2020 Chevrolet Traverse Complaints

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/25/2026

Noticed rattling under front hood and exhaust entering the interior of the car. Brought to the dealer and they said there are no recalls on this problem and quoted 4K to replace the CAT and exhaust pipes. There is indeed a tsb document covering Chevy Traverse years 2018-2023 - PIP5681C failed bracket weld on the exhaust pipe causes cracks. This is a dangerous situation with exhaust entering the vehicle. I have 4 children that travel in that vehicle daily! Based on what I have read online, this is an existing problem happening frequently with Chevy Traverses. I would like this repair covered by GM. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 10/03/2026

I was on the interstate trying to merge into traffic and I floored the gas pedal to get into position with the flow of traffic. Upon pushing the gas pedal to its full position the pedal snapped off and I lost my ability to accelerate. I was lucky enough to be able to pull off to the side of the interstate and into the grass. I placed the Traverse into neutral and came to a stop. The gas pedal snapped just above the tab that sticks out where it connects to the module. Very unsafe that this is even a possibility to have happened. I would not recommend plastic for the gas pedal. Thank God the brake pedal is metal.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 03/01/2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the exhaust system was sagging due to an improperly welded mounting bracket. The contact became aware that an exhaust system bolt was cracked and missing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a technician confirmed that the weld on the exhaust hanger had separated from the subframe, causing the loud rattling sound of the exhaust system. Additionally, the check engine warning light was frequently illuminated, and the exhaust system was louder than normal. The failure mileage was 82,000.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 09/26/2026

My 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is experiencing a SHIFT to PARK issue. When the car is placed into PARK, the electrical system does not recognize it and will not shut off the vehicle. There is a defect with the button trigger that allows the gear shifter to move and it is not being recognized. The quick fix is to press this button around 15 times to reset it. Sometimes this works but when on an incline, it does not. It takes turning the vehicle on and off a few times to have this registered. The estimated cost to replace the gear shifter is around $600 to $900 dollars. Please have this item recalled.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/18/2026

The rear power liftgate closed on my finger severing the top part of my finger at the base of the finger nail.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/18/2026

On September 18,2026 owner #3 bought the vehicle on December 9,2026 at the time of purchase it had 46,545 on September 17 check engine light came on and the diagnostic code came up as P0171 lean bank one from Pep Boys.Pep Boys scan found P0171 lean bank 1 meaning that is sucking in too much oxygen, upon inspection found rear exhaust manifold is cracked, creating a vacuum and suck. ng in oxygen,causing the engine light, the exhaust hanger is broken and pictures from PepBoys show the exhaust hanger is broken and was held by poxy putty from previous owner #2 this was not disclosed at the time of sale on December 9,2026 and CarMax failed to complete a 125 inspection before it left the dealership lot.The Poxy putty caused the manifold to crack with catalytic converter and 2 O2 sensors. Further another serious concerns owner #3 has as reported on history from Good Car reported from other consumers owning 2020 Chevy Traverse is the Shift to Park issue which was discovered on August 5,2026 at Affordable Transmission in Lancaster when i got my transmission service. This is also another pre-existing condition that was not disclosed by CarMax at the time of sale on December 9,2025. I feel the car is defective and not safe. The vehicle is at my mechanic getting evaluated. Per Car Facts this vehicle was involved in a minor accident which was not disclosed.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/15/2026

While the gears are shifted to park, as soon as the car is turned off, a message pops up advising me to "Shift to Park". The car will already be in park. I have to with jiggle the gear shift or turn the car back on and cycle gears a couple times in order for the car to recognize that it's in park.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/16/2026

My Autostop feature failed to work and did not restart my car on 2 occasions. 1) My kids and I was a stop sign at an intersection and the car would not turn back on. I had my truck towed. The next business day they told me it started on it own. 2) I was dropping my kids off at camp out of town and came to a red light. My truck would not restart. I was in the middle of the street. The police has to push me to safety until the tow truck driver arrived. After towing my truck 100 miles to the dealer near my home it started back up. The next day the dealer mis informed me that it was a programming that was coming up. I had to pay that fee plus diagnostics. When going out to test my truck the dealer experience the same issue. A severity case had to be opened to determine the solution to fix the issue. It took about 4 days. This issue is very concerning as I and my children safety was at risk while driving. I asked about turning the feature off but was told it's a state emissions law to have it on so they could not help me.

ENGINE — Filed 01/15/2026

The front intermediate exhaust pipe mounting bracket weld fractured at the engine manifold, causing the exhaust pipe to break completely loose. We can now actively smell raw exhaust fumes inside the passenger cabin while operating the vehicle, creating an immediate safety hazard for carbon monoxide poisoning and driver disorientation. Additionally, the heavy steel exhaust system is completely unsupported at the front, creating an imminent risk of the pipe falling and dragging on the roadway at highway speeds, which could cause a catastrophic crash. The vehicle began getting progressively louder during cold weather between late 2025 and early 2026. A certified Chevrolet dealership technician officially inspected the vehicle, filmed an inspection video confirming this exact structural failure, and attempted to submit it for warranty coverage. GM Corporate denied the claim solely because my VIN is excluded from Special Coverage N212356540, despite the vehicle suffering from the identical manufacturing defect described in the bulletin. I possess the official dealer repair receipt and the technician's inspection video as proof.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/01/2025

I am filing a complaint regarding a persistent safety defect widely known as the "Shift to Park" issue. For over a year, my 2020 Chevrolet Traverse, VIN [XXX] has repeatedly displayed a "Shift to Park" warning message on the instrument cluster when the vehicle is placed in Park and the engine shutoff button is pressed. This occurs multiple times weekly. Despite the vehicle physically being in Park, the internal shifter sensor fails to recognize the gear position. This defect prevents the vehicle from shutting down properly, leaving the electrical system active and causing severe battery drain. Furthermore, because the vehicle does not recognize it is in Park, it creates a roll away risk if the driver exits assuming the vehicle is fully secured. General Motors is aware of this widespread component failure across this vehicle platform but refuses to issue a safety recall or cover the repair costs out of warranty. This is a systemic manufacturing defect that presents a clear financial and safety hazard to consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE — Filed 07/01/2026

Bracket on the exhaust pipes just before the flex pipes broke free and there is now a hole in the pipe.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/17/2026

I made an error and incorrectly submitted an issue under the wrong vehicle, with NHTSA Safety Issue ID 11759404. This is the same submission under the correct vehicle and VIN. Issue ID 11759404 can be merged here or canceled.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 08/17/2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that over time the sound became louder. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked front exhaust pipe and battery failure. The contact was informed that the front exhaust pipe and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 84,701.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 11/10/2024

I was driving to work at 0530 on 11/10/24. I was on the highway driving the speed limit. A light came on that read "service ESC". Within 2 minutes of this light coming on, I heard a loud noise and the tail end of my car started to spin out. My power steering went out, my brakes did not work and I hit the guard rail very hard. The "electronic stability control" system in my car, turned off on me with only a minute warning, and almost killed me. My car was totaled and deemed a complete loss. Any advice would be appreciated.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/10/2024

The backup camera in my Chevy Traverse stopped working a few months after purchasing the vehicle new. Whenever the car is put in reverse a black screen appears with an exclamation point inside of a triangle. This seems to be an extremely common issue with 2020 Chevy Traverses as there is numerous postings on online message boards about the same issue of the backup camera dying shortly after purchase with no resolution. Today while backing up I struck another vehicle that was also backing up that I would have been able to see if the backup camera was working. It also appeared the audible object warning did not activate. Luckily there was only minimal damage to the vehicles. It is extremely difficult to backup the vehicle without the backup camera due to the length of the vehicle as well as blind spots in the rear windows. This issue seems to be ongoing with this model and is costing consumers significant amounts of money and time in shop because Chevy does not seem to be able to resolve the issue with their Traverse backup cameras.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE — Filed 04/07/2024

Sunday night 4/7/24, I was on my way to the emergency department with my 5 month old baby to be seen. 30min into my drive i came to a stop light when my truck completely shut off (BLACKOUT) No Power, NO LIGHTS not even my hazard would turn on, my car wouldn't go into park or allow me to press on my breaks it was like they were glued stuck. all my doors locked and I couldn't get them to open, not even manually because of the nobs that go all the way in. I couldn't put the car into park or anything just got locked in my car and I couldn't even hit the OnStar because everything was off! I started to see cars coming from a distance so i started to panic because they were going to rear end us really bad, so i broke the driver window and went to warn drivers to please stop by putting myself at risk to get hit by a car because i didn't know what else to do, i had a 5month old baby in the back seat that would have died if I didn't pull her out and we got hit. I started to scream for help because it was dark and we were stuck. two cars came inches from rear ending us, which caused an accident between the two vehicles. thankfully a police officer was passing by and got behind my traverse to stop traffic. but if it wasn't for the cop i don't know what the outcome would have been. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. IF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE WE WOULD HAVE BURNED. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP. Why would they design a car where you cannot get out. and why did it shut off like this. ???? I NEED ANSWERS PLEASE. I'M TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY CAR AND THIS WAS A $38,000 VEHICAL THIS IS NOT OK!!!!

AIR BAGS — Filed 02/21/2024

In a collision where there was front end damage, no airbag deployed

AIR BAGS — Filed 11/30/2023

Due to a death in the family, we were traveling back from a funeral. We were miles away from another freeway change when a deer came from the ditch and darted in front of my vehicle. With no time to react, I braced for impact. Going at a high rate of speed, I was bracing for airbags. At the time of collision all the safety features engaged. The seatbelts locked in place, hazard lights turned on, and my vehicle was slowing, but my airbags did not deploy. They did however release a white powder substance. I was safely able to get my vehicle off to the side of the road and evaluate the situation. My husband was moaning and grunting in the passenger seat. My three children are scared, frightened and worried. As we were attempting to unbuckle and exit the vehicle to assess the damage, we were unable to free ourselves. As the seatbelts locked, and had no wiggle room to disengage the latch. We had to move the seats back, to allow room to unbuckle. With the impact we received and the size of the deer struck. The insurance has deemed the vehicle a total loss. After many questions, and multiple attempts to get answers. All I have is the airbags should have deployed, with the evidence through the car with the white powder at airbag locations. As I thank to not be as injured as we could have been. Having my whole family walk away with minor bruises and many aches. My heart is broken, I am shattered and unable to process the incident. Having put so much faith in a vehicle to protect myself and others who I love. I feel jaded, lied too, and unable to trust car safety. My heart is unable to let this go and have others being in danger with no airbag protection in an accident.

SEATS — Filed 03/19/2023

I was in a collision at 60 mph and flipped through the air without hitting the roof and landed on my wheels. I had a car doing 80 lost control as he was passing me sideways and into my lane. The front on the car was completely unrecognizable z no side impact or sudden stop.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 05/19/2022

The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 - 40 MPH, the contact rear-ended another vehicle. The driver's side front seat belt pre-tensioner was loose and did not restrain the contact in the seat upon impact. The air bags were deployed upon impact. The contact suffered bruising on her chest, a lacerated thumb, and a fractured elbow from the air bag deployment. Medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,500.

SEATS — Filed 11/23/2021

I reached between the driver seat and center console to retrieve my keys. When I pulled my hand back up something on the seat sliced my hand open and I needed 5 stitches. After looking closely at both the front seats (driver and passenger) there is a very sharp piece between the seat and console on both seats. Chevrolet corporate was contacted and they said to take it to a dealer so it doesn’t happen again. My vehicle is scheduled to be inspected by a dealer on 12/08/21. 1. Sharp piece on seat and yes it’s available for inspection 2. Hand was cut when reaching between seat and center console resulting in 5 stitches. 3. Chevy corporate said thanks for letting them know and advised taking it to a dealer so it “doesn’t happen again.” The local dealer scheduled me for an inspection but did not say whether or not this is something they’ve heard before. 4. The vehicle will be inspected by a dealer on 12/08/21 (the soonest they had available). 5. No warnings/messages prior to incident

AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 07/06/2021

Vehicle turned in front of our traverse we where traveling approximately 30mph struck other car broadside and no air bag deployment? But odor of airbag in our Vehicle was present. But there no deployment visible? Body shop states no issues with airbag system. But they are replacing airbags in repair of our vehicle. "The airbag systems are faulty and unsafe"

AIR BAGS,SEATS — Filed 03/01/2021

GOT IN A 50 MPH ACCIDENT FRONT PASSENGER. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR WITH ONLY 6200 MILES. HAS AIRBAGS EVERYWHERE. THE HIGHWAY PATROL AND MYSELF CANNOT BELIEVE THIS.

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 02/10/2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT 50 MPH AND WHEN VEHICLES A HEAD OF HIM STARTED TO SLAM ON THEIR BRAKES, THE CONTACTS HUSBAND THEN DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE LOCKED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLID CRASHING INTO THE REAR END OF A UTILITY TRUCK IN FRONT OF HIM. THE VEHICLE THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE AIR BAG DID DEPLOY. NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE UTILITY TRUCK DRIVER ON THE SCENE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. NO MEDICAL TREATMENT WAS NEEDED AT THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A IMPOUND WHERE THEN THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED WHERE THEY PLAN TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/16/2020

BRAKE FAILURE ON A 2 DAY OLD CHEVY TRAVERSE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS . . . 1.I PURCHASED A CHEVROLET TRAVERSE FROM LAWRENCE CHEVROLET ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020 AND TOOK DELIVERY AT ABOUT 5:00PM. 2.WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020, WE EXPERIENCED A LOW SPEED BRAKE FAILURE. THIS OCCURRED WHILE ON THE WAY TO DULLES AIRPORT AT ABOUT 6:00PM. THE BRAKES WERE SLOWLY APPLIED AND THEY DID NOT RESPOND. THE BRAKES WERE THEN PRESSED HARD AND THEY DID NOT RESPOND. I (MIKE) REACHED OVER TO TRY SHIFTING THE CAR INTO PARK BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL AND THE CAR DRIFTED AT A VERY LOW SPEED, 'A WALKING SPEED,' AND INTO THE BACK OF A TRACTOR TRAILER. WE HAD VERY AMPLE SPACE TO STOP HOWEVER THE BRAKES SIMPLY DID NOT RESPOND. MINIMAL DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE VEHICLE'S FRONT. I IMMEDIATELY CHECKED TO SEE IF SOMETHING WAS IN THE WAY OF THE BRAKES PEDAL (A FLOOR MAT OR OTHER OBSTRUCTION) AND THERE WAS NO OBSTRUCTION. I COULD SEE, AND I AM CERTAIN, THAT HEATHER HAD HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. 3.GLENDA (ONSTAR/GM) ESTABLISHED CASE NUMBER 9-5760767809 AND SET UP A TOW TO OURISMAN CHEVROLET OF ROCKVILLE, MD. 4.I WAS GREETED BY ROBERTO (SERVICE MANAGER?) AND HELPED BY BOTH ROBERTO AND ALLEN KRUM (ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER). THEY ALSO TOOK DOWN A DESCRIPTION OF THE INCIDENT AND THEY GAVE ME A RENTAL CAR. OF NOTE, THEY SAID THAT SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF THE DEALERSHIP (A GM REP?) WOULD BE COMING TO LOOK OVER THE CAR.