Problems · NHTSA complaints

2017 Chevrolet Traverse problems

Owners filed 361 complaints about the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse with NHTSA between Apr 2017 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (263).

Complaints
361
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
13
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
11
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Air bags263
  2. Engine25
  3. Electrical system22
  4. Power train18
  5. Service brakes12
  6. Seat belts11
  7. Steering11
  8. Vehicle speed control10
  9. Fuel/propulsion system9
  10. Tires5
  11. Visibility/wiper4
  12. Lane departure4
  13. Electronic stability control (esc)4
  14. Suspension3

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20179
201820
201916
202011
20216
202211
2023101
2024153
202517
202617

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Air bags

263 reports5 crashes1 fire3 related recalls
“A scheduled airbag recall repair could not be completed because the dealership did not verify that the recall part was in stock before my appointment. I arrived for the recall service after confirming the appointment days in advance and was told the part was not available. I was told I would be contacted when the part arrived, but weeks have passed with no update or communication. This is an airbag recall, so the lack of proper handling and follow‑up puts safety at risk. The issue has not been inspected or confirmed by the manufacturer. The dealership did not provide any warning messages or indicators before the failed appointment, and the problem has not been resolved. The recall repair has still not been completed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2026Air bagsODI 11760624

Engine

25 reports1 fire
“THERE is a recall for the year, make and model for driver side airbag, also to do with transmission slipping and both of those I'm currently having issues with on my vehicle but with my vin its not coming up for any of the recalls but I want to request a Investigation on if my vehicle or any other of the same year be added to the recall.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 19, 2026Power train, Air bags, EngineODI 11745215

Electrical system

22 reports2 crashes1 fire
“The driver door main window control panel and steering wheel, where the airbags seem to deploy from, have both had to be repaired/recalled parts installed on multiple occasions however the main window control panel still does not work and it started shorting out my battery ultimately locking my keys in the ignition, leaving OnStar as well as my key fob panic alarm unable to be used. After getting the steering wheel recalled airbag part installed at Penske Chevy, I received yet another recall notice saying that despite that install they still feared for my safety driving it, and that they would let me know when a new part was available. However now my battery is completely dead, I have not been m able to work and have been evicted from my home forced to live in my sweltering 2017 Traverse with no AC, No OnStar emergency services, not even a panic alarm to rely on. On top of that I cannot roll the windows all the way up which is a major safety concern considering I'm a single, disabled, [XXX] female living on the streets in my vehicle alone.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 16, 2026Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakesCrash reportedFire reportedODI 11744489

Power train

18 reports1 crash
“The transmission is going out at 107K miles and needs to be completely replaced for around $8500 (see attached quote). It has a shudder and has a hard time shifting into third gear. This is a known issue with Traverses.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 27, 2026Power trainODI 11734175

Service brakes

12 reports5 crashes1 fire
“I have owned GM vehicles approximately 50 years and have never had brake issues on a vehicle in any of those years. I have always purchased new vehicles and the vehicle was/is a one person ownership. The current vehicle of concern and consideration is a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse with approximately 21,000 miles. Currently the 6 year old vehicle required all brakes and rotors to be replaced as well as a rear driver side caliper. The garage owner had never realized such an early required brake replacement($967.10) as was required, especially with driving habits less than 3500 miles annually. I did contact General Motors Customer Care and their recommendation was to send this incident report to NHTSA for research and consideration. I am in possession of a receipt indicating service performed on my vehicle 1/6/2023 by a professional mechanic and auto service garage in Sodus, New York. I am deeply concerned about the safety and disappointed with the untimely short “wear” of the braking system. Further consideration and recommendation will be appreciated. Thank you for the immediate attention to my issue and I look forward to hearing from someone. Respectfully submitted”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 8, 2023Service brakesODI 11500647

Seat belts

11 reports
“I went to pull seat belt across me and the whole belt including the box that is attached by a wire cable came with it. It's no longer attached to the floor. I didn't have any signs that it was lose or anything it just broke when I got into my seat getting ready to leave my home.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 19, 2026Seat beltsODI 11711915
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

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