- What you'll get from Chevrolet Traverse VIN check?
- Chevrolet Traverse Vehicle History Risk Factors
- Characters 1-3 of a Chevrolet Traverse VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a Chevrolet Traverse
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Chevrolet Traverse VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a Chevrolet Traverse VIN.
- 10th Character in the Chevrolet Traverse VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in the Chevrolet Traverse VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known Chevrolet Traverse Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Chevrolet Traverse
- How to find a Chevrolet Traverse's VIN?
- Sample VIN Decode Report for a Chevrolet Traverse
What you’ll get from Chevrolet Traverse VIN check?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2018, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Safety Features: A VIN can provide details on safety features, indicating if systems like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Backup Camera, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are standard or optional, offering insights into the vehicle’‘’s safety capabilities.
- Engine Specifications: It may showcase engine specifics like a 3.6L V-Shaped engine by GM, indicating its displacement in CC, CI, and liters, and detailing the engine’s configuration and manufacturer, potentially providing insights into the vehicle’s performance and power.
- Body Type and Size: Through the VIN, one can learn about the vehicle’s body class, such as Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), along with its drive type, like FWD/Front-Wheel Drive, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’‘’s design and size.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type of the vehicle, as gasoline, can be discovered, potentially providing insights into the vehicle’‘’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Transmission Details: The VIN might convey transmission-related information, indicating an automatic style with 9 speeds, offering insights into the vehicle’‘’s driving experience and efficiency.
- Manufacturing Details: It may include the manufacturing location specifics, such as the plant city (Lansing - Delta Township), country (United States), and state (Michigan), offering insight into the vehicle’s production origin and potential quality.
Chevrolet Traverse Vehicle History Risk Factors
Chevrolet’s reliability is model-dependent — the Silverado and Suburban are among the most durable vehicles in their segments, while some car-based models have more checkered histories. A Bumper check on a used Chevrolet is particularly valuable for the following:
AFM/DoD lifter failures on 5.3L V8 engines (2007–2021 Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban). GM’s Active Fuel Management system, which deactivates cylinders at highway speeds, caused widespread lifter and camshaft failures in this engine generation. The repair cost ($2,000–$5,000) makes this one of the most expensive used-vehicle surprises in any segment. Service records showing lifter replacement or an AFM delete kit are significant items to verify before purchase.
Ignition switch recall (2005–2014 multiple models). GM’s ignition switch recall — one of the most significant safety-related recalls in automotive history — affected Malibus, Cobalts, and several other models. Affected switches could move out of the “run” position while driving, cutting power to safety systems including airbags. Verify recall compliance on any Chevrolet from this era.
Transmission shudder on 8-speed automatic (2015–2019 Silverado, Colorado). GM’s 8L90 and 8L45 eight-speed automatics generated extensive owner complaints and TSBs related to torque converter shudder, especially at low speeds. This is well-documented and frequently appears in service records.
Rust on older Silverado and Colorado frames. Like other full-size trucks, older Chevrolet pickups from rust-belt states can have significant frame deterioration. A registration and ownership history in the Bumper report is your first indicator — a truck that’s spent decades in Minnesota or Michigan is a different proposition than one from Arizona.
A Bumper VIN check shows accident history, title brands, flood damage, and odometer records for this specific vehicle.
How to decode a Chevrolet Traverse VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Chevrolet Traverse VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-digit code that identifies the manufacturer, country of manufacture, and the type of the vehicle. In the case of the Chevrolet Traverse, the WMI is 1GN, which denotes that General Motors LLC, based in Warren, Michigan, USA, is the manufacturer. This specific WMI covers model years from 2009 to 2023 and pertains to Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPVs), highlighting the Traverse’s role as a versatile family vehicle. The 1GN WMI helps decipher the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), aiding in vehicle tracking, registration, and recall processes. This coded approach facilitates global recognition and standardization for vehicle identification.
List of WMI Codes for a Chevrolet Traverse
WMI: 1GN
- Model Years Covered: 2009-2023
- Example VIN: 1GNER23D09S100579
- Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
- Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
- City: Warren
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Chevrolet Traverse VIN
These characters correspond to components like:
- Engine type
- Transmission
- Model or trim
- Body style
- Gross vehicle weight range
Chevrolet’s Vehicle Descriptor Section encodes body style, restraint system, engine type, and series level across its Silverado, Equinox, Malibu, and Tahoe lineups. On Silverados, the VDS is particularly useful for confirming cab style (regular, double, or crew cab), bed length, and engine variant — important because a 5.3L V8 Silverado and a 4.3L V6 from the same model year can look identical from the exterior. For the Equinox and Traverse, the VDS distinguishes between engine variants that differ significantly in fuel economy, towing capacity, and long-term reliability profiles. When comparing two Chevrolets with similar prices, always cross-reference VDS characters to confirm you’re comparing equivalent specifications.
Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.
Character 9 is the “check digit” in a Chevrolet Traverse VIN.
Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.
10th Character in the Chevrolet Traverse VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| P | 2023 Chevrolet Traverse |
| N | 2022 Chevrolet Traverse |
| M | 2021 Chevrolet Traverse |
| L | 2020 Chevrolet Traverse |
| K | 2019 Chevrolet Traverse |
| J | 2018 Chevrolet Traverse |
| H | 2017 Chevrolet Traverse |
| G | 2016 Chevrolet Traverse |
| F | 2015 Chevrolet Traverse |
| E | 2014 Chevrolet Traverse |
| D | 2013 Chevrolet Traverse |
| C | 2012 Chevrolet Traverse |
| B | 2011 Chevrolet Traverse |
| A | 2010 Chevrolet Traverse |
| 9 | 2009 Chevrolet Traverse |
11th Character in the Chevrolet Traverse VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Chevrolet Traverse Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wentzville | Missouri | United States | Gmna | 1GNLVFED8A1J26350 |
| J | Lansing - Delta Twp | Michigan | United States | Gmna | 1GNLRHED0AJ195906 |
| S | Springhill | Tennessee | United States | 1GNER23D09S100579 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Chevrolet Traverse
The final 6 characters in a Chevrolet Traverse’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a Chevrolet Traverse’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Chevrolet Traverse is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Inspect the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Traverse, where the VIN is often visible through the windshield.
- Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side; the VIN can be found on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
- Examine the engine block of your Chevrolet Traverse, as the VIN is sometimes stamped onto the engine itself.
- Review your Chevrolet Traverse’s vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, or the owner’s manual, where the VIN is listed.
- Check beneath the spare tire in the trunk or rear storage area, as the VIN might also be located there for some models.
Don’t have your Chevrolet Traverse’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Chevrolet Traverse
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | Standard |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Standard |
| Auto-Reverse System for Windows and Sunroofs | Standard |
| Axles | 2 |
| Backup Camera | Standard |
| Blind Spot Warning (BSW) | Standard |
| Body Class | Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) |
| Brake System Type | Hydraulic |
| Curtain Air Bag Locations | All Rows |
| Daytime Running Light (DRL) | Standard |
| Displacement (CC) | 3600.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 219.68547874103 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.6 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | AWD/All-Wheel Drive |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Standard |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | GM |
| Engine Model | LFY |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | Standard |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) |
| Headlamp Light Source | LED |
| Keyless Ignition | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | Standard |
| Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) | Standard |
| Model | Traverse |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Number of Seat Rows | 3 |
| Number of Seats | 7 |
| Number of Wheels | 4 |
| Other Engine Info | Spark Ignited Direct injection, ATSS, GEN 1 |
| Other Restraint System Info | AYQ - Active Manual Belts / Front Inboard Seat Side Airbag in First Row / Roof Side (all seating rows) |
| Parking Assist | Standard |
| Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (PAEB) | Standard |
| Plant City | Lansing - Delta Township |
| Plant Company Name | GMNA |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Michigan |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Standard |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Semiautomatic Headlamp Beam Switching | Standard |
| Series | High Country AWD |
| Side Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Steering Location | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
| Traction Control | Standard |
| Transmission Speeds | 9 |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Valve Train Design | Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1GNEVNKW*MJ |
| Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
| Wheel Base (inches) From | 120.90 |
| Wheel Size Front (inches) | 20 |
| Wheel Size Rear (inches) | 20 |
| Sample VIN | 1GNEVNKW0MJ100581 |
Specs tell you what it was built with. A VIN check tells you what's happened since.
Check any Chevrolet Traverse for accident history, flood damage, salvage title, and odometer fraud.
Run a free VIN check →Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the VIN on a Chevrolet Traverse?
On most Chevrolet vehicles, the VIN is located on the driver’s side dashboard, visible through the windshield from outside the car. It’s also on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb, and on your insurance card, title, and registration documents.
How do I check a Chevrolet Traverse's history for free?
Enter the Chevrolet Traverse’s 17-digit VIN into Bumper’s free VIN check at bumper.com. The free check shows factory specs and open NHTSA recalls. For the full history including accident records, title brands, theft status, and ownership history, run a full Bumper report.
What do Chevrolet Traverse VIN numbers start with?
Chevrolet Traverse VIN's start with 1GN for vehicles manufactured by General Motors LLC in United States. The first three characters of any VIN identify the manufacturer. The full WMI table on this page lists all known codes for the Chevrolet Traverse.
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