The Lemon Index2020 Chevrolet Traverse.
The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is better than average by owner complaints: 70 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 59, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 20 to 21 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Traverse year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 233 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Traverse year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 6K to 85K miles on the car (56 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 58K–98K miles
Recalls 8
- airbags 2022
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.
- transmission & drivetrain 2021
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.
- tires 2021
The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Show all 8 recalls
- tires 2020
The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
- transmission & drivetrain 2020
The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- fuel system, gasoline 2020
The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine.
- airbags 2020
The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly crimped to the inflator and could separate from the inflator during air bag deployment.
- body structure 2019
The right-hand frame rail in the engine compartment may be cracked.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 782 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This informational bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
P0420 warning light came on car exhaust has whole in it
2020 Chevrolet Traverse owner · NHTSA complaint 11514725
More owner reports
My vehicle along with many other make a stuttering feeling when accelerating at low rate of speed. This can lead to a bad transmission and causing the vehicle to cut off making a hazard.
NHTSA complaint 11557556
All 4 doors do not lock or unlock, keyfob only works to open liftgate.
NHTSA complaint 11437260
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 59; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Traverse year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2020 Chevrolet Traverse problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (20%), electrical (16%) and engine (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse have?
8 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse get?
20 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2020 Chevrolet Traverse problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 6,600 and 85,400 miles. The middle report was at 51,000 miles, from 56 complaints.
Does the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 7% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse have?
3.6L 6-cyl.
What Chevrolet Traverse year is better than the 2020?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2021 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works