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#BS-2021-CHETRA-430A2021 Chevrolet TraverseProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 117 owners and 3 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 19, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Think Twice
Based on 117 complaints, 8 crashes, 1 fires, and 3 recalls.
Top reported problems
growling noise during moderate low speed stops
3 complaints • Severity 6.7/10
button on door handle to unlock lock door froze
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
fuel door sticking
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
sunroof 2nd time it broke in 13 months
1 complaints • Severity 10/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
21 owners reported electrical issues — failures commonly reported around 61K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 60–90K miles (7 reports) • Median: 61K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Electrical (21 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2021 Chevrolet Traverse: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 18% of all reports filed for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, with 21 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 61,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 61K-mile mark.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 14% of all reports filed for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, with 16 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 10% of all reports filed for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, with 12 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Brakes Issues
Brakes complaints account for 8% of all reports filed for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, with 9 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to brakes-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. Recent trend: decreasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (3 recalls)
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:FRONTAL IMPACT
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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, possibly resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
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 from deploying in a crash.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2021 Chevrolet Traverse NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
The worst model year for the Chevrolet Traverse is the 2011 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
2021 Chevrolet Traverse vs. Class Average (Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD)
This vehicle
117
Class avg
240
Below the class average — fewer complaints than typical standard sport utility vehicle 2wd vehicles. A good sign.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 117 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 3 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 19, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Chevrolet Traverse Model Years
View all Chevrolet Traverse years →2021 Chevrolet Traverse: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2021 Chevrolet Traverse Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 117 owner reports. Know before you buy.