What is the life expectancy of a Chevy Traverse?

In typical use, a Chevy Traverse can be expected to last about 200,000 miles with proper maintenance; some owners report reaching 250,000 miles or more, while others see shorter lifespans depending on maintenance and driving conditions.

What determines how long a Traverse lasts?

Life expectancy depends on factors like generation and model year, how well the vehicle has been maintained, driving conditions, climate, and how promptly issues are addressed. The following sections outline typical ranges and influencing elements.

The following milestones reflect common life-span expectations reported by owners and reviewers. They are not guarantees, but they help illustrate typical aging patterns for the Traverse.

• Under 100,000 miles: With routine maintenance, the vehicle should remain reliable for daily use and family trips.


• 100,000–150,000 miles: Major service items may begin to appear; timely maintenance can help preserve reliability.


• 150,000–200,000 miles: With disciplined maintenance, many Traverses continue to perform well, though wear items accumulate.


• 200,000 miles and beyond: A subset of owners report extending beyond 250,000 miles with careful care and steady repairs.

Conclusion: These ranges reflect typical owner experiences and emphasize that longevity relies on maintenance and care rather than a fixed clock.

Maintenance practices that help maximize lifespan

Regular, preventive maintenance is the best predictor of longevity for any vehicle, including the Traverse. The following practices are widely recommended by technicians and manufacturers.

• Follow the factory maintenance schedule, including oil changes with the recommended grade and interval


• Use high-quality fluids and filters; replace transmission fluid and coolant at specified intervals


• Address cooling system issues promptly to prevent overheating and potential head gasket problems


• Keep tires, brakes, and suspension components in good condition; perform alignment when needed


• Perform routine inspections of belts, hoses, and the exhaust to catch wear early

Conclusion: Staying proactive with maintenance reduces the risk of expensive failures and helps your Traverse reach higher mileage.

Buying used Chevy Traverse with longevity in mind

When shopping for a used Traverse, a thorough inspection and valid service history are essential to gauge future reliability and lifespan.

• Review service records for oil changes, fluid flushes, and any major repairs


• Inspect for consistent maintenance of the cooling system and transmission


• Check for rust, frame damage, and signs of collisions that may affect long-term durability


• Test drive and have a trusted mechanic assess engine and transmission performance

Conclusion: A well-documented maintenance history paired with a clean mechanical inspection correlates with better long-term durability and a higher likelihood of reaching higher mileages.

Summary

Most Chevy Traverses are realistically expected to reach around 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, with some owners reporting 250,000 miles or more. The key takeaway is that longevity depends more on maintenance discipline, driving conditions, and timely repairs than on a specific model year. If you’re considering a Traverse or planning long-term ownership, invest in preventive care and a thorough pre-purchase inspection to maximize your chances of a durable, reliable ride for years to come.

Is a Chevy Traverse a reliable car?

The Chevy Traverse is considered an average midsize SUV for reliability, with some years having more issues than others. Newer models generally have improved reliability scores, while earlier models (particularly 2009-2012, 2015, and 2018) had more reported problems, including issues with the transmission, engine, and brakes. Overall, the Traverse can be a durable and reliable vehicle, especially if properly maintained, but it is not ranked as highly for dependability as some of its competitors.
 
Reliability factors to consider

• Average overall rating: The Traverse's reliability rating is often cited as average, with one source giving it a 3.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 22nd out of 26 midsize SUVs. 
• Model year matters: Reliability varies significantly by model year. 
  • More reliable model years: 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2019-2023 are often cited as having fewer issues. The 2025 model also has a good predicted reliability score from J.D. Power. 
  • Problematic model years: 2009-2012, 2015, and 2018 have a history of more documented problems. 
• Common issues: Some recurring problems reported include brake noise, transmission issues, engine problems, and steering concerns. 
• Impact of maintenance: Like any vehicle, a Traverse's long-term reliability depends heavily on proper and regular maintenance. 
• Cost: The average annual repair cost is around $656, which is average for its class, but certain issues can lead to more severe (and costly) repairs when they arise. 

What this means for you

• New vs. used: Newer models are generally more reliable than older ones. If buying used, focus on model years with better reliability records and get a pre-purchase inspection to check for any potential problems. 
• Maintenance is key: Be prepared for regular maintenance. Staying on top of oil changes, brake inspections, and other recommended service is crucial for longevity. 
• Know the risks: Be aware of the specific issues that have been more common in certain model years, especially if you are looking at a used vehicle. 

What is the bad year for the Traverse?

Years to avoid for the Chevy Traverse include the earliest models, particularly 2009-2012, and the 2018 model, due to significant issues like transmission, steering, and engine problems. Other years with known problems include 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015, which were affected by a range of complaints from steering and engine issues to AC problems. 
Early models to avoid

• 2009-2012: These early models are frequently cited for mechanical issues. 
  • 2009-2011: Prone to oil consumption, hard steering, and transmission problems. 
  • 2012: Affected by steering, engine, and AC problems. 
• 2014-2017: While less problematic than the earlier models, the 2015 year is specifically mentioned as having AC, steering, and engine issues. 

Other problematic years

• 2018: This year is particularly noted for transmission, engine, and electrical system malfunctions. 

What to look for instead

• More recent models, like the 2020 and 2021 versions, generally show improvements and have fewer reported problems, according to Powers Swain Chevrolet. 
• If considering older models, the 2014-2017 years are the least problematic within the first generation, notes CarGurus.com. 

What SUV has the longest life expectancy?

The Toyota Land Cruiser is frequently cited as the SUV with the longest life expectancy, with a high percentage of models lasting over 200,000 miles. Other long-lasting SUVs include the Toyota Sequoia, Honda Pilot, and Toyota 4Runner, all known for their durability and ability to exceed 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. 
Longest-lasting SUVs

• Toyota Land Cruiser: Frequently ranks as the longest-lasting SUV, with studies showing a significant portion of models surpass 200,000 miles. 
• Toyota Sequoia: Built on a durable truck platform, the Sequoia is another top contender for longevity, with a high percentage of models exceeding 200,000 miles. 
• Honda Pilot: Often appears on lists for its long lifespan, with many models reaching or exceeding 200,000 miles. 
• Toyota 4Runner: A rugged and reliable SUV that many owners report lasting well over 200,000 miles. 

Key factors for longevity

• Brand reputation: Brands like Toyota and Honda have a strong reputation for building durable vehicles. 
• Build quality and components: Vehicles with a history of strong build quality tend to have longer life expectancies. 
• Regular maintenance: Following the recommended maintenance schedule is crucial for any vehicle to reach its potential lifespan. 

What's the most common problem with a Chevy Traverse?

The most common problems with the Chevy Traverse include transmission issues, engine troubles like excessive oil consumption and timing chain problems, and steering and electrical system malfunctions. These issues are more prevalent in earlier models, with transmission and engine problems being a frequent complaint across various model years.
 
Common problems by system 
This video explains the common reliability issues and problems with the Chevy Traverse: 59sNexologyYouTube · Oct 28, 2025

• Transmission: Owners report a range of problems, including rough shifting, slipping gears, and complete transmission failure. Some models have issues with a "Shift to Park" message, especially after shutting down the vehicle. 
• Engine:
  • Excessive oil consumption: Some owners have reported that their engines consume a lot of oil. 
  • Timing chains: Earlier models are prone to timing chain issues, which can lead to a ticking noise and potential failure. 
  • Other issues: Some models experience engine stalling, shuddering, and a check engine light. 
• Steering: Problems include power steering fluid leaks, noisy steering, and a general lack of power steering feel. 
• Electrical: Issues can include a malfunctioning infotainment system, battery drain, and various error messages. In some cases, components like alternators and starter motors have failed prematurely. 
• Other:
  • Brakes: Unusual brake noises have been reported. 
  • Climate control: Air conditioning system problems, such as compressor failure and refrigerant leaks, are also common. 
  • Exhaust: Exhaust leaks and other issues with the exhaust system have been noted.