Problems · by component

2016 Chevrolet Traverse electrical system problems

26 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse cite electrical system, 9% of all 292 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
26
9% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Front lights started dimming about the middle of April 2025 and now both back lights are out at the same time on June 3rd 2025.The car makes a rough grinding noise as it switches gears.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 4, 2025Electrical systemODI 11664763
“I had to replace the timing chain. I had to replace the Torque Converter. New issues: Interior lights on the dash and radio have been going out while driving. Message center warning has been not working sometimes when using remote start in winter. Sometimes it just goes blank while driving.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 31, 2025Power train, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11651715
“While driving on highway, experienced sudden/acute loss of engine power. Depressed acceleration pedal, but no response from engine. No CEL. Pulled to the shoulder and vehicle couldn't start. Key starter clicks but won’t turn over. No CEL. Still have some electrical power because radio, dash lights, and AC remain on. Could not jump start, batt indicated 12V. Car has been to repair shop 8 times since Nov 2020 (purchased April 2019 used 38k miles) for same issue. Mechanics find they cannot replicate the issue. Has caused accident by sudden deceleration in high speed traffic conditions (highway).”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 9, 2023Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11516153
“Vehicle stalled going down the road. Warranty covered for new engine replacement. Then it was found that the transmission was no good. Warranty paid for new transmission. Vehicle still acting like it wants to stall after new engine, transmission, and battery. Would like to know what caused the problem to begin with and would like a full repair of the vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 16, 2023Electrical system, EngineODI 11507726
“Blind spot side detection modules failed due to water intrusion / corrosion (known design defect). As a result, the computer system shorted out, which caused the computer to go into a type of fault mode. While we driving down the road, the blinkers stopped working, the gauges (including speedometer) stopped working, the screens turned off, and the airbag and tire pressure warning lights activated. This is a known issue, according to the dealer repair department. A basic Google search indicates that many people are having this problem. This is a big safety issue because all of these things happened spontaneously while we were driving the vehicle. Repairing the faulty blind spot side detection modules fixes the problem--a $1,900 repair bill. GM should be made to recall these vehicles. GM should be made to reimburse customers for these repairs.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 9, 2023Electrical system, Air bags, Lane departureODI 11506430
“When sitting in a parking lot when the car was running, many different service now lights flashed across the dashboard. The lights on the side mirrors were on and still on. We turned off the car and the heater engine was still running even without the key in the ignition. When we tried to restart the car, it did absolutely nothing. Would not turn over or even click. It was worked on in the parking lot for 3 hours to get it to start. We had to disconnected a cord on the side of the dash and door locks, all wheel drive, driver side windows and the rear door would not work. A day later we plugged the cord back in and all the components worked except the lights on side mirrors were still on. After taking it to a dealer they confirmed that they had serviced other Chevrolet Traverse's that had the same problems. If this would have happened in traffic it could have caused an accident. No warning lamps, messages or other problems prior to this incident.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 22, 2022Electrical system, Unknown or other, Lane departureODI 11461794

Showing 6 of 26 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2016 Traverse problem areas