2013 Chevrolet Traverse: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Chevrolet Traverse? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 160 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2013 Chevrolet Traverse Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2013 Chevrolet Traverse trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2013 Chevrolet Traverse Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse has 160 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Traverse
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 160
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Chevrolet Traverse Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Electronic Stability Control (Esc). Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Chevrolet Traverse?
The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Chevrolet Traverse
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, ESC, and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, ESC, and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Chevrolet Traverse, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse are concentrated in electrical faults, engine problems, and electronic stability control. A recurring theme appears to be multiple component issues, though the data is limited to a single model year and consumer-submitted reports.
- Electrical faults account for the highest number of complaints among the top components.
- Engine problems and electronic stability control issues also show elevated complaint counts.
- Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 7 out of 160 total complaints.
- Electrical Faults
- Engine Problems
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
All 2013 Chevrolet Traverse Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 53 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 46 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 43 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 28 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 25 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 18 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 18 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The "Service Airbag" light and notification comes up on the dash. This happened in the past as this vehicle was part of a recall NHTSA 14V118. The car was service for that recall already back on 3-18-2014 but the issue came back. This is dangerous because when that light is on, t…
Fuse box
Service Traction Control, Traction Control Off/On/Off, Service All Wheel Drive display on dash. Check Engine Light on at times, When starting vehicle Service All Wheel Drive displays immediately. Codes come up as fuel pressure high, fuel pressure low, no communication with BCM. D…
Rain Water is getting into the door connectors and caused some pins on passenger side to corrode. All audio in vehicle has stopped including turn signals, pack up sensor audio, and radio ect. GM/Chevy knows about this and is quite common reading in a lot of forums but GM has done…
Vehicle dies while driving in traffic. Has done this since I bought it. Very unsafe. I have had my car since march 2022. While driving it says engine power reduced, traction control, stabli track, and loses power and I have to try to safely make sure I get it off the road. After …
It happened several times already and couple of times was so dangerous, I had 4 kids in my car. When I drive from Salem, OR to Portland, OR, in the middle of a highway, my car suddenly doesn't drive. On the dashboard signs are traction controll and stability track or something. P…
There was a recall on the airbag on my vehicle a while back. I took my car to the dealer to have it serviced. They fixed it supposedly but periodically when I start the the car the airbag light would take a while to go out, like a delay. Reported to dealer now airbag light is on …
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 25-35 MPH, the vehicle jolted and shuddered upon depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while accelerating in 2nd an…
the breaks grind and took it to a shop they said it was my anit break locked up when my car comes to a stop it shakes and my tacation control warning comes on
I was parking in front of a restaurant- my foot was on the brake and as I came to a stop the engine revved up and the car surged forwarded about 5 feet - The car pushed a pole and blew out the front door and the door frame- all this time my foot was on the brake. If someone w…
Vehicle steering wheel vibrates when it's on and on park . The light to dashboard , radio , is dim then as I drive it might turn bright then back to dim .
Although the recall was done , few years ago by the dealer ? RCRIT-14V118-2797 But it is getting worse than before , the massage SERVICE AIR BAG KEEP APPEARING ? The job by the dealer was unsatisfactory ? This is ridiculous . [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE …
I’ve told penland automotive llc car dealer Joey my vehicle cuts off while I’m driving me & my kids have been in 8 near death experience & I’ve been in 6 by myself I went to trade it in because that’s not safe & I’ve done plenty of work on it I’ve told him the service stabiltack …
The service air bag light keeps coming on
This had occurred more than 4 times. I was at the stop light, when the light turned turned I proceeded to press on the gas pedal and my vehicle started to shake/vibrate. Then the transmission light turned followed by the advanced traffic control light and low engine power. I was …
We were on a trip to Kansas from Wisconsin and the check engine light went on StabiliTrak warning came on. The vehicle then cut speed from 70 to 30 mph we had to ride the shoulder for 5 mi to the nearest truck stop to investigate issue we had to purchase an OBD tester and code 16…
the transmission is not working properly and needs to be replaced. It is a known issue, but GM will not address it. It is a wave plate in the transmission which failed.
While driving 65 to 70 mph on the freeway, vehicle suddenly shudders and dash state "engine reduce speed" and "service stabilitrak" and "service traction control". It has happen about twice a month 6 months back. Took it to the dealership, no code so they couldn't find the issue …
General Motors is not notifying GM vehicle owners of electrical defect malfunctions that has been on-going for a number of years; leaving vehicle owners with alarming operational occurrences and unexpected repair expenses. While driving our 2013 Chevrolet Traverse fall 2021, we e…
Steering gave out my mechanic put on new pump took it out for a test drive and it still didn’t correct it . Put another pump on same thing . He doesn’t know what to do it is a programming problem the 2013 traverse is having from all the research I have done . From what I read ve…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse.
2013 Chevrolet Traverse Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Chevrolet Traverse Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 160 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (53 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (46 complaints). #3: Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (43 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 160 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Traverse reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.