Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Traverse vs Chevrolet Tahoe
How the Chevrolet Traverse and Chevrolet Tahoe compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Chevrolet Traverse vs Chevrolet Tahoe: the Traverse averages about 208 complaints per year with 23 recalls, while the Tahoe averages about 145 complaints per year with 44 recalls. The Traverse's top issue is power train (542 complaints), and the Tahoe's is engine (520 complaints). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Traverse or Chevrolet Tahoe more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row family SUV that averages about 208 owner complaints per year over the past decade, with 23 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and engine, and owners describe hard jerking, transmission problems, and warning messages like 'Service Brake Assist' and 'Steering Assist Reduced.' These are not just minor annoyances—some complaints mention the vehicle becoming unsafe to drive, so a used Traverse needs a careful mechanical inspection.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that averages about 145 owner complaints per year over the same period, with 44 recalls. Engine and power train complaints lead the list, and owners report severe shaking, hesitation, stalling, and thick white smoke, often pointing to fuel or engine problems. Electrical quirks like doors locking with keys inside also appear, so a used Tahoe should be checked for both engine health and electrical behavior.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Traverse | Chevrolet Tahoe |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,075 | 1,449 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 44 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 66 | 38 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 207.5 | 144.9 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 69 | 42 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Chevrolet Traverse
- 01POWER TRAIN542
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM401
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER360
- 04ENGINE335
- 05AIR BAGS293
Owners report hard jerking during acceleration and shifting, plus transmission not operating normally, which can make the vehicle feel unsafe to drive. Some complaints also mention electronic parking brake and steering-assist warnings tied to power train-related systems.
Dashboard warnings such as 'Service Brake Assist' and 'Steering Assist Reduced – Drive with Care' appear while driving, and owners say the brakes can become hard to press. These electrical faults can affect steering and braking feel, so they are more than cosmetic.
Owners describe repeated engine and cooling system failures, fuel-injector or misfire problems, and exhaust leaks in the front pipe. These issues can cause rough running, failed emissions tests, and potentially costly repairs.
Air bag complaints are among the top five components, and recalls include frontal impact sensors and side curtain air bags. Buyers should verify that any open air bag recalls have been fixed, since these systems are critical in a crash.
“I own a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS, VIN [XXX]. This vehicle has repeated safety-related failures involving the engine/cooling system, fuel-injector/misfire system, steering-assist warning system, and electronic parking brake system. The vehicle is currently a…”
“The contact's husband leases a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after the vehicle had been parked for approximately 10 minutes, the contact who was occupying the front passenger's side seat turned off the vehicle while the driver's seat was un…”
Chevrolet Tahoe
- 01ENGINE520
- 02POWER TRAIN312
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM214
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM176
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER156
Owners report the truck jerking, slowing down in traffic, and producing thick white smoke, with some 6.2L engines diagnosed with severe shaking and hesitation. These symptoms can indicate major engine trouble that may be expensive to repair.
Complaints include inability to accelerate, high RPMs without speed gain, and a 'service' message appearing. This suggests transmission or driveline problems that can leave a driver struggling to merge or climb hills.
Owners describe the vehicle resetting itself, clocks losing time, and doors locking with keys inside. These electrical glitches are inconvenient and can become a safety concern if they affect locks or controls.
After fueling, owners report check engine lights, stalling, rough idle, hard shifting, and a fuel odor on the dipstick. Fuel system problems can lead to stalling in traffic and may require fuel pump or injector repairs.
“I was driving in traffic with 8 kids from my football team on a busy street and my truck start jerking and wouldn’t accelerate much. I was going 35 mph and the truck just slows down in the middle of driving. Then as I pulled over thick white smoke comes from…”
“On June 17th, 2025 while driving from [XXX] back to my home state of [XXX] , I experienced an engine malfunction in Chester, Va where the 6.2 L87 engine was shaking and had severe hesitation. It was diagnosed by the Chevrolet dealership in Chester, VA as suff…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Chevrolet Traverse — 23 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.
The risk: A missing retaining ring on the half-shaft can cause half-shaft inner joint separation, resulting in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left-side half-shaft assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222390180.
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
The risk: A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevro…
The defect: Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place may chafe against the transmission case, possibly resulting in a transmission flu…
The risk: A transmission fluid leak can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the screw and clip, and inspect for signs of contact with the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM…
Chevrolet Tahoe — 44 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental…
The risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, C…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
The risk: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC custome…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is tra…
The risk: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this…
The defect: General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2025–2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 24-inch wheels. Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deform…
The risk: A bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front left and right wheel hub bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Traverse or Chevrolet Tahoe: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Tahoe has fewer complaints per year (about 145) than the Chevrolet Traverse (about 208), but the Tahoe has more recalls (44 vs. 23). In practice, the Traverse shows a broader mix of power train, electrical, and engine complaints, while the Tahoe's issues are more concentrated in the engine and fuel system. Neither is trouble-free, so the better choice depends on which specific problems you are willing to manage.
Key differences
- The Traverse averages about 208 complaints per year, while the Tahoe averages about 145, so the Tahoe has fewer owner complaints annually.
- The Traverse's top complaint area is power train (542 complaints), with owners reporting hard jerking and transmission problems; the Tahoe's top area is engine (520 complaints), with shaking, hesitation, and white smoke.
- The Tahoe has more recalls (44) than the Traverse (23), including fuel pump, brake, and wheel issues, so recall checks are especially important on the Tahoe.
- The Traverse has more crash-related complaints (66) and injuries (69) than the Tahoe (38 crashes, 42 injuries), though both have 1 reported death.
- During a test drive, watch for hard jerking or delayed shifting, and check for dashboard warnings like 'Service Brake Assist' or 'Steering Assist Reduced.'
- Ask for records of any engine, cooling system, fuel-injector, or exhaust repairs, and confirm that all air bag recalls have been completed.
- Listen for engine shaking or hesitation and look for thick white smoke from the exhaust, especially on 6.2L models, and check for a fuel odor on the oil dipstick.
- Test the door locks and electrical controls repeatedly, and verify that fuel pump, brake, and wheel recalls have been addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are fixed, especially air bag recalls on the Traverse and fuel pump or brake recalls on the Tahoe.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection that includes scanning for stored trouble codes and checking transmission and engine behavior.
- Test drive for at least 20 minutes, including highway merging and hill climbs, to feel for jerking, hesitation, or warning lights.
- Check the oil for fuel smell or unusual color, and ask when the transmission fluid and coolant were last serviced.
- Verify that electrical features like door locks, windows, and dashboard displays work consistently, since both models have electrical complaints.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Chevrolet Traverse | Chevrolet Tahoe |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 24 | 26 |
| 2025 | 179 | 49 |
| 2024 | 137 | 67 |
| 2023 | 89 | 223 |
| 2022 | 98 | 190 |
| 2021 | 89 | 454 |
| 2020 | 229 | 57 |
| 2019 | 407 | 106 |
| 2018 | 462 | 104 |
| 2017 | 361 | 173 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Chevrolet Traverse or Chevrolet Tahoe in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Traverse vs Chevrolet Tahoe
- Chevrolet Traverse total complaints
- 2,075
- Chevrolet Tahoe total complaints
- 1,449
- Chevrolet Traverse total recalls
- 23
- Chevrolet Tahoe total recalls
- 44
- Chevrolet Traverse avg complaints/year
- 207.5
- Chevrolet Tahoe avg complaints/year
- 144.9
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Chevrolet Traverse top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Tahoe top complaint area
- ENGINE