2021 Chevrolet TRAVERSE: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
89 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
54,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 15 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 21 of 89 complaints (23.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 14 | 15.7% |
| Transmission and shifting | 12 | 13.5% |
| Steering behavior | 12 | 13.5% |
| Engine operation | 11 | 12.4% |
| Braking behavior | 11 | 12.4% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 21 |
| Unknown Or Other | 19 |
| Power Train | 15 |
| Engine | 11 |
| Service Brakes | 9 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System | 5 |
| Steering | 4 |
| Air Bags | 3 |
Electrical System: 21; Unknown Or Other: 19; Power Train: 15; Engine: 11; Service Brakes: 9; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System: 5; Steering: 4; Air Bags: 3
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 4 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 6 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 6; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 74 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2024 | 18 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2026 | 19 |
2021: 7; 2022: 5; 2023: 11; 2024: 18; 2025: 29; 2026: 19
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 14 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 12 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 12 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11415778 · 2021-05-10 (May 10, 2021)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN GRINDING AND SQUEALING SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TROPICAL CHEVROLET (8880 BISCAYNE BLVD, MIAMI SHORES, FL 33138) WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE BRAKE PARTS WERE NEW AND THAT AFTER CONTINUAL DRIVING, THE SOUND WOULD GO AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,247.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,247 miles reported. Look up ODI 11415778 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11416250 · 2021-05-12 (May 12, 2021)
WE BOUGHT A 2021 CHEVY TRAVERSE AND THE DAY AFTER PURCHASE THE BRAKES BEGAN MAKING A GRINDING NOISE OFF AND ON. THREE WEEKS TO THE DAY AFTER PURCHASE, MAY 11, BEHIND THE DRIVER SIDE BACK TIRE WAS A PUDDLE OF DARKER FLUID. THE BRAKES BEGAN GRINDING WORSE. I LEFT FOR WORK AND WHEN I RETURNED HOME UNDER THE CARPORT WHERE THE TRAVERSE WAS PARKED WAS FLUID WHERE EACH TIRE HAS SAT. I DROVE 15 MILES TO MY NEXT DUTY SPOT FOR THE DAY AND BRAKES WERE GRINDING HORRIBLY.. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION I POPPED THE HOOD TO FIND THE RESERVOIR WHERE THE BRAKE …
Owner-reported narrative. 1,496 miles reported. Look up ODI 11416250 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11419811 · 2021-06-06 (June 6, 2021)
With just 1,085 miles on a new 2021 Chevrolet Traverse RS the 9 speed automatic transmission began to fail. It feels as if it skips and there is a distinct shudder as it shifts in the higher gears. The transmission also appears to labor as the vehicle ascends even the smallest change in grade. Research of these issues shows its a noted prblem with the GM 9 speed automatic transmission.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11419811 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11424192 · 2021-07-10 (July 10, 2021)
From day one the brakes respond erratically. The braking is uneven regardless or road conditions. The dealer identified a problem but can’t repair it until they receive a solution from the manufacturer.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11424192 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11439555 · 2021-11-05 (November 5, 2021)
Right Front break pad makes A real bad noise, Sounds like metal on metal. Took it to dealer I bought it from and they said it was a noise from ceramic pad and chevy will not fix it. I paid approx 34000 to be told they wont fix it. It sounds like a piece of junk when you hit the breaks. I have bought many new chevys in my Life time. This will be my Last. They said it wont hurt anything. I have never bought anything but big three but will buy Toyota from now on. They back their cars. I know nothing will be done about this problem but I will tell …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11439555 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11440378 · 2021-11-14 (November 14, 2021)
a few days after purchasing vehicle a rotten egg smell started coming out of AC. took to dealership twice and they cant find the problem and since the smell comes and goes we were informed that this happens because is a brand new vehicle. But i'm d one getting terrible headaches when that smell comes out of no where. Last time it happened i was ready to go to emergency room it was so bad i had to open up d windows to get some air.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11440378 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11441316 · 2021-11-22 (November 22, 2021)
Occasionally when putting the SUV in reverse, the car does not go into gear. I'll hit the gas and nothing and then all of the sudden it goes into gear. It's almost like it's in a delay sometimes I'll have to put into drive and then reverse for it to go into gear.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11441316 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11449517 · 2022-01-31 (January 31, 2022)
I have a 2021 Chevy Traverse LT. The stereo touch screen keeps completely freezing. We've brought it to the dealer who told us it was working fine. Its frozen twice. Once we had to pull the fuse out to reset it for it to work. Vehicle has a rattle at startup and suspension squeaks. Captain seats almost seem loose, they rattle at times. The brakes are horrible, they squeak all the time. Pads are not worn, but it appears from my mechanical knowledge that the pads are slightly oversized to the rotor or not set on straight and they're rubbing the u…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11449517 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
21V472000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Frontal Impact
Reported: 2021-06-24 (June 24, 2021)
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.
Consequence: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
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 record ↗21V817000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Reported: 2021-10-18 (October 18, 2021)
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.
Consequence: 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.
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 record ↗22V210000 · Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain
Reported: 2022-03-31 (March 31, 2022)
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.
Consequence: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗