2026 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 2026 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
- Electrical520.0%
- Engine416.0%
- Brakes416.0%
- Driver assistance416.0%
- Powertrain (other)312.0%
- Visibility28.0%
- Body & structure14.0%
- Steering14.0%
- Airbags14.0%
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Brakes have been squeaking since purchasing the vehicle brand new. Have been told that “this is a known issue but it’s “normal””.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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?
My car is available for inspection upon request. AWD Service and 4WD Service messages appeared at 389 miles and 2104 miles on the odometer. Messages appeared during operation of the vehicle, shutting down AWD as an option and defaulting to 2WD. Messages would go away and AWD would come back online after a few hours of leaving the car off. AWD system was in use when error messages appeared and deactivation of the AWD/4WD system increased risk during icy road conditions. When taken to the Houston Mac haik Chevy dealership service center, I was refused at the door, stating that the messages needs to be on for them to take a look. No warning lamps or other messages appeared prior to failure. Message first appeared during normal operation with AWD on at 389 miles on the odometer. The components have not been inspected by anyone.
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
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car is equipped with a supercruise feature, which should ideally enhance the driving experience. However, I've encountered a significant issue: even when this feature is not activated, the vehicle tends to oscillate between the lane markers. This problem becomes particularly pronounced under poor road conditions, such as when it's raining. The moisture on the pavement obscures the lane markings, and in these instances, the car automatically drifts toward the right side of the road. As a result, I find myself constantly struggling to maintain control of the steering wheel in an effort to keep the car centered within the lane. When it veers off to the right, I must exert extra effort to correct its direction, which can lead to a hazardous driving situation, regardless of the weather conditions or time of day. The need for constant corrections not only creates frustration but also increases the risk of losing control, making this a serious concern for both my safety and that of other road users.
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
The weight detection is failing to recognize a child in the passenger seat.
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 .