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.
24
+3 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.
1
Latest Feb 26, 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.
2
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 24 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and brakes categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 139 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

  • Electrical723.3%
  • Driver assistance620.0%
  • Brakes516.7%
  • Engine413.3%
  • Powertrain (other)310.0%
  • Visibility26.7%
  • Body & structure13.3%
  • Steering13.3%

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

1 campaign 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

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

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
Filed Sep 9, 2026

Shark fin antenna is loose and poorly attached, flew off after only having the car a few months. Seems this is a wide spread issue amongst Chevy owners

NHTSA ID
11763246
Incident
Sep 6, 2026
Electrical
Filed Sep 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle jerked and bucked. The contact stated that the safety features were inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The contact was informed that an unknown sensor had been replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then inspected by a manufacturer’s engineer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer, and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to transport the three minor children. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and two cases were filed. The contact reported the failure by phone and email. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

NHTSA ID
11761416
Incident
Feb 17, 2026
Mileage
3,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Aug 26, 2026
1 injury reported

On August 25, 2026, my 2026 Chevrolet Traverse experienced a severe safety failure involving the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system. While moving slowly forward in a drive-thru lane with no obstacles in front of the vehicle, the car's automated systems unexpectedly and violently slammed on the brakes.The vehicle brought itself to an immediate, harsh stop without any actual hazard present. The sudden, uncommanded application of maximum braking force caused severe physical jolting, resulting in a whiplash injury to my neck.This unexpected braking event creates an immediate crash hazard for vehicles behind me and poses a severe risk of physical injury due to violent, unprompted stops. This incident appears directly related to ongoing electronic brake module and automatic braking system malfunctions under active federal investigation. I request a thorough safety investigation and a formal recall to address this dangerous defect.

NHTSA ID
11759614
Incident
Aug 25, 2026
Electrical
Filed Aug 4, 2026

Vehicle fan blower speed changes by itself. Second issue - at times with Apple Car Play, vehicle will state audio unavailable and steering wheel audio control and GPS notifications will not work. Lastly, issue with not being able to use iphone apps, for example, Safari, when phone is connected to vehicle (this has occured since the most recent update). Other iphone apps will work once phone is disconnected. Vehicle has been taken to dealership but not reproduced. Pictures and videos were provided to dealership.

NHTSA ID
11754856
Incident
Aug 4, 2026
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Aug 1, 2026

On start-up, intermittently the center display freezes, the HVAC system defaults to 76 degrees with the a/c and defrost stuck on with the blower on high. No driver input possible through the center display. Condition may clear by itself or not even through several shut downs. Numerous DTC's set. Always a CEL. For me, 2x dealer (repairs). They reprogram controllers. Condition not corrected. Possible HMI and/or HVAC controller hardware problem. Dealer doesn't know how to fix. Casual internet search indicates many identical complaints. Concern is, HVAC control is a basic function that should function correctly. Driving in the winter with no heat and a fogged windshield is a safety issue. GM is aware of the problem and has no fix.

NHTSA ID
11754112
Incident
Nov 10, 2025
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jul 13, 2026

Instrument cluster/driver display malfunction. Driver display is the only source of spedometer, revs, gear selection, mileage, and gas level. Display began flickering black randomly. Spedometer is not able to be seen. All instruments unable to be seen when flickering/display off. Shortly after flickering, display went completely black. Vehicle currently inoperable due to lack of instrument cluster. Vehicle scheduled for service on Monday morning. No warning lamps or other symptoms prior to issue occuring.

NHTSA ID
11749985
Incident
Jul 10, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Jul 8, 2026

Brand new car just purchased the end of March 2026. Went through car wash multiple times with no issues until one day the shark fin antenna came off and broke the plastic anchors. Now the circuit board is exposed to weather hazards. I read online multiple times this is an ongoing issue with this specific make and model and still GM declines to cover this under warranty.

NHTSA ID
11749142
Incident
Jul 3, 2026

Manufacturer communications

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

PIT6426C

If a vehicle has an issue with super cruise inoperative tech is directed to follow a diagnostic path before replacing the Image processing module.

PIC6629F

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

PIP4902W

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

PIT6544

This preliminary information is to inform technicians and customers that GM is aware of the issue and the vehicle can still be driven. When a repair is available, this PI will be updated.

PIT6538A

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

PIT6533B

This Preliminary information communications information on a Short Range Radar software anomaly causing false / ghost left or right side object detection alerts.

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—
2026Viewing241158.5
20251770146.8
20241360146.6
2023892055.5
2022981049.9
2021893056.4
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.