2026 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Complaints

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When shifting into drive from start, the shifter does not shift. I have my foot on the brake at the same time also. This has happened at least 8 eight times sense the SUV went over 3500 miles on the odometer. I have to wait about 5 seconds before trying it again. This is a safety item that needs immediate attention by Chevrolet and GM, If I needed to evacuate an area, or my garage in the event of a fire and the shifter fails!!!?? should I take it back to the dealer and ask for a refund?? O give them a chance to fix it?

NHTSA ID

11744824

Incident

Jun 7, 2026

I bought a brand new 2026 Chevy Traverse on May 30, 2026, and I have been experiencing chirping sounds coming from under the hood. I took it to the Chevy dealership, and they informed me that it is a known issue with no current fix available. They advised me to wait for the recall. How am I expected to identify the problem if they themselves cannot articulate what it is?

NHTSA ID

11744108

Incident

Jun 3, 2026

While driving on the freeway, the vehicle’s battery shut down. I received the following text as this happened, so there was no way I could react in a timely manner as to exercise safety and any precautions: “Diagnostic Alert: Low 12V battery detected in your vehicle. To recharge, try and start in a well-ventilated area. If it won't turn on, try to jump start or call 1-888-4-ONSTAR. Text STOP to cancel.” This situation was life-threatening and scary. I was scared for my life.

NHTSA ID

11741682

Incident

Jun 2, 2026

The weight detection is failing to recognize a child in the passenger seat.

NHTSA ID

11740915

Incident

May 29, 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

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2026 Chevy Traverse that occurred on May 9, 2026 at 6:46pm. While driving at freeway speed in the carpool lane with adaptive cruise control and gap assist engaged, my vehicle suddenly applied the brakes unexpectedly even though there were no vehicles directly in front of me. The nearest visible vehicle was a significant distance ahead, and there was no apparent reason for the braking event. This was not a gradual deceleration. The vehicle actively braked. I was passing under or near an overpass at the time, which makes me wonder whether the sensors misread something. Regardless, the sudden braking created a dangerous situation because vehicles were behind me, and the driver behind appeared to think I was brake checking them. This could have easily caused a rear end collision. As a result of this incident, I no longer feel I can trust these safety/driver assistance systems and have since disabled those features because I do not feel safe relying on them until this issue is properly investigated and addressed. I am requesting that this issue be formally documented, that the vehicle be inspected for any malfunction related to adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, or related sensor systems, and that I be advised whether this is a known issue with the 2026 Traverse. If there are any software updates, technical service bulletins, recalls, or corrective actions available, please let me know. This is a serious safety concern, and I would appreciate guidance on the next steps.

NHTSA ID

11737441

Incident

May 9, 2026

What is causing the problem is unknown. Vehicle was at a complete stop at red light when releasing brake vehicle lunged forward hitting vehicle in front from behind so yes there has been an accident.. 2nd time was when first starting vehicle in the morning and putting vehicle in Drive when brake is released vehicle lunged forward at 7 miles an hour without touching the gas pedal. Dealer claims they cannot reproduce problem. This is a safety hazard the problem does not give you warning it just lurches forward.

NHTSA ID

11731931

Incident

Apr 8, 2026

While driving 65mph, the vehicle’s engine shut off, a ‘Reduced Acceleration Drive with Care’ message showed up and I had to coast to the side of the freeway. Engine would not restart and dealer confirmed a piston contacted a valve and a new engine is needed.

NHTSA ID

11725251

Incident

Feb 21, 2026

Windshield making creaking noises. Windshield has split down the middle and now continuing off to the side. Dealership states no know recalls and refusal to fix it. No rocks have been hit. Damage is directly down center and all the way to the top.

NHTSA ID

11724875

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

I’m reaching out for help with a frustrating situation. I purchased a brand new 2026 Chevrolet Traverse in New York, but after moving to Texas, I'm having trouble registering it. The car can't pass the state inspection due to emissions issues, and local dealerships aren't providing any assistance. The only advice I've received is to drive it around for a bit, hoping the problem resolves itself. However, I'm concerned about the safety of myself and my 4 children, and it seems like Chevrolet isn't taking this issue seriously. What steps can I take to resolve this situation?

NHTSA ID

11718684

Incident

Feb 13, 2026