like a wrecking ball had hit my car. I don't think I swerved into the other lane or anything like that, but honestly it happened so fast, I'm not sure. My heart was racing, and I felt like I was in danger, but able to pull over fairly soon after. I began to feel unwell as if my blood pressure was elevated, which I'm sure it was. I inspected the outside of the vehicle and didn't see any damage, but then from inside noticed a crackling sound, which was localized to the rear sunroof. I examined it from the top and found it to be cracking in various areas around the perimeter of the glass. The shade on the sunroof was closed, so I don't believe any glass...
#11606943 |
So since 8/02/23 when the vehicle had 54,000 miles it began to give electrical problems. I bought the car 01/16/23 it had only 26,000 miles. The service battery charging system light and battery saver mode went on and also the reduced steering light which began to shut the car down I immediately pulled over. Took it to gm dealer they tested battery was dead then charged it checked alternator it failed so they replaced alternator. 7 days later 8/10/23 the car is still running rough idle. Had savi code p0496 evap flow during non purge replaced purge solenoid. The car still the engine slightly was not 100 percent fixed I told them every time it wasn't good. 02/12/24 I took back to dealer engine running rough and every time I put gas it was hesitant the transmission I am assuming check engine light was on code p0496 the gm dealer...
#11604030 |
This concerns a defective transmission control (shifter) assembly. The defective shifter assemblies prevent the vehicles from detecting when the driver places the car in “Park.” As a result, the vehicle goes into accessory mode and one cannot shut off or lock the vehicle, the instrument cluster displays a “Shift to Park” message even though the gear shifter is already in “Park,” and the battery drains. Because one cannot reliably turn off their vehicles when reaching their destination, the Defect substantially impairs the vehicles’ ability to provide safe and reliable transportation. Shifter assemblies are not expected replacement or maintenance parts and absent a defect should not require replacement. Nonetheless, GM had knowledge of the defect and GM fails to repair the GM known Defect. Chevrolet service department has confirmed the defect.
#11596895 |
Shift to Park error occurs 90% of the time I put my car into park. The car turns off but none of the electrical does, like its in accessory mode. Dings when you try to leave the car and will not lock. Display reads 'Shift into Park'. I have to jiggle the shifter to get it to engage. Could be a couple jiggles or 5 mins of jiggling and restarting the car, shifting from drive to park over and over.. This has been "repaired" once under warranty. Now that it is out of warranty the manufacturer refuses to cover any of the expenses on this known issue with a bulletin per your website. I did not realize this was happening to so many. Should be a recall for sure! VERY FRUSTERATING.
#11594308 |
The shift lever is not sensing that the vehicle is in park. This is the second time this has happened. I have to click the shift lever button rapidly to get it to sense that it is in park. The problem was confirmed in 2019 by a dealer and the whole housing was replaced. It is ultimately failing again. GM needs to be held liable for this fix.
#11589524 |
The shifter or gear selector does not sense when it is in park. So it will not fully let the vehicle power down. Example.... if I park, place the vehicle in position Park, the "P" on the dash is illuminated, the "P" on the center console is illuminated, the doors unlock, but system information screen will continue to alert, ringing, with an alert to place vehicle in Park. This is happening now everyday, sometimes take 10 plus minutes before the car senses it is actually in park.
#11580277 | Fire
I was driving and just passed a vehicle while accelerating when I heard a pop noise, saw a lot of white smoke through my rear view mirror, had the engine light go on and the vehicle stopped working. I slowly pulled over to the side of the road and placed the vehicle in park followed by turning off the car. A person driving by stopped and advised me my vehicle was on fire under the undercarriage. I popped the hood and the engine was also in flames. I was unable to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher and the local fire department and law enforcement agencies helped to put out the fire. The vehicle was a complete loss. If it were not for the passer by person telling me the undercarriage of the vehicle was on fire, not sure if I would have known in time to get...
#11577025 |
My quarter panel taillight has stopped working due to moisture in the light (no visible breakage on light). This part is on continuous backorder with no ETA of coming back in stock. Dealer has ordered part but will not give a loaner car. GM acknowledged backorder but will not give rental reimbursement. I have three children I am to put in this car that does not have a left turn signal or brake light. I feel unsafe driving this car as I may be rear ended but everyone I talk to says they can't do anything. What am I to do.
#11576573 |
Exhaust cracks out creating a hole and cause’s problems with the catalytic converter. This is exactly the same problem as on the 2019 and up traverse that they have issued repairs on
#11574662 |
I currently own a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse with 63k miles the had a cracked catalytic converter. The catalytic converter was replaced but the dealer also charged me for a flex pipe replacement which they said was broken too. This is a known issue as per GM's own bulletin #PIP5681, yet they refused to cover the repair in it's entirety. GM is entirely covering this issue in 2018-2021 chevy traverse vehicles, but they are refusing to cover the costs of the flex pipe replacement for approximately $600.
#11568008 |
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...
#11564101 |
I shift into Park, then turn the car off and the dash starts dinging stating" shift to park" You then have to shove the gear up to get it to park all the way.
#11560673 |
On Saturday December 16, 2023, I drove to Best Buy in Beaumont, Texas to pick up my son’s Christmas gift. I am inside for about 30 or so shopping around. When I get back to my car I notice my back moon roof was completely shattered. Only tiny particles of glass fell in my vehicle but I notice the middle of the glass was pushed up a little higher like something happened to it from the inside.
#11555890 |
Active grille air shutter
#11553786 |
“When the vehicle is in park and you try to turn it off with the start/stop button an on dash error code of ‘Shift to Park’ appears even though the vehicle is clearly in park. You are not able to turn the vehicle off. I took the vehicle in for service and was told that GM is aware of the issue, however, their engineers have not found a solution. This currently is forcing me to restart the engine, put my car in reverse, shift back in drive, try re-parking and turning it off again, repeating the process until it eventually turns off. I do not know if my car is truly in gear or not. I’m afraid that it might cause a dangerous situation.” not sure but I think the doors stay locked and I would not be able to exit in an emergency. The dealer wants to charge diagnosis...
#11548108 |
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.
#11541130 |
Just started happening: on occasion, when trying to shut vehicle off, the accessory light kicks on and DIC says "SHIFT TO PARK". I have to restart the car many times and shift it from drive to park to finally get it to shut off. The issue is commonly discussed on youtube. It's the sensor/switch that tells the car it's in park. Please offer a fix.
#11539511 |
SHIFT TO PARK error comes up when park to shut down. Does not allow shutdown of the car without beeping notices. Not allowing doors to lock or driver to exit. Must be fairly common as Google shows a lot of workarounds or how to fix a clip under the shifter knob down in the console.
#11529961 |
“Shift to Park” message displays despite vehicle being in ”Park”. This prevents the engine from being shut off.

Other 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE Problem Areas

Power Train 169 complaints Electrical System 91 complaints Engine 74 complaints Service Brakes 35 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 24 complaints Steering 13 complaints Exterior Lighting 10 complaints Seat Belts 10 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System 9 complaints Suspension 9 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 8 complaints Structurebody 8 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 8 complaints Air Bags 5 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 5 complaints Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection 5 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor 4 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking 4 complaints Wheels 4 complaints Lane Departure Warning 3 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift 3 complaints Visibilitywiper 3 complaints Carry Handle Shell Base 2 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 2 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe 2 complaints Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking 1 complaint Chest Clip Buckle Harness 1 complaint Electrical System12v24v48v Battery 1 complaint Electrical Systemadasparking Assistsensors 1 complaint Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer 1 complaint Electrical Systemstarter Assemblysolenoid 1 complaint Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lights 1 complaint Exterior Lightingtail Lights 1 complaint Forward Collision Avoidance 1 complaint Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinestorageevaporative Emissionscanister 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinestorageevaporative Emissionshosesvalvessensors 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch 1 complaint Power Trainshift Linkagecablerod 1 complaint Seat Belts Rearotherbuckle Assembly 1 complaint Structure 1 complaint Structureframe And Members 1 complaint Tether Lower Anchor On Car Seat Or Vehicle 1 complaint Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems 1 complaint
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