What is the life expectancy of a Traverse?

In practical terms, a Chevrolet Traverse can typically reach about 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, and many owners report reaching 250,000 miles or more. In years, that translates to roughly 12–15 years of service for typical driving, though individual results vary by model year, usage, and upkeep.

What influences a Traverse’s longevity

Several factors determine how long a Traverse will stay on the road, from routine maintenance to climate and driving habits. The following elements shape overall life expectancy and how it plays out across generations.

Generation-by-generation reliability snapshot

The Traverse has two main generations: the first (2009–2017) and the second (2018–present). The second generation generally benefits from updated engines and transmissions and tends to show improved long-term reliability when properly serviced. Early models can be reliable with diligent maintenance, but some owners report more frequent repairs as mileage climbs compared with later builds.

Typical mileage ranges you can expect

Before outlining numbers, note that these ranges reflect common experiences among owners and technicians. Actual results depend on how well the vehicle is maintained, the climate where it’s used, and how aggressively it’s driven.

• Well-maintained Traverse models often reach 150,000–200,000 miles, with many hitting 200k and several surpassing 250,000 miles.


• Older first-generation examples can remain on the road at similar levels, though they may require more frequent repairs as mileage increases.


• Second-generation models (2018 onward) tend to accumulate higher mileage with fewer major reliability issues when serviced regularly, frequently reaching 180,000–230,000 miles or more.


• All-wheel drive configurations add drivetrain components that can wear differently, making proactive maintenance especially important in harsher climates.

Taken together, a Traverse can provide many years of service if kept up with a disciplined maintenance plan and timely repairs.

Maintenance practices that maximize life

To push the Traverse’s lifespan higher, stick to a rigorous maintenance routine aligned with GM recommendations and adapted to your environment. The practices below are widely endorsed by technicians and owner communities.

• Follow the factory maintenance schedule for oil changes, filters, fluids, and inspections.


• Use quality OEM or equivalent parts and follow recommended oil grades and service intervals.


• Address recalls and service campaigns promptly; keep records of all repairs and updates.


• Maintain the cooling system to prevent overheating, a common driver of engine wear.


• Perform transmission-related maintenance as advised (including fluid changes where applicable) and avoid abusive shifting or towing beyond the truck’s rating.


• Protection against rust is advisable in salted or humid environments; wash the undercarriage regularly in winter or coastal areas.


• Keep up with tires, brakes, suspension, and other wear items to prevent cascading failures.


• Maintain thorough service records to guide future maintenance decisions and resale value.

Adhering to these practices can significantly improve the chance of reaching higher mileages and prolonging overall vehicle health.

Bottom line: practical outlook by model year

In practice, the second-generation Traverse (2018–present) tends to offer stronger long-term reliability and better odds of high-mileage durability when properly cared for, compared with the first generation. However, individual results depend on maintenance history, climate, and driving patterns. With consistent preventive care, a Traverse can reliably endure into the 200,000–250,000-mile range and beyond.

Summary

Overall, the life expectancy of a Chevrolet Traverse is typically around 200,000 miles, equating to roughly 12–15 years of service under normal driving conditions. Many owners reach 200k–250k miles with meticulous maintenance, and some surpass that mark, especially with the more recent generations. The key to longevity is a disciplined maintenance schedule, early problem detection, and proactive care for cooling, transmission, and rust protection. For prospective buyers, reviewing service history, recall status, and obtaining a thorough pre-purchase inspection can help gauge a specific vehicle’s remaining life expectancy.

What years of Traverse to avoid?

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. 

How long do Chevy Traverse engines last?

200,000 miles
The expected lifespan of a Chevrolet Traverse is 200,000 miles. However, many Traverse owners have kept their vehicles for more than that, with some reaching 250,000 miles with only minor issues. Older models are more inclined to rust, which can cause damage to the undercarriage and other components.

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.