repaired · 2026 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2016 Chevrolet TraverseProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 292 owner complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-246 the manufacturer reports only 40% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 21, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: BuickRiviera99, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse has problems
292 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
163Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
37Power train1 crash/fire/injury
31Engine1 crash/fire/injury
26Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
24Steering
19Vehicle speed control
15Electronic stability control (ESC)
8Fuel/propulsion system
7Service brakes
3715 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 163 | 3 |
| Power train | 37 | 1 |
| Engine | 31 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 26 | 1 |
| Steering | 24 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 19 | 3 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 15 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 3 |
| 15 other systems | 37 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2016 Chevrolet Traverse recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Air bags: critical fasteners
Risk. Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2017 Q2
Seats
Risk. If the seat frame is not welded in the correct places, the seat may not perform as intended, and in the event of a crash, the seat occupant could be at an…
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2017 Q1
Windshield wiper/washer: motor
Risk. A wiper motor that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Traverse year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Traverse median. How we score
'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Chevrolet Traverse safety ratings
2016 Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Traverse owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that four local dealers were contacted. The contact was informed that parts were on back order. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not…
There is an open recall on my 2016 Chevrolet Traverse that I have been trying to get resolved for almost 2 years. I finally opened a case with GM (#{XXX]) back on February 15, 2026 in an effort to escalate the repair. I received a call from a GM rep who has been less than helpful telling me the…
The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (AIR BAGS) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Own a 2016 Traverse?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.