2021 Chevrolet Traverse
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.
- Complaints
- 93
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 93 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 448 |
| 2010 | 668 |
| 2011 | 608 |
| 2012 | 354 |
| 2013 | 162 |
| 2014 | 548 |
| 2015 | 314 |
| 2016 | 292 |
| 2017 | 361 |
| 2018 | 464 |
| 2019 | 411 |
| 2020 | 231 |
| 2021 | 93 |
| 2022 | 100 |
| 2023 | 93 |
| 2024 | 143 |
| 2025 | 179 |
| 2026 | 25 |
| 2027 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
24% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
Power train
17% · 16 reportsShow complaint excerpts
When I accelerate at a stoplight the car shuddered and slammed into gear then it shop the rpms up to 8000 and back down i was barely able to make it home and when I arrived at home I tried to park and it would not go into reverse tostraighten my...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-13
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, 2026-09-08
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, 2026-08-21
Engine
12% · 11 reportsShow 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, 2023-11-27
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, 2026-08-18
Service brakes
11% · 10 reportsShow 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, 2021-05-12
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, 2021-05-10
Engine and engine cooling
10% · 9 reportsMost 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, 2026-07-08
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021-07-29Air bags21V472000 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.
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2021-11-29Power train21V817000 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.
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2022-04-29Air bags22V210000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Chevrolet Traverse — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 22 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V472000 · Air bags
- Recall 21V817000 · Power train
- Recall 22V210000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
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 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.