2021 Chevrolet Traverse

▲ Better than typical
2021 Chevrolet Traverse
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:43:22.788Z

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

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Traverse Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2021 highlighted. 2009: 448 complaints 2009 2010: 668 complaints 2011: 608 complaints 2012: 354 complaints 2012 2013: 161 complaints 2014: 547 complaints 2015: 312 complaints 2015 2016: 290 complaints 2017: 358 complaints 2018: 451 complaints 2018 2019: 395 complaints 2020: 212 complaints 2021: 85 complaints 2021 2022: 91 complaints 2023: 82 complaints 2024: 123 complaints 2024 2025: 167 complaints 2026: 17 complaints 2026
2021: 85 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2009448
2010668
2011608
2012354
2013161
2014547
2015312
2016290
2017358
2018451
2019395
2020212
202185
202291
202382
2024123
2025167
202617

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 25%

25% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 15%

15% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

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 — 10 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

SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% 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 6%

6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2021 Chevrolet Traverse — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 21V472000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V817000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V210000 (air bags) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2022 ▲ 2024

WORST YEARS

■ 2010 ■ 2011 ◆ 2014

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.