2021 CHEVROLET Traverse Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16 complaints

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 49,000. It was later discovered, after checking the Carfax report, that the mileage was 75,000.

Nov 04, 2025

Received a "Service Battery Charging System" dash warning message driving down the highway. Made it home and changed the battery but the issue persists and I can't drive the car. Reading online many complaints/problems with alternator and electrical premature failures. Car is a little more than 4 years old and has only 23,600 miles. Getting the car to the Chevy dealer tomorrow to diagnose problem and fix. If car were to stall out at highway speeds it could be very dangerous. This problem should receive further investigation by NHTSA. Shouldn't have electrical failures on cars with 23,000 miles.

Oct 05, 2025

MY ALTERNATOR WENT OUT AT 40K MILES IT WAS REPLACED AND NOW WENT OUT AGAIN AT 75K. I HAVE GONE THRU 7 BATTERIES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW. THE CAR DIED ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF IN INTERSECTION AFTER GETTING THE NEW ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY REPLACED 3 WEEKS AGO. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE!!!!!

Sep 03, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and stalled. The contact lost power steering functionality and was unable to move over to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the alternator was replaced. The contact stated that it was the second time that the alternator was replaced. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jump-started, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery. Most recently, the vehicle failed to start, and the contact was unable to open the doors. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery again. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

Aug 25, 2025

On [XXX], Onstar did an Auto Unlock on my car. After the car was opened, the entire radio panel didn’t work. On June 13th, Bob Johnson replaced the Onstar telecommunications module. Only the radio worked with the screen black for a couple of minutes. Then it stopped working. They stated that they ordered the part, but every time I call, they haven’t. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Aug 06, 2025

+ 11 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

11 complaints

In the first 51,000 on my vehicle I have had 3 issues with the emissions system which has a negative impact on the environment and would prevent my vehicle from passing state inspection. GM covered the first 2 under warranty, but I now have a leak in my muffler which seems that it could be related to other issues involving brackets on the exhaust pipes breaking. This is widely reported by other Traverse owners yet GM has not extended the warranty to cover this.

Oct 30, 2025

Front exhaust pipe is seperating

Oct 17, 2025

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 BACK

Jun 17, 2025

I had my car on the shop I was never told that there was a recall on the exhaust system in these type of cars I have had my car a little over a year they fix one side of the exhaust but stated the other side was not covered they told me I would have to pay I dont have the money to pay for this had they told me when this was under warranty I could have done something different but they never said anything about this being a problem in this SUV I have talk to several persons at the dealership as well as GM now they are telling me it’s nothing they could do because my car is not under warranty but it was when I was taking my car to the shop if there’s a recall on certain items in a car I should have been aware about any issues before I purchased this vehicle they tell me when the problem occurs this is what happens in these vehicles.

Jun 15, 2025

Vehicle with less than 50000 miles has 2 broken flex pipes on the exhaust system that is going to cost me $1,932.66. This should be a warranty recall and GM should allow you to take it to a mechanic of your choice for repairs as the dealerships cannot give you a fair time frame to repair.

May 07, 2025

+ 6 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 complaints

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the front exhaust pipe made an abnormally loud sound, and there was an odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Dec 01, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the engine oil was abnormally low and required 2-quarts of oil to top off the oil level even though the vehicle had recently been serviced. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.

Oct 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the exhaust pipe. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: PIP5681C (Exhaust leak, Lean Codes, Rattle Noise, or Catalytic Converter Failure Codes); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. The VIN was not available.

Jun 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal rattling sound emanating from underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. Additionally, the contact was informed that the exhaust system needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the exhaust had previously failed and was replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Special Coverage: N222385510. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.

May 30, 2024

KNOWN ISSUE: Chevy Traverse owners may experience a condition wherein the front exhaust pipe on their crossover separates from the mounting bracket, resulting in damage to the pipe. Now, General Motors has issued new Special Coverage that addresses this issue. NEW ISSUE: Rear exhaust pipe is also affected. When separated/cracked this was leaking carbon monoxide fumes into the inside of the vehicle when driven. Our family's safety was put at risk breathing these fumes. The Chevrolet dealership says that only the front exhaust issue is being recalled/covered but rear is not even when it is attached to same mounting bracket with known issue. Appeared/noticed as loud muffler sound and strong smells of fumes.

Sep 27, 2023

+ 1 more complaint for this component

SERVICE BRAKES

6 complaints

Since I bought this car new the brakes have been squeaking and when I took it to the dealer they said they need about this problem but there was nothing that they could do about it since the manufacture has not given them a bulletin on this model of vehicle yet.

Oct 30, 2023

At only 15,000 miles the brakes are squeaking as if they would on extended mileage brakes that require replacement. These are practically brand new and should not be making this sound.

Jan 09, 2023

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 everyone I see.

Nov 05, 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.

Jul 10, 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 FLUID GOES COMPLETELY EMPTY. IT LOOKED AS IF IT NEVER HAD FLUID IN IT TO BEGIN WITH. THE DEALERSHIP SENT A TOW TRUCK TO MY LOCATION AND PICKED THE VEHICLE UP.

May 12, 2021

+ 1 more complaint for this component

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

Shift to park warning comes on every time I put my car into park. I can give the gear shift a hard tap so it can go into park and my car will turn off. I feel like after a period of tapping the great shift it will turn into a bigger problem.

Sep 21, 2025

Car was late shifting into gear. Taken to dealership and replaced tourque cpnverters for 3800. Car gets fluids checked 4,000 miles later transmition is shot fue to leak from gasket on transmition...

Apr 24, 2025

I bought this 2021 Chevrolet Traverse on January 4th 2021. Since owning this vehicle the transmission has always skipped and sputtered. We have done regular maintenance on it. But at 115,000 miles it seems to get worse and really shift hard or skip while trying to go into each gear. There is no information on maintenance for the transmission other than taking it to the dealership, which is really bizarre and unreasonable because dealerships take to long and some can be without. We have also noticed on a couple different occasions that the reverse lights were on when it was in park. The parking brake also likes to set when someone opens or closes a door. We are not sure what the problem is. But would like this transmission to be fixed.

Sep 21, 2024

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.

Jun 06, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

Radio went blank unable to access screen. Not sure reason. Upon start up couldn’t access any parts of radio. Couldn’t reset and issue still current as of today.

Sep 27, 2025

Vehicle: 2021 Chevrolet Traverse Problem: Persistent “Shift to Park” message when vehicle is in Park I own a 2021 Chevy Traverse and have experienced repeated incidents where the dashboard displays “Shift to Park” even though the gear shifter is securely in the Park position. This prevents me from turning the vehicle off and has caused battery drain and confusion about whether the car is fully secured. This issue is clearly known by GM, as evidenced by a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #19-NA-206 and others). It affects multiple model years and has prompted a class action lawsuit. Despite the widespread nature of this defect, GM has not issued a recall. I believe this issue presents a safety concern, particularly for drivers unaware that the car may not fully power down, and due to the potential for battery drain and immobilization. I urge NHTSA to investigate whether a recall is warranted

Apr 29, 2025

I bought my 2021 Chevy Traverse brand new. Now it has about 44,000 miles on it and is just under 2 months of purchase date. I noticed that my battery light turned on yesterday while I was driving. Within seconds my vehicle stalled out and I was just coasting along in traffic, unable to restart my car. I was able to coast to the side of the freeway and jump my car. After doing so it started again so I proceeded to drive away. After about 4 more minutes my vehicle shut off again as I was driving in traffic. I was unable to get the car started again and was just a sitting duck in heavy traffic. I had the vehicle towed and a new battery was put in. My vehicle starts but the new battery is already loosing voltage. After a diagnostic test was done by the mechanics at the auto shop it looks like the alternator needs to be replaced. This is not only unheard of that such a new vehicle would already need a brand new alternator, but it was also a huge safety risk with how it all happened so quickly with VERY minimal warning and the vehicle completely shut off while I was driving in heavy traffic. So many people could have been harmed due to this malfunction.

Mar 26, 2024

ENGINE

3 complaints

I was driving to work and my car made a loud noise. I was able to drive back home. I took my car to the Chevrolet repair shop. They said my front exhaust and catalytic converter are broken. They replaced my exhaust pipe and not the converter.

Sep 21, 2025

the dealership car because the engine lingt Come the fun out the Cadillac converter have to be replaced. Is a 2021 traverse. Come to find out I'm not the only person that has the same problem I need to check the Cadillac converters on these Traverse

Jul 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon depression of the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal, clicking sound and a fuel exhaust odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on several occasions to have the exhaust pipe under the hood replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 36,000.

Feb 10, 2023

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

1. DRIVER SIDE EXHAUST FLEX PIPE BRAKET 2. Exhaust leak 3. Yes. It has been replicated and diagnosed. 4. No engine light. There was a rattling and increased exhaust noise. A hole in the exhaust pipe at the bracket location was found. 5. This condition seems to be a common problem with this year and make which I am now having to pay $600 to repair.

Mar 10, 2025

the purge valve is ticking for the past two weeks dealership informed me yesterday that it is working as designed and no codes were noted by technician. ticking noises ( which are VERY annoying) were not present when vehicle was bought about 3 months ago . The service rep informed me that although purge valve issues have been noted and taken care of by other GM models., the traverse is not part of any recall at the moment

Oct 26, 2023

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

My front passenger seat belt has started to not latch. I have to push the button and insert the seatbelt in order for it to latch. Sometimes it will release on it’s own.

Dec 20, 2024

Middle seatbelt will not retract. This vehicle has not been in any accidents.

Feb 12, 2024

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

2021 Chevy Traverse went out in September, it would shutter causing take off to jerk so hard and cause traffic to stall, hurting passengers necks, and almost causing accidents

Oct 08, 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 company, USAA, is currently investigating and determining total damage estimate. No warning lamps, indicators, or messages were presented prior to collision. The rotors and brakes were glowing red after collision from continuous attempts to stop the vehicle.

Nov 27, 2023

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

STEERING

1 complaint

The electronic stability control (ESC) system and power steering system malfunctioned. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The power steering warning indicated a potential loss or reduction of steering assist, which could have made it difficult to steer and control the vehicle—especially at higher speeds or in traffic. This posed a potential safety risk to me and others on the road. Yes. The issue was confirmed by my local Chevrolet dealership. They determined that a software update was required to correct the malfunction. The vehicle was inspected and serviced by my local Chevrolet dealership. It has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or others. Yes. Immediately after shifting from reverse into drive while backing down a driveway (at approximately 5–10 mph), two warning messages appeared: “Service ESC” and “Service Power Steering, Drive with Care.” There were no prior warning lights or symptoms before this occurred.

Nov 10, 2025

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

Right Rear upper and lower toe links broke nearly causing a serious accident when brakes were applied, vehicle pulled severely to the right causing it to swerve and narrowly missing another vehicle. The toe link failure on my vehicle which has only 29702 miles put my life and the life of my family members at risk. The vehicle was brought to our local licensed repair shop in Massapequa, NY where the prblem was diagnosed and repaired. No warning lights or symptoms occurred prior to this first incident. I researched this safety item for any recalls on this issue, however there are none currenlty on file for my vehicle but several for other Cheverolet vehicle with same toe link issue.

Oct 29, 2025

Carry Handle, Shell, Base

1 complaint

The base does not look in place. The buttons do not look to put in position. The entire car seat slides back and forth on its base.

Oct 28, 2025

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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 not inflate. There were no warning lamps or messages at the time of the crash. Due to the laws in Mississippi it was declared I was at fault and the insurance company will not inspect or cover the damages.

Oct 02, 2025

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint

See attached document for complaint.

Sep 10, 2025

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

The battery wasn't being charged which caused some problems. However, it was the alternator that was bad. Since the battery wasn't being charged and the alternator was failing, there were problems with steering and engine power which almost caused a collision at highway speeds.

Jan 21, 2025

AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

I was hit by another car who ran the red light. No airbag deployment at all, in serious crash. Whole front end hit without airbags going off. The engine was smoking and the brake would not work after inpact to keep it from rolling

Jun 27, 2024

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

The rear sway bar linkage broke which lead to unsafe handling/ control of vehicle. I was driving and anytime I made a right turn there was a loud clunk in rear of vehicle. Concerned it will wear other parts out by this specific part not working/broke

Apr 12, 2024

Carry Handle, Shell, Base,Tether, Lower Anchor (on car seat or vehicle),Other/I am not sure

1 complaint

When this seat is first installed with the seat belt, it has a tight fit. However, the install seems to loosen for no apparent reason on its own. This occurs frequently. The seat is properly installed with pulling the slack out of the seat belt, securing the snuglock, and then locking the vehicle seat belt. I am concerned that the install will loosen in the event of an accident, and my toddler will not be properly secured. When the seat loosens, it moves more than one inch from side to side. It has even loosened so much that it began visibly lean to one side.

Feb 06, 2024

ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

I was driving on I-20 with cruise control on @ 71 mph (night time) @ 7 min into using cruise control, the suv acted like it stopped for a quick second (scaring me) I remember rubbing my neck afterwards, thinking it was almost like whiplash. I pulled off the road into parking lot. I thought maybe I had a flat or tire issue, no tire issues. I then stopped @ a store, when getting back into the suv, I could smell something awful. Like something had burnt. Still don’t know. I have not used the cruise control since this incident. It was Xmas weekend, so I have to wait till dealer opens back up to have it checked out.

Dec 26, 2023

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

Peeling/ chipping paint down to primer in areas.

Oct 13, 2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a rattling sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a hole was in the exhaust and the exhaust needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to have the vehicle diagnosed and to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Nov 28, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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 unmachined part of the rotor which could contribute to the brake issue. Dealers have claimed before its just ceramic rub, however; I have done tons of brake jobs and ALWAYS use ceramics. NEVER had a problem with that. Vehicles need a MAJOR recall for all these systems as they can all be a major safety concern. Brakes not set on right or pads to big can cause the pads to break off causing loss of braking power and an accident. Seats not tightened properly can cause death or serious injury to passengers in an accident. Failing suspension can cause loss of control of the vehicle and an accident, freezing touch screen can cause an accident if the driver is using the Nav system and it stops.

Jan 31, 2022

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Nov 22, 2021

⭐

4.5/5.0

72 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2021 CHEVROLET Traverse have?

The 2021 CHEVROLET Traverse currently has 69 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2021 CHEVROLET Traverse?

The most common problems reported for the 2021 CHEVROLET Traverse are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2021 CHEVROLET Traverse problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2021 CHEVROLET Traverse comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.