Owners have reported 11 crashes, 1 fire and 7 injuries to NHTSA for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints35
ENGINE
Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues related to the exhaust system, particularly involving cracked or broken welds on the exhaust bracket, leading to exhaust leaks and rattling noises. Common symptoms include a loud exhaust noise, reduced vehicle performance, and exhaust fumes entering the cabin, which poses a potential safety risk due to carbon monoxide exposure. These problems often emerge around 45,000 to 101,000 miles, with some owners noting that similar issues have been covered under special coverage for other model years but not for the 2020 model. Buyers should be aware of these potential exhaust system concerns, as repairs can be costly and may not be covered under warranty.
Owner complaints30
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the power train, notably the "Shift to Park" error message that prevents the vehicle from being turned off even when the gear is in park. This issue often requires multiple attempts to shift in and out of park to resolve temporarily. Transmission-related complaints include severe shuddering, slipping in low gears, and torque converter failures, with some owners experiencing these problems as early as 30,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, such as the inability to turn off the vehicle, potential power loss while driving, and difficulty in safely accelerating. These issues are reported to occur even with regular maintenance, highlighting potential concerns for prospective buyers considering a used 2020 Chevrolet Traverse.
Owner complaints29
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the exhaust system, specifically citing broken or poorly welded exhaust pipe brackets that lead to loud noises, check engine lights, and in some cases, exhaust fumes entering the cabin. These problems often require costly repairs, as the entire exhaust system may need replacement due to non-separable welded parts. Additionally, multiple complaints highlight recurring failures of the backup camera system, with screens going black or displaying error messages, which poses a potential safety risk when reversing. Some owners also mention a "shift to park" error message despite the vehicle being in park, which could lead to battery drainage or inability to turn off the vehicle. These issues typically arise around the middle to late years of ownership, and while no specific mileage range is consistently reported, the problems appear to persist even after attempted repairs.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints22
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues related to the exhaust system, particularly involving fractured or detached exhaust pipe brackets, leading to abnormal rattling sounds and exhaust leaks. Common symptoms include the check engine warning light illumination, loud noises resembling a motorcycle, and exhaust odors entering the cabin. These issues are often reported at mileages ranging from approximately 49,000 to 118,000 miles. Some complaints also mention cracks in the catalytic converter and exhaust pipes, although no crashes or fires are reported. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and consider having the exhaust system inspected, especially when purchasing a vehicle within this mileage range.
Owner complaints22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several recurring electrical system issues with the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. A common problem involves the "Shift to Park" error, where the vehicle fails to recognize it is in park, preventing shutdown and occasionally hindering starting. Complaints frequently mention alternator failures, often occurring between 26,500 and 57,323 miles, leading to sudden power loss and, in one case, a crash. Another significant issue is the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off or losing power while driving, sometimes accompanied by electronic stability control (ESC) warnings, which has resulted in at least one crash. These problems suggest potential safety concerns, particularly with unexpected vehicle shutdowns and electrical failures affecting drivability.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints6
STEERING
Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report steering issues, with several describing instances where the steering wheel becomes stiff or locks entirely, often accompanied by a "Reduced Steering Assist" warning message. These symptoms typically occur at various speeds and can lead to dangerous driving conditions, including one reported crash where the steering and brakes locked, resulting in a collision and subsequent vehicle fire. Complaints indicate that these problems often arise at low mileage, sometimes as early as 300 miles. The steering issues have led to prolonged vehicle downtime as parts remain on backorder, leaving owners unable to use their vehicles safely. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring steering problems and the associated safety implications.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints5
SUSPENSION
Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the rear suspension, particularly concerning the corrosion of rear toe links. Typical symptoms include instability while turning and the inability to pass vehicle inspections due to suspension problems, with multiple complaints noting these issues around 36,000 to 44,000 miles. Some owners mention that the corrosion of these components could potentially lead to accidents, highlighting a safety concern. Additionally, these issues often arise just outside the warranty period, leaving owners to manage repairs independently. Buyers considering a used 2020 Traverse should be aware of these recurring suspension problems and the associated mileage when they might occur.
Owner complaints5
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with airbag deployment during crashes, with four out of five complaints involving accidents where airbags failed to deploy. In several instances, owners describe the presence of a white powder or odor associated with airbags, yet no visible deployment occurs. These incidents often result in injuries, with some reports noting locked seatbelts that complicate evacuation. Complaints span vehicles with low mileage, such as 6,200 miles, indicating that these issues can occur early in the vehicle's lifespan. The safety implications are significant, as the lack of airbag deployment during collisions poses a risk of injury to occupants.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints4
SEAT BELTS
Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with seat belts failing to latch or stay clicked, particularly affecting the driver's seat and second-row left side seat belts. Complaints detail difficulties in buckling up, with some belts becoming progressively stiffer before failing to latch entirely. One report involves a crash where the seat belt pre-tensioner did not restrain the driver, resulting in injuries. These issues are noted around 25,500 miles and beyond. Potential buyers should be aware of these seat belt malfunctions, as they pose significant safety risks, especially in the event of a collision.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints4
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse report issues with the service brakes, with multiple complaints describing brake failure at low speeds. One owner mentions experiencing a brake pedal snap and subsequent brake line failure, resulting in brake fluid leakage. Another reports a crash due to brake failure just two days after purchase, noting an inability to stop despite ample space. Additionally, some owners describe a squeak from the rear brakes after releasing the emergency brake, suggesting partial engagement. These issues appear shortly after purchase or at low mileage, indicating potential early-life defects. Safety implications are significant, as evidenced by the reported crash.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
