
2016 Chevrolet TRAVERSE
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Chevrolet TRAVERSE has 381 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 421. The most common issue is air bags problems (43% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2016 chevrolet traverse. the contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of acceleration and experienced a complete loss of power. the check engine warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the sensors in the accelera. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year.
381
Total Complaints
5
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
0.9x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
162 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSORS IN THE ACCELERA
- • UNEXPECTED NOTICE OF A SERVICE WARNING LIGHT THAT SUDDENLY APPEARED ON MY WIFE'S TRAVERSE AFTER DRIVING FOR 2 WEEKS..... [XXX] AND I PURCHASED A DEMO TRAVERSE WITH 4000 MILES , AT A FT PIERCE CHEVROLET LOCATION RECENTLY... WE WENT ON A TWO WEEK TRIP TO HAWAII AND RETURNED THIS PAST WEEK ,AS WE STA
- • 12/21/16 FIRST, I PULLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY GO ABOUT 1-2 MILES AN HOUR FOR SEVERAL BLOCKS...PULLED OVER AND PUT IN PARK AND REVVED THE ENGINE A LITTLE AND PULLED OUT AGAIN. IT STILL WOULDN'T ACCELERATE AT FIRST, THEN GRADUALLY PICKED UP SPEED AND RODE THE REMAINDER WITHOUT I
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSORS IN THE ACCELERA”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Chevrolet TRAVERSE
Based on 144 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 47K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.
ELECTRICAL
AIR BAGS
BODY/STRUCTURE
ENGINE
TRANSMISSION
STEERING
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (5)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015. Due to a manufacturing defect, the windshield wiper motor may overheat when used.
Risk: A wiper motor that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover assembly, free of charge. Owners are advised not to use their front windshield wipers until the wiper cover has been replaced. If weather conditions prevent operation of the vehicle without using the windshield wipers, GM will make arrangements to pick up the vehicle for servicing. The recall began on September 30, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15780.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Chevrolet TRAVERSE
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Chevrolet TRAVERSE
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Chevrolet TRAVERSE Service Intervals
GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2016 TRAVERSE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 381 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSORS IN THE ACCELERA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: ON TWO OCCASIONS ( 2/21/16 AND 2/28/16) WHILE DRIVING THE POWER CUT OUT COMPLETELY AND THE CAR STALLED. I WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE OR STOP. THERE WERE NOT ANY WARNINGS OR NOTIFICATIONS SUCH AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE DASHBOARD AND ALL OTHER LIGHTS/ INFORMATION WAS COMPLETELY DARK. THE F
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE WAS JERKING AND DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY BEFORE STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: ON TWO OCCASIONS ( 2/21/16 AND 2/28/16) WHILE DRIVING THE POWER CUT OUT COMPLETELY AND THE CAR STALLED. I WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE OR STOP. THERE WERE NOT ANY WARNINGS OR NOTIFICATIONS SUCH AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE DASHBOARD AND ALL OTHER LIGHTS/ INFORMATION WAS COMPLETELY DARK. THE F
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Chevrolet TRAVERSE — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 381
- Recalls
- 5
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 10
- Injury reports
- 11
- Segment avg
- 421
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Chevrolet TRAVERSE