2026 Chevrolet Traverse Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Traverse years
Too new to compare
- Model years are compared once their first three years of complaints are in; the 2026 can be compared from 2029.
- Most reported part: Electrical system (7 complaints, median 3,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign 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: 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
- 26filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 3,000miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 26 consumer complaints for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The part named most often is electrical system, with 7 complaints (27% of the total), followed by brakes (6) and engine (5). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 3,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 148 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
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.
- Electrical system7 27%
- Brakes6 23%
- Engine5 19%
- Other or unknown5 19%
- Lane departure2 7.7%
- Vehicle speed control2 7.7%
- Air bags1 3.9%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (1), Steering (1), Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “While driving on the freeway, the vehicle’s battery shut down. I received the following text as this happened, so there was no way I could react in a timely manner as to exercise safety and any precautions: “Diagnostic Alert: Low 12V battery detected in your vehicle. To recharge, try and start in a well-ventilated area. If it won't turn on, try to jump start or call 1-888-4-ONSTAR. Text STOP to cancel.” This situation was life-threatening and scary. I was scared for my life.”
NHTSA complaint #11741682, filed 2026-06Brakes: “On Monday, December 15, 2025, I was creeping into my garage when the brakes failed and I ran into my garage wall damaging my wall and the front of the vehicle. On Tuesday, December 16 ,2025, while slowly pulling into a parking spot at Sam's Club in OKC, the brakes again failed, and the forward crash system prevented running into another vehicle. On that same date while stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the brakes again failed, and I was able to pull into the median rather than hitting the car in front of me. …”
NHTSA complaint #11706269, filed 2025-12Engine: “Purchased the car in August 2025 and have had into service 3 years for the same issues. When driving the car, the RPM will get stuck between 5-6 when only driving 20-30 mph. Once I slow down/brake, it will jump into a park effect, but still be in drive. The car has been inspected by Chevy 3 times, but they can't get any fault code on the vehicle, so they can't fix the issue. This puts myself and my small children at risk because if it jumps into the park effect, while still in drive, I can not move and someone could rear-end me. I do have video evidence.”
NHTSA complaint #11701392, filed 2025-11Forward collision avoidance: “I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2026 Chevy Traverse that occurred on May 9, 2026 at 6:46pm. While driving at freeway speed in the carpool lane with adaptive cruise control and gap assist engaged, my vehicle suddenly applied the brakes unexpectedly even though there were no vehicles directly in front of me. The nearest visible vehicle was a significant distance ahead, and there was no apparent reason for the braking event. This was not a gradual deceleration. The vehicle actively braked. …”
NHTSA complaint #11737441, filed 2026-05Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 500 and 4,900 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2026 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 · 18.5% risk |
| Traverse · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2026 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2025: 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 2026 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 | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Traverse FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
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
- 26V114000Feb 26, 2026Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manualCovers: Chevrolet Traverse 2026, Equinox EV 2025–2026, Cadillac Optiq 2025–2026 +33 more
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet…
Recall details for the 2026 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. 148 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038744Oct 24, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates an issue with the virtual garage door opener not programming to a garage opener and to replace the opener with a new updated part.
- 11038592Oct 16, 2026Other or unknown. PI created to guide technicians through radio restriction process
- 11038585Oct 16, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates a potential chirp noise coming from the engine compartment.
- 11038461Oct 7, 2026Other or unknown. This PI communicates the possibility of dtc U11E2 setting as current or history due to poor connection at Intake Cam Actuator
- 11038136Sep 28, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information is for technicians that may see DTCs that are history and should not perform any part replacements. They should follow the notes mentioned prior to anything being…
- 11038132Sep 28, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to dealers a procedure to reset the radio.
- 11037797Sep 28, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates an issue with the virtual garage door opener not programming to a garage opener. Engineering is working on a new module.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037552Sep 22, 2026Other or unknown. A dealer is advised to perform no repairs if U3000 SYM 92 is found. Engineering is working on a resolution
- 11037446Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. If a vehicle has an issue with super cruise inoperative tech is directed to follow a diagnostic path before replacing the Image processing module.
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 | 93 | 61,000 | 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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse have?
NHTSA recorded 26 consumer complaints for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 7 complaints (27% of the total), followed by brakes with 6.
Has the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2026 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 2026 Chevrolet Traverse get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse (Traverse FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 20 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 3,000 miles and the middle half falls between 500 and 4,900 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. 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.