Chevy Traverse Years to Avoid – When it comes to buying a used car, one of the most important things to consider is the reliability of the vehicle. The Chevy Traverse is a popular SUV that has been on the market since 2009.
Over the years, the Traverse has gone through several changes and improvements, but not all model years are created equal.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Chevy Traverse and identify the years to avoid, common issues with the vehicle, and tips for purchasing a used Traverse.
Background on Chevy Traverse
Before we dive into the specific car model years to avoid, let’s first take a look at the Chevy Traverse in general. The Traverse is a mid-size SUV that has been in production since 2009.
The vehicle was designed to compete with other popular SUVs in its class, such as the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot.
The Traverse has undergone several redesigns over the years, with the most recent version debuting in 2018.
The Chevy Traverse is known for its spacious interior, smooth ride, and impressive towing capacity. The vehicle can seat up to eight passengers and comes standard with a V6 engine.
The Traverse also features a variety of advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The Chevy Traverse has several advantages that make it a popular choice among SUV buyers. One of the biggest advantages of the Traverse is its spacious interior.
The vehicle can comfortably seat up to eight passengers and has ample cargo space. The Traverse also has a smooth ride and is easy to handle, making it a great choice for families or anyone looking for a reliable SUV.
Like any vehicle, the Traverse also has some disadvantages. One of the biggest complaints about the Traverse is its fuel economy.
The vehicle gets an average of 18-27 MPG, which is lower than some other SUVs in its class. Some drivers have reported issues with the Traverse’s transmission and electrical system.
List of Chevy Traverse Years to Avoid
Now that we’ve covered the basics of the Chevy Traverse, let’s take a closer look at the years to avoid. We evaluated the Traverse based on several criteria, including reliability ratings, owner complaints, and safety ratings.
2009 Chevy Traverse
The 2009 Chevy Traverse was the first model year for the vehicle. While the Traverse was generally well-received, there were several issues that plagued this particular model year.
One of the biggest issues with the 2009 Traverse was its transmission. Many drivers reported problems with the transmission, including slipping gears and jerking movements.
Some drivers reported issues with the vehicle’s electrical system.
2010 Chevy Traverse
The 2010 Chevy Traverse also had several issues that make it a year to avoid. One of the biggest issues with the 2010 Traverse was its engine.
Many drivers reported that the engine had a tendency to consume excessive amounts of oil.
This issue could lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly. Additionally, some drivers reported issues with the vehicle’s air conditioning system.
2011 Chevy Traverse
The 2011 Chevy Traverse had several issues that make it a year to avoid. One of the biggest issues with the 2011 Traverse was its transmission.
Many drivers reported problems with the transmission, including slipping gears and rough shifting. Some drivers reported issues with the vehicle’s fuel system.
2012 Chevy Traverse
The 2012 Chevy Traverse had several issues that make it a year to avoid. One of the biggest issues with the 2012 Traverse was its engine.
Many drivers reported that the engine had a tendency to consume excessive amounts of oil, which could lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly. Some drivers reported issues with the vehicle’s electrical system.
2013 Chevy Traverse
The 2013 Chevy Traverse is another model year that buyers should be cautious about. One of the most significant issues with the 2013 Traverse was its transmission.
Many drivers reported issues with the transmission slipping or not shifting properly. The 2013 Traverse also had several complaints related to its powertrain, electrical system, and fuel system.
2014 Chevy Traverse
The 2014 Chevy Traverse was another year with several issues reported by owners. One of the biggest problems with the 2014 Traverse was its transmission.
Many drivers experienced issues with the transmission slipping or jerking while driving. The 2014 Traverse had several complaints related to its electrical system, powertrain, and fuel system.
2015 Chevy Traverse
The 2015 Chevy Traverse is the final model year on our list to avoid. One of the most significant issues with the 2015 Traverse was its transmission.
Drivers reported issues with the transmission slipping or not shifting correctly. Additionally, the 2015 Traverse had several complaints related to its electrical system, fuel system, and powertrain.
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Common Issues With Chevy Traverse
While the specific model years listed above should be approached with caution, it’s also essential to be aware of common issues that may affect any Traverse. Here are some of the most common issues reported by Traverse owners:
1. Transmission Issues: The Traverse has had several complaints related to transmission issues. Drivers have reported issues with the transmission slipping or jerking, which can be dangerous while driving.
2. Electrical System Problems: Many Traverse owners have reported issues with the electrical system. These issues can include problems with the battery, starter, or alternator.
3. Engine Trouble: Several Traverse owners have reported issues with the engine, including excessive oil consumption, engine misfires, and engine stalls.
4. Suspension Problems: Some Traverse owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s suspension system. These issues can cause a rough ride and may impact the vehicle’s handling.
Tips for Purchasing A Chevy Traverse
If you’re considering purchasing a used Chevy Traverse, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Research the Specific Model Year: As we’ve discussed, some model years of the Traverse are more reliable than others.
Before making a purchase, be sure to research the specific model year you’re considering to understand its history and any potential issues.
2. Inspect the Vehicle: When purchasing a used vehicle, it’s essential to inspect it thoroughly. Look for any signs of damage, wear, and tear, or mechanical issues.
3. Test Drive the Vehicle: Be sure to test drive the vehicle before making a purchase. Pay attention to how it handles, its acceleration and braking capabilities, and any potential issues such as the transmission or electrical system.
4. Get A Vehicle History Report: A vehicle history report can provide valuable information about the car’s previous owners, any accidents it may have been involved in, and any previous repairs.
5. Consider A Certified Pre-Owned Traverse: If you’re concerned about the reliability of a used Traverse, consider purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle.
Certified pre-owned vehicles undergo a thorough inspection and come with a warranty.
Is Chevy Traverse a reliable car?
The Chevy Traverse is generally considered to be a reliable car, although some model years have had more issues than others.
It’s important to research the specific model year you’re considering before making a purchase.
Is Chevy Traverse worth the money?
Whether or not a Chevy Traverse is worth the money depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Traverse offers a spacious interior, smooth ride, and impressive towing capacity, which may make it worth the investment for some buyers.
Is Traverse bad on gas?
The Chevy Traverse’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the model year and engine size. In general, it’s not known for being particularly fuel-efficient, but it’s also not considered to be a gas guzzler.
Is Chevy Traverse good in snow?
The Chevy Traverse is generally considered to be good in snow, especially if it’s equipped with all-wheel drive. It offers good traction and stability, which can make it a safe option for winter driving.
Is Traverse longer than Tahoe?
No, the Chevy Tahoe is longer than the Chevy Traverse. The Tahoe is a full-size SUV, while the Traverse is a mid-size SUV.
Is a Traverse bigger than a pilot?
In terms of interior space, the Chevy Traverse is generally considered to be bigger than the Honda Pilot. The Traverse offers more cargo space and passenger room, although the Pilot is more fuel-efficient.
Conclusion
The Chevy Traverse is a popular mid-size SUV that offers a spacious interior, smooth ride, and impressive towing capacity.
However, not all model years are created equal, and some should be avoided due to specific issues with the vehicle.
Before purchasing a used Traverse, be sure to research the specific model year, inspect the vehicle thoroughly, and test drive it to identify any potential issues. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and find a reliable Chevy Traverse that meets your needs.