CHEVROLET TRAVERSE · model year

2026 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE

13 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2026CHEVROLETTRAVERSE carries 13 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2026 TRAVERSE is engine with 3 filings, followed by power train (2) and service brakes (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2026 TRAVERSE, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

13
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2026 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2026 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

13 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE3
POWER TRAIN2
SERVICE BRAKES2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
STEERING1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL1
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1

Recalls (1)

26V11400026/02/2026

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coup

Recent Complaints

20260218ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I’m reaching out for help with a frustrating situation. I purchased a brand new 2026 Chevrolet Traverse in New York, but after moving to Texas, I'm having trouble registering it. The car can't pass the state inspection due to emissions issues, and local dealerships aren't providing any assistance. The only advice I've received is to drive it around for a bit, hoping the problem resolves itself. However, I'm concerned about the safety of myself and my 4 children, and it seems like Chevrolet isn't taking this issue seriously. What steps can I take to resolve this situation?

20260126POWER TRAIN

My car is available for inspection upon request. AWD Service and 4WD Service messages appeared at 389 miles and 2104 miles on the odometer. Messages appeared during operation of the vehicle, shutting down AWD as an option and defaulting to 2WD. Messages would go away and AWD would come back online after a few hours of leaving the car off. AWD system was in use when error messages appeared and deactivation of the AWD/4WD system increased risk during icy road conditions. When taken to the Houston Mac haik Chevy dealership service center, I was refused at the door, stating that the messages needs to be on for them to take a look. No warning lamps or other messages appeared prior to failure. Message first appeared during normal operation with AWD on at 389 miles on the odometer. The components have not been inspected by anyone.

20251221SERVICE BRAKES

This vehicle is unsafe for two reasons. First, it slams you on brakes and puts you in park at random times. Middle of road, parking lots, etc. This puts you at higher risk of someone hitting you. The second thing is when pressing the gas when taking off after a stop, the rpm’s jump up and the engine revs up, but the car is barely going. Not safe when crossing intersections along with many other times. Both of these puts mine and my families safety at risk along with others on the road. No warning signs, lights, etc. Car is in shop for second time. First time on November 28, second time on December the 11. Still no answer on a fix. Just that they think they may know the cause. The dealer has gotten the car to reproduce these issues.

20251221ENGINE

This vehicle is unsafe for two reasons. First, it slams you on brakes and puts you in park at random times. Middle of road, parking lots, etc. This puts you at higher risk of someone hitting you. The second thing is when pressing the gas when taking off after a stop, the rpm’s jump up and the engine revs up, but the car is barely going. Not safe when crossing intersections along with many other times. Both of these puts mine and my families safety at risk along with others on the road. No warning signs, lights, etc. Car is in shop for second time. First time on November 28, second time on December the 11. Still no answer on a fix. Just that they think they may know the cause. The dealer has gotten the car to reproduce these issues.

20251221FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

This vehicle is unsafe for two reasons. First, it slams you on brakes and puts you in park at random times. Middle of road, parking lots, etc. This puts you at higher risk of someone hitting you. The second thing is when pressing the gas when taking off after a stop, the rpm’s jump up and the engine revs up, but the car is barely going. Not safe when crossing intersections along with many other times. Both of these puts mine and my families safety at risk along with others on the road. No warning signs, lights, etc. Car is in shop for second time. First time on November 28, second time on December the 11. Still no answer on a fix. Just that they think they may know the cause. The dealer has gotten the car to reproduce these issues.

20251220CrashSERVICE BRAKES

On Monday, December 15, 2025, I was "creeping" into my garage when the brakes failed and I ran into my garage wall damaging my wall and the front of the vehicle. On Tuesday, December 16 ,2025, while slowly pulling into a parking spot at Sam's Club in OKC, the brakes again failed, and the forward crash system prevented running into another vehicle. On that same date while stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the brakes again failed, and I was able to pull into the median rather than hitting the car in front of me. That same evening, while backing out of a parking spot at a restaurant, the brakes failed in reverse and again the vehicle reverse crash avoidance system stopped without hitting another vehicle. Later, as I was leaving the parking lot, the brakes failed at the STOP sign, and I was able to turn right in the Merge Lane avoiding hitting another oncoming car. At the very next STOP sign, the brakes failed again, and I was able to get the car into PARK avoiding another head on collisi

20251212ENGINE

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact stated that while making a right turn into the dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because parts were on back order. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 500.

Mileage: 500

20251212SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact stated that while making a right turn into the dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because parts were on back order. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 500.

Mileage: 500

20251212STEERING

The car is equipped with a supercruise feature, which should ideally enhance the driving experience. However, I've encountered a significant issue: even when this feature is not activated, the vehicle tends to oscillate between the lane markers. This problem becomes particularly pronounced under poor road conditions, such as when it's raining. The moisture on the pavement obscures the lane markings, and in these instances, the car automatically drifts toward the right side of the road. As a result, I find myself constantly struggling to maintain control of the steering wheel in an effort to keep the car centered within the lane. When it veers off to the right, I must exert extra effort to correct its direction, which can lead to a hazardous driving situation, regardless of the weather conditions or time of day. The need for constant corrections not only creates frustration but also increases the risk of losing control, making this a serious concern for both my safety and that of other

20251212FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

The car is equipped with a supercruise feature, which should ideally enhance the driving experience. However, I've encountered a significant issue: even when this feature is not activated, the vehicle tends to oscillate between the lane markers. This problem becomes particularly pronounced under poor road conditions, such as when it's raining. The moisture on the pavement obscures the lane markings, and in these instances, the car automatically drifts toward the right side of the road. As a result, I find myself constantly struggling to maintain control of the steering wheel in an effort to keep the car centered within the lane. When it veers off to the right, I must exert extra effort to correct its direction, which can lead to a hazardous driving situation, regardless of the weather conditions or time of day. The need for constant corrections not only creates frustration but also increases the risk of losing control, making this a serious concern for both my safety and that of other

20251212LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

The car is equipped with a supercruise feature, which should ideally enhance the driving experience. However, I've encountered a significant issue: even when this feature is not activated, the vehicle tends to oscillate between the lane markers. This problem becomes particularly pronounced under poor road conditions, such as when it's raining. The moisture on the pavement obscures the lane markings, and in these instances, the car automatically drifts toward the right side of the road. As a result, I find myself constantly struggling to maintain control of the steering wheel in an effort to keep the car centered within the lane. When it veers off to the right, I must exert extra effort to correct its direction, which can lead to a hazardous driving situation, regardless of the weather conditions or time of day. The need for constant corrections not only creates frustration but also increases the risk of losing control, making this a serious concern for both my safety and that of other

20251125ENGINE

Purchased the car in August 2025 and have had into service 3 years for the same issues. When driving the car, the RPM will get "stuck" between 5-6 when only driving 20-30 mph. Once I slow down/brake, it will jump into a park effect, but still be in drive. The car has been inspected by Chevy 3 times, but they can't get any fault code on the vehicle, so they can't "fix" the issue. This puts myself and my small children at risk because if it jumps into the park effect, while still in drive, I can not move and someone could rear-end me. I do have video evidence.

20251125POWER TRAIN

Purchased the car in August 2025 and have had into service 3 years for the same issues. When driving the car, the RPM will get "stuck" between 5-6 when only driving 20-30 mph. Once I slow down/brake, it will jump into a park effect, but still be in drive. The car has been inspected by Chevy 3 times, but they can't get any fault code on the vehicle, so they can't "fix" the issue. This puts myself and my small children at risk because if it jumps into the park effect, while still in drive, I can not move and someone could rear-end me. I do have video evidence.

Compare 2026CHEVROLETTRAVERSE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2026 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE have?
The 2026 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE has 13 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2026 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE?
The 2026 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2026 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE?
Yes, the 2026 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2026 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE?
The most-complained component for the 2026 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE is ENGINE with 3 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and SERVICE BRAKES.
Is the 2026 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2026 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.