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2016 Chevrolet Traverse

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 302.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

89 reports with mileage · 202 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 163 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports1 fire reports6 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

26 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2025
Electrical System

Front lights started dimming about the middle of April 2025 and now both back lights are out at the same time on June 3rd 2025.The car makes a rough grinding noise as it switches gears.

NHTSA ODI #11664763

Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2025
Electrical SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other

I had to replace the timing chain. I had to replace the Torque Converter. New issues: Interior lights on the dash and radio have been going out while driving. Message center warning has been not working sometimes when using remote start in winter. Sometimes it just goes blank while driving.

NHTSA ODI #11651715

Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

While driving on highway, experienced sudden/acute loss of engine power. Depressed acceleration pedal, but no response from engine. No CEL. Pulled to the shoulder and vehicle couldn't start. Key starter clicks but won’t turn over. No CEL. Still have some electrical power because radio, dash lights, and AC remain on. Could not…

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While driving on highway, experienced sudden/acute loss of engine power. Depressed acceleration pedal, but no response from engine. No CEL. Pulled to the shoulder and vehicle couldn't start. Key starter clicks but won’t turn over. No CEL. Still have some electrical power because radio, dash lights, and AC remain on. Could not jump start, batt indicated 12V. Car has been to repair shop 8 times since Nov 2020 (purchased April 2019 used 38k miles) for same issue. Mechanics find they cannot replicate the issue. Has caused accident by sudden deceleration in high speed traffic conditions (highway).

NHTSA ODI #11516153

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

Vehicle stalled going down the road. Warranty covered for new engine replacement. Then it was found that the transmission was no good. Warranty paid for new transmission. Vehicle still acting like it wants to stall after new engine, transmission, and battery. Would like to know what caused the problem to begin with and would lik…

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Vehicle stalled going down the road. Warranty covered for new engine replacement. Then it was found that the transmission was no good. Warranty paid for new transmission. Vehicle still acting like it wants to stall after new engine, transmission, and battery. Would like to know what caused the problem to begin with and would like a full repair of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11507726

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2023
Air BagsElectrical SystemLane Departure

Blind spot side detection modules failed due to water intrusion / corrosion (known design defect). As a result, the computer system shorted out, which caused the computer to go into a type of fault mode. While we driving down the road, the blinkers stopped working, the gauges (including speedometer) stopped working, the screens …

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Blind spot side detection modules failed due to water intrusion / corrosion (known design defect). As a result, the computer system shorted out, which caused the computer to go into a type of fault mode. While we driving down the road, the blinkers stopped working, the gauges (including speedometer) stopped working, the screens turned off, and the airbag and tire pressure warning lights activated. This is a known issue, according to the dealer repair department. A basic Google search indicates that many people are having this problem. This is a big safety issue because all of these things happened spontaneously while we were driving the vehicle. Repairing the faulty blind spot side detection modules fixes the problem--a $1,900 repair bill. GM should be made to recall these vehicles. GM should be made to reimburse customers for these repairs.

NHTSA ODI #11506430

Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2022
Electrical SystemLane DepartureUnknown Or Other

When sitting in a parking lot when the car was running, many different service now lights flashed across the dashboard. The lights on the side mirrors were on and still on. We turned off the car and the heater engine was still running even without the key in the ignition. When we tried to restart the car, it did absolutely nothi…

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When sitting in a parking lot when the car was running, many different service now lights flashed across the dashboard. The lights on the side mirrors were on and still on. We turned off the car and the heater engine was still running even without the key in the ignition. When we tried to restart the car, it did absolutely nothing. Would not turn over or even click. It was worked on in the parking lot for 3 hours to get it to start. We had to disconnected a cord on the side of the dash and door locks, all wheel drive, driver side windows and the rear door would not work. A day later we plugged the cord back in and all the components worked except the lights on side mirrors were still on. After taking it to a dealer they confirmed that they had serviced other Chevrolet Traverse's that had the same problems. If this would have happened in traffic it could have caused an accident. No warning lamps, messages or other problems prior to this incident.

NHTSA ODI #11461794

52,000 miles · Apr 11, 2021
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THEN I STARTED IT UP AND THREE ERROR MESSAGES WERE BLINKING: SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL OFF, AND SERVICE STABILITY TRACTION. THE LIGHT WITH VEHICLE AND TIRE MARKS BEHIND IT WAS ON AS WELL. WHEN I STARTED TO DRIVE IT WOULD CUT IN AND OUT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE. THE REAR INSTRUMENT PANEL FO…

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MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THEN I STARTED IT UP AND THREE ERROR MESSAGES WERE BLINKING: SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL OFF, AND SERVICE STABILITY TRACTION. THE LIGHT WITH VEHICLE AND TIRE MARKS BEHIND IT WAS ON AS WELL. WHEN I STARTED TO DRIVE IT WOULD CUT IN AND OUT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE. THE REAR INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR AC/HEAT ALSO GETS EXTREMELY HOT. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 52,000 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ODI #11407524

Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2021
Electrical System

THE DRIVERS INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) IS SO DIM IT IS UNREADABLE DURING THE DAY. THE OTHER FUNCTIONS OF THE PHOTOCELL (E.G. - DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS) FUNCTION FINE. THE LIGHT SWITCH FOR IT IS TURNED ALL THE WAY UP. IT FUNCTIONS FINE AT NIGHT. THEREFORE,DURING THE DAY I AM NOT ABLE TO READ ANY WARNINGS ON IT, OR ANY OF THE OTH…

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THE DRIVERS INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) IS SO DIM IT IS UNREADABLE DURING THE DAY. THE OTHER FUNCTIONS OF THE PHOTOCELL (E.G. - DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS) FUNCTION FINE. THE LIGHT SWITCH FOR IT IS TURNED ALL THE WAY UP. IT FUNCTIONS FINE AT NIGHT. THEREFORE,DURING THE DAY I AM NOT ABLE TO READ ANY WARNINGS ON IT, OR ANY OF THE OTHER INFORMATION, SUCH AS TIRE PRESSURE OR FUEL CONSUMPTION DATA. DURING THE DAY WHEN IT IS MALFUNCTIONING, IF I COVER UP THE PHOTOCELL ON THE CENTER TOP OF THE DASH FOR 20-30 SECONDS, THE VEHICLE RESORTS TO NIGHT TIME SETTINGS, AND THE DIC IS LIT APPROPRIATELY FOR NIGHTTIME.. IF I THEN UNCOVER THE PHOTOCELL, AFTER 20-30 SECONDS THE VEHICLE RESORTS BACK TO DAYTIME SETTINGS. THE DIC THEN IS LIT NORMALLY FOR DAYTIME. THIS NORMAL FUNCTIONING OF THE DIC WILL LAST 10 SECONDS SOMETIMES, OTHER TIMES FOR AN HOUR. IT THEN ONCE AGAIN BECOMES SO DIM AS TO BE UNREADABLE. (IT IS DIM, NOT BLANK). MY CHEVY DEALER DOES NOT KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON, AND SAID THEY HAVE NO INFORMATION FROM GM. THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM I HAVE ALONE, AS SEVERAL BLOGS DISCUSS THIS PROBLEM. FOR EXAMPLE - HTTPS://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T51747_DS1014246. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SEARCH FOR: CHEVY TRAVERSE DRIVERS INFORMATION CENTER PROBLEMS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHAT IF MY TIRE PRESSURE IS STARTING TO RAPIDLY DECLINE AND I CANNOT SEE THAT? WHAT IF I AM UNABLE TO SEE HOW MANY MILES I LEFT IN GAS? CHEVY DOES NOT APPEAR TO ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 96,000 MILES, AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. IT HAS ONLY BEEN SERVICED BY A CHEVY DEALER. THERE ARE NO AFTER MARKET ACCESSORIES OR ALTERATIONS. THIS STARTED ABOUT A YEAR AGO, BUT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING MORE OFTEN. BLOGS INDICATE REPLACING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FIXES THE PROBLEM, BUT NO WORD FROM CHEVY ON THAT.

NHTSA ODI #11407120

73,846 miles · Apr 1, 2021
Back Over PreventionElectrical SystemEngine

BATTERY KEEPS DYING INSTALLED NEW BATTERY SAME THING CHEVY FOURM SAYS CABLE FROM BATTER TO ENGINE DEFECTIVE CAME OUT VEHIE BEEN STATIONARY TO START DEAD SAME THING AGAIN HAD TO HAVE CHEVY SERVICE JUMP START US FIRST TIME AN ENGINE HAS LOUD TICKING AND SLUGGISH AT LOW HEAT VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED CERTIFIED PRE OWNED HAVE PUT 3500 M…

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BATTERY KEEPS DYING INSTALLED NEW BATTERY SAME THING CHEVY FOURM SAYS CABLE FROM BATTER TO ENGINE DEFECTIVE CAME OUT VEHIE BEEN STATIONARY TO START DEAD SAME THING AGAIN HAD TO HAVE CHEVY SERVICE JUMP START US FIRST TIME AN ENGINE HAS LOUD TICKING AND SLUGGISH AT LOW HEAT VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED CERTIFIED PRE OWNED HAVE PUT 3500 MIKE'S IN IT SINCE PURCHASE.

NHTSA ODI #11405895

Mileage unknown · Nov 9, 2020
Electrical SystemInjury

WHILE DRIVING DOWN HWY 175, VEHICLES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITH MESSAGE 'SERVICE STABILITRAK' FOLLOWED BY AN ABRUPT LOSS OF POWER. HAPPENS REGULARLY AND WITHOUT WARNING.

NHTSA ODI #11373736

Official recalls

5

23V334000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

May 10, 2023

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. GM began mailing final owner letters February 23, 2024 and will continue mailing through December 2025. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232404980.

21V782000 · Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Oct 7, 2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 3, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 10, 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 N212349040.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 3, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 10, 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 N212349040.

Air Bags:frontal

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 3, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 10, 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 N212349040.

21V246000 · Air Bags:critical Fasteners

Apr 8, 2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.

15V833000 · Seats

Dec 11, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured November 6, 2015, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a the third row left lower seat frame that may have welds that are not in the correction location.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the seat frame is not welded in the correct places, the seat may not perform as intended, and in the event of a crash, the seat occupant could be at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third row left side lower seat frame, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 21930.

15V609000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

Sep 29, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015. Due to a manufacturing defect, the windshield wiper motor may overheat when used.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A wiper motor that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover assembly, free of charge. Owners are advised not to use their front windshield wipers until the wiper cover has been replaced. If weather conditions prevent operation of the vehicle without using the windshield wipers, GM will make arrangements to pick up the vehicle for servicing. The recall began on September 30, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15780.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.