Last updated: 2026-04-20

2021 Chevrolet Traverse
RELIABILITY SCORE: 71/100 (GOOD)

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Reliability Report

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 72 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

3

Complaints

72

Complaint Rate

6.2per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$656

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,850–$3,000

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity72/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity87/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (20)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6)
  • POWER TRAIN (6)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 4)

2021 is year 4 of the Second generation (2018).

  • Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • A refresh arrives in 2022.
  • 2nd generation Traverse (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2018: Second generation (2018) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is year 4 of the Second generation (2018).

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?

At 71/100, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is year 4 of the Second generation (2018).

Owners log 72 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (20). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
  • +5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

  • Above-average repair costs for its class
  • Moderate recall count
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Alternator failures and related battery problems (20 complaints)

Compare 2021 Chevrolet Traverse With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (20)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

3

recalls on record

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

6.2

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 17.5

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

3

Crashes

0

Fires

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21V8170002021-10-18

POWER TRAIN

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

21V4720002021-06-24

AIR BAGS

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.

Consequence

Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

22V2100002022-03-31

AIR BAGS

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.

Consequence

Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Traverse? Check its history first

Every 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2021 Chevrolet Traverse NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 16.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Front Center Air Bag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Chevrolet TraverseRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$656

vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.4

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

18%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Traverse
$656
Category Avg
$573
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

20–21 MPG

Running cost: $3,500–$3,650/yr

Fuel + repair

17–18 city / 25–27 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Traverse FWD 3.6L 6-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd182721$2,850
Traverse AWD 3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd172520$3,000

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse.

  • Inspect alternator and battery for signs of failure

  • Check for 'Shift to Park' message when vehicle is in Park

  • Listen for abnormal exhaust noises or rattling

  • Verify smooth transmission shifting and absence of shudder

  • Test brakes for squeaking or grinding noises

  • Ensure seat belts latch and retract properly

  • Check for any exhaust leaks or odors

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Common Problems by Component

72 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

20
12
13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (20)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6)POWER TRAIN (6)SERVICE BRAKES (6)ENGINE (4)STEERING (3)SUSPENSION (2)Other (13)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

20 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving alternator failures and related battery problems. Symptoms often include warning messages such as "Service Battery Charging System" and "Battery Saver Active," followed by loss of power, stalling, and inability to restart the vehicle. These issues are commonly reported around 20,000 to 46,000 miles. Several complaints highlight safety concerns, including loss of power steering and vehicle stalling in traffic, which could pose risks of accidents. Additionally, problems with the "Shift to Park" message and radio or touch screen malfunctions are noted, affecting the vehicle's usability and potentially leading to battery drain.

20 complaints total

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse report issues related to the exhaust system and engine oil levels. Multiple complaints mention abnormal rattling sounds and loud exhaust noises, often linked to failures in the exhaust or catalytic converter, with some owners noting a strong odor inside the vehicle. These symptoms appear around mileages ranging from 33,000 to 74,000. Additionally, some owners observe significant engine oil loss despite recent servicing. Safety implications include potential carbon monoxide fumes entering the vehicle cabin, posing a risk to occupants. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly regarding exhaust system integrity and engine oil maintenance.

6 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

6 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse frequently report issues with the vehicle's transmission and gear shifting. Common symptoms include the transmission skipping, shuddering, or failing to shift smoothly, often occurring at higher mileages such as 115,000 miles, but also reported as early as 1,085 miles. Multiple complaints mention a delay or failure when shifting into reverse, requiring additional manipulation of the gear shift to engage. Additionally, a "shift to park" warning is noted by some owners when attempting to turn off the vehicle. One incident describes a drive shaft bolt coming loose, leading to a loss of control, highlighting a potential safety risk. These patterns suggest that prospective buyers should be aware of potential transmission issues and consider the vehicle's service history and any completed repairs.

6 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

6 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the brakes on the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, primarily involving squeaking and grinding noises. These symptoms are noted even at low mileages, with some complaints occurring as early as 1,247 miles and others around 15,000 miles. Several owners mention that dealers attribute the noise to the newness of the brake components, suggesting it may resolve with use, though some owners express dissatisfaction with this response. Additionally, there is a report of brake fluid leakage leading to an empty reservoir, which required immediate towing and poses a potential safety risk. No crashes or loss of control are reported, but the presence of fluid leaks and erratic braking behavior could be of concern to potential buyers.

6 complaints total
ENGINE (4 complaints)

ENGINE

4 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse report issues primarily related to exhaust components, with multiple complaints about broken catalytic converters and exhaust pipes. Typical symptoms include loud noises, abnormal clicking sounds, and noticeable fuel or exhaust odors. One owner describes a brief loss of power while using cruise control, accompanied by a burning smell, though no crashes or fires are reported. These issues appear to occur at varying mileages, with one specific mention at 36,000 miles. Buyers should be aware of these potential exhaust-related problems when considering a used 2021 Chevrolet Traverse.

4 complaints total
STEERING (3 complaints)

STEERING

3 complaints

Owners report issues with the steering system of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, primarily involving steering assist reduction and related electronic stability control (ESC) malfunctions. Typical symptoms include warning messages such as “Service ESC” and “Service Power Steering, Drive with Care,” and difficulties in steering, especially at higher speeds, which may pose safety risks. Some complaints indicate the need for a steering rack replacement or a software update to address these issues. Additionally, one report links steering problems to a failing alternator, which affected battery charging and engine power, nearly leading to a highway collision. These complaints do not specify mileage, suggesting the issues may not be tied to vehicle age or usage.

3 complaints total
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report issues with the airbag system in the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, particularly in crash situations. Complaints frequently mention non-deployment of airbags during collisions, with one owner describing a steering wheel airbag that failed to inflate and another noting a complete lack of airbag deployment despite significant front-end impact. Both incidents involve crashes with injuries, highlighting potential safety implications. No specific mileage or timeline patterns emerge from the limited data, but the described failure to deploy airbags during collisions is a critical concern for potential buyers assessing vehicle safety features.

2 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse report issues related to the fuel and propulsion system, primarily involving the exhaust and purge valve components. One complaint describes an exhaust leak due to a hole at the bracket location of the driver-side exhaust flex pipe, accompanied by rattling and increased exhaust noise, with repairs costing around $600. Another owner notes a persistent ticking noise from the purge valve, which the dealership states is functioning as designed, although the noise was not present when the vehicle was purchased three months prior. There are no reports of safety implications such as crashes or fires associated with these issues. These complaints suggest potential repair considerations for prospective buyers, especially regarding exhaust system integrity and purge valve noise.

2 complaints total
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the seat belts in the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, specifically involving the front passenger and middle seat belts. Complaints frequently mention that the front passenger seat belt does not latch properly and sometimes releases on its own. Additionally, the middle seat belt fails to retract. These issues are described without reference to specific mileage or timeframes and do not mention any associated accidents or injuries. Prospective buyers should be aware of these seat belt function concerns, as they may affect passenger safety.

2 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving sudden acceleration and difficulty in controlling speed. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the vehicle shuttering during takeoff, causing jerking motions that can lead to neck injuries and near accidents. One incident involved the vehicle failing to stop despite brake engagement, resulting in a crash and two injuries, with no prior warning indicators. These issues suggest significant safety implications, including potential loss of control and increased risk of collisions. Buyers should be aware of these reported problems, especially when considering a used model.

2 complaints total1 crash2 injuries

When Do 2021 Chevrolet Traverse Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

20,000–46,000 milesElectrical system failures
33,000–74,000 milesExhaust system issues
1,085–115,000 milesTransmission shudder

Best & Worst Chevrolet Traverse Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Chevrolet Traverse Years to Buy

The best Chevrolet Traverse year is 2025 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (73/100) and 2022 (73/100).

Chevrolet Traverse Years to Avoid

The worst Chevrolet Traverse year is 2020 with a score of 62/100, primarily due to engine (35) issues. Also avoid 2019 (62/100).

Chevrolet Traverse Reliability Score Trend

Chevrolet Traverse reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 73/100 compared to 64/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Chevrolet Traverse reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201862/100Good
201962/100Good
202062/100Good
202171/100Good
202273/100Good
202372/100Good
202473/100Good
202575/100Good

Chevrolet Traverse Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202673/100 (predicted)Predicted06
202575/100+2Good0132
202473/100+1Good0107
202372/100-1Good262
202273/100+2Good176
2021(selected)71/100+9Good372
202062/1000Good8188
201962/1000Good3358
201862/100Good2416

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 71/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 72 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (20 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12 complaints), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6 complaints), POWER TRAIN (6 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have?
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse expensive to maintain?
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has estimated annual repair costs of $656/year, which is $83 more than the midsize SUVs average of $573. With a reliability score of 71/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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