RoadVitals

2026 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.
31
+6 complaints 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.
2
Latest Oct 21, 2026
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.
1
1 currently open
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
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 31 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, most frequently naming the electrical, brakes and driver assistance categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 155 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

  • Electrical1025.0%
  • Brakes922.5%
  • Driver assistance615.0%
  • Engine512.5%
  • Powertrain (other)37.5%
  • Visibility25.0%
  • Airbags25.0%
  • Body & structure12.5%

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

2 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
Oct 21, 2026
4 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver or front passenger seat may not have sufficient welds where the seat back recliner pivot mechanism attaches to a bracket on the seat frame.
The risk: Seats with insufficient welds may not restrain an occupant as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the driver or front passenger seat back frames, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 7, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262576830. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 21, 2026.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N262576830View on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Feb 26, 2026
5,861 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.”
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N252540430View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA26006OpenEngineering Analysis

Electronic Brake Module Component Failure

Opened Aug 21, 2026

On April 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24011 after receiving complaints concerning a loss of brake assist in 2023 MY Cadillac Lyriq vehicles. These complaints allege a hard brake pedal, followed by a “Brake System Failure” message at start up or while driving. GM shared records regarding several internal investigations for loss of brake assist due to alleged spindle fractures in the eBoost system. GM has stated that in the event of a spindle fracture, anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control, and traction control remain functional until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. At this point, ABS, brake assist, stability control, and traction control functions are lost. The loss of these functions causes the vehicle to set one of three Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) based on failed performance criteria for the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). These DTCs, in turn, activate several driver alerts: an audible chime, a visual “Service Brake System” message in the display, and multiple illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lights (MILs) for the ABS, Traction Control, and Brakes informing the driver of loss of functionality. The vehicle speed will also be limited to 70 KPH (43 MPH). Since opening PE24011, ODI has continued to receive reports of loss of brake assist. Some of these reports describe symptoms inconsistent with GM’s description of a spindle failure. These reports allege an immediate loss of brake assist functionality as opposed to the loss occurring after the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The sudden loss of brake assist during a braking event could result in extended braking distance, which increases the risk of a crash or injury. ODI believes further analysis is necessary to assess the potential for failures in GM’s eBoost system to resulting in safety-related outcomes. At this time, ODI is aware of the following vehicles that are equipped with this eBoost system: 2023-2026 MY Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon; 2024-2026 MY Buick Enclave, Envision; Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Traverse; Cruise Origin; and GMC Acadia; 2025-2026 MY Cadillac Celestiq and Optiq. ODI is also aware of 2024-2026 MY Acura ZDX and 2024-2026 MY Honda Prologue vehicles that were built with this system. The Acura and Honda vehicles were manufactured by GM in a joint venture with Honda, and will be included in the Engineering Analysis as peer vehicles. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis to further assess the safety-related consequences of a failed eBoost system. In addition, ODI is expanding the scope of the investigation to encompass all GM vehicles that share this eBoost system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

SERVICE BRAKES

Recent owner complaints

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

BrakesElectrical
Filed Nov 10, 2026

2nd time losing brakes in my vehicle. 1st time dash board lit up with multiple icons and display message board states message “ Brake Assistance Failure, Press Hard To Brake, Speed Limited”. Luckily I was turning on a street and was able to pull over. Towed to the dealership where it was purchased. Basically they said it was a computer issue and they reset it and I should be go to go. 2nd time… same thing however the rear view mirror blacked out and then the dashboard lite up with the same icons, same message “Brake Assistance Failure, Press Hard To Slow, Limited Speed”. Also came on message board “Service ESC” and “Service Traction Control”. Unfortunately this time I was on a major highway doing 65-70. Almost creating a huge accident, I was able to pull over on the left of traffic and called immediately call emergency number for DPS to assist. Also called Chevy dealership to get a tow setup. This happened tonight Nov. 9th, currently are is at the dealership waiting for diagnostic tomorrow. I can’t express the safety issue this is. Losing brakes is a serious matter that needs attention immediately.

NHTSA ID
11776903
Incident
Nov 9, 2026
BrakesElectrical
Filed Nov 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the message "Service ESC" and a message about the brakes were displayed. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the brake pedal went to the floorboard and failed to stop the vehicle immediately. The vehicle slowed down and rolled to a stop. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. The father of the contact's son arrived at the scene and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle operated normally afterwards, but was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a loosened bolt on the positive terminal, unrelated to the battery. The contact was informed that the bolt needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 17,100.

NHTSA ID
11776194
Incident
Nov 6, 2026
Mileage
17,100 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 30, 2026

While driving at highway speeds shark tail antenna cover flew off vehicle. Hare Chevrolet advises part is not covered under manufacture warranty as it is considered an act of god and is quoting over $600 for repair.

NHTSA ID
11774750
Incident
Oct 29, 2026
Brakes
Filed Oct 30, 2026
Crash reported

I experienced a sudden and complete loss of braking after the vehicle’s collision-avoidance system activated. As I was exiting the freeway, I had my foot firmly on the brake pedal and the vehicle was slowing down normally. The collision-avoidance notification then activated, and the brake pedal immediately went to the floor. The vehicle would not brake despite repeated attempts to pump the pedal and apply additional pressure. I struck the vehicle in front of me twice before I was able to bring my vehicle to a stop by placing it in Park. There was no damage to either vehicle, and a police report was filed. This was an abrupt, total failure of the vehicle’s braking system.

NHTSA ID
11774644
Incident
Oct 22, 2026
Airbags
Filed Oct 28, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a church sign and a flower arrangement surrounded by bricks before coming to a stop. The contact stated that the sunlight had obstructed the contact's vision. The contact stated that the impact caused her face to strike the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact was transported by ambulance to the local medical center. The contact sustained bruises to the face, a fractured right arm in two places, and a busted mouth requiring nine stiches. A Police report was filed; however, the information was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 3,400.

NHTSA ID
11774245
Incident
Oct 23, 2026
Mileage
3,400 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Oct 21, 2026

What component or system: The touchscreen exterior lighting menu (Off, Auto, parking lights, headlights). It opens from a small sun-shaped icon beneath the volume knob. All exterior lights can be turned off with a single tap while the vehicle is moving. Nothing failed mechanically. The vehicle is available for inspection on request. How safety was put at risk: On October 11, I was driving about 65 mph at night on a very rural, unlit stretch of I-86 with heavy deer activity. My front seat passenger tapped the touchscreen looking for the control to turn adjust or turn off the interior lights beneath the dash and on the infotainment system, which were distracting on the dark road. He selected Off in the exterior lighting menu. All exterior lights went out instantly. They were restored by selecting Auto. Losing all exterior lighting at highway speed on a dark road puts the driver, passengers, and other motorists at serious risk of a crash. Reproduced or confirmed by a dealer: No. This can be reproduced by selecting Off in the lighting menu. Inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance, or others: No. Warning lamps or messages beforehand: No warning lamp, chime, message, or confirmation prompt of any kind. The lights simply went dark. The icon is also not clearly labeled as a lighting control. Requested action: I ask that the manufacturer consider requiring a confirmation step, or disabling the Off option while the vehicle is in motion.

NHTSA ID
11772823
Incident
Oct 11, 2026
BrakesEngine
Filed Oct 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact’s wife stated that while driving 55 MPH, the electronic control system and brake system failure the vehicle decelerated and went into LIMP Mode. The brake pedal became spongy, and while driving, the vehicle coasted to a stop. The vehicle was shifted into park(P), turned off, restarted, and the vehicle operated normally. The failure had reoccurred twice. The contact scheduled an appointment with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 4,900.

NHTSA ID
11769511
Incident
Oct 2, 2026
Mileage
4,900 mi
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Sep 10, 2026

The blind spot warning sensor goes off at random. Making the driver not know if an object is close to the vehicle. This is very dangerous as a driver because you can get used to it going off and getting comfortable with nothing being in your blindspot, even with the warning light on. What happens when there actually is something in your blindspot? As you can see in the picture below, there is nothing in the mirror and the blindspot warning light is on. It has been this was since it came off the lot at the dealership. We have been told there is no fix for it. We would like to see a recall for this particular sensor before it becomes a problem.

NHTSA ID
11763462
Incident
Jun 21, 2026

Manufacturer communications

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

PIT6015D

This Preliminary Information provides diagnostic tips and guidance for situations where key fobs cannot be learned or programmed successfully.

PIC5650N

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3

PIT6565

If a vehicle has an when attempting to perform a vehicle dynamic sensor learn, the scan tool may display a “Learn Rejected” or “Request Out of Range” message.

PIC6629G

This PI is to instruct dealer on diagnostic procedures that need to be completed prior to replacing a radio or IPC display

PIT6538B

A customer may complain of a vibration under acceleration. Dealer is advised that engineering is investigating the concern and no repairs should be performed at this time.

PIT6471A

This Preliminary Information is to inform technicians to not replace any parts at this time and to use the work around provided. When a fix is available, this PI will be updated to a bulletin.

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
2027100—
2026Viewing312165.2
20251870146.7
20241480146.2
2023962055.5
20221031048.9
2021953055.8
20202358059.7
20194123055.4
20184662051.3
20173613052.5
20162925050.2
20153145051.4
20145497254.3
20131624256.0
20123545254.1
20116085254.1
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.