Is the 2021 Chevrolet TRAVERSE reliable?

The 2021 Chevrolet TRAVERSE has 109 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

Top problems: OTHER (22 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (22 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (18 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:FRONTAL IMPACT, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

The 2021 Chevrolet TRAVERSE gets 20 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2400. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Chevrolet TRAVERSE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Chevrolet TRAVERSE is approximately $1,735/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2021 Chevrolet TRAVERSE has 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 421. The most common issue is other problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: a few days after purchasing vehicle a rotten egg smell started coming out of ac. took to dealership twice and they cant find the problem and since the smell comes and goes we were informed that this happens because is a brand new vehicle. but i'm d one getting terrible headaches when that smell come. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

5 crash reports 8 injuries

109

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

22 complaints

20%

• a few days after purchasing vehicle a rotten egg smell started coming out of AC. took to dealership twice and they cant find the problem and since the smell comes and goes we were informed that this happens because is a brand new vehicle. But i'm d one getting terrible headaches when that smell come
• I have a 2021 Chevy Traverse LT. The stereo touch screen keeps completely freezing. We've brought it to the dealer who told us it was working fine. Its frozen twice. Once we had to pull the fuse out to reset it for it to work. Vehicle has a rattle at startup and suspension squeaks. Captain seats alm
• Driving down the road and the sunroof exploded outward spontaneously. No other cars on the road, nothing hit the glass. Safety at risk because it was very loud and some of the broken glass fell inside the vehicle.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“a few days after purchasing vehicle a rotten egg smell started coming out of AC. took to dealership twice and they cant find the problem and since the smell comes and goes we were informed that this happens because is a brand new vehicle. But i'm d one getting terrible headaches when that smell come”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

Based on 17 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 61K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 61K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

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 (3)

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION18/10/2021

Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. 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.

Risk: 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.

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. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,401

Per month

$200

Per mile

20.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Based 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 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Chevrolet TRAVERSE

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,735

Full coverage / month

$145

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

+4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1735

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet TRAVERSE Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

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

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2021 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

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 109 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: a few days after purchasing vehicle a rotten egg smell started coming out of AC. took to dealership twice and they cant find the problem and since the smell comes and goes we were informed that this happens because is a brand new vehicle. But i'm d one getting terrible headaches when that smell come
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I have a 2021 Chevy Traverse LT. The stereo touch screen keeps completely freezing. We've brought it to the dealer who told us it was working fine. Its frozen twice. Once we had to pull the fuse out to reset it for it to work. Vehicle has a rattle at startup and suspension squeaks. Captain seats alm
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: Occasionally when putting the SUV in reverse, the car does not go into gear. I'll hit the gas and nothing and then all of the sudden it goes into gear. It's almost like it's in a delay sometimes I'll have to put into drive and then reverse for it to go into gear.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: With just 1,085 miles on a new 2021 Chevrolet Traverse RS the 9 speed automatic transmission began to fail. It feels as if it skips and there is a distinct shudder as it shifts in the higher gears. The transmission also appears to labor as the vehicle ascends even the smallest change in grade. Re
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)