Shopping for a used Chevy Traverse means knowing which years hold up and which ones bring headaches. The 2021, 2019, and 2016 models are your best bets. The 2010 and 2012? Run the other direction. Those early models come with timing chain failures and power steering problems that’ll cost you thousands in repairs.
- The 2021 model is the safest pick with minimal reported problems, over 41 inches of front legroom, and 310 horsepower under the hood.
- Skip the 2010 Traverse completely because engine failures around 100,000 miles are common, plus power steering recalls add to the nightmare.
- The 2016 model offers the best value for budget shoppers, priced between $7,900 and $10,700 with most of the first-generation bugs worked out.
The Three Years You Actually Want
The 2021 Traverse is your best pick if you can stretch the budget. Owners love the roomy interior with space for eight people and cargo room that actually works for real family road trips. The 310-horsepower V6 pulls strong, and the eight-inch touchscreen comes standard on higher trims. Here’s what matters though: this year has way fewer complaints than earlier models. When you’re buying used without a factory warranty backing you up, that’s huge.
The 2019 model should be on your list too. GM launched the second generation in 2018 and fixed the worst problems by 2019. Sure, some owners report the occasional “shift to park” message glitch, but that’s nothing compared to the transmission meltdowns in the 2018 model. The chevrolet traverse from 2019 runs strong and keeps running as the miles pile on. You’re getting a solid SUV without paying 2021 prices.
The 2016 model gives you the best deal if money’s tight. This was the last year of the first generation, which means it got all the fixes GM made in their 2013 update. Those early models from 2009 to 2012 had real problems, but by 2016 most of that was sorted out. Clean examples run $7,900 to $10,700 depending on trim and mileage. That’s a steal for a three-row SUV that actually works.
The Years That’ll Break Your Bank
Walk away from any 2010 Traverse you see on the lot. I don’t care how cheap it looks. This year has a bad reputation for engines that blow up around 100,000 miles. The timing chain wears out way too fast, causing loud noises, power loss, and then total engine failure. Add power steering failures that got recalled, and you’re looking at repair bills in the thousands. You’ll spend more fixing it than you saved buying cheap.
The 2012 model has the same timing chain disaster plus electrical problems everywhere. The AC quits working. The radio acts up. Some owners watched their AC compressor fail at 50,000 miles, then paid over $1,000 to fix it. These first-generation models were rushed out with too many corners cut. Even at bargain prices, they’re not worth the headache.
The 2018 model gets honorable mention as a year to avoid, though it’s better than 2010 and 2012. Being the first year of the new generation means it came with first-year problems. Lots of transmission complaints rolled in, with owners reporting jerky shifts at low speeds. If you’re dead set on second-generation, just spend a bit more for 2019 or newer. Your wallet will thank you later.
Why Some Years Work and Others Don’t
The difference between good and bad years comes down to GM learning the hard way. Those first-generation models from 2009 got rushed to market. GM cut costs in the wrong places and used a timing chain design that couldn’t handle the stress. It wore out fast and took engines with it. The transmission quality suffered too.
GM fixed a lot of problems with the 2013 update. They redesigned the timing chain and reprogrammed the transmission. By 2016, the mechanical issues were mostly gone. The second generation in 2018 started fresh with a new platform, beefier engine, and a nine-speed automatic that works better than the old six-speed. The 2019 and newer models benefit from working out the kinks of that first year.
Your Shopping Strategy
Stick to 2016 models or go with 2019 and newer. You get reliability without breaking the bank. The 2021 costs more but gives you the newest tech and fewer reported problems. Don’t even look at 2009 through 2012. And if you’re considering a 2018, make sure the service records show the transmission has been smooth. Do your homework before you buy and you’ll avoid the expensive disasters that hit other buyers.
