Problems · NHTSA complaints

2020 Chevrolet Traverse problems

Owners filed 235 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse with NHTSA between Jan 2020 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (70).

Complaints
235
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
11
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
8
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine70
  2. Power train40
  3. Electrical system28
  4. Engine and engine cooling27
  5. Fuel/propulsion system16
  6. Service brakes10
  7. Seat belts9
  8. Steering7
  9. Air bags6
  10. Suspension5
  11. Back over prevention4
  12. Wheels4
  13. Seats4
  14. Vehicle speed control3

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
202011
202114
202210
202335
202448
202561
202656

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

Engine

70 reports1 crash
“The front intermediate exhaust pipe mounting bracket weld fractured at the engine manifold, causing the exhaust pipe to break completely loose. We can now actively smell raw exhaust fumes inside the passenger cabin while operating the vehicle, creating an immediate safety hazard for carbon monoxide poisoning and driver disorientation. Additionally, the heavy steel exhaust system is completely unsupported at the front, creating an imminent risk of the pipe falling and dragging on the roadway at highway speeds, which could cause a catastrophic crash. The vehicle began getting progressively louder during cold weather between late 2025 and early 2026. A certified Chevrolet dealership technician officially inspected the vehicle, filmed an inspection video confirming this exact structural failure, and attempted to submit it for warranty coverage. GM Corporate denied the claim solely because my VIN is excluded from Special Coverage N212356540, despite the vehicle suffering from the identical manufacturing defect described in the bulletin. I possess the official dealer repair receipt and the technician's inspection video as proof.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 3, 2026EngineODI 11761853

Power train

40 reports2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH through an intersection with a green traffic light, the transmission unexpectedly stopped functioning, and the vehicle failed to move. The contact stated that the hazard lights were activated while the vehicle was in traffic. The vehicle was towed to a service center, where the failure was addressed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 23, 2026Power trainODI 11773188

Electrical system

28 reports2 crashes
“While driving the stereo went off, the ac, the car stopped in middle of the road and I lost all electrical. I tried turning back on and the emergency brake light was on and the dash said "Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care.” I was able to put it in neutral and get it out of the way. Battery is good Fuses were all checked 350 replaced Car isn’t starting or Turing over, but some of the lights have turned on.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 27, 2026Steering, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11740496

Engine and engine cooling

27 reports
“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fractured flex pipe. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was associated with GM Technical Service Bulletin: PIP 5681C and Manufacturer Communication Number: 10211780 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the contact was referred to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed the failure was not covered under warranty. The contact spoke with the manufacturer, who also confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11771554

Fuel/propulsion system

16 reports
“There is a well known exhaust issue with the catalytic converter and the separating manifold and no recall has been issue yet. It causes the vehicle to lose pressure and shuts off in the middle of traffic. The seat belt secure locks are malfunctioning and could cause loss of life in the event of an accident.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 17, 2026Seat belts, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11751031

Service brakes

10 reports3 crashes1 fire
“My 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is experiencing a SHIFT to PARK issue. When the car is placed into PARK, the electrical system does not recognize it and will not shut off the vehicle. There is a defect with the button trigger that allows the gear shifter to move and it is not being recognized. The quick fix is to press this button around 15 times to reset it. Sometimes this works but when on an incline, it does not. It takes turning the vehicle on and off a few times to have this registered. The estimated cost to replace the gear shifter is around $600 to $900 dollars. Please have this item recalled.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 26, 2026Service brakesODI 11767131
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.