2021 Chevrolet Traverse recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and 92 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (22), unknown or other (19), power train (16). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2021 has the fewest owner complaints of any Traverse model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.4 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags · side/window · curtain
Problem: 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.
Risk: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Power train · automatic transmission
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air bags · sensor · frontal impact
Problem: 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.
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
I bought 4 new General Grabber HT tires 255/65 R 18 I have only driven on them for 13,000 miles and the tires shake and have wear on them. The shaking through my car out of alignment, caused my rear suspension Toe links to need replaced and my passenger front tie rod to fail. I had to pay Johns Tires of Eaton Ohio wanted to charge me over $500 to have my SUV aligned, replace r…
When I accelerate at a stoplight the car shuddered and slammed into gear then it shop the rpms up to 8000 and back down i was barely able to make it home and when I arrived at home I tried to park and it would not go into reverse tostraighten my vehicle. I had it towed to a shop the next morning and they informed me I needed a new transmission that would cost $12400.00 to repa…
The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on the driveway, the contact's sister-in-law became aware of a burning odor. The contact stated that while walking towards the vehicle, the contact became aware of smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact unlatched the hood and became aware of the fire underneath the hood…
Safety ratings
2021 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD
2021 Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse.
Traverse AWD
Auto 9-spd · 6 cyl · 3.6 L
Regular
Traverse FWD
Auto 9-spd · 6 cyl · 3.6 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, most recently for air bags · side/window · curtain (03/31/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?
Based on 92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are electrical system (22), unknown or other (19), power train (16).
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse safe?
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Chevrolet Traverse?
The 2021 has the fewest owner complaints of any Traverse model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse get?
EPA ratings for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse range from 20 to 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: TRAVERSE, Traverse.