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Engine coolingPart report

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
27about this part
Share
12%of 234 total for the year
Median mileage
83,850miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse, 12% of the 234 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,850 miles.

Example complaints

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

“Exhaust manifold/down pipe to cat. The exhaust pipe broke just past where it hooks up to the engine block. The breakage caused exhaust fumes to enter the cabin while not moving and at idle. The vehicle has 80K plus miles so was out of warranty. I fixed the issue myself since I have the technical and mechanical know how. There never was any check engine or other warning lights. Nothing caused the issue other than normal everyday driving. I had to disconnect the exhaust from the block and after the cat. I welded the pipe back together and fixed the issue. …”

NHTSA complaint #11482838, filed 2022-09

“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's son owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic who could not perform the repair. The contact was referred to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that a crack in the catalytic converter had caused a defect within the exhaust manifold. …”

NHTSA complaint #11708290, filed 2026-01, 90,100 miles

“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a loud sound coming from the exhaust pipes, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate, with exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the exhaust mounting bracket had failed, causing the exhaust pipes to separate and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #11757347, filed 2026-08, 50,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic convertor had failed needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11652396, filed 2025-04, 58,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202511%
202421%
202333%
202211%
202178%
20202712%
201941%
2018163%
201510%
201420%
201311%
201221%
201191%
201081%
2009123%

Other parts of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse

Engine
70 complaints
Other or unknown
57 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
39 complaints
Electrical system
28 complaints
Fuel system
19 complaints
Brakes
10 complaints
Seat belts
9 complaints
Steering
7 complaints
Air bags
6 complaints
Suspension
5 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
4 complaints
Seats
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse

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.

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