Chevrolet Traverse Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability

Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.

37
Total Recalls
3815
Total Complaints
122
Total Crashes
132
Reported Injuries
2
Reported Deaths
2011
Worst Year
2026
Best Year
0
Poor
Overall Reliability Score (0–100)
Accelerating +775%
Complaint Trend
385 last 24mo vs 44 prior 24mo

Recent Safety Incidents — Last 5 Model Years

1
Fire Reported
13
Crashes Reported
18
Injuries Reported

Own a Chevrolet Traverse? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.

Chevrolet Traverse — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison

YearVerdictRecallsComplaintsCrashesInjuriesDeathsTop Issue
2026BestExcellent7EngineFull report →
2025Good12811Service BrakesFull report →
2024Good923Service BrakesFull report →
2023Excellent4443Power TrainFull report →
2022Good63310Power TrainFull report →
2021Good154610Electrical SystemFull report →
2020Good311753EngineFull report →
2019Caution227598Power TrainFull report →
2018Caution131182Power TrainFull report →
2017Caution12121061Air BagsFull report →
2016Caution219228Air BagsFull report →
2015Caution120545Air BagsFull report →
2014Avoid444976Air BagsFull report →
2013Good315688Electrical SystemFull report →
2012Caution528867EngineFull report →
2011WorstAvoid549916151EngineFull report →
2010Avoid44491514SteeringFull report →
2009Caution52741823SteeringFull report →

18 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.

Most Common Chevrolet Traverse Problems

Air Bags
549
Engine
513
Steering
476
Power Train
413
Electrical System
406
Unknown Or Other
276
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
235
Service Brakes
164
Vehicle Speed Control
145
Fuel/Propulsion System
99
Seat Belts
78
Forward Collision Avoidance
66

Based on 3,815 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.

Recent Safety Recalls — Chevrolet Traverse (20222026)

#22V2100002022
31/03/2022
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212352140.

#23V0420002023
02/02/2023
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the left-side half-shaft assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222390180.

#23V1720002023
16/03/2023
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222389310.

#26V1140002026
26/02/2026
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”

Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 26, 2026.

Showing 4 recalls from 20222026 model years. See the full year-specific pages for older recalls.

Recent Owner Complaints

Direct reports filed with NHTSA by Chevrolet Traverse owners — 20222026 model years.

Power Train04/25/2026

I noticed that the transmission has a shutter really bad before I crossed over a hundred thousand miles it is gotten so bad that you cannot drive the vehicle without it shuttering it almost every gear. Took it to the dealership dealership said it had too many miles and all the warranties in all that couldn't help us they want $10,000 to replace it.

Other/I Am Not Sure04/24/2026

On the car seat there are two indicators to tell you if the seat is locked in place because it is a rotating car seat. Both indicators never fully go in the “green” meaning the seat is fully locked into place. The car seat is less than two years old and both indicators are malfunctioning, they aren’t going fully in the green. I reached out to the company with pictures and videos and they have done nothing to help. They said from the video it looks like the car seat is functioning properly and they will not fix or replace it.

Electrical System04/23/2026

My dashboard gave an alert “battery saver active” then another alert stating to “service charging system, vehicle may stall”. Then the alerts cleared. After a few minutes both alerts were on my dashboard again. I was able to pull into an [XXX] ’s and had them check the battery, which was replaced a few months ago, employee stated that the battery was so low, only showing 11.4 that they couldn’t even test it, that she testing the alternator and the computer said it needed to be replaced. The employee stated that most GM replacement alternators for Chevy traverse 2023 are on back order due to so many having to be replaced right at the 3 year mark. We could only get a store brand replacement part due to the back order. Once I bought the part, my husband drove behind me for the 30 minute drive home, we had to pull over twice to jump off the battery and charge it due to the vehicle stalling. Once home we replaced the part and seems to work fine, it has only been 9 days. I have the original part for inspection and receipts of purchase for the new part. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes / Hydraulic04/22/2026

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the red "Service Brake Assist Warning" light and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) message were displayed. Additionally, the yellow ABS, Cruise Control, and Traction Control warning lights were illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact returned to the residence and parked the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and agreed to have the vehicle towed from the residence to the dealer. The dealer performed a diagnostic and retrieved DTC: C055F, for the brake master cylinder failure. The dealer informed the contact of Technical Service Bulletin: 25-NA-240; and the failure was associated with the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

Service Brakes04/21/2026

I was driving through the tollbooth on the bayway in [XXX] , I stepped on the brake to slow down and all kinds of warning lights lit up in the car showing the brakes were not working. Anything automatic with the brakes failed. I had to stand on the brakes to get the Traverse to stop. The issue was confrmed to be the master brake cylinder I was lucky they had it in stock at Maher Chevrolet in St Petersburg. My grandson was supposed to be in this car the next day driving over the skyway bridge. The safety of children is being compromised. Please issue a recall!!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System /Exterior Lighting /Engine04/20/2026

Vehicle: 2025 Chevrolet Traverse On [XXX] at approximately [XXX], while driving south on [XXX] , my vehicle suddenly shut off without warning resulting in a complete electrical failure. During this event, I lost the ability to accelerate, activate hazard lights, unlock doors, open or close windows, or use the OnStar system. The vehicle restarted briefly but then shut off two additional times before I could safely move it off the road. There were no warning messages or signals prior to this incident. This created a serious and immediate safety hazard, as I was unable to alert other drivers or exit the vehicle during the failure. I am requesting a formal investigation into this issue, documentation as a safety defect, and immediate corrective action. This incident poses a significant risk to driver and passenger safety. The vehicle has been towed to the dealership it was purchased from. The problem has not been confirmed or reproduced by the service center. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown Or OtherCRASH1 INJURY04/17/2026

What is causing the problem is unknown. Vehicle was at a complete stop at red light when releasing brake vehicle lunged forward hitting vehicle in front from behind so yes there has been an accident.. 2nd time was when first starting vehicle in the morning and putting vehicle in Drive when brake is released vehicle lunged forward at 7 miles an hour without touching the gas pedal. Dealer claims they cannot reproduce problem. This is a safety hazard the problem does not give you warning it just lurches forward.

Service Brakes04/16/2026

Master cylinder failure at 15,000 miles on 4/13/2026 Safety risk of Potential brake system failure. Taken to dealership on 4/13/2026, as of today 4/16/2026, master cylinder has been replaced but now the vehicle is rejecting the part, per the dealership. ABS light and brake light illuminated at the time of failure. No other car symptoms noted.

Power Train04/15/2026

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while attempting to turn off the vehicle, the alarm sounded and the message, "Shift to Park," was displayed even though the gear shifter was in park. The contact shifted from park into several driving positions before the vehicle recognized that the transmission was in park, and the vehicle was turned off. The failure had become a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the gear shifter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

Structure04/09/2026

The shark fin antenna cover became loose. The antenna then fell off at some point while driving. This coming off while driving poses a risk to others on the road as it may have fallen off and hit someone else. The only “warning” it gave was stating the emergency call system failure. When googling I found out what the problem may be from. After looking further there are multiple Chevy traverse owners with the same issue after going through a car wash.

Electrical System04/07/2026

Driving down the interstate the main screen went out completely, GPS, radio, controls to temperature for the back. Back up camera works and it shows a Chevy sign. GM dealer states the radio/Onstar module is out completely. This ironically happened immediately after warranty expired.

Power Train /Electrical System04/01/2026

Shift to Park. Unable to turn the car off even though the car is in park. This was previously fixed in 10/24 and started up in 10/25 a few days after the 1yr warranty. I reached out to the dealership that repaired it in 2024 and was told that I would have to pay for the service as the part is not covered under the powertrain warranty. I reached out to GM for assistance and that was a lost cause. I was told that the repairs will only last 1 to 2 yrs, so this appears that it will be a temporary fix. My car has about 55000 miles on it. To know that I may possibly have to continue to get this fixed, I feel like this should be considered a lemon and they should refund me for the cost of the vehicle or give me another car. GM knows that the Shift to Park is an ongoing issue with this year, make, model and have failed to issue a recall.

431 total complaints retrieved from NHTSA for 20222026. For older model years, see individual year pages.

Traverse Years to Avoid

2011 Traverse
499 complaints · 5 recalls · 16 crashes · 1 deaths
Details →
2010 Traverse
449 complaints · 4 recalls · 15 crashes
Details →
2014 Traverse
449 complaints · 4 recalls · 7 crashes
Details →

Ranked by combined complaints, recalls, crashes, injuries, and deaths.

Best Traverse Years to Buy

2026 Traverse
7 complaints · 0 recalls
Details →

Years with fewest complaints and recalls.

Chevrolet Traverse Problems by Year

Select a year to see detailed complaints, recall notices, and safety incident data.

Frequently Asked Questions — Chevrolet Traverse Reliability

What year Traverse has the most problems?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 499 complaints and 5 safety recalls. See the full 2011 report for specific defects.

Is the Chevrolet Traverse reliable?

The Chevrolet Traverse has accumulated 3,815 owner-filed complaints and 37 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. There have been 2 reported deaths associated with complaints. The 2026 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Traverse.

What are the most common Traverse problems?

The most frequently cited problem areas are: Air Bags (549 reports), Engine (513 reports), Steering (476 reports), Power Train (413 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.

How do I check if my Traverse has an open recall?

Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.

Check a Specific Chevrolet Traverse VIN

Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.

Run a Free Chevrolet Traverse VIN Report →

No account required · Instant results · Updated daily