2013 Chevrolet Traverse: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Refreshed and the most-sorted early Traverse, with the lowest first-gen complaint volume, the pick of the 2009-2013 cars. New, the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse ranged from $30,510 to $40,575 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Refreshed and the most-sorted early Traverse, with the lowest first-gen complaint volume, the pick of the 2009-2013 cars.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=tra…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/traverse
- slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1998963/chevrolet-traverse-best-and-worst-years-to-…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Comfortable, quiet ride well suited to family road trips.
- Roomy three-row cabin with an adult-usable third row and a large cargo hold for the class.
- Affordable on the used market with a smooth V6 and easy highway manners.
Cons
- Below-average reliability rank means higher-than-typical repair costs.
- Early years carry serious power-steering, 3.6L timing-chain and transmission risks.
- 2014-2017 models fall under an ARC driver-airbag inflator recall.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | $30,510 | discontinued | — | — |
| LT | $33,725 | $40,800 | — | — |
| LTZ | $40,575 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2013-chevrolet-traverse-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/chevrolet-traverse-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($30,510). Higher trims started higher (up to $40,575), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/chevrolet-traverse/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $650–700/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,300–2,400/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/traverse
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/chevrolet/traverse/insurance
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
Refreshed and the most-sorted early Traverse, with the lowest first-gen complaint volume, the pick of the 2009-2013 cars.
How much did the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse cost new?
Between $30,510 and $40,575 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Chevrolet Traverse expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $650–700/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.