Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2016 Chevrolet Traverse Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints: 37about this part
Share: 13%of 292 total for the year
Median mileage: 42,357miles
Trend: StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, 13% of the 292 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,357 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Had to have a rebuilt transmission placed in vehicle 1 year ago and subsequent work done 6 months later on the new transmission. Now 6 months later it began slipping when going from stopped through first 2 gears, rpms rev over 3. Called south charlotte chevy to report I would be bringing it back in. Approximately 60000 miles on it. I am sick of it!”

NHTSA complaint #11385328, filed 2020-12, 60,000 miles

“While driving our 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, without warning, the dashboard flashed a warning that the traction control and stabilitrak needed to be serviced. It also displayed that engine power was reduced and the vehicle immediately decelerated to 25 MPH. The vehicle was traveling at over 70 MPH on the freeway and we had to try to make it back over onto the right hand shoulder without someone plowing into us. Over the last two days, this has occurred four more times for no discernable reason. …”

NHTSA complaint #11172202, filed 2019-01, 40,000 miles

“Enterprise rented me the chevy Traverse. I experienced the problem when I was backing out of a parking area off a dirt road. I'd been waiting for the car behind me to back out so that I could back out. The car was stationary, weather sunny and warm, middle of the day. I turned on the ignition, had my foot on the brake, put it into reverse and next thing I knew I was hurtling backwards. It felt like being sucked backward and there was nothing I could do to stop it. …”

NHTSA complaint #10907650, filed 2016-09, 19,000 miles

“We purchased our 2016 chevy Traverse new and now have approx. 38k miles on it. After the 1st year, we began experiencing power loss issues and ended up having fuel injectors replaced in mid-2017. Since then, we've been experiencing the same issue that has already been reported to the NHTSA by other owners. Periodically, our service stabilitrak will appear on the dash and the traction control off will appear, along with the check engine light . When this happens, the vehicle runs extremely rough and violently shakes back and forth. …”

NHTSA complaint #11164478, filed 2019-01, 38,000 miles

“On 2/19/2018 while on a trip, our 2016 Chevrolet Traverse with 29,000 miles on it had a catastrophic transmission failure while merging onto interstate 40 at shamrock, texas. We were almost hit by a semi truck and barley missed a fatal accident. I had the vehicle towed by irish road service to the closest Chevrolet dealer (ware Chevrolet buick) in wheeler, texas. This was approximately 16 miles ($175) ' when we arrived there I was told by the service manager that they would not work on the car and to tow it somewhere else. …”

NHTSA complaint #11081583, filed 2018-03, 29,249 miles

Related service bulletins

11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

Year	Complaints	Share of year
2026	3	11%
2025	13	7%
2024	19	13%
2023	32	34%
2022	45	45%
2021	16	17%
2020	40	17%
2019	170	41%
2018	196	42%
2017	18	5%
2016	37	13%
2015	23	7%
2014	36	7%
2013	28	17%
2012	46	13%
2011	79	13%
2010	66	10%
2009	58	13%

Other parts of the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse

Air bags
163 complaints Engine
31 complaints Electrical system
26 complaints Steering
24 complaints Other or unknown
20 complaints Vehicle speed control
19 complaints Electronic stability control
15 complaints Fuel system
9 complaints Brakes
7 complaints Body and structure
5 complaints Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints Wheels
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology