2016 Chevrolet Traverse problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 292 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, filed between 2015-10-09 and 2026-09-21. The most common problem areas are the air bags (163, 56%), power train (37, 13%) and engine (31, 11%). Owners reported 8 crashes, 1 fire, 15 injuries and 1 death in these complaints. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Chevrolet Traverse complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 163 | 56% | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| Power train | 37 | 13% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 31 | 11% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 26 | 9% | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Steering | 24 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 19 | 7% | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown or other | 18 | 6% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 15 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 2% | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Wheels | 5 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 4 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 4 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 1% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Air bags: 163 complaints
- 163 complaints of 292 (56%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 3 of them also name the engine; owners reported 3 crashes, 5 injuries and 1 death in these complaints.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse; the latest, campaign 23V334000, says: “The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.”
Power train: 37 complaints
- 37 complaints of 292 (13%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 11 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse covers this system.
Engine: 31 complaints
- 31 complaints of 292 (11%) name the engine.
- 11 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse covers this system.
Electrical system: 26 complaints
- 26 complaints of 292 (9%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 5 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse covers this system.
Steering: 24 complaints
- 24 complaints of 292 (8%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 3 of them also name the power train; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse covers this system.
Vehicle speed control: 19 complaints
- 19 complaints of 292 (7%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 8 of them also name the electronic stability control (esc); owners reported 3 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 13 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2023 | 70 |
| 2024 | 93 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 7 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names TRAVERSE, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse's most common problem areas are the air bags (163 of 292 complaints), power train (37 of 292 complaints) and engine (31 of 292 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse have?
NHTSA has 292 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, including 8 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse's problems?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.