2021 Chevrolet Traverse Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 17%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, 17% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving 45 mph on a state route when all of a sudden my drive shaft bolt came completely out and split my drive shaft in two causing me to lose control. No damage at all or rust or anything is visible on the drive shaft. Could have caused a serious injury or worse. I just had a Multi Point Inspection done the day before the incident occurred”
NHTSA complaint #11709906, filed 2026-01“I am having a lot of transmission shudder especally when accelerating. Noticed that consumer reports stated in their magazine that this has been a big problem for at least 5 years. I don't understand why NHTSA has not made Chevrolet do something to fix this problem with the torque converter.”
NHTSA complaint #11718942, filed 2026-02“Shift to park warning comes on every time I put my car into park. I can give the gear shift a hard tap so it can go into park and my car will turn off. I feel like after a period of tapping the great shift it will turn into a bigger problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11688741, filed 2025-09“When I accelerate at a stoplight the car shuddered and slammed into gear then it shop the rpms up to 8000 and back down i was barely able to make it home and when I arrived at home I tried to park and it would not go into reverse tostraighten my vehicle. I had it towed to a shop the next morning and they informed me I needed a new transmission that would cost $12400.00 to repair. This is a car that is only 5 years old and this is a catastrophic failure that I can't afford to fix and in a car that is 5 years old.”
NHTSA complaint #11770889, filed 2026-10“Occasionally when putting the SUV in reverse, the car does not go into gear. I'll hit the gas and nothing and then all of the sudden it goes into gear. It's almost like it's in a delay sometimes I'll have to put into drive and then reverse for it to go into gear.”
NHTSA complaint #11441316, filed 2021-11Related recalls
- 21V817000Oct 18, 2021Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and…Covers: Chevrolet Traverse 2020–2021
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.
- 11011225Oct 29, 2024This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009466Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides a procedure to correct a customer concern of Shudders or Shakes at Low Speeds.
- 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.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 12% |
| 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 2021 Chevrolet Traverse
22 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsForward collision avoidance
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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