Chevrolet Traverse brake problems

SERVICE BRAKES

My emergency parking brake keeps activating while I’m driving where it is engaging itself while I’m driving almost causing accidents

NHTSA complaint #11762414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

The Defective Software Trigger: vehicle’s dashboard Brake Pad Life Monitor indicated the pads were low showing 19% roughly 3.5-4mm remaning life. Upon arrival to the dealership, I was informed that my rotors would also need to be resurfaced. I contested a mandatory rotor resurfacing policy. I openly disagreed with this arbitrary "store policy" but was forced to comply to get my vehicle serviced. The dealership stated they would refuse to replace the pads unless I paid out-of-pocket for an unnecessary resurfacing. The technician measured my pads at 7mm (over 60% of usable life remaining). My vehicle did not need brakes; it was suffering from a known factory software bug detailed in GM Bulletin 25-NA-029. Rather than identifying this warranty glitch, I was forced to pay for unnecessary vehicle repairs. The technician machined my front rotors and installed new pads. On my way home, the vehicle exhibited severe, violent steering wheel shaking under braking at highway speeds. The technician completely failed to check for runout or machine the rotors evenly. I was forced to drive 90 miles home with a violently vibrating steering system. I called the dealership but the facility was closed. To correct a severe safety hazard caused entirely by the shop, I had to drive an additional 90 miles back to the dealership (a 180-mile total round trip) on compromised brakes. I requested that the dealership replace the ruined rotors and pads at their expense. Management refused instead, to force the shaking to stop and avoid paying for hardware, the dealership refunded the original resurfacing fee (Driver side rotor 29.89mm to 1st resurface 29.20m- Passenger side 29.80mm to 1st resurface 29.25mm) and machined my front J61 rotors a Second time, cutting them down to 27.80mm Driver side and 27.59 mm on my passenger side. I have contacted corporate but I've had no resolution.

NHTSA complaint #11761929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the rear driver's side window failed to open or close while depressing the buttons on the driver's door and on the passenger's door to control the window. While depressing the brake pedal to attempt to slow down, and while in reverse, the brakes were squeaking. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for the window failure. The dealer diagnosed that the brake pads had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 43,632.

NHTSA complaint #11759019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

On 08/15/26, I was at a traffic light waiting to make a left turn on a major roadway. Because the wait was on a hill, the park brake automatically engaged. When the traffic light turned green and as I attempted to accelerate, the electronic parking brake failed to release as it should and normally does. Since the vehicle would not move normally, I was unable to safely make my intended left turn so I had to continue straight in order to get out of the way of moving traffic. As I was driving to a parking lot of a business in the vicinity, my back tires were screeching and smoking as the park brake appeared to remain engaged. I was extremely concerned because I was in active traffic and could not operate the vehicle normally. I attempted to resolve the problem by turning the vehicle off, allowing it to sit for a few minutes and restarting it. After at least 20 tries, I could feel the pressure of the brakes release and I was finally able to move the vehicle normally. This was frightening and placed me and other motorists at risk. I was stopped at a major intersection on a hill when the vehicle failed to operate normally as traffic began moving. Had the parking brake remained engaged, I could have been stranded in moving traffic or potentially involved in a collision. I have experienced this parking-brake problem at least seven times, including this incident, since I have owned this vehicle since 2017. I have also experienced an abnormal condition involving the vehicle in which it would not allow me to shut off the engine when the park brake was engaged therefore wearing out the battery and I had to have it towed to the dealer. I am concerned that there may be an underlying electrical or electronic control-system defect. This greatly concerns me and it should be very alarming to the manufacturer. I have asked the dealer and called Chevrolet HQ to inquire about a recall or at least recoup some of the money I am constantly paying out of pocket.

NHTSA complaint #11757817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

There was a sent out that GM dealers needed to at no cost provide the software update to several vehicles due to a software issue that puts out an emergency warning that the brakes are wearing and are critically low when in fact they are not. Without the new software vehicle owners cannot manually reset the notification even after changing their brakes. I recently took my truck to David Chevrolet who advised me I needed to pay $193 for this software update which goes against the notice from GM and the DOT. I’m now driving without my brake monitoring system on because the dealership will not update my software. I’m filing a complaint because I should not need my brakes changed again by the dealership as I have already replaced perfectly good brakes because I didn’t know there was a software problem. My vehicle is well under the 36k mile and is only two years old.

NHTSA complaint #11756700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

electrical, drivetrain, powertrain. While driving the vehicle a message popped up on the speedometer saying service battery chargeing system and battery saver mode. the is the second time that those messages have come up in the four years of ownership with the first time being in 2024. The second issue we have had with this vehicle was injectors going bad and causing a bad misfire making driveability rough. We have gone through three O2 sensors in the past 4 years. we have replaced the alternator and are fixing to replace it again. the driverside axle seal leaked. transmission slips bad. there is a current random misfire. Back in may of 2025 we were driving to Florida from missouri and had to slam on the brakes and when we released the brake the car refused to move and when i pressed the gas harder there was a loud bang like we had been hit but it was like the brakes had locked up completely. It shudders bad when starting. Two months ago the steering locked up while driving. Vehicle has been inspected several times by the dealer we bought it from but driving this vehicle is becoming my families worst nightmare.

NHTSA complaint #11755713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

This started happening about two weeks ago. My check engine light came on and my OBD scanner said a NOX sensor code showed. I told the dealership and I guess they cleared the code and it hasn’t reappeared but the reduced acceleration has maintained. It was [XXX] I had just go of work and needed gas. While traveling to the gas station I got notification that my acceleration was being reduced and it was very noticeable. After arriving and pumping gas, I started the car and got 3 additional messages. The car aside my brake assist and ESC needed service, my ABS system was off, and my forward collision system was off. While driving, I noticed that the brakes were still working but acceleration was still being reduced. This is an everyday use car and I have a 6 children who I don’t feel are safe anymore in the car. Not being able to utilize the brakes and the reduced acceleration is very concerning especially when in traffic. I have a little over 27500 miles on the car. It just came from the dealership to get the telematics module replaced last week because it went out about a month ago. I’ve only had this car a year and it seems like the issues are becoming more common everyday. I will be taking care back to dealership tomorrow. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11754653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

I am writing to express my disappointment with the quality and reliability of my vehicle. Since purchasing it, I have had to return it to the dealership on five separate occasions due to ongoing defects and mechanical issues. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the Super Cruise system failed to function properly and required service. At approximately 15,000 miles, I was informed that the brake pads were already excessively worn and needed replacement, which I believe is premature for a vehicle with such low mileage. Most recently, the check engine light illuminated, requiring another visit to the dealership for diagnosis and repair. These repeated issues have caused significant inconvenience, wasted time, and disrupted my daily life. I purchased this vehicle expecting it to be safe, dependable, and of high quality. Instead, I have experienced recurring problems that have seriously affected my confidence in the vehicle. Given the number of repair visits and the ongoing defects, I respectfully request that General Motors review my case and provide an appropriate resolution. I would appreciate a prompt response and a fair remedy to address these continuing issues. Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

NHTSA complaint #11753149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

There is a known issue with the software / brake monitoring system with the 2024 Chevy traverse. The brake pad sensor is faulty and the vehicles warning system tells you that your brake pads are critically low when in reality they are not. Even after you change the brakes and put a new sensor you cannot clear the notification. The only way to reset this is to either take it to the dealership for them to change your brakes or pay $200 to obtain the fix for the software. Now this is bricks maintenance meaning as the consumer you should be able to maintain your vehicle on your own but GM has made this impossible which will force the consumer to turn off their brake monitoring system to remove the faulty warning. This is a safety risk for the consumer and the other people on the roads. This update should be done free of charge but they refuse to do it.

NHTSA complaint #11751986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

VEHICLE: 2024/2025 Chevrolet Traverse RS COMPONENT: Electronic eBoost Brake Master Cylinder Assembly DESCRIPTION: Within a few months of purchasing the vehicle, the brake pedal began exhibiting excessive free play (long pedal travel) and significantly delayed stopping behavior, particularly dangerous at highway speeds. The vehicle requires substantially more stopping distance than normal, creating an imminent rear-end collision risk. This defect has been brought to the dealership's attention twice already. The vehicle was just serviced and returned for this same issue. After each service visit, the brakes temporarily function normally for only 500 to 1,000 miles before the dangerous delayed braking behavior returns. Previous dealer repairs included bleeding the brake lines and updating the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) software — both failed to permanently resolve the issue. The root cause appears to be an internal bypass leak within the electronic eBoost brake master cylinder assembly, where defective internal rubber cartridge seals allow pressurized fluid to slip past them over time, progressively degrading braking performance until the next service intervention. This is a REPEAT safety failure. The vehicle has been serviced for this identical brake defect TWICE, and the condition returns each time within 500–1,000 miles of the repair. This issue is documented under GM Service Update N242482170 and TSB 25-NA-029, and is the subject of active class-action litigation affecting 2024–2025 GM SUVs. The driver and all vehicle occupants are placed at serious risk of injury or death due to the inability to stop the vehicle within a safe distance during normal highway driving conditions.

NHTSA complaint #11751910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Vehicle: 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 Mileage at first incident: 25,821 My 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 experienced multiple safety‑critical electrical and ADAS failures. The vehicle had a Reduced Acceleration / limp‑mode event, accompanied by a strong antifreeze odor inside and outside the vehicle. Dealer diagnostics on 06/29/2026 and 07/16/2026 confirmed several trouble codes affecting the engine, braking system, and collision‑avoidance systems. The following diagnostic trouble codes were recorded: P3705 – Engine Coolant Pump Control Circuit Low (engine cooling fault) C0609 – Park Brake Actuator / Switch Signal Fault (brake system logic fault)-Active 6.29.26 10:12:43AM U160A – Lost Communication With Serial Data Gateway Module (CAN‑bus gateway failure)-Active 6.29.26 10:12:43AM U197A – Lost Communication With Front Radar Sensor Module (forward collision warning / AEB disabled)-Active 6.29.26 10:12:43AM These faults caused loss of radar‑based safety features, including Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The vehicle displayed warnings and temporarily disabled ADAS functions. The Reduced Acceleration event created a hazardous situation in traffic. The dealer attributed the incident to “low coolant,” but the diagnostic codes clearly show electrical and communication failures across multiple safety‑critical modules. The antifreeze odor continues, suggesting a possible coolant leak or unresolved cooling system issue. The vehicle has been inspected by GM technicians, and the codes were documented on both visits but they say car is fine. The safety systems affected include brakes, engine cooling, electrical CAN‑bus communication, and collision‑avoidance radar modules. I am requesting NHTSA to record this complaint and evaluate whether these failures represent a broader safety defect in the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71.

NHTSA complaint #11751224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

While driving on the highway all of a sudden the vehicle started to vibrate and smell like metal burning . Merged off the highway to find my brakes where super hot. Pulled over for a little bit and drove home very slowly . Mechanic said the pads were locked on the rotors and completely destroyed both pads and rotors. Will be taking vehicle to chevy dealer because I dont feel safe driving my family .

NHTSA complaint #11750730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

The car will be placed in park but keeps saying shift to park. Then I have to turn the car on and off clicking the shift button till it will finally shut off. One time it took ten minutes. This needs to be a recall!!! Specifically since it seems to be affecting many of the cars!!!

NHTSA complaint #11749378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

My breaks have been squealing on my 2024 Traverse since about 6 months after my purchase in 2024. I have taken it to the dealership on multiple occasions and they stated that GM knows of the issue but there is no fix. The system states my front breaks are low. I recently took my Traverse to a break repair/replacement shop and they stated my breaks are not low and they look great and numerous people have brought their Traverse in with the same squealing complaint. With the amount of complaints why hasn't GM done anything about it?

NHTSA complaint #11748719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

My cars brakes on its own at any speed with no surrounding objects. Car is always popping up with service issues. Super cruise bar in steering wheel cracked from summer heat now just dangles. Car locks and will not let you out of the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11748413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Our car one day showed several illuminated dash lights regarding brake system, along with several pop up warnings. We took it to a Chevrolet dealer for service. They’ve had it for 54 days. They’ve confirmed widespread brake system and electrical system failure, but even after escalating to corporate tech assistance, there is no progress nor resolution available. We were told they have at least a dozen others with this same issue. It is wildly inappropriate that there has not been a recall issued as this is a serious safety defect. We demand a buyback from GM for putting this death trap on the market knowing they had these issues with 2024 models but continuing to roll 2025 and 2026 models with the same issues.

NHTSA complaint #11745334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

To make a very long story short, I was having major software issues with my vehicle. I had the car "blackout" lights screens and everything turn off then when it powered on i would have service lights on for my brakes. I also had my reverse camera go out a few times and my lane assistant light on dash say its not working. All to find out i had a faulty rear control module. Upon replacement i learned this EXACT rear control module is the same one used in other GM vehicles noted in several recalls but the part itself has never been directly recalled. So now I have the same exact part in my vehicle again which is bound to fail again at some point. My vehicle is only 3 years old and has done this with children in the car. I let GM know numerous times and they said since the part is replaced its fine. But I know this exact part is not safe. If you look up the model number on the rear control module you will see how many times it is noted in service bulletins and is main contributor to these issues. Please recall the 2023 chevy traverse. I dont want this part just "updated" it needs redesigned.

NHTSA complaint #11744334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

My 2019 Chevy Traverse prior to "The Storm" when I left work and approached my vehicle someone left a not in my windshield wipers stating that my horn was honking every 15 seconds it was a long shift so by the time I got to my vehicle my battery was dead. I got a jump from a co-worker allowed my alternator to charge my battery, and it was fine (so I thought). Then the day after "The Storm" happened, my Traverse went haywire displaying multiple signs of electronic failures while driving on a major highway: Service ESC, ABS disabled, Traction control disabled, Power steering disabled, Horn honked continuously, windows won't roll down, Key fob unresponsive, Manual lock/ unlock switch unresponsive, A/C on but doesn't blow cold, infotainment system on, Cluster Hazard light indicators on but lights aren't illuminated, Windshield Wipers on max speed unprompted while spraying continuously. I pulled over, placed the vehicle in "park", turned the vehicle off, safely exited to realize my vehicle was still running, got back into the vehicle where I was greeted by a prompt that said to place the vehicle in park to turn it off. I attempted to shift but it was immovable, called a tow truck. Every time after dealership visits/ repairs my vehicle shutoff while moving. It's been to the dealership 3 times (4 to include tomorrow) I've also connected an OBD2 Scanner to run a diagnostic after the last visit and these faults appeared almost instantly. Work done so far: x2 BCM replacements (w/ flashed software) x1 Battery replacement x1 Keyless Entry Module replacement x1 Driver door lock/unlock switch replacement x3-->4 tow trucks Over $3,000 in expenses

NHTSA complaint #11744076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.