Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2023 Chevrolet TraverseRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 95 owner complaints for the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. Most complaints involve power train (32) and electrical system (21). The EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
20–21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4–5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Mar 2023
Owner complaints
95
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: automatic transmission

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.

Power trainReported Mar 16, 2023NHTSA 23V172000

Power train: driveshaft

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.

Power trainReported Feb 2, 2023NHTSA 23V042000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

95 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2023 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train32
  2. Electrical system21
  3. Engine19
  4. Service brakes12
  5. Fuel/propulsion system6
  6. Exterior lighting5
  7. Steering3
  8. Forward collision avoidance3
  9. Engine and engine cooling3

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

By model year

Complaints for each Traverse model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2009448
2010669
2011608
2012354
2013162
2014549
2015314
2016292
2017361
2018465
2019412
2020235
202194
2022101
202395
2024144
2025186
202629
20271
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
8
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

32 reports2 crashes
“-The Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) inside the automatic transmission is malfunctioning. It is experiencing a known defect outlined in GM Service Bulletin 23-NA-072. The vehicle is still being driven and is available for inspection upon request. -The transmission violently shudders and vibrates under light acceleration at low speeds (such as pulling out into traffic, merging, or navigating intersections). This violent, unexpected shaking creates a distraction, mimics the feeling of a blown tire or driving over a rumble strip, and causes hesitation in acceleration, which creates a safety hazard when merging with oncoming traffic. -The problem has been consistently reproduced by the owner. It matches the exact diagnostic criteria of GM’s active Technical Service Bulletin for TCC shudder. -No, it has not been inspected. - No check engine lights, warning lamps, or dashboard messages have appeared. The physical symptom is a severe mechanical shudder/vibration at low acceleration speeds, which first began appearing at approximately 75,000-80,000 -”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2026Power trainODI 11772765

Electrical system

21 reports1 crash
“Due to excessive current requirements being placed on it the alternator has failed at less than 31,000 miles. Replacements are unavailable and are excessively inflated at the dealership if available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11773683

Engine

19 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving below 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered during acceleration. Prior to the failure, the catalytic converter was replaced. The contact scheduled an upcoming appointment at the dealer for diagnosis. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026EngineODI 11771632
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 9-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Traverse FWD
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182721$3,050417
Traverse AWD
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive
172520$3,200448
  • Traverse FWD
    Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    18 city · 27 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Traverse AWD
    Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.1%
Overall
4 / 5
Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 17120Vehicle 17119
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2023 Traverse questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 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.

What are the most common 2023 Chevrolet Traverse problems?

Owners filed 95 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (32), electrical system (21), engine (19). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026