The Lemon Index2021 Chevrolet Traverse.
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 41 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 36, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 3 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 92 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Traverse year. 2021 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 33K to 73K miles on the car (16 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- 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.
- airbags 2021
During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
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 666 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Preliminary information communicates that a dealer may encounter a vehicle that is making…
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
From day one the brakes respond erratically. The braking is uneven regardless or road conditions. The dealer identified a problem but canât repair it until they receive a solution from the manufacturer.
2021 Chevrolet Traverse owner · NHTSA complaint 11424192
More owner reports
At only 15,000 miles the brakes are squeaking as if they would on extended mileage brakes that require replacement. These are practically brand new and should not be making this sound.
NHTSA complaint 11500868
Battery charger notice came on and on way to go have it checked the car stalled in the middle of a busy road and i had problems turning the steering wheel few seconds later the engine stopped running completely.
NHTSA complaint 11574507
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 36; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Traverse year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Traverse problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (27%), brakes (17%) and engine (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have?
3 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 2021 Chevrolet Traverse get?
20 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have?
3.6L 6-cyl.
What Chevrolet Traverse year is better than the 2021?
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