2021 Chevrolet Traverse

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/26/2023· ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  I was driving on I-20 with cruise control on @ 71 mph (night time) @ 7 min into using cruise control, the suv acted like it stopped for a quick second (scaring me) I remember rubbing my neck afterwards, thinking it was almost like whiplash. I pulled off the road into parking lot. I thought maybe I had a flat or tire issue, no tire issues. I then stopped @ a store, when getting back into the suv, I could smell something awful. Like something had burnt. Still don’t know. I have not used the cruise control since this incident. It was Xmas weekend, so I have to wait till dealer opens back up to have it checked out.

• 12/25/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Shift to park message comes on 50% of the time when shutting down the engine, Tapping the shift lever forward sometimes Removes the message, other times restarting the engine and shifting to drive and back to park several times will remove the message

• 12/20/2024· SEAT BELTS

  My front passenger seat belt has started to not latch. I have to push the button and insert the seatbelt in order for it to latch. Sometimes it will release on it’s own.

• 12/01/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the front exhaust pipe made an abnormally loud sound, and there was an odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

• 11/30/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  We have had issues with the Onstar system not working after using the key fob to remote start the vehicle. This has been going on for 1.5 years and again GM customer service told me that the engineers are working on it. Additionally the Onstar emergency SOS will not work during this time because it is disabled Red light instead of green. We live in northern Minnesota where the winters can be brutal-20 to -30 degrees and are afraid that the crash detection system will not work due to this issue. Every thing works fine if you start the car with the button on the dashboard. There are numerous complaints about this affecting numerous vehicles including trucks. A real safety hazard being we live and drive in frigid conditions a bunch in the winter. All GM tells me is they are working on it but the Safety bulletin is dated February 2021 and NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT TIS SAFETY ISSUE!!!!

• 11/28/2022· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a rattling sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a hole was in the exhaust and the exhaust needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to have the vehicle diagnosed and to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

• 11/28/2022· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  ******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11495132*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******

• 11/27/2023· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCECrash

  I was unable to stop my vehicle from accelerating. The brakes were engaging but my vehicle continued to build speed. Myself and my family, as well as others on the road, were all put at risk due to my vehicle not responding or failing to control speed; cruise control was not engaged. My insurance company, USAA, is currently investigating and determining total damage estimate. No warning lamps, indicators, or messages were presented prior to collision. The rotors and brakes were glowing red after collision from continuous attempts to stop the vehicle.

• 11/22/2021· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  Occasionally when putting the SUV in reverse, the car does not go into gear. I'll hit the gas and nothing and then all of the sudden it goes into gear. It's almost like it's in a delay sometimes I'll have to put into drive and then reverse for it to go into gear.

• 11/14/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  a few days after purchasing vehicle a rotten egg smell started coming out of AC. took to dealership twice and they cant find the problem and since the smell comes and goes we were informed that this happens because is a brand new vehicle. But i'm d one getting terrible headaches when that smell comes out of no where. Last time it happened i was ready to go to emergency room it was so bad i had to open up d windows to get some air.

• 11/11/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  3 times in 5 days, 2021Traverse completely shut off. 2 of those times were in a busy intersection. I couldn’t even turn my flashers on and had to manually unlock my door to get out. Fortunately the third time was in my driveway. I called AAA to tow it to dealer. This is a severe safety issue and hopefully will be covered under my warranty and the extended bumper to bumper warranty.

• 11/10/2025· STEERING

  The electronic stability control (ESC) system and power steering system malfunctioned. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The power steering warning indicated a potential loss or reduction of steering assist, which could have made it difficult to steer and control the vehicle—especially at higher speeds or in traffic. This posed a potential safety risk to me and others on the road. Yes. The issue was confirmed by my local Chevrolet dealership. They determined that a software update was required to correct the malfunction. The vehicle was inspected and serviced by my local Chevrolet dealership. It has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or others. Yes. Immediately after shifting from reverse into drive while backing down a driveway (at approximately 5–10 mph), two warning messages appeared: “Service ESC” and “Service Power Steering, Drive with Care.” There were no prior warning lights or symptoms before this occurred.

• 11/05/2021· SERVICE BRAKES

  Right Front break pad makes A real bad noise, Sounds like metal on metal. Took it to dealer I bought it from and they said it was a noise from ceramic pad and chevy will not fix it. I paid approx 34000 to be told they wont fix it. It sounds like a piece of junk when you hit the breaks. I have bought many new chevys in my Life time. This will be my Last. They said it wont hurt anything. I have never bought anything but big three but will buy Toyota from now on. They back their cars. I know nothing will be done about this problem but I will tell everyone I see.

• 11/04/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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.

• 10/30/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  In the first 51,000 on my vehicle I have had 3 issues with the emissions system which has a negative impact on the environment and would prevent my vehicle from passing state inspection. GM covered the first 2 under warranty, but I now have a leak in my muffler which seems that it could be related to other issues involving brackets on the exhaust pipes breaking. This is widely reported by other Traverse owners yet GM has not extended the warranty to cover this.

• 10/30/2023· SERVICE BRAKES

  Since I bought this car new the brakes have been squeaking and when I took it to the dealer they said they need about this problem but there was nothing that they could do about it since the manufacture has not given them a bulletin on this model of vehicle yet.

• 10/29/2025· SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES

  Right Rear upper and lower toe links broke nearly causing a serious accident when brakes were applied, vehicle pulled severely to the right causing it to swerve and narrowly missing another vehicle. The toe link failure on my vehicle which has only 29702 miles put my life and the life of my family members at risk. The vehicle was brought to our local licensed repair shop in Massapequa, NY where the prblem was diagnosed and repaired. No warning lights or symptoms occurred prior to this first incident. I researched this safety item for any recalls on this issue, however there are none currenlty on file for my vehicle but several for other Cheverolet vehicle with same toe link issue.

• 10/28/2025· Carry Handle, Shell, Base

  The base does not look in place. The buttons do not look to put in position. The entire car seat slides back and forth on its base.

• 10/26/2023· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  the purge valve is ticking for the past two weeks dealership informed me yesterday that it is working as designed and no codes were noted by technician. ticking noises ( which are VERY annoying) were not present when vehicle was bought about 3 months ago . The service rep informed me that although purge valve issues have been noted and taken care of by other GM models., the traverse is not part of any recall at the moment

• 10/17/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Front exhaust pipe is seperating

• 10/15/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  On Thursday October 13, 2022, i was driving in to work. I travel approximately 25 miles one way, 4 days a week. The wind up here in Montana was blowing extremely hard for 2 days then and i was driving into the wind going west. I noticed my car felt like it wouldn't accelerate like normal so i just figured the wind was that strong. by the time i got to Poplar where i work my car sounded like a lawnmower! I ended up calling the Chevrolet dealer in Wolf Point to tell them and see when they could get me in to look at it. They gave me an appointment for the next day, October 14th. On October 14 i take it to the dealership and they take it in. About an hour later one of the main guys came out and asked my if i hit anything. I told him no, i was just driving it and that noise and lack of power started. He said they looked it over and it was a bracket thats on my exhaust system that is broke. I asked him if it would be fixed and he said no they would have to order parts. He said the part that broke was a weld and so he don't know how that could have happened if i didn't hit anything. My car is a highway car, i don't go baha-ing around in it. I bought the car brand new and I am the only one that drives it. I am scared to drive it now thinking my whole exhaust system might fall and cause me to wreck. the dealership said it is still safe to drive and just the noise would be annoying, but i don't trust it. i seen the older model traverses have that exact same problem. I am thinking this problem extends to the 21s too because like i said, my car is a highway car. i seen a bulletin that gm put out on this same problem, it is bulletin #PIP5681 publish date of 9/26/19.

• 10/13/2023· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Peeling/ chipping paint down to primer in areas.

• 10/10/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the engine oil was abnormally low and required 2-quarts of oil to top off the oil level even though the vehicle had recently been serviced. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.

• 10/08/2024· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  2021 Chevy Traverse went out in September, it would shutter causing take off to jerk so hard and cause traffic to stall, hurting passengers necks, and almost causing accidents

• 10/05/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Received a "Service Battery Charging System" dash warning message driving down the highway. Made it home and changed the battery but the issue persists and I can't drive the car. Reading online many complaints/problems with alternator and electrical premature failures. Car is a little more than 4 years old and has only 23,600 miles. Getting the car to the Chevy dealer tomorrow to diagnose problem and fix. If car were to stall out at highway speeds it could be very dangerous. This problem should receive further investigation by NHTSA. Shouldn't have electrical failures on cars with 23,000 miles.

• 10/02/2025· AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  While going around 40mph I approached a stopped vehicle and tried to come to a stop. At this time my braking system failed, speeding the car up instead of slowing it down, this resulted in my car rear ending another vehicle. When the car accident occurred my steering wheel air bag came out but did not inflate. There were no warning lamps or messages at the time of the crash. Due to the laws in Mississippi it was declared I was at fault and the insurance company will not inspect or cover the damages.

• 09/27/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Radio went blank unable to access screen. Not sure reason. Upon start up couldn’t access any parts of radio. Couldn’t reset and issue still current as of today.

• 09/27/2023· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  KNOWN ISSUE: Chevy Traverse owners may experience a condition wherein the front exhaust pipe on their crossover separates from the mounting bracket, resulting in damage to the pipe. Now, General Motors has issued new Special Coverage that addresses this issue. NEW ISSUE: Rear exhaust pipe is also affected. When separated/cracked this was leaking carbon monoxide fumes into the inside of the vehicle when driven. Our family's safety was put at risk breathing these fumes. The Chevrolet dealership says that only the front exhaust issue is being recalled/covered but rear is not even when it is attached to same mounting bracket with known issue. Appeared/noticed as loud muffler sound and strong smells of fumes.

• 09/21/2025· POWER TRAIN

  Shift to park warning comes on every time I put my car into park. I can give the gear shift a hard tap so it can go into park and my car will turn off. I feel like after a period of tapping the great shift it will turn into a bigger problem.

• 09/21/2025· ENGINE

  I was driving to work and my car made a loud noise. I was able to drive back home. I took my car to the Chevrolet repair shop. They said my front exhaust and catalytic converter are broken. They replaced my exhaust pipe and not the converter.

• 09/21/2024· POWER TRAIN

  I bought this 2021 Chevrolet Traverse on January 4th 2021. Since owning this vehicle the transmission has always skipped and sputtered. We have done regular maintenance on it. But at 115,000 miles it seems to get worse and really shift hard or skip while trying to go into each gear. There is no information on maintenance for the transmission other than taking it to the dealership, which is really bizarre and unreasonable because dealerships take to long and some can be without. We have also noticed on a couple different occasions that the reverse lights were on when it was in park. The parking brake also likes to set when someone opens or closes a door. We are not sure what the problem is. But would like this transmission to be fixed.

• 09/10/2025· BACK OVER PREVENTION

  See attached document for complaint.

• 09/03/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  MY ALTERNATOR WENT OUT AT 40K MILES IT WAS REPLACED AND NOW WENT OUT AGAIN AT 75K. I HAVE GONE THRU 7 BATTERIES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW. THE CAR DIED ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF IN INTERSECTION AFTER GETTING THE NEW ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY REPLACED 3 WEEKS AGO. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE!!!!!

• 08/25/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and stalled. The contact lost power steering functionality and was unable to move over to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the alternator was replaced. The contact stated that it was the second time that the alternator was replaced. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jump-started, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery. Most recently, the vehicle failed to start, and the contact was unable to open the doors. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery again. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

• 08/21/2026· POWER TRAIN

  Transmission shutters at lower gear going from 20-30 mph approximately and at the speed of 60-70 mph. When this happens it causes a delay in acceleration and for the whole car to shake. This was also noted by my mechanic even after changing transmission fluid and had concerns for the safety if it was to completely disrupt the transmission causing an accident. I was advised to check for recall since a lot of these makes and models have been having this issue. The SUV only has about 64,000 miles on it and has had all of its routine maintenance done regularly. I have only had it in my possession for 6 moths. No engine lights on. I do a lot of highway driving and I am concerned that this issue will possibly cause an accident. Ameritech Tire and Auto at 304-229-8924, Inwood, WV. August 12, 2026 was date of service.

• 08/18/2026· ENGINE

  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

• 08/06/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  On [XXX], Onstar did an Auto Unlock on my car. After the car was opened, the entire radio panel didn’t work. On June 13th, Bob Johnson replaced the Onstar telecommunications module. Only the radio worked with the screen black for a couple of minutes. Then it stopped working. They stated that they ordered the part, but every time I call, they haven’t. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 07/23/2025· ENGINE

  the dealership car because the engine lingt Come the fun out the Cadillac converter have to be replaced. Is a 2021 traverse. Come to find out I'm not the only person that has the same problem I need to check the Cadillac converters on these Traverse

• 07/10/2021· SERVICE BRAKES

  From day one the brakes respond erratically. The braking is uneven regardless or road conditions. The dealer identified a problem but can’t repair it until they receive a solution from the manufacturer.

• 07/08/2026· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an inspection, where a leaking oil pan gasket was diagnosed. The contact stated that the failure had also occurred on a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse he owned. Although the vehicle had been taken to the dealer two months prior, the dealer did not find the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,400.

• 07/05/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  When leaving work last night, a warning appeared saying 'Service Charging System Vehicle May Stall' and shortly after another showed "Battery Saver Active" so I went to my local auto parts store and had the battery replaced for $300. The gentleman also ran a test on the alternator and it came back with a failure on the voltage regulator but all others were good. I drove home hoping drive cycles would clear it out. I drove to work this morning getting the same errors and voltage not going above 12.0, dipping all the way to 11.5. So now, I have to replace the alternator, praying it does not shut off on the highway and I get hit and killed. I have seen numerus incidents online of the exact same issue. I bought this car brand new (my 1st ever) in 2021, I only have 25,000 miles on it, she is garage kept and very well taken care of, this should not be happening on a practically new car. Please do something before more get injured or even killed.

• 06/27/2024· AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCECrash

  I was hit by another car who ran the red light. No airbag deployment at all, in serious crash. Whole front end hit without airbags going off. The engine was smoking and the brake would not work after inpact to keep it from rolling

• 06/25/2026· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  On [XXX] I purchased the vehicle from Bakersfield Hyundai within days I reported break failure and notified them about a noise that was coming from the SUV that sounded like a mini motorcycle, they first said (Xavier) that the noise would go away because it had just gotten serviced but they kept me there for four plus hours and said I had to take it back which I did and again I took it for break replacement and I told them the noise would get louder and sometimes it would smell inside the vehicle like vinegar again they did nothing they falsely said I declined to stay because of time Which I didn't I asked if they were able to provide me with a vehicle while mine could get serve since I have children that attend school to who they said no, so I couldn't stay longer I had to pick up my children from school this is my only vehicle so Hyundai would not do anything about the breaks nor that sound the vehicle started making beeming noises from across the dashboard the main screen freezes and not to mention the vehicle stalls I have to jump start it, also when I sent Hyundai a video of the exhaust pipe ruptured they automatically contact Chevy and vehicle has to be towed to them there was a very strong oder of vinegar and rotten eggs coming into the cabin to which I had let Hyundai dealership know but they didn't document they said I had to take it to Chevy now they replaced the pipe but the vehicle still has issues starting up the screen still freezes and once in a while I still get that smell of vinegar in the cabin I have paperwork from Chevy and Hyundai I also have video, pictures and txt from Hyundai personal admitting to knowing about the pipe leak not to mention I was exposed to this for about 40 minutes I had driven my children to school I had my OBGYN appointment to which I informed my doctor I was experiencing a headache and dizziness I thought it was because of early pregnancy not knowing it was carbon monoxide I miscarried that following day 4/13/26. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 06/25/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the exhaust pipe. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: PIP5681C (Exhaust leak, Lean Codes, Rattle Noise, or Catalytic Converter Failure Codes); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. The VIN was not available.

• 06/17/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  HAD RECALL DONE (N222385510 ) EXHAUST LEAKING FROM ROTTING AWAY PIPE, REPAIRED WITH NEW PIPE, BUT PIPE ON OTHER SIDE WAS ALSO LEAKING EXHAUST WOULD NOT FIX BECAUSE IT WASN'T PART OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL, THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE, FOR THE COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM, JUNK METAL ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK

• 06/15/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I had my car on the shop I was never told that there was a recall on the exhaust system in these type of cars I have had my car a little over a year they fix one side of the exhaust but stated the other side was not covered they told me I would have to pay I dont have the money to pay for this had they told me when this was under warranty I could have done something different but they never said anything about this being a problem in this SUV I have talk to several persons at the dealership as well as GM now they are telling me it’s nothing they could do because my car is not under warranty but it was when I was taking my car to the shop if there’s a recall on certain items in a car I should have been aware about any issues before I purchased this vehicle they tell me when the problem occurs this is what happens in these vehicles.

• 06/14/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle on several occasions, the vehicle shut off and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. Additionally, the interior and exterior lights became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was concerned that the failure was caused by the vehicle being hacked by a local terrorist network. The failure mileage was unknown.

• 06/06/2021· POWER TRAIN

  With just 1,085 miles on a new 2021 Chevrolet Traverse RS the 9 speed automatic transmission began to fail. It feels as if it skips and there is a distinct shudder as it shifts in the higher gears. The transmission also appears to labor as the vehicle ascends even the smallest change in grade. Research of these issues shows its a noted prblem with the GM 9 speed automatic transmission.

• 06/02/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Driving down the road and the sunroof exploded outward spontaneously. No other cars on the road, nothing hit the glass. Safety at risk because it was very loud and some of the broken glass fell inside the vehicle.

• 05/30/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal rattling sound emanating from underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. Additionally, the contact was informed that the exhaust system needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the exhaust had previously failed and was replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Special Coverage: N222385510. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.