FaultScore

2020 Chevrolet Traverse other reported problems

49 of the 294 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse are about the other systems — 17% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 1,450 miles.

C

49

Complaints

2

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Unknown OR Other 48 98.0%
Other/I am not Sure 1 2.0%

Other & Unspecified across every Chevrolet Traverse year

2009 35 6.1%
2010 28 4.8%
2011 36 6.2%
2012 35 6.1%
2013 18 3.1%
2014 44 7.6%
2015 23 4.0%
2016 19 3.3%
2017 18 3.1%
2018 102 17.6%
2019 95 16.4%
2020 49 8.5%
2021 20 3.5%
2022 28 4.8%
2024 12 2.1%
2025 16 2.8%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Newtown, CT

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The welds that hold the catalytic converter and exhaust pipe together have pinhole leaks. The hose that connects to the exhaust system is also failing. This has been confirmed by the Chevy dealership we took it too. No warning lights were triggered. We heard a rattling noise after having a prior hose replaced. One week later we were back at the same dealership. At this appointment they discovered the pinhole leaks and confirmed there are pinhole leaks while revving the engine to 1,000 RPMs. We requested GM pay to fix the issue and they have refused. Our safety is at risk because no sensors were triggered and we could smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle while using the air conditioning. This is not the first issue we had with this vehicle. Prior to this the whole car died while my wife was driving it with our 2 kids in the car with her. She had no steering or braking.

NHTSA complaint #11748616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Deer Park, NY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Getting error message on and off last several weeks - "Shift into park" which does not allow the ignition to be turned off!! The only way to resolve this issue is to jiggle the gear shift or restart the car, changing gears and trying again. Sometimes it works on the second or third try! Frustrating!!! What is it doing to the shift assembly? Have called local dealer they will diagnose and repair at my cost! In the neighborhood of $250.00 for diagnostic, which will be applied to the total repair costs. No idea what that bill will be. General Motors just advises if it needs repair save my receipts in the event of recall for reimbursement. The car only has 21,600 miles!! I have seen other complaints on line and there are videos on You Tube on how to repair this issue, obviously I'm not the only one this is happening to. The gear shift boot and console have to be removed to repair. If the above actions do not work, how do you shut the ignition off??? Just let the car run until it's out of gas??? Not what I would classify as safe! General Motors should be taking steps to rectify this problem immediately but since they have not had "enough" complaints to warrant investigating further they are sitting idly by! HELP!

NHTSA complaint #11746904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Colorado Springs, CO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving the stereo went off, the ac, the car stopped in middle of the road and I lost all electrical. I tried turning back on and the emergency brake light was on and the dash said "Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care.” I was able to put it in neutral and get it out of the way. Battery is good Fuses were all checked 350 replaced Car isn’t starting or Turing over, but some of the lights have turned on.

NHTSA complaint #11740496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bakersfield, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Issue documented in PIP5681C

NHTSA complaint #11728610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wellman, IA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2020 Chevy Traverse High Country Exhaust bank 1 and bank 2. Transmission shudder.

NHTSA complaint #11727645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Campo, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The exhaust has a leak. Loud noise, rattling coming from exhaust. Smell of fumes in the cab of the vehicle. I believe there is a recall for 2018,2019,and 2021 year models for this same issue but no recall for the 2020 model.

NHTSA complaint #11723287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Antonio, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK OF FRONT PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT UNLOCK DOOR. PLUNGER TRIES TO MOVE UP WHEN ENERGIZED BUT STAYS IN LOCKED POSITION. DOOR DESIGN DOES NOT INCLUDE MECHANICAL KEY UNLOCK OVERRIDE. A FIRST RESPONDER WOULD NEED NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS TO LIFT UP THE DOOR LOCK STEM. THIS FAILURE PUTS ANY PASSENGER AT RISK OF DELAYED EXIT. THE LEFT REAR PASSENGER DOOR HAD THIS FAILURE MAY 2024, NO PRIOR SYMPTOMS. THE DRIVER DOOR HAD THIS FAILURE A FEW MONTHS LATER. EACH REPAIR COSTS OVER $700, DEALER IS AWARE OF THESE FAILURES. NO WARNINGS OF THIS FAILURE VISIBLE. NO INSPECTIONS MADE OTHER THAN DEALER

NHTSA complaint #11722851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Virginia Beach, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2020 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles may experience a loud, rumbling exhaust leak caused by a failing front exhaust pipe bracket weld, frequently noted in complaints. While special coverage exists for other model years, 2020 owners are experiencing similar issues, with some reports suggesting it may not be covered under the same official, extended recall. My vehicle is experiencing the same issues that the 2019, 2021, and 2022 model are experiencing why is my 2020 and other owners of a 2020 year skipped to be covered for this identical problem.

NHTSA complaint #11722745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eureka, MO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Front exhaust bracket weld failed creating a hole in the exhaust system, as covered by GM Bulletin PIP5681C. This resulted in a loud noise as well as exhaust leaking into the cabin since it is near the engine, right above the drivers center console

NHTSA complaint #11720505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Las Vegas, NV

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle just suddendenly shuts down when driven on the freeway, according to Tillery Chevrolet GMC the engine cracked and needed to replaced for total of $17,291.94

NHTSA complaint #11710032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Leonardtown, MD

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The backup camera system on my 2020 Chevrolet Traverse fails repeatedly and intermittently. When shifting into reverse, the camera frequently displays a black screen, a crossed-out camera icon, or an error message indicating the camera is unavailable. I have brought the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealership multiple times for this issue. The dealer has replaced the rear/front camera twice and replaced a corroded cable, but the problem continues to occur. The repairs have not permanently resolved the issue. The failure happens unpredictably and makes it unsafe to reverse the vehicle, especially around pedestrians, children, or obstacles. This vehicle is equipped with a federally required backup camera, and its repeated failure presents a safety concern. The problem appears to be a recurring defect rather than normal wear, as many other Chevrolet Traverse owners have reported similar issues online. I am concerned this may indicate a broader defect affecting this model year.

NHTSA complaint #11709582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bridgeport, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Burning oil. There is something wrong. I took it to the dealership i still have warranty i really think this needs to be looked into.

NHTSA complaint #11708922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mount Airy, MD

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Leaking exhaust noise at start up began around 9/22/25. Noise became louder over the following week. Check engine light came on morning of 9/24/25. Immediately took it to local GM dealership for inspection. Dealership first said it was a cracked front exhaust pipe at the bracket and then they called back and said rear pipe at the bracket was broken also the whole system needed to be replaced because the brackets were not separate but welded directly to the pipe. The estimate was over $1300. Dealership then said the error coded was probably because of the exhaust pipe and catalytic converter and that they require replacement. I discovered there are already recalls and special coverage for the same issue on the 2019, 2021 and 2022 year models of this vehicle. I contacted GM and they acknowledged the problem in other model years before and after but said there isn't enough complaints for this model year. This is a known problem and design flaw. This needs to be addressed by GM immediately. NONE of the welds have held on any parts of the exhaust system or the catalytic converter.

NHTSA complaint #11697890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bellville, OH

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Due to exhaust bracket failure where converter with muffler and side down pipe needs replaced. This was diagnosed at the Chevy dealer and appointment for repair is made. The exhaust suddenly became very loud so I took it to the dealership. There were no messages or warning lamps.

NHTSA complaint #11694987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sulphur, LA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When I put my car in park and turn it off I get an error message that I need to "Shift to Park". It shows in the dash that it is in park but my radio, and lights stay on. I have to restart my car and put it in park, reverse, or neutral and try to put it in park again. I takes several try's to make the error message go away.

NHTSA complaint #11693519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newport News, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Rattling noise when starting vehicle started occurring a year ago. Dealership diagnosed a broken bracket weld that holds the exhaust pipes in place. Dealership cut off bracket. A year later there is a hole in one of the exhaust pipes because of the broken bracket and a check engine light comes on. There is a recall for the 2018-2023 Traverse models EXCEPT the 2020 year for the exact same issue. Why is every other covered but not the 2020? Why do I have to pay for a known GM issue that causes a hole in the exhaust pipes from their crappy bracket welds? This is an emissions issue yet we are being denied by our dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11689205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Virginia Beach, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I own two 2020 Chevrolete Traverse. I am currently dealing with my second one that has an exhaust leak at the forward joining exhaust bracket. This is a poor design for a hanging exhaust and is a known issue for the 2019 and 2021 models, but not the 2020. These other years have a special coverage to repair the forward exhaust but not the 2020 traverse because there have not been enough reports on it. I already paid out of pocket to repair my other 2020 traverse with this known problem and I refuse to do it again because of a design flaw. This needs to be addressed by Chevrolete immediately.

NHTSA complaint #11687248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Antonio, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Exhaust and catalytic converters keep breaking off causing loud noise and check engine light to stay on

NHTSA complaint #11684908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Okawville, IL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Catalyst converter bracket on the front of my exhaust is broken causing loud noise and the check engine light to remain on. This should be in connection with specialized coverage program N212356540

NHTSA complaint #11683337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gainesville, GA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Leaking exhaust noise at start up began around 7/14/25. Noise became louder over the following week. Check engine light came on morning of 7/25. Immediately took it to local GM dealership for inspection. Dealership first said it was a cracked front exhaust pipe but then they also determined that the check engine light was from the catalytic converter. Dealership said both the exhaust pipe and catalytic converter require replacement. Through research, we discovered there are already recalls and special coverage for the same issue on the 2019, 2021 and 2022 year models of this vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11677374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wampum, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Exhaust system developed a hole due to poor weld, Bulletin # PIP5681A. Updated 10-5-20 to include 2020 Traverse. Fumes are getting into the cabin.

NHTSA complaint #11673347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mesa, AZ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The car started making a weird sound, thought it was transmission because it only happened when i accelerated. Took it to the dealership abd they wanted to charge me $1000 plus labor. I said no,this is a deffect and it should be covefed by the warranty, the said it wasnt. So i took it to a exhaust shop and they welded it but it cracked again and after a while, it actually tore a little hole into the muffler. So i let it be, maybe make the repair when i had the money to spare. But money being the issue, i went to a muffler shop and had it re soldered, it worked for a while, but now its back. It sucks thay gm put out the recall for specific vehicles knowing that it is a very general thing. Plase help me.

NHTSA complaint #11661659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spring Hill, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

It just started showing a error message to SHIFT TO PARK when the car is already in Park. I took it to Register Chevrolet in Brooksville, Fl on May 14, 2025 and they said it needed a whole new shifter that it is defective. This is a major safety issue. I can currently still turn the car off but alarms start going off and was told I may not be able to turn the vehicle off or not lock the doors and could drain the battery. This is absolutely ridiculous there has not been a recall on the safety issue. I have seen that hundreds of others have had the same issue and there has been class action lawsuits. The dealership said it would be around $800 to fix the defective part. Also, I purchased the vehicle in Ohio but moved to Florida in Sep.2021.

NHTSA complaint #11661095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oklahoma City, OK

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The car violently shudders when it attempts to shift from 1st to 2nd gear. This happens every time I drive the car and I'm unsure what's wrong with it. I am unable to accelerate quickly when attempting to drive on the highway or when making a turn and am afraid of being hit because it won't accelerate shift gears as it should. I've taken it to the Chevy dealership twice, and the issue was not addressed as requested so, I researched online and learned that this is a common issue in Chevy Traverses, and it doesn't seem to be fixed, even after dealership intervention. I'm wondering if this is why the dealership is hesitant to address the issue. I am concerned for my family's safety.

NHTSA complaint #11657697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Maricopa, AZ

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Mounting bracket on front exhaust pipe separated from the exhaust pipe while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11654717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Columbia, SC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Broken exhaust pipe brackets

NHTSA complaint #11654432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Piedmont, OK

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Front exhaust pipe broken causing check engine light and vehicle to sound rough. It is an emissions issue. This has been confirmed with a dealership. The issue started around middle of March 2025 when check engine light came on.

NHTSA complaint #11653905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Huntsville, AL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle start stop feature is malfunctioning (I have a video) .When stopping or coming to a stop after driving through the city, at random times sometimes back to back when being stopped it goes down to 1 rpm then the auto stop feature kicks on and when it's time to depress the break to move again it malfunctions then sounds like a circular saw slicing through metal. At times you have put car in park hit engine ignition button to make it stop then wait a few seconds then start it back up. There's also a smell of strong fuel vapors coming in through the vents including defrost. Navigation stopped working ( turn by turn ) feature, also sounds as if the front end is knocking around going over speed bumps, the front right wheel has an odd rub sound that increases when accelerating. The gas also with a full tank depletes nearly within a day, and ait being a V6 should not guzzle $50 in fuel of 87 grade petrol. This thing is a rolling safety hazard. I have a wife and 6 children I transport daily. If something happens and we are injured I will sue your entire company General Motors.

NHTSA complaint #11636502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clemmons, NC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My backup camera only works about 3% of the time. If the temp are too cold or too hot then the screen goes black with a red triangle. Frequently, this occurs when I'm in the process of backing up and I lose all visibility. I almost struck a pedestrian this morning. I've already had the cable repaired at the dealership once but it immediately began not working about 2 weeks later. I had taken it back to the dealership but they were unable to repair because the representative could not reproduce the error when he attempted to back up. I have videos of what is occurring.

NHTSA complaint #11636325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

De Pere, WI Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was driving to work at 0530 on 11/10/24. I was on the highway driving the speed limit. A light came on that read "service ESC". Within 2 minutes of this light coming on, I heard a loud noise and the tail end of my car started to spin out. My power steering went out, my brakes did not work and I hit the guard rail very hard. The "electronic stability control" system in my car, turned off on me with only a minute warning, and almost killed me. My car was totaled and deemed a complete loss. Any advice would be appreciated.

NHTSA complaint #11630105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2020 Chevrolet Traverse problems

← Full 2020 Chevrolet Traverse report