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
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine70
- Power train40
- Electrical system28
- Engine and engine cooling27
- Fuel/propulsion system16
- Service brakes10
- Seat belts9
- Steering7
- Air bags6
- Suspension5
- Back over prevention4
- Wheels4
- Seats4
- 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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
11
14
10
35
48
61
56
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2023 | 35 |
| 2024 | 48 |
| 2025 | 61 |
| 2026 | 56 |
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.