Home · 2021 · Chevrolet
2021 Chevrolet Traverse
Solid pick — the complaint record is strong for its age. It does carry safety recalls, so confirm every one shows "remedy completed" on the VIN before money changes hands.
85 owner complaints · 3 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Electrical system problems dominate (26% of complaints, typically reported near 30k miles).
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Engine (10) · Brakes (9) · Engine & cooling (6)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.
Electrical system
26%22 complaints · typically near 30k mi · 12 in the last 2 years
“Alternator fail before 60,000 miles. Had the car almost 3 years and children in it. Apparently a known common issue yet no recall it’s not a reliable car”
Transmission & drivetrain
15%13 complaints · typically near 4k mi · 11 in the last 2 years
“I was driving and without any type of warning the car stopped shifting so I was barely touching the gas but my tac was all the way up.”
Engine
12%10 complaints · 6 in the last 2 years
“Both exhaust pipes before the catalytic converter are cracked and leaking at the same welded mounting bracket. One of them GM is coving under the extended warranty but…”
Brakes
11%9 complaints · 2 in the last 2 years
“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 coul…”
Recalls (3)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Air Bags · 22V210000
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 · 21V817000
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 · 21V472000
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.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2021 Chevrolet TRAVERSE beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2021? See how every Traverse model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.