Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2018 Chevrolet Traverse pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
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2018 Chevrolet Traverse
LS / LT / RS / Premier / High Country (C1, 2nd gen, 2018-2023)
Watchful

2nd-gen Traverse (2018+) on the C1 platform is a substantial improvement — more space, better quality, and the 3.6L LGX is a known reliable engine. The 9-speed auto had early hesitation issues mostly resolved by 2019+. GDI carbon buildup is a long-term service item on the LGX. One of the better-value 3-row family crossovers on the used market.

Items to check
12
Open recalls
1
NHTSA complaints
165
Top concern
9-speed transmission hesitation / GDI carbon buildup

Powertrain

9-speed 9T65 hesitation (2018 first-year builds)

High Attention
2018 first-year Traverse had the worst 9T65 hesitation and hunting behavior. 2019+ improved significantly after TSB updates.
Test all driving scenarios thoroughly — especially low-speed stop-and-go and highway on-ramp.
Est. cost: $350–$550 fluid + calibration / $3,500–$5,500 transmission Source: GM 9T65 TSB history

3.6L LGX GDI carbon buildup

Monitor
GDI deposits on intake valves at 80k+ miles. Loss of power and rough idle.
Test idle smoothness and acceleration response.
Est. cost: $400–$800 walnut blast cleaning Source: GDI pattern

Transmission & AWD

AWD coupling fluid service

Monitor
AWD coupling requires fluid every 45k miles.
Test highway cornering for vibration.
Est. cost: $150–$300 service Source: AWD maintenance

Electrical

Infotainment and third-row controls

Low Risk
Infotainment is generally reliable. Test rear entertainment if equipped.
Test all zone HVAC and infotainment functions.
Est. cost: $0 update Source: GM campaigns

Body

Third-row access and fold mechanism

Low Risk
2nd-row tumble-and-slide to third row mechanism can bind at 80k+ miles.
Cycle second and third rows fully.
Est. cost: $150–$400 mechanism Source: Common wear

Documentation

Recall check + 9T65 TSB verification

Monitor
Confirm 9T65 TSB updates are documented. Three recalls possible.
Run nhtsa.gov/recalls. Ask for transmission service history.
Est. cost: Standard Source: NHTSA

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

Multiple
Open recalls — VIN check
Campaigns vary by build date. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and require every open recall closed before purchase.
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

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