RoadVitals

2021 Chevrolet Traverse

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
89
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Mar 31, 2022
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
6 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 89 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and powertrain (other) categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 663 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
22V210000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Mar 31, 2022
89 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N212352140View on NHTSA.gov
21V817000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Oct 18, 2021
639 units potentially affected
The defect: Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place may chafe against the transmission case, possibly resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
The risk: A transmission fluid leak can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the screw and clip, and inspect for signs of contact with the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
Braun CorporationView on NHTSA.gov
21V472000

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:FRONTAL IMPACT

Jun 24, 2021
6 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N212340220.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N212340220View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 89
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 8, 2026

I went in for service at Chey 112 in Medford, NY they advised me that my computer needed to be replaced they replaced the computer and I started having transmission issues.

NHTSA ID
11762657
Incident
May 29, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 21, 2026

Transmission shutters at lower gear going from 20-30 mph approximately and at the speed of 60-70 mph. When this happens it causes a delay in acceleration and for the whole car to shake. This was also noted by my mechanic even after changing transmission fluid and had concerns for the safety if it was to completely disrupt the transmission causing an accident. I was advised to check for recall since a lot of these makes and models have been having this issue. The SUV only has about 64,000 miles on it and has had all of its routine maintenance done regularly. I have only had it in my possession for 6 moths. No engine lights on. I do a lot of highway driving and I am concerned that this issue will possibly cause an accident. Ameritech Tire and Auto at 304-229-8924, Inwood, WV. August 12, 2026 was date of service.

NHTSA ID
11758560
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 18, 2026

The welding that holds the exhaust together has failed. They offer a Special Warranty to cover only the passenger side, however it has failed and exhaust is super loud. Also reading 4 codes from check engine alert. All are P0420 (cat convertor). The smell of exhaust and cat convertor is super disgusting

NHTSA ID
11757809
Incident
Aug 4, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 8, 2026

The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an inspection, where a leaking oil pan gasket was diagnosed. The contact stated that the failure had also occurred on a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse he owned. Although the vehicle had been taken to the dealer two months prior, the dealer did not find the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,400.

NHTSA ID
11749147
Incident
Jul 8, 2026
Mileage
72,400 mi
Filed Jun 25, 2026

On [XXX] I purchased the vehicle from Bakersfield Hyundai within days I reported break failure and notified them about a noise that was coming from the SUV that sounded like a mini motorcycle, they first said (Xavier) that the noise would go away because it had just gotten serviced but they kept me there for four plus hours and said I had to take it back which I did and again I took it for break replacement and I told them the noise would get louder and sometimes it would smell inside the vehicle like vinegar again they did nothing they falsely said I declined to stay because of time Which I didn't I asked if they were able to provide me with a vehicle while mine could get serve since I have children that attend school to who they said no, so I couldn't stay longer I had to pick up my children from school this is my only vehicle so Hyundai would not do anything about the breaks nor that sound the vehicle started making beeming noises from across the dashboard the main screen freezes and not to mention the vehicle stalls I have to jump start it, also when I sent Hyundai a video of the exhaust pipe ruptured they automatically contact Chevy and vehicle has to be towed to them there was a very strong oder of vinegar and rotten eggs coming into the cabin to which I had let Hyundai dealership know but they didn't document they said I had to take it to Chevy now they replaced the pipe but the vehicle still has issues starting up the screen still freezes and once in a while I still get that smell of vinegar in the cabin I have paperwork from Chevy and Hyundai I also have video, pictures and txt from Hyundai personal admitting to knowing about the pipe leak not to mention I was exposed to this for about 40 minutes I had driven my children to school I had my OBGYN appointment to which I informed my doctor I was experiencing a headache and dizziness I thought it was because of early pregnancy not knowing it was carbon monoxide I miscarried that following day 4/13/26. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMAT

NHTSA ID
11746551
Incident
May 1, 2025
Engine
Filed May 13, 2026

Check engine light came on and I noticed that the cooling fan would continue running for several minutes even after turning vehicle off. Had a mechanic run the diagnostics and the code came back as a thermostat/cooling issue. Although when I called to make an appointment and told him the issue and that it was a 2021 Traverse, he knew exactly what the issue was. He said that is a very common issue in all 2021 Chevy/GM engines. Online research provided a couple special coverages for repairs on 7 different GM vehicles from that same time period. Of course, the Traverse is one that is not included. Seems fairly obvious this was a GM engine issue from all vehicles in the 2021-2023 timeframe. Not sure how they can only pick out 7 models, but I am hoping an update can be made to add the Traverse and any other GM models that have that same 2021 engine.

NHTSA ID
11737628
Incident
May 12, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 9, 2026

I am filing a safety complaint regarding two vehicles provided through Bob Hook Chevrolet in [XXX] . My Chevrolet Traverse has been at the dealership for approximately one month due to a transmission failure. The vehicle has remained unrepaired during that time. The transmission issue has made the vehicle unreliable and unsafe to operate. While my Traverse was in the shop, the dealership provided me with a Buick Enclave loaner vehicle. On Thursday, while driving the Enclave, the vehicle repeatedly stalled. The entire electrical system shut down, and the power steering failed and locked up. This created a very dangerous situation and made it difficult to safely control the vehicle in traffic. After reporting the breakdown and safety concerns, the dealership’s only solution was to return my Chevrolet Traverse to me even though it had not been repaired. I am concerned about the serious safety risks involving sudden stalling, electrical failure, loss of steering assist, and unresolved transmission problems. I request that these issues be investigated to determine whether defects exist that could endanger other drivers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11736727
Incident
May 7, 2026
Electrical
Filed May 6, 2026

Alternator fail before 60,000 miles. Had the car almost 3 years and children in it. Apparently a known common issue yet no recall it’s not a reliable car

NHTSA ID
11736069
Incident
May 6, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIP4902W

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIC6551C

This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues

PIT5099J

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

PIT5966F

This Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still displayed after an OTA event and how to reset/clear the message.

PIC6423A

Pi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection issue

PIC6551B

This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Traverse by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026241158.5
20251770146.8
20241360146.6
2023892055.5
2022981049.9
2021Viewing893056.4
20202288060.3
20194053055.8
20184612052.0
20173613052.5
20162925050.8
20153135050.9
20145477254.8
20131624256.0
20123545254.8
20116085254.3
20106695255.2
20094488358.4
2008000—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.