NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 29 owner complaints for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. Most complaints involve electrical system (8) and service brakes (5). The EPA rates it 21–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver or front passenger seat may not have sufficient welds where the seat back recliner pivot mechanism attaches to a bracket on the seat frame.
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
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 |
“While driving at highway speeds shark tail antenna cover flew off vehicle. Hare Chevrolet advises part is not covered under manufacture warranty as it is considered an act of god and is quoting over $600 for repair.”
“I experienced a sudden and complete loss of braking after the vehicle’s collision-avoidance system activated. As I was exiting the freeway, I had my foot firmly on the brake pedal and the vehicle was slowing down normally. The collision-avoidance notification then activated, and the brake pedal immediately went to the floor. The vehicle would not brake despite repeated attempts to pump the pedal and apply additional pressure. I struck the vehicle in front of me twice before I was able to bring my vehicle to a stop by placing it in Park. There was no damage to either vehicle, and a police report was filed. This was an abrupt, total failure of the vehicle’s braking system.”
“The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact’s wife stated that while driving 55 MPH, the electronic control system and brake system failure the vehicle decelerated and went into LIMP Mode. The brake pedal became spongy, and while driving, the vehicle coasted to a stop. The vehicle was shifted into park(P), turned off, restarted, and the vehicle operated normally. The failure had reoccurred twice. The contact scheduled an appointment with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 4,900.”
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 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Traverse AWD Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| 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 |
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.
Owners filed 29 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (8), service brakes (5), engine (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse at 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse 5 out of 5 stars overall.