VehicleVerdict

2019 Chevrolet Traverse problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse sits mid-pack among Traverse years: 563 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 402, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 18 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 161 reports (29% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

563

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

18

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Traverse years?

Traverse NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted945 complaints2009: 584 complaints2010: 922 complaints2011: 945 complaints2012: 587 complaints2013: 295 complaints2014: 881 complaints2015: 421 complaints2016: 381 complaints2017: 430 complaints2018: 666 complaints2019: 563 complaints2020: 283 complaints2021: 110 complaints2022: 125 complaints2023: 106 complaints2024: 189 complaints2025: 311 complaints2026: 24 complaints
Traverse NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Traverse years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Chevrolet Traverse problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission16129%
Electrical System10919%
Other9417%
Engine6612%
Fuel System265%
Brakes204%
Steering163%
Suspension142%
Seat Belts132%
Driver Assistance122%
Airbags92%
Body & Structure71%
Visibility & Wipers51%
Speed Control41%
Tires & Wheels31%
Lighting31%
Seats10%

Does the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V246000AirbagsApril 8, 2021 · 108 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.

Consequence

Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.

20V668000TransmissionOctober 29, 2020 · 194,105 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Consequence

Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

18V774000AirbagsNovember 1, 2018 · 12 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Consequence

If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a strong burning odor was present coming from the air vents inside the cabin of the vehicle. Later it was discovered that oil leaked from the vehicle onto the floor of the garage. The vehicle was towed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 28, 2021 · fire

“MY VEHICLE WAS OFF, PARKED AND LOCKED. MY CAR WAS ON A SOMEWHAT FLAT SURFACE AND ROLLED INTO A TREE. THE SAME DAY I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES FROM MY HOME, PARK FOR APPROXIMATELY 4 HOURS AND RETURN HOME WITHOUT KEYS. I HAVE A POLICE REPORT AND PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE OF MY VEHICLE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 26, 2019 · crash

“MY VEHICLE WAS OFF, PARKED AND LOCKED. MY CAR WAS ON A SOMEWHAT FLAT SURFACE AND ROLLED INTO A TREE. THE SAME DAY I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES FROM MY HOME, PARK FOR APPROXIMATELY 4 HOURS AND RETURN HOME WITHOUT KEYS. I HAVE A POLICE REPORT AND PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE OF MY VEHICLE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 26, 2019 · crash

“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a strong burning odor was present coming from the air vents inside the cabin of the vehicle. Later it was discovered that oil leaked from the vehicle onto the floor of the garage. The vehicle was towed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 28, 2021 · fire

“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, who determined that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 24, 2025

2019 Chevrolet Traverse — common questions

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?

It is close to typical for the Traverse: 563 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2019 Traverse problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (161 complaints), electrical system (109 complaints), other (94 complaints).

Does the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Traverse years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Traverse years to avoid are 2011, 2010, 2014, 2018. The cleanest record among Traverse years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.