2021 Chevrolet Traverse: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse: 3 recalls, 90 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #21V472000 · 2021 · 6 vehicles
What's wrong: During service by dealers, certain vehicles May have received incorrect air bag calibration software that May affect frontal airbag deployment.
Why it matters: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #21V817000 · 2021 · 639 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 fluid leak.
Why it matters: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #22V210000 · 2022 · 89 vehicles
What's wrong: The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag May have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
Why it matters: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (22): the most common themes are electrical failure (14), stalls / loses power (12).
- Other / unknown (19): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), leaks (4), noise or vibration (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (15): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (8).
- Engine (11): the most common themes are warning light on (5).
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has 90 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 18 Traverse model years for complaints (well below the 305 average). Complaints peaked in 2025 (29 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 57,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (232 complaints, 8 recalls), 2022 (99 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Traverse problems?
Owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (22), other / unknown (19), transmission & drivetrain (15).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.6 L, Automatic 9-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.