NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 94 owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. Most complaints involve electrical system (22) and power train (16). The EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place may chafe against the transmission case, possibly resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Traverse model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 448 |
| 2010 | 669 |
| 2011 | 608 |
| 2012 | 354 |
| 2013 | 162 |
| 2014 | 549 |
| 2015 | 314 |
| 2016 | 292 |
| 2017 | 361 |
| 2018 | 465 |
| 2019 | 412 |
| 2020 | 235 |
| 2021 | 94 |
| 2022 | 101 |
| 2023 | 95 |
| 2024 | 144 |
| 2025 | 186 |
| 2026 | 29 |
| 2027 | 1 |
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 49,000. It was later discovered, after checking the Carfax report, that the mileage was 75,000.”
“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 vehicle. I had it towed to a shop the next morning and they informed me I needed a new transmission that would cost $12400.00 to repair. This is a car that is only 5 years old and this is a catastrophic failure that I can't afford to fix and in a car that is 5 years old.”
“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). The smell of exhaust and cat convertor is super disgusting”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traverse FWD Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,050 | 420 |
| Traverse AWD Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 439 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 4, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 94 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (22), power train (16), engine (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse 5 out of 5 stars overall.