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⚑ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: Jun 2026How we calculate this
Severe Issues

2017 Chevrolet Traverse: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2017 Chevrolet Traverse? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 353 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.

353
Complaints
12
Crashes
1
Fires
10
Injuries
1
Deaths
3
Recalls

2017 Chevrolet Traverse Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2017 Chevrolet Traverse trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

15
MPG City
15–15 range
22
MPG Hwy
22–22 range
18
MPG Combined
17–18 range
507
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $6,750 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.

2017 Chevrolet Traverse Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β€” showing 2017 Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

5/5

16.9% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5

16.9% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Optionalβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse has 353 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2017 Chevrolet Traverse β€” key reliability facts
Make
Chevrolet
Model
Traverse
Model year
2017
NHTSA owner complaints
353
Crash-related complaints
12
Safety recall campaigns
3
Top reported component
Airbag Malfunctions
Reliability signal
Severe 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 2017 Chevrolet Traverse Problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
259
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:4
Injuries:7
#2
23
complaints

Engine Problems

Fires:1
#3
19
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:1
Injuries:1

Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Should You Buy a Used 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?

The 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Traverse

Inspection Focus

  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
  • Request service records for airbag, engine, and electrical components.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on airbag and electrical systems.
  • Check for any prior airbag-related repairs or warnings.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
  • Request service records for airbag, engine, and electrical components.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on airbag and electrical systems.
  • Check for any prior airbag-related repairs or warnings.

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2017 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

Based on 353 NHTSA complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse, the data suggests a concentration of issues related to airbag malfunctions, which account for the majority of reports. Engine, electrical, and transmission problems are also noted but with lower frequency. The vehicle has 3 recalls and 12 crash-related complaints, though the confidence level in this analysis is low due to the limited scope of data.

Key Findings
  • Airbag malfunctions dominate complaints with 259 reports for the 2017 model year.
  • Engine problems (23), electrical faults (19), and transmission/drivetrain issues (16) are the next most common categories.
  • The vehicle has 3 recalls and 12 crash-related complaints, but no specific crash details are provided.
Top Concerns
  • Airbag Malfunctions: 259 complaints, indicating a potential systemic issue.
  • Engine Problems: 23 complaints, suggesting possible reliability concerns.
  • Electrical Faults: 19 complaints, pointing to electrical system vulnerabilities.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Data covers only one model year (2017), limiting trend analysis across years. Confidence level is low, so findings should be interpreted cautiously.

All 2017 Chevrolet Traverse Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions2594β€”β€”
Engine Problems23β€”1β€”
Electrical Faults191β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues173β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain161β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues11β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects11β€”β€”β€”
Brake System114β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration103β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System91β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper4β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure4β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)4β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures3β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems3β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Visibility2β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures1β€”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 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 353 most recent complaints

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 27, 2026

The transmission is going out at 107K miles and needs to be completely replaced for around $8500 (see attached quote). It has a shudder and has a hard time shifting into third gear. This is a known issue with Traverses.

Electrical FaultsApr 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse(R), the rear-view camera screen displayed a distorted image. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the front driver’s side window failed to roll up or d…

Airbag MalfunctionsApr 4, 2026

I made an appointment August 2nd, 2024 at Phillips Chevrolet in Frankfort for my airbag recall. They told me they didn’t have the parts, but would call me when they were in. They never did. I made another appointment for April 6th, 2026, almost two years later. I was called again…

Engine ProblemsMar 27, 2026

There is a transmission recall for 2009 to 2017 Chevrolet traverses. My traverse has the exact same transmission and engine as the recall but for some reason GM decided not to add my Vin to the recall. My vehicle is experiencing the exact same issues recorded in the recall. I cal…

Airbag MalfunctionsMar 21, 2026

Chevrolet did not properly repair the vehicle and left it with persistent airbag issues; every time I start the car, a defective airbag indicator appears.

Suspension FailuresMar 3, 2026

When my vehicle is going between 30-45 mph there is shaking happening. Torque converter feels like its locking up and then releasing.

Airbag MalfunctionsFeb 5, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request: *Drivers side airbag component malfunctioned *Yes the vehicle is available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? *The drivers side airbag compone…

Unintended AccelerationJan 30, 2026

Since I acquired the vehicle at around 100k miles, there is a transmission shift wobble at 30mph, 40mph, 45mph, 60mph and 65mph. I drove a manual transmission for over 10yrs prior to this vehicle and when this transmission wobble happens, I just reved a bit and let the gas go so …

Seat Belt IssuesJan 19, 2026

I went to pull seat belt across me and the whole belt including the box that is attached by a wire cable came with it. It's no longer attached to the floor. I didn't have any signs that it was lose or anything it just broke when I got into my seat getting ready to leave my home.

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 10, 2025

The component/system that is malfunctioning is coding P-0826. Dealership says replace Transmission.Based on my experience with the vehicle, the transmission is not the main issue. There are symptoms of an electrical issue that is causing the vehicle to lose power, rough shift, st…

Electrical FaultsJun 18, 2025

I read that there was possibly a P16F3 recall

Steering DefectsJun 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the contact heard a loud clanking sound coming from the steering wheel. There …

Unintended AccelerationJun 8, 2025

Stepped on brake to disengage cruise control. The car accelerated instead of slowing, I turned off cruise and kept stepping on the brake the car kept accelerating. I had to shift to neutral stop the car and shut engine off. When I restarted it was disengaged. This has happene…

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 16, 2025

It's been a year now I've been waiting for my 2017 Chevy Traverse to replace the "SAFETY RECALL" on driver's air bag inflator to be replace by this Dealership. Their neglecting the safety issue that it may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect. They schedule me …

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 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 air bag warning light was illuminated intermittently. The loc…

Fuel/Propulsion SystemApr 21, 2025

I believe my vehicle should be part of the recent GM recall for defective fuel pumps. I have been experiencing issues with my vehicle surging during acceleration, and stalling during idle. This has happened at stop lights and is a safety concern.

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 15, 2025

The Transfer Case exploded causing the drive shaft to bend and the powering steering line to be damaged and all of the parts listed above need to be replaced. There was a loud explosion while driving and the vehicle no longer drove properly and I was unable to steer the vehicle.…

Airbag MalfunctionsApr 3, 2025

Received recall notice, called dealer to make appointment for repair service, as the recall notice instructs, regarding airbag inflator and was told that there is "no remedy" at this time so no repair or replacement to airbag would be done at this time. I was told I would receive…

Airbag MalfunctionsApr 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service Air Bag" intermittently flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the driver’s side curtain air bag sensor was faulty and n…

Airbag MalfunctionsMar 30, 2025

Incomplete recall

Page 1 of 18

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse.

2017 Chevrolet Traverse Recalls

3 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. 3 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.

21V782000Jul 10, 2021
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

21V246000Aug 4, 2021
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

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

Compare Chevrolet Traverse Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2017 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

202620252024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009

2017 Chevrolet Traverse Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 353 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?β–Ύ

#1: Airbag Malfunctions (259 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (23 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (19 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?β–Ύ

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

How safe is the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse, NHTSA complaints include 12 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 353 total complaints. 10 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. 3 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 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?β–Ύ

The 2017 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 2017 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.