Last updated: 2026-04-20

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
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
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)
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

2021 Buick Enclave
Reliability: 75/100

2021 Ford Edge
Reliability: 69/100

2021 Ford Explorer
Reliability: 62/100

2021 Volkswagen Atlas
Reliability: 44/100

2021 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 70/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (20)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12)
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 soldSegment avg: 17.5
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Chevrolet Traverse NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet TraverseRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based 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
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
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traverse FWD 3.6L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 18 | 27 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Traverse AWD 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 17 | 25 | 20 | $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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
20 complaintsOwners 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
6 complaintsOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaintsOwners 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.
ENGINE (4 complaints)
ENGINE
4 complaintsOwners 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.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners 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.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
When Do 2021 Chevrolet Traverse Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Chevrolet Traverse Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Chevrolet Traverse Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 75/100 | Good |
Chevrolet Traverse Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have?
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Chevrolet Traverse.
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