Moderate Risk / Inspect First NHTSA Record ID #2021-chevrolet-traverse

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Problems & Recalls

Comprehensive defect analysis based on official US Federal safety databases.

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Defect Risk Score
42 / 100
Exercise Caution
Owner Complaints
94
Filed with NHTSA
Safety Recalls
3
Free Dealer Fixes
Incidents Reported
5
4 Crashes • 1 Fires
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2021 Chevrolet Traverse Top Failure Categories

Distribution of driver complaints across vehicle components according to federal taxonomy.

Electrical System 22.3%
21 reported failures
Powertrain & Transmission 16%
15 reported failures
Engine & Cooling 14.9%
14 reported failures
Unknown Or Other 14.9%
14 reported failures
Braking System 7.4%
7 reported failures
Steering System 4.3%
4 reported failures
🚨 Official Federal Campaigns

Official Safety Recalls for 2021 Chevrolet Traverse (3)

Dealer Repairs are 100% Free
NHTSA Campaign #21V817000 Component: Powertrain & Transmission

Defect Summary: 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.

Safety Hazard: A transmission fluid leak can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Free Remedy: Dealers will replace the screw and clip, and inspect for signs of contact with the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.

NHTSA Campaign #21V472000 Component: Airbags & Restraints

Defect Summary: 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.

Safety Hazard: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.

Free Remedy: Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N212340220.

NHTSA Campaign #22V210000 Component: Airbags & Restraints

Defect Summary: 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.

Safety Hazard: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Free Remedy: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212352140.

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🗣️ Real Driver Reports

Verified NHTSA Owner Complaints

Excerpts of actual incident reports submitted to the federal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

ODI #11774524 • Carry Handle 10/29/2026

"In the upper right hand corner the plastic is starting to pull away. The seat belt is routed through this area."

ODI #11773753 • Braking System 10/26/2026

"The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse out of the driveway and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle finally stopped at the end of the driveway. The brake assist warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contac..."

ODI #11770767 • Wheels & Tires 10/13/2026

"I bought 4 new General Grabber HT tires 255/65 R 18 I have only driven on them for 13,000 miles and the tires shake and have wear on them. The shaking through my car out of alignment, caused my rear suspension Toe links to need replaced and my passenger front tie rod to fail. I had to pay Johns Tires of Eaton Ohio wanted to charge me over $500 to ..."

ODI #11770889 • Powertrain & Transmission 10/13/2026

"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 tha..."

ODI #11769100 • Firerelated 10/05/2026

"The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on the driveway, the contact's sister-in-law became aware of a burning odor. The contact stated that while walking towards the vehicle, the contact became aware of smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact unlatched the hood and became aware o..."