2021 Chevrolet Traverse recalls and problems

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has 3 safety recalls and 95 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

4 / 1

Injuries / deaths

6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Chevrolet Traverse recalls

Recall 22V-210: Air Bags

Reported Mar 31, 2022 · 89 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

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.

Recall 21V-817: Power Train

Reported Oct 18, 2021 · 639 vehicles affected · Braun Corporation

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.

Recall 21V-472: Air Bags

Reported Jun 24, 2021 · 6 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

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.

2021 Chevrolet Traverse problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	22
Unknown or Other	19
Power Train	16
Engine	11
Service Brakes	10
Engine and Engine Cooling	9
Forward Collision Avoidance	5
Steering	4
Vehicle Speed Control	3
Carry Handle, Shell, Base	3
Suspension	3
Air Bags	3

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 5
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 3
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 1
Structure › Body — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 1
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 1
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 61,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Chevrolet Traverse complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported Nov 4, 2026

I was driving and had pulled out onto the road and the back of the car was fishtailing all while the front end was pulling to the right and I couldnât control the car steering because a bolt had dislodged from the rear suspension link and we almost crashed because of it. The back driver side back wheel started to smoke and was making a loud While I tried to safely get on the shoulder away from traffic. The vehicle 3 days prior started showing service ESC and appointment was made to service car Monday November 9th. The vehicle is now at the dealer and is available for inspection.

Service Brakes · at 96,000 miles · reported Oct 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse out of the driveway and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle finally stopped at the end of the driveway. The brake assist warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was awaiting the parts to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure…

Tires · reported Oct 13, 2026

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 rear suspension toe links and balance the tires. This is absurd after I paid 1000 for these tires at Johns tires. They wanted me to wait another 3 weeks because they did not have an opening, yet they claim to do Walkins.…

Power Train · reported Oct 13, 2026

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 repair. This is a car that is only 5 years old and this is a catastrophic failure that I can't afford to fix and in a car that is 5 years old.

Firerelated · at 105,000 miles · reported Oct 5, 2026

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. The contact's husband attempted to extinguish the fire with a water hose. The Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was consumed by the fire. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The…

Other Chevrolet Traverse years

2026 2025 2024 2023 202220212020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

Compare all Chevrolet Traverse years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse: 22V-210 (air bags), 21V-817 (power train), 21V-472 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (22 reports), followed by unknown or other (19). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 61,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.