2020 Chevrolet Traverse Engine Problems

The front intermediate exhaust pipe mounting bracket weld fractured at the engine manifold, causing the exhaust pipe to break completely loose. We can now actively smell raw exhaust fumes inside the passenger cabin while operating the vehicle, creating an immediate safety hazard for carbon monoxide poisoning and driver disorientation. Additionally, the heavy steel exhaust system is completely unsupported at the front, creating an imminent risk of the pipe falling and dragging on the roadway at highway speeds, which could cause a catastrophic crash. The vehicle began getting progressively louder during cold weather between late 2025 and early 2026. A certified Chevrolet dealership technician officially inspected the vehicle, filmed an inspection video confirming this exact structural failure, and attempted to submit it for warranty coverage. GM Corporate denied the claim solely because my VIN is excluded from Special Coverage N212356540, despite the vehicle suffering from the identical manufacturing defect described in the bulletin. I possess the official dealer repair receipt and the technician's inspection video as proof.

NHTSA ID

11761853

Incident

Jan 15, 2026

Bracket on the exhaust pipes just before the flex pipes broke free and there is now a hole in the pipe.

NHTSA ID

11761447

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that over time the sound became louder. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked front exhaust pipe and battery failure. The contact was informed that the front exhaust pipe and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 84,701.

NHTSA ID

11759199

Incident

Aug 17, 2026

Mileage

84,701 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a loud sound coming from the exhaust pipes, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate, with exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the exhaust mounting bracket had failed, causing the exhaust pipes to separate and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under a manufacturer-extended coverage that was associated with the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11757347

Incident

Aug 17, 2025

Mileage

50,000 mi

Loses oil between oil changes. No visible signs of leaks or odor of burning oil.

NHTSA ID

11756688

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping and there was a delay while the transmission was shifting gears. The vehicle was sputtering and jerking while driving. While turning out of a driveway and driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted and informed that there was no recall on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but referred the owner back to the local dealer for assistance. There was no additional assistance provided. The failure mileage was approximately 150,970.

NHTSA ID

11753792

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Mileage

150,970 mi

GM published bulletin PIP5681A on 10/05/20 regarding defective welds on the exhaust brackets near the catalytic converter. I had the same exact weld failure and GM is not honoring the warranty coverage, even though their bulletin said that all 2020 Traverse SUVs were included.

NHTSA ID

11751117

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

This is a know issue on 2021 models. The exhaust bracket is breaking away from the muffler/catalytic converter. The weld is breaking causing the exhaust to break away and both pipes must be replaced resulting in a 1500 repair. Why if it bad in later years is there no maintenance bulletin or mandatory fix for the 2020 models? It was repaired and fixed by McClusky Chevrolet in Cincinnati OH.

NHTSA ID

11741510

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Flex pipe for exhaust is broken at 61000 miles rattles and makes noise upon start up and acceleration.doesnt make sense repairs for model years before and after 2020 are being repaired for free

NHTSA ID

11741202

Incident

Feb 25, 2026

Brakes have screeching noise Transmission jumps when changing gear The shift to park is so constant can not even go out because it takes more than 20 to 30 tries for it to accept park and turn Vehicle off! I have taken it to the dealer for the concern stated no recall or warranty At this point I am afraid to even leave it in shift to park and walk to the store and it gets stolen or leaves me stranded with my children

NHTSA ID

11738401

Incident

May 17, 2026

We have had multiple issues with the exhaust system and the brackets that hold the catalytic converter in place. The catalytic converters have been replaced two times in the last 3 years with them currently needing to be replaced AGAIN. This is supposed to be our family car and it is in no way reliable. Not when we have to take it in every couple thousand miles on it to have the exhaust system repaired. We have had it into the dealership multiple times to confirm the problems.

NHTSA ID

11735128

Incident

May 1, 2026

Bracket fell off of the exhaust pipe on my 2020 Chevrolet Traverse LT, which in turn cracked the exhaust pipe, making my car create this loud noise every time the car was accelerating.

NHTSA ID

11733316

Incident

Apr 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the exhaust system made an abnormally loud sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was determined that the front clamp on the exhaust system was loose. The dealer tightened the clamp; however, the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: PIP5681A (Exhaust leak, Lean Codes, Rattle Noise, or Catalytic Converter Failures). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ID

11730238

Incident

Mar 9, 2026

Mileage

68,000 mi

Issue documented in PIP5681C

NHTSA ID

11728610

Incident

Mar 31, 2026

Failing front exhaust pipe mounting bracket. GM has a special coverage program (N212356540) for 2019-2020 Chevrolet Traverse which covers the repair for 15 years or 150,000 miles from the original service date. The coverage is VIN specific. My vehicle has been having this issue for two years now and my VIN is not covered. This is unfair to the consumer/Chevrolet owners who's VIN's are not listed. This is an obvious ongoing problem for many Chevrolet Traverse owners, it should be an active recall on all 2018-2023 Chevrolet Traverse owners. Especially since Chevrolet/GM is aware of the problem. Most of us are paying off our vehicles because we can't afford a new one and GM is not providing assistance for some of us who at no fault of our own are having to pay for a defect they are aware of.

NHTSA ID

11724027

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

The exhaust has a leak. Loud noise, rattling coming from exhaust. Smell of fumes in the cab of the vehicle. I believe there is a recall for 2018,2019,and 2021 year models for this same issue but no recall for the 2020 model.

NHTSA ID

11723287

Incident

Mar 5, 2026

A MANUFACTURER RECALL NOTICE NEEDS TO BE ISSUED ASAP. Exhaust is leaking into passenger cab due to a defective exhaust mounting bracket. Was replaced 1 year ago at the dealer at considerable cost to vehicle owner. Now this defective part has failed a second time. A MANUFACTURER RECALL NOTICE NEEDS TO BE ISSUED ASAP. This presents a health hazard as well as financial loss due to defective manufacturing. Other years of this particular vehicle have been recalled and this defective part was repaired/replaced it is supected to replaced with the same defective OEM part due to its repeated failure. It is unclear why this model year has been discriminated against. A MANUFACTURER RECALL NOTICE NEEDS TO BE ISSUED ASAP.

NHTSA ID

11723040

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

Failed/failing hydraulic timing chain tensionors. Common issue for this engine said to be caused by poor oiling. After speaking to many shops, this is just one of the many, very common issues that occurs in this vehicle. Started on February 20th, 2026. There are no warning or check engine lights on for this issue. People who are unfamiliar with the symptoms may be driving a vehicle that may suddenly stop running without warning as there is no light illuminated on the dash. Online it states that this may be caused by not performing oil change services on time. For my particular situation, I am a preventative maintenance specialist for the past ten years. I am professionally trained and perform PM services daily. I know my Traverse has been very well maintained and serviced with premium synthetic motor oil since my ownership. And despite this, I am now having to pay a significant amount of money to have this fixed or risk the safety of myself, my family and really anyone else on the road. My vehicle is available upon request any time.

NHTSA ID

11721879

Incident

Feb 20, 2026

Cracked flex pipe. Common issue with all traverse models/years. Needs to be addressed and recalled!

NHTSA ID

11713560

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

The forward exhaust bracket weld broke causing a rattling noise and allowing exhaust fumes into the car which is incredibly dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11713109

Incident

Dec 30, 2025

Vehicle is current at 101,102 Miles, however, the issue started to occur at 75,350 miles. It is the common issue crack in the exhaust pipe just before the flex exhaust tube due to poor welding of the bracket causing the exhaust system to rattle and leak exhaust into the cabin. The same issue has been addressed under Special Coverage N222385510 for 2021 vehicles, and another one was issued for 2019 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. GM Bulletin PIP5681C describes the issue in detail and acknowledges that the same process was used on their 2018-2022 vehicles, but they are only covering the repair of the 2019s and 2021 vehicles. Exhaust fumes do reach inside the cabin of the vehicle especially on calm mornings that have no breeze. This is a potential carbon monoxide hazard. The is no scrape marks or damage to the undercarriage that would have caused the issue, only the heating and cooling of the exhaust system.

NHTSA ID

11711713

Incident

Jun 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied in the vehicle, there was a rattling sound coming from the front of the vehicle while stationary or while driving. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the exhaust mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: N222385510 (Front Exhaust Pipe); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.

NHTSA ID

11710441

Incident

Nov 15, 2025

Mileage

118,000 mi

The vehicle just suddendenly shuts down when driven on the freeway, according to Tillery Chevrolet GMC the engine cracked and needed to replaced for total of $17,291.94

NHTSA ID

11710032

Incident

Nov 10, 2025

The contact's son owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic who could not perform the repair. The contact was referred to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that a crack in the catalytic converter had caused a defect within the exhaust manifold. The contact was then informed that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin Number: PIP5681C and was referred to the dealer for assistance. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle no longer qualified for the TSB repair due to the mileage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and made the same assessment. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,100.

NHTSA ID

11708290

Incident

Dec 22, 2025

Mileage

90,100 mi

Weld on exhaust was faulty the bracket malfunction. The exhaust system has leak and rattle with exhaust noises, causing the converter fail.

NHTSA ID

11697828

Incident

Oct 23, 2025