2016 Chevrolet Traverse: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Chevrolet Traverse? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 290 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2016 Chevrolet Traverse Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2016 Chevrolet Traverse trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2016 Chevrolet Traverse Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β showing 2016 Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse has 290 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Traverse
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 290
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 22
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Chevrolet Traverse Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?
The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Chevrolet Traverse
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system and verify no open recalls related to airbags.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system and verify no open recalls related to airbags.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, engine, and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse are heavily concentrated in airbag malfunctions, which account for the majority of reports. Other notable areas include transmission/drivetrain, engine problems, and electrical faults. The data suggests potential issues with safety systems and powertrain reliability, though the confidence level is low due to the single model year analyzed.
- Airbag malfunctions represent the most frequently reported component, with 162 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are the second most common concern, with 36 complaints.
- Engine problems and electrical faults each have over 25 complaints, indicating potential systemic issues.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Engine Problems
All 2016 Chevrolet Traverse Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 162 | 3 | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 36 | 1 | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 31 | 1 | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 26 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 24 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 18 | 1 | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 18 | 3 | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 15 | 1 | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | β | β | β | |
| Brake System | 6 | 3 | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | 1 | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | β | 1 | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | 1 | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | 1 | β | β | |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel System | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Gasoline | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
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).
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 helpfβ¦
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.
the transmission lost power and almost caused an accident with the vehicle behind me
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufβ¦
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was made aware of the issue and stated that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed that a call would be received when parts becameβ¦
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.
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 thatβ¦
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for theβ¦
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a rβ¦
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a rβ¦
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 blaβ¦
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 job iβ¦
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for theβ¦
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for theβ¦
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The β¦
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recalβ¦
My vehicle has had issues starting off and on with in the last year of having the vehicle. I replaced the battery and alternator. and now we think it's the neutral safety switch. I went to go check the recalls and I see that I had a recall on the front air bag module needs replacβ¦
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number : 23V334000 (AIR BAGS) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a rβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse.
2016 Chevrolet Traverse Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Chevrolet Traverse Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?βΎ
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 290 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?βΎ
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (162 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (36 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (31 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 290 total complaints. 15 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. A major recall area is VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?βΎ
The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Traverse reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.