2026 Chevrolet Traverse Brakes Problems

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

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

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

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

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

Brakes have been squeaking since purchasing the vehicle brand new. Have been told that “this is a known issue but it’s “normal””.

NHTSA ID

11739620

Incident

Sep 12, 2025

This vehicle is unsafe for two reasons. First, it slams you on brakes and puts you in park at random times. Middle of road, parking lots, etc. This puts you at higher risk of someone hitting you. The second thing is when pressing the gas when taking off after a stop, the rpm’s jump up and the engine revs up, but the car is barely going. Not safe when crossing intersections along with many other times. Both of these puts mine and my families safety at risk along with others on the road. No warning signs, lights, etc. Car is in shop for second time. First time on November 28, second time on December the 11. Still no answer on a fix. Just that they think they may know the cause. The dealer has gotten the car to reproduce these issues.

NHTSA ID

11706428

Incident

Nov 25, 2025

On Monday, December 15, 2025, I was "creeping" into my garage when the brakes failed and I ran into my garage wall damaging my wall and the front of the vehicle. On Tuesday, December 16 ,2025, while slowly pulling into a parking spot at Sam's Club in OKC, the brakes again failed, and the forward crash system prevented running into another vehicle. On that same date while stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the brakes again failed, and I was able to pull into the median rather than hitting the car in front of me. That same evening, while backing out of a parking spot at a restaurant, the brakes failed in reverse and again the vehicle reverse crash avoidance system stopped without hitting another vehicle. Later, as I was leaving the parking lot, the brakes failed at the STOP sign, and I was able to turn right in the Merge Lane avoiding hitting another oncoming car. At the very next STOP sign, the brakes failed again, and I was able to get the car into PARK avoiding another head on collision. All these brake failures happened at speeds under 5 mph or barely "creeping" forward or reverse. I drove the car to Cummins Chevy Dealership in Weatherford, OK, the next day and related the issues to them. They gave me a "Loaner" for use until they fixed my car. The Service Manager did ask me if I had "Tagged" my car yet and I said I had. So far, GM and Cummins have been very helpful and understanding. I had no issues "braking" the car at speeds above 5 mph. I have only had this vehicle for 3 weeks when the issues started. I love the vehicle and hope this is only a minor glitch or some bad part that can be replaced. I file this complaint proactively in case it is a bigger problem with this line of vehicles. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11706269

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact stated that while making a right turn into the dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because parts were on back order. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 500.

NHTSA ID

11704704

Incident

Nov 22, 2025

Mileage

500 mi