2017 Chevrolet Traverse Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Traverse years
Typical for this model
40/100 0.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.8× that of a typical Chevrolet Traverse year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 45 of its 361 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Air bag warning light / "Service Air Bag" message (36 complaints, median 42,523 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 361filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles, 65 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl FWD · 15 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Most complaints for this model year in the sample centre on air bag system warning lights, typically appearing while driving and often reported after owners received the driver-side inflator recall notice. A smaller but consistent group of complaints covers the transmission hesitating or shuddering, and electrical problems where the vehicle lost power or the dash lit up with stability and traction warnings.
- Air bags
Air bag warning light / "Service Air Bag" message
- 36 complaints (10%)
- median 42,523 mi at 6.3 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe the air bag warning light coming on or the "Service Air Bag" message appearing intermittently while driving, sometimes with a chime. Some say the front passenger sensor or driver-side curtain sensor was diagnosed as faulty, and several report receiving the driver-inflator recall notice but being told the parts were not yet available so the repair could not be done. A few report the light returning shortly after a recall-related repair. Reported from roughly 20,000 to 75,000 miles, most often between 30,000 and 55,000 miles and at highway or city speeds.
Recall 23V334000Recall 21V782000Recall 21V246000
What to check: Ask whether both driver-side inflator recalls (23V334000 and 21V782000) and the curtain air bag fastener recall (21V246000) were actually completed, and request the paperwork rather than relying on a verbal answer. Watch the air bag light through a full test drive and have any stored air bag codes read before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The air bag light stays on & continually beeps. The manual says there's something wrong with the airbag system. Although I see numerous complaints there's no recalls . I guess Chevrolet is waiting for a fatality before they react to this problem. This happen when the vehicle is in motion & stationary.”
NHTSA complaint #11229197, filed 2019-07, 45,047 miles“None seat belts snap closed takes numerous insertions to get selt belt to safely shut. Air bag light keeps come on. Car is a 2017 shouldnt be having problmes already”
NHTSA complaint #11254531, filed 2019-09, 36,103 miles - Electrical system
Loss of power, stalling or stability/traction warnings
- 26 complaints (7%)
- median 38,000 mi at 2.3 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Complaints describe the engine shutting off unexpectedly while moving, sometimes at highway speed, with loss of power steering and power assist for the brakes. Others report traction control and StabiliTrak messages appearing, the gauges dropping, and the accelerator becoming unresponsive; dealers variously replaced a fuse, a module, or rewired the vehicle, and in some cases could not duplicate the concern. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 60,000 miles, including cold-weather use and highway driving.
What to check: Ask for the repair history on electrical work and any fuse or module replacements, and check that battery cables and grounds are clean and tight. Have a scan tool read stored codes for the stability control and body modules before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I live in cold climate with snow and ice conditions.when in motion, usually when the engine has reached running temperature is when the issues tend to occur. I notice it happens more often if there is ice build up on the rims causing an imbalance in the wheels but happens when the car is free of any ice or snow build up. The results of this is out of no where engine power is reduced,stability trak , park assist exct. Warning lights come on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11291645, filed 2019-12, 60,000 miles“While driving my 2017 Chevrolet Traverse at interstate speeds, the vehicle, without warning, shut down. When I say shut down, I mean shut off completely. This was a complete loss of all power to the car. The engine shut off, the lights (internal and external) shut off, there was no power steering, the brakes where difficult to push down, etc. As I am now coasting down the interstate with no power to the car I put it in neutral and turned on my flashers. …”
NHTSA complaint #11044408, filed 2017-11, 15,000 miles - Seat belts
Seat belts that will not latch or release
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report buckles that take several attempts to latch, release buttons that fall out, and belts that stay locked in retract mode. A driver's belt that would no longer latch at all was also described. Dealers replaced buckles in some cases, and one owner was told the repair was not covered by warranty. Reported between about 3,000 and 97,000 miles, with several cases under 40,000 miles.
What to check: Buckle and release every seat belt in the vehicle, including the second and third rows, and check that the belts retract and lock properly under a firm pull.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was backing up my vehicle going no more than few MPH. My brakes would not stop the pedal went to floor. Luckily I was not going any faster because my children were in car. The car was able to roll to a stop I kept pumping brakes and it finally stopped. As per seat belts. The adapter to buckle seat belt broke and needs to be replaced. This happened while trying to buckle my carseat the cover broke off.”
NHTSA complaint #11352722, filed 2020-09, 74,000 miles“My daughter was tangled when a seat belt got wrapped around her neck and would not loosen because it was in retract mode and it would only tighten more. I had to cut her out of the belt. Their should be a way to override the retraction on belts when this happens. The car was parked at the time and I was home and able to grab scissors. U don't know what I would of done if I was in the road as I don't keep scissors in my car. I do now though.”
NHTSA complaint #11030585, filed 2017-09, 3,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission hesitates, shudders or slips when accelerating
- 23 complaints (6%)
- median 30,271 mi at 2.4 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Owners describe hesitation when the accelerator is pressed, shuddering at low speeds or between gear changes, and in some cases slipping that feels like a lurch forward. Some say the dealer called the behaviour normal or could not find stored codes, while others report a transmission replacement was recommended. A related bulletin notes that a delay in throttle response on rapid throttle opening can be a normal characteristic, which is how some dealers have explained it. Most often reported between about 18,000 and 85,000 miles, with several cases above 70,000 miles.
What to check: Drive the vehicle from a stop and at steady 30-50 mph looking for shudder or delay, and check the transmission fluid condition and service history. Ask whether any transmission work, software updates or fluid changes have been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The transmission started slipping about 18,000 miles it now has thirty-one thousand miles on it and it's still an issue. It gets so bad to where throws you forward when it slips. It slips between 2nd and 3rd gear. I've had it into the chevy dealer many times they say that's normal. However a transmission slipping is not normal. They refuse to fix it. I have video of the transmission slipping.”
NHTSA complaint #11254826, filed 2019-09, 18,000 miles“My Traverse lt stutters at 20-40 MPH range..shifting of rpms varies..whole truck shutters at these speeds. Mechanic cannot find any codes to find out cause. Its getting worse.”
NHTSA complaint #11389694, filed 2021-01, 83,000 miles - Air bags
Air bags did not deploy in a collision
- 16 complaints (4%)
- median 14,900 mi at 2.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2026
Several complaints describe front or side impacts where the air bags did not deploy, including a head-on collision and T-bone impacts at highway speeds. In some of these the vehicle was declared a total loss and occupants reported injuries. These accounts are separate from the warning-light complaints and describe deployment during a crash rather than a dash message. Reported across a wide mileage range, from around 12,000 to 40,000 miles, in collision situations.
Recall 23V334000Recall 21V782000
What to check: Confirm recall completion with a dealer using the VIN, and ask whether the vehicle has any prior collision or air bag repair history. A pre-purchase inspection that pulls air bag module codes is worthwhile.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My wife was driving the car and got hit t-bones on the driver side and the airbags didn't deploy. The vehicle was in motion on the highway and another car came from the opposite direction of the highway and hit her t-bone and the airbags didn't deploy. My wife hit her head, chest and neck on the steering wheel and she's having concussion.”
NHTSA complaint #11252153, filed 2019-08, 31,707 miles“In early february 2018 I was in a head on collision where I was traveling over 30 miles an hour and the vehicle that hit me head on was traveling in the over 50 miles an hour. The airbags did not deploy. My vehicle was totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #11091152, filed 2018-05, 5,000 miles
Buying note. This model year has open air bag recalls tied to the driver inflator and curtain air bag fasteners, so verify with a dealer that all recall work was completed on the specific vehicle. Beyond that, check for transmission shudder on a test drive and have any air bag or stability control warning lights diagnosed before committing.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 361 consumer complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. 65 of the complaints include a mileage, and 72% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 38,000 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 11 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,002 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 14 Chevrolet Traverse model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 40 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags263 73%
- Engine25 6.9%
- Electrical system22 6.1%
- Other or unknown18 5.0%
- Transmission and drivetrain18 5.0%
- Brakes12 3.3%
- Seat belts11 3.0%
- Steering11 3.0%
- Vehicle speed control10 2.8%
- Fuel system9 2.5%
Also reported: Tires (5), Electronic stability control (4), Lane departure (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Body and structure (3), Suspension (3), Wheels (2), Exterior lighting (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “My vehicle whether stationary or in motion routinely does not chime for a passanger or driver without a seatbelt. The light does come on but it will only chime 10% of the time. I am not having issues with it chiming when there is not a person is in the seat. I am concerned this is a life safety issue with my vehicle since if I am driving and my passanger takes off there seatbelt it does not alert me with sounds. It also does not alert me woth sound if I myself forget to apply my seatbelt. I have called and spoken to the dealership and taken my vehicle in multiple times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11061535, filed 2018-01, 500 milesEngine: “This has happened 3 times while driving down the interstate at 70mph. While driving all of a sudden my dash starts flashing traction control off & then flashes service stabilitytrac & my engine loses power and starts jerking kind of like your are running out of gas. This lasts until you stop and turn off the car for about 5 min then restart it. But it keeps happening when I get back on the interstate.”
NHTSA complaint #11065730, filed 2018-01, 22,000 milesElectrical system: “Thia vehicle regularly stalls or will not start due to frequency congestion with the ignition. I have started the vehicle several times and started to back up and the vehicle has stalled. This could be dangerous for obvious reasons. The dealer: bennett Chevrolet in egg harbor township was notified me and stated there was no fix for this issue. They gave me a printout of all cars that experience this type of interference, but I believe it to be more dangerous to the operation of the vehicle than it is being treated. Please advise. …”
NHTSA complaint #11228718, filed 2019-07, 40,000 milesOther or unknown: “I have a 2017 Traverse, bought it with just a few thousand miles on it back in 2017. I started having problems the day after I bought it. The car would die almost every day. Finally got that issue fixed. A few months later the washer fluid stopped working. I took it in to have it looked at and they said it had a hole in it. I had it replaced. A few months later my engine starts making a really loud noise when accelerating and my steering wheel would get so tight when I turned it, that I couldn't turn. …”
NHTSA complaint #11277415, filed 2019-10, 20,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
72% of the 65 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 17,400 and 50,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traverse · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.5% risk |
| Traverse · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2017 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Chevrolet Traverse version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traverse AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Traverse FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V334000May 10, 2023Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Chevrolet Traverse 2014–2017, GMC Acadia 2014–2017, Buick Enclave 2014–2017
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- 21V782000Oct 7, 2021Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Chevrolet Traverse 2013–2017, Buick Enclave 2008–2017
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- 21V246000Apr 8, 2021Air bags › Critical fastenersCovers: Chevrolet Traverse 2010–2019, Buick Enclave 2010–2015, 2017, GMC Acadia 2011–2016
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
Recall details for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,002 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Traverse
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 3,000 | 1 | 5 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 185 | 11,000 | 0 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 143 | 9,010 | 0 | 4–5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 94 | 38,500 | 2 | 4–5 | 21 | 24 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 101 | 50,150 | 1 | 4–5 | 21 | 7 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 92 | 57,500 | 3 | 5 | 21 | 11 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 234 | 52,000 | 8 | 5 | 21 | 60 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 412 | 42,000 | 3 | 5 | 22 | 58 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 464 | 32,000 | 2 | 5 | 22 | 65 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 361 | 38,000 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 40 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 292 | 47,750 | 5 | 5 | 18 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2015 | 313 | 52,000 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 45 · Typical | Rising |
| 2014 | 548 | 65,323 | 7 | 5 | 19 | 70 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 162 | 71,000 | 4 | 5 | 19 | 16 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 354 | 85,000 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 608 | 70,636 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 77 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 669 | 75,000 | 5 | — | 19 | 64 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 448 | 80,000 | 8 | — | 19 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
All Chevrolet Traverse model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?
Most complaints for this model year in the sample centre on air bag system warning lights, typically appearing while driving and often reported after owners received the driver-side inflator recall notice. The issues reported most often: Air bag warning light / "Service Air Bag" message; Loss of power, stalling or stability/traction warnings; Seat belts that will not latch or release.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse have?
NHTSA recorded 361 consumer complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 263 complaints (73% of the total), followed by engine with 25.
Has the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse (Traverse FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse reported?
Among the 65 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 38,000 miles and the middle half falls between 17,400 and 50,000 miles; 72% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.