VehicleVerdict

2021 Chevrolet Traverse problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is among the quieter years of the Traverse on NHTSA's books: 110 complaints (73% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (23), electrical system (22), and engine (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

110

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Traverse years?

Traverse NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Traverse years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Traverse problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other2321%
Electrical System2220%
Engine1816%
Transmission1312%
Brakes98%
Driver Assistance76%
Steering44%
Airbags33%
Fuel System33%
Speed Control33%
Suspension22%
Seat Belts22%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have recalls?

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

22V210000AirbagsMarch 31, 2022 · 89 units

Defect

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.

21V817000TransmissionOctober 18, 2021 · 639 units

Defect

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.

21V472000AirbagsJune 24, 2021 · 6 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“HAD RECALL DONE (N222385510 ) EXHAUST LEAKING FROM ROTTING AWAY PIPE, REPAIRED WITH NEW PIPE, BUT PIPE ON OTHER SIDE WAS ALSO LEAKING EXHAUST WOULD NOT FIX BECAUSE IT WASN'T PART OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL, THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE, FOR THE COMPLETE EXHAUST SYSTEM, JUNK METAL ALL THE WAY TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 17, 2025

“Warning on dash to check charging system. Driving on highway, all lights on dash started lighting up and going crazy and then everything on dash completely shut off while I was driving. Car eventually stalled. Car has less than 40k miles and only 3 years old. Brought it to dealership and they said…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 25, 2024

“I was unable to stop my vehicle from accelerating. The brakes were engaging but my vehicle continued to build speed. Myself and my family, as well as others on the road, were all put at risk due to my vehicle not responding or failing to control speed; cruise control was not engaged. My insurance…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 26, 2023 · crash

“I was driving 45 mph on a state route when all of a sudden my drive shaft bolt came completely out and split my drive shaft in two causing me to lose control. No damage at all or rust or anything is visible on the drive shaft. Could have caused a serious injury or worse. I just had a Multi Point…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 6, 2026

“While going around 40mph I approached a stopped vehicle and tried to come to a stop. At this time my braking system failed, speeding the car up instead of slowing it down, this resulted in my car rear ending another vehicle. When the car accident occurred my steering wheel air bag came out but did…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 25, 2025 · crash

2021 Chevrolet Traverse — common questions

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 110 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Traverse year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 Traverse problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (23 complaints), electrical system (22 complaints), engine (18 complaints).

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.