Owners have filed 432 complaints
about the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 18 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 49
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Traverse. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 44
8.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 77
45% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2017 compares with every other Chevrolet Traverse
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
55.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1010.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2323.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3535.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1616.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
66.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
33.0%
150,000+ miles
22.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2017peak 24Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202327742,154 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver-front airbag inflator could rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash. If this happens, the airbag may not properly inflate and fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants. Safety Risk: An airbag inflator that ruptures can create a risk of injury or death. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the driver-front airbag module.
Recall 20216198 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver-front airbag inflator could rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash. If this happens, the airbag may not properly inflate and fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants. Note: This recall only affects certain driver-front airbag inflators with a lot number identified from a suspect lot. Safety Risk: An airbag inflator that ruptures can create a risk of injury or death. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the driver-front airbag module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Lakewood, CACrashFire1 injured
AIR BAGS
The driver door main window control panel and steering wheel, where the airbags seem to deploy from, have both had to be repaired/recalled parts installed on multiple occasions however the main window control panel still does not work and it started shorting out my battery ultimately locking my keys in the ignition, leaving OnStar as well as my key fob panic alarm unable to be used. After getting the steering wheel recalled airbag part installed at Penske Chevy, I received yet another recall notice saying that despite that install they still feared for my safety driving it, and that they would let me know when a new part was available. However now my battery is completely dead, I have not been m able to work and have been evicted from my home forced to live in my sweltering 2017 Traverse with no AC, No OnStar emergency services, not even a panic alarm to rely on. On top of that I cannot roll the windows all the way up which is a major safety concern considering I'm a single, disabled, [XXX] female living on the streets in my vehicle alone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11744489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, CACrashFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The driver door main window control panel and steering wheel, where the airbags seem to deploy from, have both had to be repaired/recalled parts installed on multiple occasions however the main window control panel still does not work and it started shorting out my battery ultimately locking my keys in the ignition, leaving OnStar as well as my key fob panic alarm unable to be used. After getting the steering wheel recalled airbag part installed at Penske Chevy, I received yet another recall notice saying that despite that install they still feared for my safety driving it, and that they would let me know when a new part was available. However now my battery is completely dead, I have not been m able to work and have been evicted from my home forced to live in my sweltering 2017 Traverse with no AC, No OnStar emergency services, not even a panic alarm to rely on. On top of that I cannot roll the windows all the way up which is a major safety concern considering I'm a single, disabled, [XXX] female living on the streets in my vehicle alone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11744489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, CACrashFire1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
The driver door main window control panel and steering wheel, where the airbags seem to deploy from, have both had to be repaired/recalled parts installed on multiple occasions however the main window control panel still does not work and it started shorting out my battery ultimately locking my keys in the ignition, leaving OnStar as well as my key fob panic alarm unable to be used. After getting the steering wheel recalled airbag part installed at Penske Chevy, I received yet another recall notice saying that despite that install they still feared for my safety driving it, and that they would let me know when a new part was available. However now my battery is completely dead, I have not been m able to work and have been evicted from my home forced to live in my sweltering 2017 Traverse with no AC, No OnStar emergency services, not even a panic alarm to rely on. On top of that I cannot roll the windows all the way up which is a major safety concern considering I'm a single, disabled, [XXX] female living on the streets in my vehicle alone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11744489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Taylor, MICrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The battery tray located behind the passenger seat in the floor was compromised by a piece of steel debris on the highway. The battery split in half and battery acid came through the access door in the floor which was also inadequately secured. The door flew into the compartment along with battery acid from the split battery. and came disconnected exposing the passenger compartment. The vehicle is still available for inspection. My wife was struck by battery acid, luckily she had on a winter jacket protecting her arm, the sleeve was completely coated. She did receive minor 1st degree burns on her face and evidence of abrasions on her right cornea as well. If anyone was in the back seat the passengers would have suffered major leg injuries from the impact and flying debris. They would have had major chemical burns from the battery acid entering the passenger area, the acid completely coated the back seat and passenger rear door as well as the headliner. The vehicle has not het been to a dealer due to pending legal actions and insurance review. No inspection of the component has been done as of yet. There were no warning indicators present.
NHTSA complaint #11641071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wetumpka, ALCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
2017 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO BRAKE FAILURE AND UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED IT CRASHED INTO AN APARTMENT BUILDING. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE DRIVER WAS NOT HURT BUT, A RESIDENT WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #11476861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duluth, MNCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased this vehicle in June, 2021 and had noticed that it sometimes lurched forward a few feet when I applied the brakes. I made an appointment to have the vehicle’s brakes checked. While merging onto 12th Street in Rochester, MN at less than 15 mph, I had to apply brakes suddenly to avoid stopped car in front of me. The brakes worked but the car also accelerated and smashed into the stopped car in front of us, leaving a dent in that car’s rear fender, smashing our headlight shield, and making it difficult for our driver side door to open because the fender and door had to space between them. There were 6 similar complaints about 2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles at carcomplaints.com, where I also posted. I called the national phone line for General Motors because I was concerned about safety. GM sent an investigator to my home to take photos and electronic codes. They set up a claim for me, although I was only looking for a potential safety recall. Weeks later, they contacted me to say my claim was denied. When I asked for more details, they told me the engineers had concluded that I stepped on the gas rather than the brake. This didn’t make sense to me since both the brake and the accelerator had engaged. The gas pedal is recessed far closer to the floor than the brake pedal. While it is possible that my boot could have pressed on each of them at the same time since I reacted quickly, it's unlikely. I also wonder if the cruise control had engaged since, on this vehicle, it doesn't turn off and require you to turn it on again when you stop the engine and restart it. I requested the engineering data, which they sent me and I kept.
NHTSA complaint #11472843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Ridgewood, NY
POWER TRAIN
Transmission body throttle and TCM had to be replaced a year after purchase because of failing shifts, reverse failed to work completely.
NHTSA complaint #11754022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kewanna, IN
TIRES
Tire size P255/55R20. I purchased 4 new tires February 2023 from Jim Dobson Ford in Winamac, In. I've taken my car back there at least 4 if not 5 times because of vibration. I finally took my car to a different facility and they showed me where 2 of my tires that was in the rear are separating and need replaced. I feel these tires was defective from the start, my car was like riding on air before I purchased these tires. They was supposed to be a 65,000 mile tire, they have 40,000 miles on them. I tired to utilize the warranty but the manager at Jim Dobson will not file warranty on them because he said Bridgestone will not honor warranty. These tires are a safety hazard, I have parked my car until I can get different tires put on them
NHTSA complaint #11753018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OH
POWER TRAIN
THERE is a recall for the year, make and model for driver side airbag, also to do with transmission slipping and both of those I'm currently having issues with on my vehicle but with my vin its not coming up for any of the recalls but I want to request a Investigation on if my vehicle or any other of the same year be added to the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11745215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OH
AIR BAGS
THERE is a recall for the year, make and model for driver side airbag, also to do with transmission slipping and both of those I'm currently having issues with on my vehicle but with my vin its not coming up for any of the recalls but I want to request a Investigation on if my vehicle or any other of the same year be added to the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11745215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OH
ENGINE
THERE is a recall for the year, make and model for driver side airbag, also to do with transmission slipping and both of those I'm currently having issues with on my vehicle but with my vin its not coming up for any of the recalls but I want to request a Investigation on if my vehicle or any other of the same year be added to the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11745215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Remsen, NY
AIR BAGS
Dealership Lead car GMC Utica, verified code B0074 passenger presence sensor/module, found module internally faulty verified power and ground. This puts safety at risk because the passenger side air bags are off because of the faulty sensor. There is TBS on this issue. Dealership confirmed problem. there were no warning messages before failure, it just failed and now service air bags light is on, and passenger air bags are off. Has not been repaired because the want 1259.73 for the part, I believe this should be a recall, as the air bags are off and won't work because of the fault sensor/module.
NHTSA complaint #11744689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, CACrashFire1 injured
AIR BAGS
The driver door main window control panel and steering wheel, where the airbags seem to deploy from, have both had to be repaired/recalled parts installed on multiple occasions however the main window control panel still does not work and it started shorting out my battery ultimately locking my keys in the ignition, leaving OnStar as well as my key fob panic alarm unable to be used. After getting the steering wheel recalled airbag part installed at Penske Chevy, I received yet another recall notice saying that despite that install they still feared for my safety driving it, and that they would let me know when a new part was available. However now my battery is completely dead, I have not been m able to work and have been evicted from my home forced to live in my sweltering 2017 Traverse with no AC, No OnStar emergency services, not even a panic alarm to rely on. On top of that I cannot roll the windows all the way up which is a major safety concern considering I'm a single, disabled, [XXX] female living on the streets in my vehicle alone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11744489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, CACrashFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The driver door main window control panel and steering wheel, where the airbags seem to deploy from, have both had to be repaired/recalled parts installed on multiple occasions however the main window control panel still does not work and it started shorting out my battery ultimately locking my keys in the ignition, leaving OnStar as well as my key fob panic alarm unable to be used. After getting the steering wheel recalled airbag part installed at Penske Chevy, I received yet another recall notice saying that despite that install they still feared for my safety driving it, and that they would let me know when a new part was available. However now my battery is completely dead, I have not been m able to work and have been evicted from my home forced to live in my sweltering 2017 Traverse with no AC, No OnStar emergency services, not even a panic alarm to rely on. On top of that I cannot roll the windows all the way up which is a major safety concern considering I'm a single, disabled, [XXX] female living on the streets in my vehicle alone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11744489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, CACrashFire1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
The driver door main window control panel and steering wheel, where the airbags seem to deploy from, have both had to be repaired/recalled parts installed on multiple occasions however the main window control panel still does not work and it started shorting out my battery ultimately locking my keys in the ignition, leaving OnStar as well as my key fob panic alarm unable to be used. After getting the steering wheel recalled airbag part installed at Penske Chevy, I received yet another recall notice saying that despite that install they still feared for my safety driving it, and that they would let me know when a new part was available. However now my battery is completely dead, I have not been m able to work and have been evicted from my home forced to live in my sweltering 2017 Traverse with no AC, No OnStar emergency services, not even a panic alarm to rely on. On top of that I cannot roll the windows all the way up which is a major safety concern considering I'm a single, disabled, [XXX] female living on the streets in my vehicle alone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11744489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamstown, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving my entire dashboard goes dark and once I shut my car off it did not start again. Brought it to the mechanic who is rated as 5 stars, to have no codes come up. He has been looking for the answer for over 5 months now. Car will start for a short time then do the same thing all over again. No clicking when turning the key, new battery put in, remote control module replaced and car still doesn’t start. I still owe on this car and have no idea what to do with it.
NHTSA complaint #11741095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamstown, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving my entire dashboard goes dark and once I shut my car off it did not start again. Brought it to the mechanic who is rated as 5 stars, to have no codes come up. He has been looking for the answer for over 5 months now. Car will start for a short time then do the same thing all over again. No clicking when turning the key, new battery put in, remote control module replaced and car still doesn’t start. I still owe on this car and have no idea what to do with it.
NHTSA complaint #11741095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Daleville, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sometimes my backup camera will not show a screen. I have considerable amount of trouble trying to connect my phone to the car. Hands down can I use the GPS on the car. Lights do not come on my dashboard. The RPM bounces up and down from starting it all the way to the while you're driving. The car does not want to stay started it does not like to go it does not hands down not like sitting still. I've either replaced or cleaned four different parts for this problem. 2017 Chevy traverse is a horrible vehicle, that doesn't like to be used. Honestly just take it back and junk it
NHTSA complaint #11739570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Daleville, IN
ENGINE
Sometimes my backup camera will not show a screen. I have considerable amount of trouble trying to connect my phone to the car. Hands down can I use the GPS on the car. Lights do not come on my dashboard. The RPM bounces up and down from starting it all the way to the while you're driving. The car does not want to stay started it does not like to go it does not hands down not like sitting still. I've either replaced or cleaned four different parts for this problem. 2017 Chevy traverse is a horrible vehicle, that doesn't like to be used. Honestly just take it back and junk it
NHTSA complaint #11739570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrenton, OR
POWER TRAIN
The transmission is going out at 107K miles and needs to be completely replaced for around $8500 (see attached quote). It has a shudder and has a hard time shifting into third gear. This is a known issue with Traverses.
NHTSA complaint #11734175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesNew Orleans, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse(R), the rear-view camera screen displayed a distorted image. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the front driver’s side window failed to roll up or down occasionally while the power window switch was depressed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the result of the diagnostic test was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11729919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mokena, IL
AIR BAGS
I made an appointment August 2nd, 2024 at Phillips Chevrolet in Frankfort for my airbag recall. They told me they didn’t have the parts, but would call me when they were in. They never did. I made another appointment for April 6th, 2026, almost two years later. I was called again yesterday saying they do not have the parts, but would call me when they were in. How long does it take for recalls to be fixed? What if I was in an accident and the air bags didn’t deploy and my passenger was severely injured or killed? Unacceptable.
NHTSA complaint #11729224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
ENGINE
There is a transmission recall for 2009 to 2017 Chevrolet traverses. My traverse has the exact same transmission and engine as the recall but for some reason GM decided not to add my Vin to the recall. My vehicle is experiencing the exact same issues recorded in the recall. I called the GM dealership who could not help. I called [XXX] directly who told me that customers can’t make any decisions like that. This is unacceptable. If there is an issue with my vehicle due to a recall, then my VIN should have been part of the recall so that I can have the issue fixed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11727568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Key West, FL
AIR BAGS
Chevrolet did not properly repair the vehicle and left it with persistent airbag issues; every time I start the car, a defective airbag indicator appears.
NHTSA complaint #11726031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pennsville, NJ
SUSPENSION
When my vehicle is going between 30-45 mph there is shaking happening. Torque converter feels like its locking up and then releasing.
NHTSA complaint #11721667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pennsville, NJ
ENGINE
When my vehicle is going between 30-45 mph there is shaking happening. Torque converter feels like its locking up and then releasing.
NHTSA complaint #11721667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
AIR BAGS
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: *Drivers side airbag component malfunctioned *Yes the vehicle is available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? *The drivers side airbag component has been ruptured since 2024 and given that the bag could deploy and kill me the driver along with others in the car is very scary and dangerous Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? *I have been trying to have this resolved with Capital Chevrolet in Wake Forest NC since Sept of 2024. They keep giving me the runaround and even made an appointment for me this morning after multiple calls to have the recall resolved. I took my 2017 Traverse into the service department and received a call around 12:37 stating the "parts were not in the service center". I was told 2 days ago when the appointment was made that the parts were available to complete the recall. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? *Only inspected by Capital Chevrolet In Wake Forest twice (1st time when I took the Traverse in for the wheel recall then again today) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? *The only warning lamp was for the wheel recall but not the drivers side airbag. The drivers side airbag component just popped loose around July 2024. I starting calling Capital Chevrolet and finally reached a service advisor call center in Sept 2024 to attempt to schedule an appointment.
NHTSA complaint #11715989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: *Drivers side airbag component malfunctioned *Yes the vehicle is available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? *The drivers side airbag component has been ruptured since 2024 and given that the bag could deploy and kill me the driver along with others in the car is very scary and dangerous Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? *I have been trying to have this resolved with Capital Chevrolet in Wake Forest NC since Sept of 2024. They keep giving me the runaround and even made an appointment for me this morning after multiple calls to have the recall resolved. I took my 2017 Traverse into the service department and received a call around 12:37 stating the "parts were not in the service center". I was told 2 days ago when the appointment was made that the parts were available to complete the recall. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? *Only inspected by Capital Chevrolet In Wake Forest twice (1st time when I took the Traverse in for the wheel recall then again today) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? *The only warning lamp was for the wheel recall but not the drivers side airbag. The drivers side airbag component just popped loose around July 2024. I starting calling Capital Chevrolet and finally reached a service advisor call center in Sept 2024 to attempt to schedule an appointment.
NHTSA complaint #11715989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Cruces, NM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Since I acquired the vehicle at around 100k miles, there is a transmission shift wobble at 30mph, 40mph, 45mph, 60mph and 65mph. I drove a manual transmission for over 10yrs prior to this vehicle and when this transmission wobble happens, I just reved a bit and let the gas go so it shifts better into the next gear. I just got used to it, my worry began when the wobble would happen while on cruise control. No check engine light comes on, there’s no computer codes registering, it just shakes and wobbles like the tranny is gna give out around those speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11714562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Cruces, NM
ENGINE
Since I acquired the vehicle at around 100k miles, there is a transmission shift wobble at 30mph, 40mph, 45mph, 60mph and 65mph. I drove a manual transmission for over 10yrs prior to this vehicle and when this transmission wobble happens, I just reved a bit and let the gas go so it shifts better into the next gear. I just got used to it, my worry began when the wobble would happen while on cruise control. No check engine light comes on, there’s no computer codes registering, it just shakes and wobbles like the tranny is gna give out around those speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11714562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Galesburg, IL
SEAT BELTS
I went to pull seat belt across me and the whole belt including the box that is attached by a wire cable came with it. It's no longer attached to the floor. I didn't have any signs that it was lose or anything it just broke when I got into my seat getting ready to leave my home.
NHTSA complaint #11711915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.