2016 Chevrolet Traverse Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 291 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 5 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse receives a 4.7/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 291 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 5 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports with a median failure point at 30,000 miles (IQR: 17,000 – 43,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $400 – $1,200 .
24.3 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
5 Active / Free Remedies
2016 Traverse Failure Distribution by Vehicle Subsystem
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“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. ...”
“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 help...”
“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.”
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle was retrieved from a dealer after a recall regarding the air bags; however, while driving approximately 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lunged forward. The contact stated t...”
“The big problem when I drive is that it is not safe, it jerks when I start to accelerate. I took it to the nearest dealer to have the problem fixed. And they do not want to fix the problem and now I just want to get this vehicle off the roads. I do not want to cause an acciden...”
“2 issues: 1: Brakes did not stop car nor did the abs braking system kick in causing the car to not stop on full demand! 2 cars slammed on their brakes at a yellow light instead of going thru causing a small number kiss Was going 35mph and when braking, car didn’t fully stop an...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“The vehicle only has 145,xxx miles and I experience a "shudder" which could be caused by torque converter issues, often felt at highway speeds (approx. 40-60 mph).”
“the transmission lost power and almost caused an accident with the vehicle behind me”
“Transmission solenoid. Common. Needs to be reported. Its know as the week link to this vehicle. The manufacturer knows and there are many complaints. This vehicle needs to be recalled. Safety concern while driving.”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the moonroof had fractured entirely without impact. The moonroof had not completely shattered as of yet but was at risk of doing so due to the extensive cracks. The conta...”
“Power steering pump in the car had low pressure causing the steering wheel to barely turn or have a hard time turning the wheel. This put me and my family at risk while driving because when making turns it would feel like it was locking up which almost would cause accidents no...”
“Rack and pinion steering is failing at 66,000 miles on a 2016 Chevy Traverse. This is low mileage for a vehicle to lose this function and a safety concern should the steering fail at speed and needs to be investigated. There are other complaints by Chevy owners for the same pr...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“Front lights started dimming about the middle of April 2025 and now both back lights are out at the same time on June 3rd 2025.The car makes a rough grinding noise as it switches gears.”
“I had to replace the timing chain. I had to replace the Torque Converter. New issues: Interior lights on the dash and radio have been going out while driving. Message center warning has been not working sometimes when using remote start in winter. Sometimes it just goes blank ...”
“The blindspot modules are put behind the wheel well in the bumper exposed to the elements. Water gets in these modules and cause them to swell and fail. Each module is sold at the dealer for $340 a piece and gm recommends you replace both along with the wiring harness. This jo...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“We had breaker replaced in May of 2023 and less then a year later we had to have our front breaks replaced again. Only to have to replace them again 3 months later. We have been told the brake system on the Chevy traverse that they are the size of a Honda accord why that is a ...”
“2 issues: 1: Brakes did not stop car nor did the abs braking system kick in causing the car to not stop on full demand! 2 cars slammed on their brakes at a yellow light instead of going thru causing a small number kiss Was going 35mph and when braking, car didn’t fully stop an...”
“I have a 2016 Chevy Traverse. The “traction control off” light has been on for about 2 months now, along with the service stabilitrak light, and ABS light. When driving it seems is if though my ABS is kicking in when it should not be. Since those lights have been on, the left ...”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“2016 chevy traverse fuel system problem while at an idle truck shuts off, also the truck drags while trying to accelerate. I have made a complaint before but haven't heard anything yet.”
“WE PURCHASED OUR 2016 CHEVY TRAVERSE NEW AND NOW HAVE APPROX. 38K MILES ON IT. AFTER THE 1ST YEAR, WE BEGAN EXPERIENCING POWER LOSS ISSUES AND ENDED UP HAVING FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED IN MID-2017. SINCE THEN, WE'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN REPORTED...”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL ...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (5)
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015. Due to a manufacturing defect, the windshield wiper motor may overheat when used.
SEATS
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured November 6, 2015, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a the third row left lower seat frame that may have welds that are not in the correction location.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2016 Chevrolet Traverse
Before purchasing a used 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2016 Chevrolet Traverse
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse a reliable used car?
The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse earns a 4.7/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 291 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?
The leading complaint category is Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 30,000 miles (IQR: 17,000 – 43,000 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?
Yes, the NHTSA records 5 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.