2025 Chevrolet Traverse Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2025 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
- Brakes11241.5%
- Driver assistance6624.4%
- Electrical4315.9%
- Powertrain (other)124.4%
- Engine114.1%
- Body & structure93.3%
- Steering41.5%
- Exterior lighting41.5%
- Visibility31.1%
- Fuel system20.7%
- Airbags20.7%
- Seat belts10.4%
- Interior & seats10.4%
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
This started happening about two weeks ago. My check engine light came on and my OBD scanner said a NOX sensor code showed. I told the dealership and I guess they cleared the code and it hasn’t reappeared but the reduced acceleration has maintained. It was [XXX] I had just go of work and needed gas. While traveling to the gas station I got notification that my acceleration was being reduced and it was very noticeable. After arriving and pumping gas, I started the car and got 3 additional messages. The car aside my brake assist and ESC needed service, my ABS system was off, and my forward collision system was off. While driving, I noticed that the brakes were still working but acceleration was still being reduced. This is an everyday use car and I have a 6 children who I don’t feel are safe anymore in the car. Not being able to utilize the brakes and the reduced acceleration is very concerning especially when in traffic. I have a little over 27500 miles on the car. It just came from the dealership to get the telematics module replaced last week because it went out about a month ago. I’ve only had this car a year and it seems like the issues are becoming more common everyday. I will be taking care back to dealership tomorrow. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Our car one day showed several illuminated dash lights regarding brake system, along with several pop up warnings. We took it to a Chevrolet dealer for service. They’ve had it for 54 days. They’ve confirmed widespread brake system and electrical system failure, but even after escalating to corporate tech assistance, there is no progress nor resolution available. We were told they have at least a dozen others with this same issue. It is wildly inappropriate that there has not been a recall issued as this is a serious safety defect. We demand a buyback from GM for putting this death trap on the market knowing they had these issues with 2024 models but continuing to roll 2025 and 2026 models with the same issues.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
This started happening about two weeks ago. My check engine light came on and my OBD scanner said a NOX sensor code showed. I told the dealership and I guess they cleared the code and it hasn’t reappeared but the reduced acceleration has maintained. It was [XXX] I had just go of work and needed gas. While traveling to the gas station I got notification that my acceleration was being reduced and it was very noticeable. After arriving and pumping gas, I started the car and got 3 additional messages. The car aside my brake assist and ESC needed service, my ABS system was off, and my forward collision system was off. While driving, I noticed that the brakes were still working but acceleration was still being reduced. This is an everyday use car and I have a 6 children who I don’t feel are safe anymore in the car. Not being able to utilize the brakes and the reduced acceleration is very concerning especially when in traffic. I have a little over 27500 miles on the car. It just came from the dealership to get the telematics module replaced last week because it went out about a month ago. I’ve only had this car a year and it seems like the issues are becoming more common everyday. I will be taking care back to dealership tomorrow. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Wife had car sitting over night from doing a EMS shift. Went out to car in morning to start to return home and when car started ABS light, ECS light, Brake Light, and Collision light came on. This has resulted in no ABS or safety features. Called dealer and can't look at car for over a month. There was no mention about not driving. If the wife needs ABS or front radar, she will not have it resulting in a more serious accident.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
This started happening about two weeks ago. My check engine light came on and my OBD scanner said a NOX sensor code showed. I told the dealership and I guess they cleared the code and it hasn’t reappeared but the reduced acceleration has maintained. It was [XXX] I had just go of work and needed gas. While traveling to the gas station I got notification that my acceleration was being reduced and it was very noticeable. After arriving and pumping gas, I started the car and got 3 additional messages. The car aside my brake assist and ESC needed service, my ABS system was off, and my forward collision system was off. While driving, I noticed that the brakes were still working but acceleration was still being reduced. This is an everyday use car and I have a 6 children who I don’t feel are safe anymore in the car. Not being able to utilize the brakes and the reduced acceleration is very concerning especially when in traffic. I have a little over 27500 miles on the car. It just came from the dealership to get the telematics module replaced last week because it went out about a month ago. I’ve only had this car a year and it seems like the issues are becoming more common everyday. I will be taking care back to dealership tomorrow. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Wife had car sitting over night from doing a EMS shift. Went out to car in morning to start to return home and when car started ABS light, ECS light, Brake Light, and Collision light came on. This has resulted in no ABS or safety features. Called dealer and can't look at car for over a month. There was no mention about not driving. If the wife needs ABS or front radar, she will not have it resulting in a more serious accident.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
NHTSA Defect Report (Initial Portal Filing) Manufacturer Target: General Motors (GM) Filer: [XXX] Classification: Mechanical Defect & Administrative Evasion Narrative for Submission I am filing this formal defect report regarding a catastrophic, systemic safety failure present in the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse architecture (VIN: [XXX]), manufactured by General Motors. The vehicle was originally purchased at AutoNation Timonium. THE SAFETY DEFECT AND TELEMETRY PROOF On March 18, 2026, the vehicle suffered a total failure of the transmission and drivetrain systems. It was immediately surrendered to Preston Chevrolet, where it remained completely out of service for 34 consecutive days. GM's own OnStar Diagnostic Telemetry automatically dispatched critical fault alerts while the vehicle was stranded, explicitly logging the following irrefutable failure codes: DTC U1962 (PCM - Engine and Transmission System): Warning stated: "System transferring power to the drive wheels not performing as expected." This indicates a catastrophic decoupling or failure to transfer motive power. If this failure occurs at highway speeds, it results in a total loss of propulsion, creating an extreme rear-end collision hazard. DTC U0452 (VIU - OnStar System): A simultaneous failure in the Wireless Communication and Safety system, meaning that when the drivetrain catastrophically fails, the vehicle's automated emergency SOS and crash-reporting telemetry is actively blocked or compromised. ELEVATION TO ADMINISTRATIVE EVASION General Motors and its authorized dealer network were provided with formal written notice of this defect. The 30-day statutory right to cure window fully expired without any mechanical resolution. Rather than deploying engineering solutions to rectify the severe safety defects they released into the public domain, GM has instead deployed aggressive legal maneuvers designed to evade accountability. Continued text in OFFICIAL_NHTSA_DEFECT_REPORT PDF INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
Check engine light came on with limited acceleration vehicle, then proceeded to overheat several times having to pull over to the side of the road in very dangerous locations vehicle was brought to dealership and it was determined it was a coolant pump. It was replaced under warranty. I want it to be known that there was an issue as others I have heard our ex experiencing the same.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
NHTSA Defect Report (Initial Portal Filing) Manufacturer Target: General Motors (GM) Filer: [XXX] Classification: Mechanical Defect & Administrative Evasion Narrative for Submission I am filing this formal defect report regarding a catastrophic, systemic safety failure present in the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse architecture (VIN: [XXX]), manufactured by General Motors. The vehicle was originally purchased at AutoNation Timonium. THE SAFETY DEFECT AND TELEMETRY PROOF On March 18, 2026, the vehicle suffered a total failure of the transmission and drivetrain systems. It was immediately surrendered to Preston Chevrolet, where it remained completely out of service for 34 consecutive days. GM's own OnStar Diagnostic Telemetry automatically dispatched critical fault alerts while the vehicle was stranded, explicitly logging the following irrefutable failure codes: DTC U1962 (PCM - Engine and Transmission System): Warning stated: "System transferring power to the drive wheels not performing as expected." This indicates a catastrophic decoupling or failure to transfer motive power. If this failure occurs at highway speeds, it results in a total loss of propulsion, creating an extreme rear-end collision hazard. DTC U0452 (VIU - OnStar System): A simultaneous failure in the Wireless Communication and Safety system, meaning that when the drivetrain catastrophically fails, the vehicle's automated emergency SOS and crash-reporting telemetry is actively blocked or compromised. ELEVATION TO ADMINISTRATIVE EVASION General Motors and its authorized dealer network were provided with formal written notice of this defect. The 30-day statutory right to cure window fully expired without any mechanical resolution. Rather than deploying engineering solutions to rectify the severe safety defects they released into the public domain, GM has instead deployed aggressive legal maneuvers designed to evade accountability. Continued text in OFFICIAL_NHTSA_DEFECT_REPORT PDF INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
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)
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Purchased the traverse January 10, 2026 with almost 26k miles on it. Approximately one month later, only 1200 miles or so into owning it, the shark fin antenna cover came off and is missing. It’s not the entire antenna that is hooked into the car, it’s only the plastic cover that covers up the electronics. This plastic piece randomly flying off the car put other motorists at risk, due to the plastic cover potentially striking another vehicles windshield distracting them from keeping their eyes on the roadway, striking another motorists vehicle causing damage to said vehicle, or even striking a person walking down the street potentially resulting in physical harm! I have talked with GM dealerships about this issues along with reading that numerous people have had the same issue, and they have yet to fix the problem.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving the steering wheel will intermittently lock up or make it where you cannot turn the steering wheel at all. The collision sensors will go off and cause vehicle to lock the brakes up when you’re not even close to anything. Also, random messages will appear in dash as shift to neutral while driving ect. See pictures.
Warning light ‘Service Electronic Stability Control’ appeared 2 days ago. Vehicle feels unbalanced, steering wheel has excessive play (like driving a boat), and control is compromised. Mileage over 10,000. Safety concern due to difficulty handling.”
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
Onstar Module not working/backorder
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)
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
While driving on vacation approximately five hours away from home with my family, I suddenly heard a loud popping sound followed immediately by increased outside wind noise coming from the panoramic moonroof. Based on the sound, I suspected the moonroof glass had shattered. Because my family was in the vehicle, I intentionally did not open the interior sunshade, as I was concerned that broken glass could fall into the cabin and seriously injure my passengers. After safely pulling over, I inspected the roof from the outside and confirmed that the panoramic moonroof glass had completely shattered. During the drive back, the shattered glass panel completely detached from the vehicle and flew off. Fortunately, it landed in the grass and did not strike another vehicle or person, which could have resulted in a serious accident or injuries. Because this occurred over the weekend, I had no immediate access to repairs. To safely transport my family the five-hour drive back home, I had to temporarily cover the opening with a trash bag and tape to protect the vehicle’s interior and reduce exposure to the elements. After returning home, I contacted the dealership, provided photographs of the damage, and explained the circumstances. I was informed that the failure would not be covered under the vehicle’s warranty and that I would be responsible for the repair costs. I am extremely concerned that the moonroof shattered without any apparent impact from road debris or object. Had the interior sunshade been open at the time, pieces of broken glass could have fallen into the passenger compartment, potentially causing serious injuries to my family, including eye injuries or cuts. Additionally, when the glass panel detached from the vehicle, it could have struck another motorist or pedestrian, creating a significant safety hazard. I believe this incident represents a serious safety concern and request that this matter be thoroughly investigated and reconsidered for warranty coverage.
Beginning in May 2025, my 2025 Chevrolet Traverse began exhibiting a false “rear liftgate open” condition when the liftgate is fully closed. This defect triggers a continuous audible alarm that occurs before every drive and persists for the entire duration of the drive, stopping only when the vehicle is turned off. As a result of this defect, the rear windshield wiper and washer are disabled, eliminating rear visibility during rain and snow. The vehicle alarm system also cannot be armed, creating a security risk. The continuous alarm causes significant driver distraction, and the loss of rear visibility impairs safe operation of the vehicle, particularly in adverse weather. Minor children are frequent passengers, and the defect has occurred while they were in the vehicle. The vehicle has been presented to an authorized Chevrolet dealership on four separate occasions for the same issue. Multiple repair attempts, including diagnostics, software updates, component replacement, and latch assembly replacement, have failed to correct the defect. Because the alarm cannot be armed, the vehicle was left unsecured and was subsequently broken into, resulting in theft of personal property. General Motors has been notified and declined repurchase, directing me back to repeated diagnostics despite the unresolved safety-related defect. Problem Category: ☑ Electrical System ☑ Visibility / Wipers ☑ Warning Systems ☑ Vehicle Safet
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
El 6 de enero de 2026, minutos después de retirar el vehículo del concesionario tras un servicio de frenos, el sistema de enfriamiento presentó pérdida total de refrigerante debido a una manguera del radiador rota. El vehículo fue regresado inmediatamente y quedó retenido por recomendación técnica de no conducirlo por riesgo de sobrecalentamiento del motor. La condición representa un riesgo de seguridad pública si ocurre durante la conducción, ya que puede provocar pérdida súbita de potencia, detención inesperada del vehículo y posible incidente vial. El 21 de enero de 2026, durante inspección previa a entrega, se detectó una segunda falla: módulo OnStar inoperante (GPS no funcional). Ambos eventos fueron diagnosticados por el concesionario autorizado. La pérdida súbita de refrigerante y posible sobrecalentamiento del motor implica riesgo de falla mecánica repentina, pérdida de potencia o detención del vehículo en circulación, lo que puede causar un incidente vial. El concesionario indicó explícitamente que no debía conducirse el vehículo bajo esas condiciones. Sí. Ambos problemas fueron confirmados por el concesionario autorizado: primero la falla del sistema de enfriamiento, luego la falla del módulo OnStar. El vehículo ha sido inspeccionado por el concesionario autorizado. El fabricante ha sido notificado formalmente y existe un caso abierto con su departamento de atención al cliente. No existían advertencias previas. Las alertas y ventilador excesivo aparecieron minutos después de salir del concesionario el 6 de enero. La falla del GPS se detectó el 21 de enero durante inspección previa a entrega. El vehículo continúa retenido por reparación pendiente y no ha sido devuelto en condiciones seguras o funcionales.
Owned brand new vehicle for 48 hours. Fuel injector failure on cylinder 4 at 120 miles on the dash. Check engine light was on. Vehicle is currently at dealership. Engine unreliable/unsafe. Dealer confirmed. Dealer stated up to 10 days waiting on parts. Unknown if further damage has been caused. Wife states vehicle had a rough idle. Diag code P0300, P050D.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was in t-boned on the passenger side of my vehicle. All side air bags went off but did not deflate. I had to crawl onto my floor to get out of the vehicle. Also when the emergency collision park kicked in it locked my doors so had I been unconscious I would have been locked in the car.
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH through a green light, another vehicle failed to yield at 50 MPH for a red light due to being impaired, causing a collision in which the contact’s vehicle was T-boned. No warning lights were illuminated before the crash. The front and side curtain air bags failed to deploy. The contact reported that no injuries were immediately sustained, and no medical attention was provided at the scene. However, the contact was later transported to a local emergency facility and diagnosed with a back injury. A police report was filed.. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the air bags, service brakes, and battery of the vehicle had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Name: [XXX] •Address: [XXX] •Phone: [XXX] •Email: [XXX] Date of Incident: October 7, 2025 Description of Problem: While driving our 2025 Chevrolet Traverse on October 7, 2025, our son was sitting in the third-row seat and somehow managed to buckle two seatbelts at once—one from the right side and one from the left—crossing them over his chest and neck. Once both belts were latched, they locked in place. When we tried to loosen one side, the opposite side only tightened further, causing him to be choked. We tried multiple ways to release the seatbelts, but the locking mechanism prevented any movement. Several adults tried to help, but no one could free him. We ultimately had to cut one of the seatbelts to safely release him. He was left with visible red marks on his neck, and the incident caused significant fear and distress. The seatbelts were crisscrossed, which explains why attempting to loosen one side made the other side tighten. This appears to be a dangerous design issue, as there was no safe or quick way to release the belts in this situation. We are deeply concerned that this design could pose a serious strangulation hazard to children or other passengers in the future. Attachments: •Photos showing the crisscrossed seatbelts •Photos showing the red marks on the neck after the incident We request that NHTSA review this complaint to determine if this is a vehicle safety defect and take any appropriate action to prevent similar incidents from occurring. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle shifted into LIMP Mode, causing the vehicle to decelerate unintendedly. During the failure the headlights and the interior lights flashed and flickered, and the ABS, traction control, and several unknown messages were displayed. While depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal extended to the floor and the vehicle failed to immediately stop. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who recharged the battery and performed a software update to the Crucial Control Module. The contact stated that three weeks later the same failure had reoccurred. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,995.
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 .