2021 Chevrolet Traverse

▲ Better than typical

2021 Chevrolet Traverse
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:52:33.545Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2021: 89 complaints

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	460
2019	404
2020	224
2021	89
2022	98
2023	86
2024	133
2025	175
2026	24

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 25%

25% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

POWER TRAIN 17%

17% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

I went in for service at Chey 112 in Medford, NY they advised me that my computer needed to be replaced they replaced the computer and I started having transmission issues.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260908

Transmission shutters at lower gear going from 20-30 mph approximately and at the speed of 60-70 mph. When this happens it causes a delay in acceleration and for the whole car to shake.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260821

With just 1,085 miles on a new 2021 Chevrolet Traverse RS the 9 speed automatic transmission began to fail. It feels as if it skips and there is a distinct shudder as it shifts in the higher gears.

NHTSA ODI report, 20210606

ENGINE 12%

12% of complaints: engine — 11 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I was unable to stop my vehicle from accelerating. The brakes were engaging but my vehicle continued to build speed.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231127

Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The welding that holds the exhaust together has failed. They offer a Special Warranty to cover only the passenger side, however it has failed and exhaust is super loud. Also reading 4 codes from check engine alert. All are P0420 (cat convertor).

NHTSA ODI report, 20260818

SERVICE BRAKES 10%

10% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

WE BOUGHT A 2021 CHEVY TRAVERSE AND THE DAY AFTER PURCHASE THE BRAKES BEGAN MAKING A GRINDING NOISE OFF AND ON. THREE WEEKS TO THE DAY AFTER PURCHASE, MAY 11, BEHIND THE DRIVER SIDE BACK TIRE WAS A PUDDLE OF DARKER FLUID.

NHTSA ODI report, 20210512

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN GRINDING AND SQUEALING SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20210510

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10%

10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing exhaust system and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an inspection, where a leaking oil pan gasket was diagnosed.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260708

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20210729 — air bags

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.

Remedy: Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300.

Campaign 21V472000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20211129 — power train

Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the screw and clip, and inspect for signs of contact with the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.

Campaign 21V817000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220429 — air bags

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022.

Campaign 22V210000 — check if this car was fixed