Owners have reported 3 crashes and 4 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving alternator failures and related battery problems. Symptoms often include warning messages such as "Service Battery Charging System" and "Battery Saver Active," followed by loss of power, stalling, and inability to restart the vehicle. These issues are commonly reported around 20,000 to 46,000 miles. Several complaints highlight safety concerns, including loss of power steering and vehicle stalling in traffic, which could pose risks of accidents. Additionally, problems with the "Shift to Park" message and radio or touch screen malfunctions are noted, affecting the vehicle's usability and potentially leading to battery drain.
Owner complaints6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse report issues related to the exhaust system and engine oil levels. Multiple complaints mention abnormal rattling sounds and loud exhaust noises, often linked to failures in the exhaust or catalytic converter, with some owners noting a strong odor inside the vehicle. These symptoms appear around mileages ranging from 33,000 to 74,000. Additionally, some owners observe significant engine oil loss despite recent servicing. Safety implications include potential carbon monoxide fumes entering the vehicle cabin, posing a risk to occupants. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly regarding exhaust system integrity and engine oil maintenance.
Owner complaints6
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the vehicle's transmission and gear shifting. Common symptoms include the transmission skipping, shuddering, or failing to shift smoothly, often occurring at higher mileages such as 115,000 miles, but also reported as early as 1,085 miles. Multiple complaints mention a delay or failure when shifting into reverse, requiring additional manipulation of the gear shift to engage. Additionally, a "shift to park" warning is noted by some owners when attempting to turn off the vehicle. One incident describes a drive shaft bolt coming loose, leading to a loss of control, highlighting a potential safety risk. These patterns suggest that prospective buyers should be aware of potential transmission issues and consider the vehicle's service history and any completed repairs.
Owner complaints6
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report frequent issues with the brakes on the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, primarily involving squeaking and grinding noises. These symptoms are noted even at low mileages, with some complaints occurring as early as 1,247 miles and others around 15,000 miles. Several owners mention that dealers attribute the noise to the newness of the brake components, suggesting it may resolve with use, though some owners express dissatisfaction with this response. Additionally, there is a report of brake fluid leakage leading to an empty reservoir, which required immediate towing and poses a potential safety risk. No crashes or loss of control are reported, but the presence of fluid leaks and erratic braking behavior could be of concern to potential buyers.
Owner complaints4
ENGINE
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse report issues primarily related to exhaust components, with multiple complaints about broken catalytic converters and exhaust pipes. Typical symptoms include loud noises, abnormal clicking sounds, and noticeable fuel or exhaust odors. One owner describes a brief loss of power while using cruise control, accompanied by a burning smell, though no crashes or fires are reported. These issues appear to occur at varying mileages, with one specific mention at 36,000 miles. Buyers should be aware of these potential exhaust-related problems when considering a used 2021 Chevrolet Traverse.
Owner complaints3
STEERING
Owners report issues with the steering system of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, primarily involving steering assist reduction and related electronic stability control (ESC) malfunctions. Typical symptoms include warning messages such as “Service ESC” and “Service Power Steering, Drive with Care,” and difficulties in steering, especially at higher speeds, which may pose safety risks. Some complaints indicate the need for a steering rack replacement or a software update to address these issues. Additionally, one report links steering problems to a failing alternator, which affected battery charging and engine power, nearly leading to a highway collision. These complaints do not specify mileage, suggesting the issues may not be tied to vehicle age or usage.
Owner complaints2
AIR BAGS
Owners report issues with the airbag system in the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, particularly in crash situations. Complaints frequently mention non-deployment of airbags during collisions, with one owner describing a steering wheel airbag that failed to inflate and another noting a complete lack of airbag deployment despite significant front-end impact. Both incidents involve crashes with injuries, highlighting potential safety implications. No specific mileage or timeline patterns emerge from the limited data, but the described failure to deploy airbags during collisions is a critical concern for potential buyers assessing vehicle safety features.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse report issues related to the fuel and propulsion system, primarily involving the exhaust and purge valve components. One complaint describes an exhaust leak due to a hole at the bracket location of the driver-side exhaust flex pipe, accompanied by rattling and increased exhaust noise, with repairs costing around $600. Another owner notes a persistent ticking noise from the purge valve, which the dealership states is functioning as designed, although the noise was not present when the vehicle was purchased three months prior. There are no reports of safety implications such as crashes or fires associated with these issues. These complaints suggest potential repair considerations for prospective buyers, especially regarding exhaust system integrity and purge valve noise.
Owner complaints2
SEAT BELTS
Owners report issues with the seat belts in the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, specifically involving the front passenger and middle seat belts. Complaints frequently mention that the front passenger seat belt does not latch properly and sometimes releases on its own. Additionally, the middle seat belt fails to retract. These issues are described without reference to specific mileage or timeframes and do not mention any associated accidents or injuries. Prospective buyers should be aware of these seat belt function concerns, as they may affect passenger safety.
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving sudden acceleration and difficulty in controlling speed. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the vehicle shuttering during takeoff, causing jerking motions that can lead to neck injuries and near accidents. One incident involved the vehicle failing to stop despite brake engagement, resulting in a crash and two injuries, with no prior warning indicators. These issues suggest significant safety implications, including potential loss of control and increased risk of collisions. Buyers should be aware of these reported problems, especially when considering a used model.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
