2016 Chevrolet Traverse
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 448 |
| 2010 | 668 |
| 2011 | 608 |
| 2012 | 354 |
| 2013 | 162 |
| 2014 | 547 |
| 2015 | 313 |
| 2016 | 291 |
| 2017 | 361 |
| 2018 | 457 |
| 2019 | 403 |
| 2020 | 220 |
| 2021 | 88 |
| 2022 | 95 |
| 2023 | 85 |
| 2024 | 131 |
| 2025 | 173 |
| 2026 | 21 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
56% of complaints: air bags — 163 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing inflator module.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that four local dealers were contacted. The contact was informed that parts were on back order.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260723
12% of complaints: power train — 36 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ENTERPRISE RENTED ME THE CHEVY TRAVERSE. I EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM WHEN I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING AREA OFF A DIRT ROAD. I'D BEEN WAITING FOR THE CAR BEHIND ME TO BACK OUT SO THAT I COULD BACK OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160919
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
11% of complaints: engine — 31 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
2 issues: 1: Brakes did not stop car nor did the abs braking system kick in causing the car to not stop on full demand!
NHTSA ODI report, 20240623
Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE and SERVICE BRAKES
9% of complaints: electrical system — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING DOWN HWY 175, VEHICLES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITH MESSAGE 'SERVICE STABILITRAK' FOLLOWED BY AN ABRUPT LOSS OF POWER. HAPPENS REGULARLY AND WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201109
8% of complaints: steering — 24 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015.
Remedy: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover assembly, free of charge. Owners are advised not to use their front windshield wipers until the wiper cover has been replaced.
Campaign 15V609000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured November 6, 2015, to November 12, 2015.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third row left side lower seat frame, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2016.
Campaign 15V833000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021.
Campaign 21V246000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 3, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 10, 2022.
Campaign 21V782000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. GM began mailing final owner letters February 23, 2024 and will continue mailing through December 2025.
Campaign 23V334000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Chevrolet Traverse — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (163 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (36 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V609000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V833000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V246000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V782000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V334000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.