The 2018 Traverse on GM's C1XX platform is generally solid, but the 3.6L V6 has catastrophic piston/ring failures that can grenade the engine between 40k-80k miles, and the 9-speed automatic (9T50/9T65) suffers from premature torque converter shudder and fluid breakdown requiring expensive transmission work.
3.6L V6 Piston Ring Land Failure / Piston Collapse
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden catastrophic engine noise, knocking, or complete loss of power, Metal shavings in oil, oil consumption increasing dramatically before failure, Check engine light with misfire codes, followed by internal damage codes, Often happens without warning — can go from running fine to destroyed in minutes
Fix: Complete engine replacement or full rebuild with updated pistons. GM released revised piston design (service kit 12706895) but many engines fail before the fix can be applied. 18-25 hours labor for engine R&R or in-chassis rebuild.
Symptoms: Vibration or shudder during light acceleration, especially 25-45 mph, Feels like driving over rumble strips when the transmission is in 6th-9th gear under load, Harsh or delayed shifts, hesitation when accelerating from a stop, Fluid often turns dark brown/burnt smell well before 60k service interval
Fix: Early cases: flush with updated ACDelco fluid (10R80 spec) and software reflash may buy time. Established cases: torque converter replacement plus full valve body cleaning. Requires transmission removal. 12-16 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
Transmission Fluid Cooler Line Leaks / Cooler Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddling under vehicle, typically passenger side, Burnt transmission smell after highway driving, Transmission overheating warnings on DIC (Driver Information Center), Pink or red fluid stains on driveway
Fix: Replace external cooler and/or hard lines to radiator-mounted cooler. Cooler lines corrode where they mount to fittings. If caught early, just lines and cooler. If overheated, full trans service required. 3-5 hours labor for cooler/lines only.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Rear Transmission Mount Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk or thud when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration through chassis during acceleration, Visible sagging or torn rubber on rear transmission mount during inspection
Fix: Replace rear transmission mount. Access is tight but doable without full trans drop. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-600
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (2.0L Turbo)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition or extended cranking before start, Loss of power under acceleration, limp mode, Check engine light with low fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0191), Engine stumble or stall when accelerating from idle
Fix: Replace cam-driven high-pressure fuel pump on rear of cylinder head. Also recommend replacing fuel filter/strainer in tank to prevent repeat failure from contamination. 4-6 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
EVAP Purge Valve and Vent Valve Sticking
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Check engine light with EVAP system codes (P0496, P0446, P0442), Fuel smell near rear of vehicle or inside cabin, Hard fuel tank pressure release (hissing) when opening gas cap, Rough idle or stalling right after refueling
Fix: Replace purge valve (engine bay, easy) or vent valve (behind rear bumper, tank must drop slightly). Purge valve: 0.5 hours. Vent valve: 1.5-2 hours if tank lowered.
Estimated cost: $200-500
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 40-45k miles regardless of GM's 'lifetime fill' claim — the 9-speed is sensitive to fluid breakdown
Monitor oil consumption closely on 3.6L V6 engines; if it starts burning more than 1 quart per 3k miles, consider trading before catastrophic failure
Avoid extended idling and short trips with the 2.0L turbo — carbon buildup on intake valves accelerates fuel system problems
If buying used, verify transmission has had fluid serviced and get pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine compression test
Pass on 3.6L V6 models unless engine has already been replaced under warranty; 2.0L turbo is safer bet but budget $3k-5k for transmission work before 100k miles.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: H6 group also compatible; battery located under rear cargo floor
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Every control module on the 2018-2022 Chevrolet Traverse — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Integrated with rear camera assembly, center of liftgate above license plate
🔧 GDS2 or Autel
⚠️ Camera alignment/calibration may be required
Headlamp Control Module (HCM)0.5 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.2 hrwith automatic headlamps or LED/HID lighting▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, behind driver side headlamp assembly
🔧 GDS2 or Autel
⚠️ Configuration for headlamp type required
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
Consequence: Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 20V668000
2020-10-29
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.
Consequence: 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.
Performance
Horsepower
310hp
Torque
266lb-ft
0–60 mph
6.9sec
Quarter mile
15.2sec
Top speed
130mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
18mpg
Highway
27mpg
Combined
21mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
5,000lb
Payload
1,623lb
Curb weight
4,362lb
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Wiper blades
Second generation (2018+). Driver and passenger use standard J-hook attachment.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.