Notable Issues

2016 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. This model year has 290 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.

290
Complaints
8
Crashes
1
Fires
15
Injuries
1
Deaths
5
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2016 Chevrolet Traverse Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
162
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:3
Injuries:5
#2
36
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Crash-related:1
#3
31
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1

Considering a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions1623β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain361β€”β€”
Engine Problems311β€”β€”
Electrical Faults26β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects24β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues181β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration183β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)151β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System8β€”β€”β€”
Brake System63β€”β€”
Wheel Issues5β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems51β€”β€”
Lane Departure4β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper4β€”1β€”
Seat Belt Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures3β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues21β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB11β€”β€”
Other/I Am Not Sure1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility1β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System1β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline1β€”β€”β€”
Traction Control System1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 290 most recent complaints

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 25, 2026

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).

Airbag MalfunctionsMar 10, 2026

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 helpf…

Airbag MalfunctionsFeb 26, 2026

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.

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 28, 2026

the transmission lost power and almost caused an accident with the vehicle behind me

Airbag MalfunctionsJan 15, 2026

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 manuf…

Airbag MalfunctionsNov 17, 2025

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 became…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 7, 2025

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.

Transmission / DrivetrainOct 10, 2025

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 that…

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 2, 2025

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 the…

Electrical FaultsJun 4, 2025

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.

Airbag MalfunctionsApr 15, 2025

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 r…

Airbag MalfunctionsApr 14, 2025

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 r…

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 31, 2025

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 bla…

Lane DepartureMar 6, 2025

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 i…

Airbag MalfunctionsFeb 25, 2025

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 the…

Airbag MalfunctionsFeb 14, 2025

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 the…

Airbag MalfunctionsFeb 3, 2025

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 …

Airbag MalfunctionsJan 23, 2025

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 recal…

Airbag MalfunctionsDec 27, 2024

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 replac…

Airbag MalfunctionsDec 26, 2024

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 r…

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Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse.

Recalls for 2016 Chevrolet Traverse

5 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

15V609000Invalid Date
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

15V833000Nov 12, 2015
SEATS

21V782000Jul 10, 2021
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

21V246000Aug 4, 2021
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

23V334000Oct 5, 2023
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

2016 Chevrolet Traverse β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?β–Ύ

Notable Issues. The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse has 290 NHTSA owner complaints, 8 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Airbag Malfunctions (162 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?β–Ύ

#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?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?β–Ύ

The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse has 8 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 290 total NHTSA complaints. 15 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The largest issue: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?β–Ύ

The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse has notable issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Airbag Malfunctions issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

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.

Check Your Specific 2016 Chevrolet Traverse

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.