2020 Chevrolet Traverse Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Traverse years
Typical for this model
60/100 1.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.3× 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.
- 35 of its 235 complaints were filed by the end of 2022.
- Most reported problem: Exhaust pipe bracket fracture and rattle (82 complaints, median 83,850 mi).
- 8 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2021, 2022, 2023
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
- 235filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 53,500miles, 58 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 8campaigns 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
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2020 Traverse most often describe a loud rattling or rumbling from the exhaust, traced in many cases to a fractured front exhaust pipe mounting bracket or a cracked pipe. A smaller but consistent group report transmission shuddering, delayed or harsh shifting, and a "Shift to Park" message that won't clear, while electrical complaints center on the start/stop system and screen or camera failures.
- Engine
Exhaust pipe bracket fracture and rattle
- 82 complaints (35%)
- median 83,850 mi at 5.2 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- filed 2022–2026
Complaints describe a loud rattling, rumbling or motorcycle-like sound, often at startup or while parked, and sometimes an exhaust smell inside the cabin. Owners say dealers found a fractured or separated mounting bracket on the front exhaust pipe, or a crack or hole in the pipe, and recommended replacing the pipe and bracket. Several owners mention a special coverage program for the front exhaust pipe, and some say their vehicle was not covered. Reported across a wide mileage range, from roughly 49,000 to 118,000 miles in the sample, and often noticed first at startup.
What to check: Listen for rattling or droning from under the front of the vehicle at cold start, and ask whether the front exhaust pipe and its bracket have been inspected or replaced under any special coverage program.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there were abnormal sounds coming from the exhaust system. The contact stated that the vehicle sounded like a motorcycle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and DTC: P0171 was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that there were exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11695089, filed 2025-10, 110,045 miles“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that over time the sound became louder. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked front exhaust pipe and battery failure. The contact was informed that the front exhaust pipe and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11759199, filed 2026-08, 84,701 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder, delayed engagement and harsh shifting
- 54 complaints (23%)
- median 71,500 mi at 5.1 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,100 (median of 9 quotes)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe a stutter or shudder on light acceleration, delayed engagement when shifting between drive, reverse and park, and jerking or slipping while driving. In some cases the vehicle stalled or lost power at low speed. Complaints mention dealers cleaning fuel injectors, replacing the shifter, or in one case replacing the transmission, while other owners say no diagnosis was made. Spread from very low mileage (under 5,000 miles) up to about 150,000 miles in the sample, with many reports between 80,000 and 120,000 miles.
Recall 20V668000Recall 21V817000
What to check: Test drive at low speed in a parking lot and on light acceleration, watching for shudder or hesitation, and ask whether transmission software updates or fluid service have been performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Recently purchased car. On thursday december 3,2020. Was driving car back home on a busy street, car starting stalling. Would not go past 20 MPH, engine was revving. Next morning to go to work car would not go on reverse. Had to get car towed to the dealer and they are telling me that it is a transmission problem. That the transmission needs to be replaced. Devon at rick hendrick in duluth, ga has been nothing but rude since purchase of vehicle now I do not feel safe driving this vehicle and I have 4 young children ages 10, 8, and 5. …”
NHTSA complaint #11378281, filed 2020-12, 900 miles“1 year after buying my car two of my seat belts stop working one was the back driver side the clip doesn't stay in sometimes and then the middle seat and middle belt got stick in the seat and I wasn't able to pull it out to use it. I bought my car in Dec of 2020 and in October of 2024 my whole transmission went out which I never had any problems before not even a warning sign, I took it to a mechanic since it was only driving in first gear and they said it might be from the inside of the transmission when it was made they solenoids are bad.”
NHTSA complaint #11636706, filed 2025-01 - Electrical system
Start/stop system stalls or fails to restart
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the engine shutting off at a stop and then failing to restart, in some cases with a blown fuse or a starter replacement attempted. Owners also report the vehicle losing power while driving and needing a tow. Some say dealers could not reproduce or diagnose the problem. Mostly reported at low mileage in the sample, several under 25,000 miles, and sometimes within months of purchase.
What to check: Ask whether any stalling or no-restart events have been logged, check service records for fuse and starter work, and confirm the battery and charging system are healthy on a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Have broken down and been towed 4 times now. Come to stop on road- auto-engine shut off engages- car dies can not restart. Fuse blows-- first occasion was told bad fuse- replaced, next occurrence same fuse blows- was told faulty starter drawing too much power and blowing fuse upon restart- starter replaced was told that will fix problem. Next occurrence- car would not start from parked position- was told whoever replaced starter ( buzz chew checy- southampton ny) did not bolt down starter- loose connections-- was told problem fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11361199, filed 2020-09, 20,000 miles“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the Shift to Park message was displayed on the instrument panel while attempting to park the vehicle. The contact also stated that the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning light was displayed while at a complete stop, and an audible chime was heard during the failure. In addition, the START/STOP function failed after removing the foot from the brake pedal while at a stop light. …”
NHTSA complaint #11626010, filed 2024-11, 135,000 miles - Electrical system
Infotainment, camera and display failures
- 28 complaints (12%)
- median 33,000 mi at 5.1 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2020–2026
Owners report the surround vision or rear camera showing a black screen with a warning icon, the stereo and instrument panel shutting off or power cycling, and screens that go blank while driving. Complaints describe repeated dealer visits, module replacements and, in some cases, no fix available at the time. Reported from a few hundred miles up to about 44,000 miles in the sample, with several reports in the first year of ownership.
What to check: Check every camera view and the infotainment screen during the test drive, including reverse and a full power cycle, and ask whether the video or radio module has already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“There is an electrical short that keeps shutting down the stereo. I bought my car new Dec 2020. In the summer of 2022 I was driving my car and the stereo and dashboard suddenly shut off. I pulled over and it came back on after a few seconds. I was told by Chevrolet first that the stereo was faulty and then that there was an electrical problem affecting the stereo. On Dec 24, 2022 I was driving my car and again the stereo suddenly shut off and started power cycling, turning off and turning on several times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11507994, filed 2023-02“Rear camera stopped working aide senors stopped working. After several months of trying to fix this they finally might have this on the recall list for some cable kit, which they did not totally put on mine becuase due to covid they are backed up on manufacturing, I do not rely on back up camera but it is nice to double check.have had it in 4 different time to be fixed also raide continue to have problems. Been replaced 3 times.”
NHTSA complaint #11350030, filed 2020-08, 3,500 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal or line failure at low speed
- 12 complaints (5%)
- median 20,165 mi at 1.6 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2020–2026
Complaints describe the brake pedal going soft or to the floor with little or no braking response, sometimes with a snap felt through the pedal and brake fluid visible underneath the vehicle. Owners report the vehicle was towed, and in one case a brake line was found hanging under the car. Another owner reported a squeak from the rear brakes after releasing the parking brake. Reported mostly under about 7,000 miles in the sample, often at parking-lot speeds shortly after purchase.
What to check: Inspect the brake lines and hoses for corrosion, chafing or seepage, check brake fluid level and pedal feel, and ask for any prior brake hydraulic repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Brake failure on a 2 day old chevy Traverse sequence of events . . . 1.I purchased a Chevrolet Traverse from lawrence Chevrolet on tuesday, january 14, 2020 and took delivery at about 5:00pm. 2.while my wife was driving on thursday, january 16, 2020, we experienced a low speed brake failure. This occurred while on the way to dulles airport at about 6:00pm. The brakes were slowly applied and they did not respond. The brakes were then pressed hard and they did not respond. …”
NHTSA complaint #11300403, filed 2020-01, 275 miles“Driving at low speed through parking lot. Felt a snap under brake pedal. Immediately knew something was wrong. Coasted at low speeds to open area as brake pedal was not working. Exited noted brake fluid everywhere and what appears to be a brake line hanging under car. Car towed. Currently at dealer. Have picture. Unable to upload.”
NHTSA complaint #11340360, filed 2020-07, 1,819 miles
Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the front exhaust pipe and its bracket, transmission behavior at low speed, and brake line condition, and ask for service records showing any related repairs or updates already performed.
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 235 consumer complaints for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. 58 of the complaints include a mileage, and 47% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 53,500 miles. Of all complaints, 11 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 781 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 60 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.
- Engine70 30%
- Other or unknown57 24%
- Electrical system28 12%
- Engine cooling27 11%
- Fuel system19 8.1%
- Brakes10 4.3%
- Seat belts9 3.8%
- Steering7 3.0%
- Air bags6 2.5%
Also reported: Suspension (5), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (4), Seats (4), Wheels (4), Exterior lighting (3), Body and structure (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Forward collision avoidance (1), Lane departure (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Unknown to some, but yesterday Saturday around 12:30 I was inspecting the speaker ports in the rear 3rd row passenger area and I noticed these square tabs that says airbags, also in the very middle of second row the same thing but in the rear I was removing one of the mouldings to see why the speakers were not playing, upon inspection there are no speakers and neither are there any form of side and or rear collision safety devices ( airbags) other than seatbelts. …”
NHTSA complaint #11654305, filed 2025-04, 82,000 milesOther or unknown: “This started around may 2020... I was at about 2k miles in. I was told it was due to weather. And that they had other chevy with same issue- so it's normal . I bought the 2020 chevy Traverse brand new right off lot. After we packed up and visited family I noticed it had sounds. The sounds were like whining noises just loud and seriously obnoxious. It only happened we were turning vehicle at first. So we get home and it started being louder. …”
NHTSA complaint #11402990, filed 2021-03, 2,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “When shifting from drive to reverse, or park to reverse, the transmission will not engage right away. The vehicle will roll forward or backwards until the transmission engages into reverse. This will happen when the vehicle is in motion at very low speeds (1-2 MPH) and also while stationary.”
NHTSA complaint #11384744, filed 2020-12, 3,300 milesElectrical system: “When I put my car in park and turn it off I get an error message that I need to Shift to Park . It shows in the dash that it is in park but my radio, and lights stay on. I have to restart my car and put it in park, reverse, or neutral and try to put it in park again. I takes several try's to make the error message go away.”
NHTSA complaint #11693519, filed 2025-10Mileage when problems were reported
47% of the 58 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,000 and 90,100 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 2020 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 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.0% risk |
| Traverse · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2019: same overall rating; 2021: 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 2020 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 | 9-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Traverse FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
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
- 22V210000Mar 31, 2022Air bags › Side/window › CurtainCovers: Chevrolet Traverse 2020–2022, Buick Enclave 2021–2022
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…
- 21V817000Oct 18, 2021Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Chevrolet Traverse 2020–2021
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…
- 21V115000Feb 25, 2021TiresCovers: Chevrolet Traverse 2020, GMC Savana 2018–2021, Chevrolet Express 2018–2021 +13 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC…
- 20V684000Nov 5, 2020TiresCovers: Chevrolet Traverse 2020, GMC Sierra 1500 2020–2021, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2020–2021 +3 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that…
- 20V668000Oct 29, 2020Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Chevrolet Traverse 2018–2020, Equinox 2018–2020, GMC Terrain 2018–2020 +9 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC…
- 20V639000Oct 15, 2020Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Chevrolet Traverse 2020, Cadillac XT6 2020, GMC Acadia 2020 +2 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked…
See all 8 recalls for the 2020 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. 781 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.
- 11029950Mar 2, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss
- 11027697Jan 16, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's
- 11027701Jan 14, 2026Other or unknown. This PI advised dealer technicians of possible causes of diesel fuel contamination in gasoline powered vehicles and advises of warranty direction.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other 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 | 95 | 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 | 235 | 53,500 | 8 | 5 | 21 | 60 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 412 | 42,000 | 3 | 5 | 22 | 58 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 465 | 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 | 64 · Typical | Falling |
All Chevrolet Traverse model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse?
Owners of the 2020 Traverse most often describe a loud rattling or rumbling from the exhaust, traced in many cases to a fractured front exhaust pipe mounting bracket or a cracked pipe. The issues reported most often: Exhaust pipe bracket fracture and rattle; Transmission shudder, delayed engagement and harsh shifting; Start/stop system stalls or fails to restart.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse have?
NHTSA recorded 235 consumer complaints for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 70 complaints (30% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 57.
Has the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse been recalled?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Traverse get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse (Traverse FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse reported?
Among the 58 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 53,500 miles and the middle half falls between 7,000 and 90,100 miles; 47% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.