2017 Chevrolet Traverse Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags26264.4%
- Engine256.1%
- Electrical225.4%
- Powertrain (other)184.4%
- Driver assistance184.4%
- Brakes122.9%
- Steering112.7%
- Seat belts112.7%
- Fuel system92.2%
- Tires & wheels51.2%
- Visibility41.0%
- Suspension30.7%
- Body & structure30.7%
- Other / unspecified20.5%
- Exterior lighting10.2%
- Interior & seats10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE is a recall for the year, make and model for driver side airbag, also to do with transmission slipping and both of those I'm currently having issues with on my vehicle but with my vin its not coming up for any of the recalls but I want to request a Investigation on if my vehicle or any other of the same year be added to the recall.
Dealership Lead car GMC Utica, verified code B0074 passenger presence sensor/module, found module internally faulty verified power and ground. This puts safety at risk because the passenger side air bags are off because of the faulty sensor. There is TBS on this issue. Dealership confirmed problem. there were no warning messages before failure, it just failed and now service air bags light is on, and passenger air bags are off. Has not been repaired because the want 1259.73 for the part, I believe this should be a recall, as the air bags are off and won't work because of the fault sensor/module.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE is a recall for the year, make and model for driver side airbag, also to do with transmission slipping and both of those I'm currently having issues with on my vehicle but with my vin its not coming up for any of the recalls but I want to request a Investigation on if my vehicle or any other of the same year be added to the recall.
Sometimes my backup camera will not show a screen. I have considerable amount of trouble trying to connect my phone to the car. Hands down can I use the GPS on the car. Lights do not come on my dashboard. The RPM bounces up and down from starting it all the way to the while you're driving. The car does not want to stay started it does not like to go it does not hands down not like sitting still. I've either replaced or cleaned four different parts for this problem. 2017 Chevy traverse is a horrible vehicle, that doesn't like to be used. Honestly just take it back and junk it
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The driver door main window control panel and steering wheel, where the airbags seem to deploy from, have both had to be repaired/recalled parts installed on multiple occasions however the main window control panel still does not work and it started shorting out my battery ultimately locking my keys in the ignition, leaving OnStar as well as my key fob panic alarm unable to be used. After getting the steering wheel recalled airbag part installed at Penske Chevy, I received yet another recall notice saying that despite that install they still feared for my safety driving it, and that they would let me know when a new part was available. However now my battery is completely dead, I have not been m able to work and have been evicted from my home forced to live in my sweltering 2017 Traverse with no AC, No OnStar emergency services, not even a panic alarm to rely on. On top of that I cannot roll the windows all the way up which is a major safety concern considering I'm a single, disabled, [XXX] female living on the streets in my vehicle alone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving my entire dashboard goes dark and once I shut my car off it did not start again. Brought it to the mechanic who is rated as 5 stars, to have no codes come up. He has been looking for the answer for over 5 months now. Car will start for a short time then do the same thing all over again. No clicking when turning the key, new battery put in, remote control module replaced and car still doesn’t start. I still owe on this car and have no idea what to do with it.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission body throttle and TCM had to be replaced a year after purchase because of failing shifts, reverse failed to work completely.
THERE is a recall for the year, make and model for driver side airbag, also to do with transmission slipping and both of those I'm currently having issues with on my vehicle but with my vin its not coming up for any of the recalls but I want to request a Investigation on if my vehicle or any other of the same year be added to the recall.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Since I acquired the vehicle at around 100k miles, there is a transmission shift wobble at 30mph, 40mph, 45mph, 60mph and 65mph. I drove a manual transmission for over 10yrs prior to this vehicle and when this transmission wobble happens, I just reved a bit and let the gas go so it shifts better into the next gear. I just got used to it, my worry began when the wobble would happen while on cruise control. No check engine light comes on, there’s no computer codes registering, it just shakes and wobbles like the tranny is gna give out around those speeds.
Stepped on brake to disengage cruise control. The car accelerated instead of slowing, I turned off cruise and kept stepping on the brake the car kept accelerating. I had to shift to neutral stop the car and shut engine off. When I restarted it was disengaged. This has happened twice now.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The driver door main window control panel and steering wheel, where the airbags seem to deploy from, have both had to be repaired/recalled parts installed on multiple occasions however the main window control panel still does not work and it started shorting out my battery ultimately locking my keys in the ignition, leaving OnStar as well as my key fob panic alarm unable to be used. After getting the steering wheel recalled airbag part installed at Penske Chevy, I received yet another recall notice saying that despite that install they still feared for my safety driving it, and that they would let me know when a new part was available. However now my battery is completely dead, I have not been m able to work and have been evicted from my home forced to live in my sweltering 2017 Traverse with no AC, No OnStar emergency services, not even a panic alarm to rely on. On top of that I cannot roll the windows all the way up which is a major safety concern considering I'm a single, disabled, [XXX] female living on the streets in my vehicle alone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I have owned GM vehicles approximately 50 years and have never had brake issues on a vehicle in any of those years. I have always purchased new vehicles and the vehicle was/is a one person ownership. The current vehicle of concern and consideration is a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse with approximately 21,000 miles. Currently the 6 year old vehicle required all brakes and rotors to be replaced as well as a rear driver side caliper. The garage owner had never realized such an early required brake replacement($967.10) as was required, especially with driving habits less than 3500 miles annually. I did contact General Motors Customer Care and their recommendation was to send this incident report to NHTSA for research and consideration. I am in possession of a receipt indicating service performed on my vehicle 1/6/2023 by a professional mechanic and auto service garage in Sodus, New York. I am deeply concerned about the safety and disappointed with the untimely short “wear” of the braking system. Further consideration and recommendation will be appreciated. Thank you for the immediate attention to my issue and I look forward to hearing from someone. Respectfully submitted
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the contact heard a loud clanking sound coming from the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Steering wheel randomly gets tight and difficult to turn. Eventually gets to a point where it won't turn. This doesn't occur all the time but randomly. No warning lights go on. Took to mechanic. Didn't happen to them when tested. But they flushed steering fluid and refilled. Taking the car back home. Again steering wheel got tight and difficult to turn. Got to a point where you couldn't turn again.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I went to pull seat belt across me and the whole belt including the box that is attached by a wire cable came with it. It's no longer attached to the floor. I didn't have any signs that it was lose or anything it just broke when I got into my seat getting ready to leave my home.
The center row passenger side Seat belt buckle plug cover fell off. No accident took place. We tried to plug in the buckle and the cover fell off which made the plug ineffective. Could have been harmful had it disassembled during an accident
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I believe my vehicle should be part of the recent GM recall for defective fuel pumps. I have been experiencing issues with my vehicle surging during acceleration, and stalling during idle. This has happened at stop lights and is a safety concern.
Vehicle has had multiple recalls one recall to do with fuel pump was supposed to be fixed but came back and new recall still no remedy and it can cause death. The vehicle is very unsafe
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tire size P255/55R20. I purchased 4 new tires February 2023 from Jim Dobson Ford in Winamac, In. I've taken my car back there at least 4 if not 5 times because of vibration. I finally took my car to a different facility and they showed me where 2 of my tires that was in the rear are separating and need replaced. I feel these tires was defective from the start, my car was like riding on air before I purchased these tires. They was supposed to be a 65,000 mile tire, they have 40,000 miles on them. I tired to utilize the warranty but the manager at Jim Dobson will not file warranty on them because he said Bridgestone will not honor warranty. These tires are a safety hazard, I have parked my car until I can get different tires put on them
Dealership I bought this car from 5 days ago, mckluski chevy in Cincinnati Ohio stated it would be another week before i could buy the car as there was a recall on the tires and they were putting new ones on. They did not put new ones on cleared the recall without fixing it. I paid $100 locally just to have them plugged to hold air and was told they are not safe and need replaced due to tread and dry rot. All valve steps and beads were leaking and had to be replaced as well.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The component/system that is malfunctioning is coding P-0826. Dealership says replace Transmission.Based on my experience with the vehicle, the transmission is not the main issue. There are symptoms of an electrical issue that is causing the vehicle to lose power, rough shift, stutter and hard shift. This situation began when traveling back from GA to NC. After having stopped at a rest stop, I proceeded to get back on the highway and the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as I merged on to the highway. There were no warming lights, dashboard signaling or anything that happened prior to this to warm of this unsafe issue. With traffic behind me already at speeds of 70mph+, this situation could potentially have caused an accident in which I would have been unable to avoid because the car decelerated, hesitated and did not leave me with anyway to maneuver out of the lane. I fortunately was in the merge lane, which I had to constantly tap on the accelerator in order to get the vehicle to shift into the next gear and finally surpass 40 mph so that I could get back on the highway, potentially being able to maintain a safe speed. The vehicle then jolted after reaching 40mph and then after tapping the accelerator again, I was able to increase my speed. Upon returning to NC, I sought mechanical services from the dealership. They had last serviced the vehicle in October 2024, an oil change and put an additive in the engine. The dealership not only was not helpful, but they were unable to diagnose an issue because the vehicle had no check engine light or any dashboard warnings during the entirety of this issue. It was suggested that I get the spark plugs changed, since they considered it may be a misfire within the system. The spark plug change made it worse, eventually the car shook violently while at a red light and the dashboard lights came on and the car did not exceed 15mph. The car was serviced again and the coils were replaced. The problem still persists.
WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER DOES NOT DEFROST 1/2 OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE. ICE/SNOW REMAIN COMPLETELY INTACT. IT HAS TO BE COMPLETELY SCRAPED AND WILL FINALLY START TO CLEAR WHEN I CONTINUE TO USE WASHER FLUID/WIPERS AND INSIDE OF VEHICLE WARMS. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMP DROPS AND ALL WINDOW INTERIORS FOG/FROST. THIS DOES NOT CLEAR UNTIL INTERIOR WARMS COMPLETELY. THIS COULD TAKE 1/2 HR. INTERIOR FROST HAS TO BE SCRAPED THAT LEAVES FOG BEHIND. I'VE HAD TO DRIVE ALL THE WAY TO WORK WITH WINDSHIELD NOT CLEAR. DEALER HAS CHECKED MULTIPLE TIMES. TECH DETECTED THAT THERE IS NO DEFROSTER AIR FLOW TO THAT SIDE. UNABLE TO CORRECT. WAS TOLD ENTIRE DASH WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND THAT REPAIR IS BEING DENIED UNDER WARRANTY. PICS SHOW BOTH SIDES AFTER DEFROSTING FOR 20 MIN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
When my vehicle is going between 30-45 mph there is shaking happening. Torque converter feels like its locking up and then releasing.
I can't stand having to drive a car with that risk to life any longer. I have to drive with my family inside, there are two small children and I'm scared, and Chevy just tells me that they still don't have the part for the airbag. I've been dealing with this for years and I still don't have an answer. My car's price has dropped a lot because of this problem and Chevy isn't taking responsibility for the problem. I need to know what I can do.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: *Drivers side airbag component malfunctioned *Yes the vehicle is available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? *The drivers side airbag component has been ruptured since 2024 and given that the bag could deploy and kill me the driver along with others in the car is very scary and dangerous Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? *I have been trying to have this resolved with Capital Chevrolet in Wake Forest NC since Sept of 2024. They keep giving me the runaround and even made an appointment for me this morning after multiple calls to have the recall resolved. I took my 2017 Traverse into the service department and received a call around 12:37 stating the "parts were not in the service center". I was told 2 days ago when the appointment was made that the parts were available to complete the recall. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? *Only inspected by Capital Chevrolet In Wake Forest twice (1st time when I took the Traverse in for the wheel recall then again today) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? *The only warning lamp was for the wheel recall but not the drivers side airbag. The drivers side airbag component just popped loose around July 2024. I starting calling Capital Chevrolet and finally reached a service advisor call center in Sept 2024 to attempt to schedule an appointment.
THE METAL TRACKS FOR THE REAR CAPTAIN PASSENGER SEATS HAS RUSTED BADLY AND NO LONGER LOCKS IN!! WHEN I APPLY BRAKES, THE SEATS SLIDE ALL THE WAY UP TO OUR FRONT SEATS. IT ALSO APPEARS THAT SEVERAL OTHER METAL INTERIOR SURFACES HAS RUSTED ALSO. THESE INCLUDE THE DOOR HINGES, INSIDE THE SEATBELTS AND ALL THE METAL FRAME OF THE REAR SEATS. DYER CHEVROLET IN VERO BEACH, FL HAS THE VEHICLE TODAY FOR THE FIRST ATTEMPT AT GIVING US A SAFE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION WAS FIRST REPORTED TO OUR DEALER ON 8-20-18, AND WE WERE JUST CALLED BACK IN THIS WEEK AND WERE TOLD THAT SOME PARTS CAME IN BUT MY SERVICE TECH COULD NOT TELL ME WHAT PARTS OR WHAT THEY INTENDED TO DO.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED A 2017 CHEVY TRAVERSE IN 2018, WITH IT'S ORIGINAL FACTORY GOODYEAR FORTERA P255/65R18 109S DOT 4RXM ARDR 2916 TIRES. ON 4/29/20 THE LOW TIRE LIGHT CAME ON AND I DISCOVERED A SCREW WAS IN THE TIRE. I WENT TO DISCOUNT TIRE TO HAVE IT FIXED AND THE GUY THERE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER WAS CRACKING AND SPLITTING FROM THE RIM. HE SAID THOSE SPECIFIC GOODYEAR TIRES ARE TO BE GOOD FOR 65,000 MILES. THE CHEVY TRAVERSE ONLY HAS 36,120 MILES ON IT, 9,000 MORE THAN WHEN WE PURCHASED IT. I NOW HAVE TO PURCHASE FOUR NEW TIRES BECAUSE THE CURRENT ONES ARE BEGINNING TO SPIT AND CRACK WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOW OUT. MY WIFE MAINLY DRIVES THE TRAVERSE WITH OUR 2 DAUGHTERS TO AND FROM SCHOOL AND DAYCARE. I WILL PROVIDE A PICTURE WHERE YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE THE SPLIT BELOW THE RIM.
CONSISTANLTY LOSING TIRE PRESSURE, SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE. I HAVE TO ADD AIR TO TIRES ON A MONTHLY BASIS...
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
MOISTURE IS VISIBLE IN BOTH FRONT HEAD LAMPS AFTER RAIN OR DEW FROM OVERNIGHT. BERGEY'S CHEVROLET (COLMAR, PA) SAW PICTURES AND ADVISED THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FROM CHEVROLET THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND TO ONLY REPLACE THEM IF THEY ARE FILLED WITH WATER. OTHERWISE THE LIGHTS SHOULD CLEAR WITHIN 2-6 HOURS. NOT COMET LT SATISFIED WITH H THE ANSWER BUT WILL MONITOR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE METAL TRACKS FOR THE REAR CAPTAIN PASSENGER SEATS HAS RUSTED BADLY AND NO LONGER LOCKS IN!! WHEN I APPLY BRAKES, THE SEATS SLIDE ALL THE WAY UP TO OUR FRONT SEATS. IT ALSO APPEARS THAT SEVERAL OTHER METAL INTERIOR SURFACES HAS RUSTED ALSO. THESE INCLUDE THE DOOR HINGES, INSIDE THE SEATBELTS AND ALL THE METAL FRAME OF THE REAR SEATS. DYER CHEVROLET IN VERO BEACH, FL HAS THE VEHICLE TODAY FOR THE FIRST ATTEMPT AT GIVING US A SAFE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION WAS FIRST REPORTED TO OUR DEALER ON 8-20-18, AND WE WERE JUST CALLED BACK IN THIS WEEK AND WERE TOLD THAT SOME PARTS CAME IN BUT MY SERVICE TECH COULD NOT TELL ME WHAT PARTS OR WHAT THEY INTENDED TO DO.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .