This page covers 3 recalls, 84 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse.
20–21 mpg combined
11.2–11.8 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Electrical system complaints dominate what 2021 Traverse owners report, followed by powertrain issues. On the electrical side, owners describe alternator failures at relatively low mileage, along with warning lights and intermittent system faults that affect reliability. A smaller but notable group reports power steering warnings appearing while driving, with the steering becoming noticeably heavy and difficult to turn, a symptom several owners say appeared suddenly without warning. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe transmission shuddering and hesitation during acceleration, particularly in the 25–35 mph range. The shake tends to occur when pulling away from a stop or trying to accelerate onto a highway, and owners report that easing off the throttle and reapplying it gently is sometimes the only way to get the vehicle moving smoothly. A recurring check engine light tied to thermostat or cooling fan behavior also appears across multiple reports.
84
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has 3 recalls, the most serious affecting wheelchair-accessible models with a Power In-floor Ramp conversion, where a loose shroud can chafe against the transmission and cause a fluid leak that may cut drive power or start a fire.
Two recalls involve the airbag system. The roof rail curtain airbags on certain vehicles have mismatched electrical terminals in the harness connector, which can prevent them from deploying in a crash. Some vehicles that were serviced at a dealership may also have received incorrect airbag calibration software, which can interfere with frontal airbag deployment.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical connector linking to the left or right roof rail air bag may have incompatible terminals that prevent the air bag from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the roof rail air bag harness connector at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The screw and clip securing the inner wheel-well plastic shroud may rub against the transmission case, causing transmission fluid to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the screw and clip and inspect for damage to the transmission at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some vehicles received incorrect airbag calibration software during dealer service, which may prevent frontal airbags from deploying properly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the airbag calibration software to correct settings at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
