2021 Chevrolet Traverse: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has 85 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. Owners most often flag transmission failures and problems — includes complete failure, fluid leaks, rough shifting, stalling, and speed sensor issues. affects multiple generations. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

85
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
4
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
22
power train
13
engine
10
service brakes
9
engine and engine cooling
6

Recalls affecting the 2021 Traverse

power train:automatic transmission

Campaign 21V817000

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 ma…

air bags:sensor:frontal impact

Campaign 21V472000

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 front…

air bags:side/window:curtain

Campaign 22V210000

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 terminal…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and generation. For the 2018-2023 generation, owner feedback is mixed, with many reporting trouble-free, spacious, and practical family vehicles, while others report significant and recurring mec

  • Transmission failures and problems — includes complete failure, fluid leaks, rough shifting, stalling, and speed sensor issues. Affects multiple generations. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Electrical and infotainment system failures — encompasses "Service Driver Assist System" errors disabling all ADAS features, complete failure of the myChevrolet app and connected services (remote start, lock/unlock), screen freezes, and Bluetooth connectivity problems with high latency. Particularly severe in 2024-2025 models. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine timing chain issues — a known concern for the 3.6L V6 engine in older models (2009-2012 mentioned), requiring costly repair. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Poor build quality and dealership service — reports of vehicles delivered with defects (exploding wiper blades, cut steering wheels), repeated failed repair attempts for simple issues like parking sensors, and poor customer service from both dealers and manufacturer support. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Turbo four-cylinder performance (2024+) — criticized for being slower (7.3 seconds 0-60 mph) and noisier than the previous V6, with sluggish throttle response. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Traverse.

Typical used price

Used Traverse listings typically run $20,631–$46,865 across 2009 to 2026 model years.

Other Traverse model years

2024 Traverse2018 Traverse2012 Traverse2009 Traverse
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