NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Vehicle is current at 101,102 Miles, however, the issue started to occur at 75,350 miles. It is the common issue crack in the exhaust pipe just before the flex exhaust tube due to poor welding of the bracket causing the exhaust system to rattle and leak exhaust into the cabin. The same issue has been addressed under Special Coverage N222385510 for 2021 vehicles, and another one was issued for 2019 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. GM Bulletin PIP5681C describes the issue in detail and acknowledges that the same process was used on their 2018-2022 vehicles, but they are only covering the repair of the 2019s and 2021 vehicles. Exhaust fumes do reach inside the cabin of the vehicle especially on calm mornings that have no breeze. This is a potential carbon monoxide hazard. The is no scrape marks or damage to the undercarriage that would have caused the issue, only the heating and cooling of the exhaust system.
The backup camera in my Chevy Traverse stopped working a few months after purchasing the vehicle new. Whenever the car is put in reverse a black screen appears with an exclamation point inside of a triangle. This seems to be an extremely common issue with 2020 Chevy Traverses as there is numerous postings on online message boards about the same issue of the backup camera dying shortly after purchase with no resolution. Today while backing up I struck another vehicle that was also backing up that I would have been able to see if the backup camera was working. It also appeared the audible object warning did not activate. Luckily there was only minimal damage to the vehicles. It is extremely difficult to backup the vehicle without the backup camera due to the length of the vehicle as well as blind spots in the rear windows. This issue seems to be ongoing with this model and is costing consumers significant amounts of money and time in shop because Chevy does not seem to be able to resolve the issue with their Traverse backup cameras.
The vehicle is in park and then turned off but I get the "shift to park" notice that is persistent. While it's doing this, the dash display clearly shows a "P" for park so it is in the correct gear but not recognizing it.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered. In addition, the contact stated that the gear shifter sometimes failed to shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Front Flex pipe broken after failed weld. Issue is known by GM/Chevorlet and has been corrected on all years Except for the 2020 model year. Not sure why 2020 models were left out because they have the same condition.
Broken bracket for exhaust system. This is know issue in several model years, but have only issues Special Assessment for some years to cover cost even though the same setup in multiple model years (N222385510).
According to Special Coverage bulletin N242445280, some 2022 Traverse units may have a condition where the mounting bracket on the front exhaust pipe can separate from the pipe. If this event were to occur, a hole can develop in the exhaust pipe at the bracket location, and a ratting or increased exhaust noise may be present. This is exactly what has happened to my 2020 Traverse. I took the car to the Chevrolet dealer where I was told that the recall did not pertain to my VIN. While that may be the case now, I am complaining to have this exact same issue applied to the 2020 and 2021 models as well. This design is exactly the same and should be included. My Traverse has an awful rattle where the bracket has broken off and a hole has worn through. It also throws a downstream 02 exhaust sensor code.
Rear view camera does not work most of the time. This in turn shuts down Surround Vision system. Cannot see behind the vehicle when this occurs. Has been an issue since new, fix was attempted by dealer several times but has never been resolved.
Hole in the flex pipe which seems to happen with them all as there have been recalls on years 2018,2019, and 2021.
Faulty exhaust issues
Sunday night 4/7/24, I was on my way to the emergency department with my 5 month old baby to be seen. 30min into my drive i came to a stop light when my truck completely shut off (BLACKOUT) No Power, NO LIGHTS not even my hazard would turn on, my car wouldn't go into park or allow me to press on my breaks it was like they were glued stuck. all my doors locked and I couldn't get them to open, not even manually because of the nobs that go all the way in. I couldn't put the car into park or anything just got locked in my car and I couldn't even hit the OnStar because everything was off! I started to see cars coming from a distance so i started to panic because they were going to rear end us really bad, so i broke the driver window and went to warn drivers to please stop by putting myself at risk to get hit by a car because i didn't know what else to do, i had a 5month old baby in the back seat that would have died if I didn't pull her out and we got hit. I started to scream for help because it was dark and we were stuck. two cars came inches from rear ending us, which caused an accident between the two vehicles. thankfully a police officer was passing by and got behind my traverse to stop traffic. but if it wasn't for the cop i don't know what the outcome would have been. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. IF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE WE WOULD HAVE BURNED. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP. Why would they design a car where you cannot get out. and why did it shut off like this. ???? I NEED ANSWERS PLEASE. I'M TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY CAR AND THIS WAS A $38,000 VEHICAL THIS IS NOT OK!!!!
After routine oil change in January 2023, rattling noise under car was noticed. Returned to dealer who stated front mounting bracket had cracked. Was informed by technician to take vehicle to muffler shop nearby to have bracket welded due to them not "doing" weld jobs there. Had both bracket and crack in front pipe repaired in June 2023 mileage 68,660. February 2024 Noise returned and steadily grew louder. On March 3, 2024 while turning onto neighborhood road, loud bang was heard then car sounded like it was roaring and was barely moving when pressing gas. Made it to driveway and at ignition cut off, gurgling fluid sound was heard. Towed to Hardy Chevrolet on Tuesday 03/05. Mileage 82,059 Still waiting on full diagnostics but front pipe has completely detached at right passenger cat. Bolts stripped out? I will not be able to pass State mandated emissions testing until repaired. This problem was recalled for the 2018, 2019 and 2021 vehicles, but for some reason not 2020 for the exact issue. The dealership wants to charge for a known safety issue. 2021 - GM Special Coverage (N222385510) 2019 - GM Front Exhaust (N212356540)
Drivers seat belt not able to click and stay also passengers seat belt is hard to get it to click in. The second row on left side seat belt won’t stay clicked in.
In a collision where there was front end damage, no airbag deployed
While driving at low and highway speeds, I began hearing a rattle under the vehicle, along with a loud exhaust noise. I looked at the undercarriage of the vehicle and observed a broken bracket on the exhaust pipe causing a hole in the exhaust pipe. I searched and found this was a common issue with this make and model of vehicle.
Alternator failed within 3 years and only after 45,000 miles. GM refuses to take any liability even though several other people experiencing same defect and part rated for over twice that length of period.
Alternator failing and needing to be replaced on a 2020 Chevy Traverse with only 33,000 miles. Seems to be a common issue with several Traverse and it's a costly repair as it's past warranty.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact noticed that an abnormal exhaust odor was entering inside the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound that became louder over time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust pipe mounting bracket was fractured, which damaged the exhaust pipe. The dealer determined that the exhaust pipe and the mounting bracket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,500.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal following a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to gain forward momentum. The contact stated the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the engine failed to rev as designed. The contact stated that the check engine, parking brake and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as insufficient fuel entering the engine from the fuel pump. The mechanic determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V639000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and referred the contact to a dealer. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
The front mounting bracket has separated from the front exhaust pipe. Because of this the exhaust pipe has developed a hole around the bracket, leading to a leak and increased exhaust noise. My check engine light is on constantly and will not be able to pass State mandated emissions testing until repaired. This problem was recalled for the 2018, 2019 and 2021 vehicles, but for some reason not 2020 for the exact issue. The problem has been diagnosed today 2/12/24 by my dealership but they want to charge for a known safety issue. 2021 - GM Special Coverage (N222385510) 2019 - GM Front Exhaust (N212356540)
The transmission went out, when going out it causes the vehicle to jerk while at a high speed of 60mph and then after the jerking it stops in the highest gear almost causing a wreck and this all suddenly happens on an interstate.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made a loud abnormal sound. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the mounting bracket for the front driver’s side exhaust pipe had fractured, causing a hole in the front exhaust pipe. The dealer also determined that the mounting bracket for the passenger's side exhaust pipe had started to detach. The dealer informed the contact that the passenger's side exhaust pipe would be repaired under warranty; however, she would be charged a repair fee for the driver's side exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
The transmission failed in the middle of me driving the check engine light popped on and started jerking and accelerating and slowing down in the middle of traffic. It is available for inspection. Stopping randomly and jerking as soon as the light popped on. I am about to be out of thousands of dollars for a 40000.00 car that I'm still paying on always kept maintenance up and just had an 180.00 inspection at dealership prior to this no mention of a transmission failure prior. Everything came back good so this is frustrating several other 2020 traverses have been recalled due to transmission I am not sure how mine isn't included for same year. It conveniently happened right when it wad out of warranty.
Due to a death in the family, we were traveling back from a funeral. We were miles away from another freeway change when a deer came from the ditch and darted in front of my vehicle. With no time to react, I braced for impact. Going at a high rate of speed, I was bracing for airbags. At the time of collision all the safety features engaged. The seatbelts locked in place, hazard lights turned on, and my vehicle was slowing, but my airbags did not deploy. They did however release a white powder substance. I was safely able to get my vehicle off to the side of the road and evaluate the situation. My husband was moaning and grunting in the passenger seat. My three children are scared, frightened and worried. As we were attempting to unbuckle and exit the vehicle to assess the damage, we were unable to free ourselves. As the seatbelts locked, and had no wiggle room to disengage the latch. We had to move the seats back, to allow room to unbuckle. With the impact we received and the size of the deer struck. The insurance has deemed the vehicle a total loss. After many questions, and multiple attempts to get answers. All I have is the airbags should have deployed, with the evidence through the car with the white powder at airbag locations. As I thank to not be as injured as we could have been. Having my whole family walk away with minor bruises and many aches. My heart is broken, I am shattered and unable to process the incident. Having put so much faith in a vehicle to protect myself and others who I love. I feel jaded, lied too, and unable to trust car safety. My heart is unable to let this go and have others being in danger with no airbag protection in an accident.
My vehicle along with many other make a stuttering feeling when accelerating at low rate of speed. This can lead to a bad transmission and causing the vehicle to cut off making a hazard.
the exhaust broke, sounded like I was a race car driver. Muffle making loud noise while parking and driving
In the past 3 years I have received 2 check engine lights giving a code of P0420, meaning the catalyst system efficiency is below threshold. Chevy replaced my catalytic converter in April of 2022… now a year and a half later they need to replace parts again. A catalytic converter is an important exhaust and emission component that is designed to burn up the toxic exhaust gases that come from the engine… carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons to be exact. I just found out today after taking it in for a second time that the first replacement of the catalytic converter was a defect on the manufacturers part. Every time I go in I have to pay the diagnostic cost and I feel as though I was sold a defective car. Catalytic converters are supposed to last the cars lifetime in some cases.
The backup camera system on my 2020 Chevrolet Traverse fails repeatedly and intermittently. When shifting into reverse, the camera frequently displays a black screen, a crossed-out camera icon, or an error message indicating the camera is unavailable. I have brought the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealership multiple times for this issue. The dealer has replaced the rear/front camera twice and replaced a corroded cable, but the problem continues to occur. The repairs have not permanently resolved the issue. The failure happens unpredictably and makes it unsafe to reverse the vehicle, especially around pedestrians, children, or obstacles. This vehicle is equipped with a federally required backup camera, and its repeated failure presents a safety concern. The problem appears to be a recurring defect rather than normal wear, as many other Chevrolet Traverse owners have reported similar issues online. I am concerned this may indicate a broader defect affecting this model year.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound. The vehicle then started shaking uncontrollably. The contact was able to pull over to the right shoulder. The passenger’s side rear tire had separated from the rim. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
I own a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. At the time of the incident, I was driving at 55 mph and heard a very loud and unusual sound. The vehicle then began to uncontrollably shake so I pulled over to the right shoulder. A truck driver pulled over with me as he thought it was something in his truck that had malfunctioned due to the intensity of the sound that it produced. At the rear right wheel of my vehicle, the metal rim was broken vertically causing the rim to separate into two parts. The tire is completely intact. Thank god, the outermost part of the rim that holds the nuts did not break and stayed completely whole and solid letting me pull off to the right shoulder. To put it into perspective, the wheel was left in three different parts. The first part was the tire. The second part was the cylindrical shaped metal rim that stayed inside the tire. The third part, being the outermost part of the metal rim, can be envisioned as a simple cap. There were not any warning lights that became illuminated on my dash. My vehicle has not been previously repaired or diagnosed by any independent mechanic or dealer. The wheel, tire, and rim are the original fabricated parts that came with my vehicle.
Good morning, I have an issue with my 2020 Traverse that GM refuses to fix. I am getting warning lights from leaking exhaust. This is to due to weld defects. GM knows of the issue, they did recalls on the 2018, 2019, 2021 models but won't fix my 2020 even though it is the same issue. GM has a safety bulletin PIP5681 and PIP5681A for this issue. N222385510 is the number for the 2021 recall. The dealership has told me that this absolutely should be recalled but GM will not allow them to repair the 2020 under the same recall number. Thanks for your help!
When I place the car in reverse, the rear view image does not show on the display screen. This is a recurring issue when it’s approximately 75-85 degrees out. I did some research and found information on where you have done a recall of the 2020 Acadia for the exact same issue, requiring a replacement of the coaxial cable. I wanted to let you know the same issue is happening in the 2020 Traverse.
The exhaust broke under 2020 traverse with 41365 miles allowing fumes to come up through the floor into cabin. You have a repair notice # N212356540 for this problem on 2019 traverse and # N222385510 on the 2021 traverse ...dealer says my 2020 is not covered. Please let me know why.
I was told that my muffler needed to be replaced and not covered under warranty this vehicle is not even 3 years old yet and I need a new muffler my car sounds LOUD and the check engine light is now on.
When the vehicle is shifted into "Park" the information system reports an error code "shift into park" and prevents the vehicle from being turned off. On the opposite side of the spectrum, there are times when the vehicle fails to start with error code displayed "shift into park" even though the vehicle is infact in park. The error code is sometimes resolved when the shifter levers forward facing button is actuated multiple times. This false error code is a grave safety concern as it build complacency within the operators. This could potentially lead to an operator ignoring a true "shit into park" error code as a false one and exiting the vehicle while it is actually in gear or neutral and cause death or injury to an innocent bystander or the operator! Please investigate this error as it has apparently existed and been well documented in the Chevrolet Traverse since at least 2018. Yet Chevrolet still fails to acknowledge or resolve it!
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated with a loud sound coming from the exhaust. Additionally, there was an abnormal odd odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact became aware that the front mounting bracket for the exhaust was fractured. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was 106,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was a loud rumbling sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front driver’s side exhaust pipe weld had fractured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 56,000.
The exhaust pipe and muffler developed a hole in both exhaust components at less than 32k miles. This is a known design issue for the model as a previous model year had a special coverage adjustment on 03/2022 [XXX] . It is apparent this is a design flaw that wasn't fixed for the 2020 model year. GM has only offered 50% of repair costs. I am requesting the NHTSA to open review of exhaust failure for the 2020 model year of Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Cadillac XT6 that are equipped with the 3.6 liter V6 engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while parked, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that there were fractured brackets that rubbed holes into the exhaust pipe and front muffler. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: N222385510 (Front Exhaust Pipe). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Vehicle all of a sudden started sound loud when accelerating on a trip home. Vehicle is 58K miles. Upon investigation, the vehicle was loud when starting as well. Mechanic determined front pipe under driver side had rusted and broken. Was told there is no recall, not covered under purchased extended warranty - $600 to repair. This should not happen on a vehicle this age. There are similar complaints about the same issue for the 2020 model.
According to General Motors, the new GM Special Coverage (N222385510) is only applicable the 2021 model year of the Chevy Traverse. The condition described includes the separation of the front mounting bracket from the front exhaust pipe. This happened to prior year models and are covered under a recall too. All years I searched as well as my mechanic. My vehicle is a 2020 and the same issue is present but has not been covered under a recall.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made rattling sounds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front exhaust pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to Special Coverage Program: N222385510 (Front Exhaust Pipe); however, the vehicle was not covered by the Special Coverage Program. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. There was an abnormal gurgling and bubbling sound heard. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the exhaust pipe bracket had fractured and there was an exhaust leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Months ago I was driving, my 2020 traverse I hit the brakes and I heard a weird grinding noise & my car started wobbling, I figured I needed my brakes pads changed, I took it to Waldorf Chevy they looked at the brakes and told me everything was good I didn’t need pads and everything was ok, they said sometimes the pads get dust on them causing them to squeak, and wobble, i had the front pads replace at a local shop they also looked at the back brakes and said the back pads were good, sometime later I was heading to work I stopped at a gas station and the car wouldn’t start. On the Chevy app it said my antilock brake system and stability control needs serviced which was weird it gave no warning I had it diagnosed the mechanic said the engine seized I towed it to another shop they said the same thing I towed it to Chevy they insisted it was the battery I told them it was the engine, they later said the engine seized but not before charging me $500 for a diagnostic, $371 battery plate. I got oil changes regularly and often did preventive maintenance.
I was operating my vehicle at 70 MPH on the freeway, when I took my foot off the accelerater pedal to exit I could feel a pop under my feet and the engine started to make a lot more noise. I lost engine power and had to coast/idle to the nearest gas station. I went under the car and discovered a hole in my exhaust where there used to be a bracket to mount the exhaust pipes to yhe undercarriage. I went on a chevy Traverse Forum to discover this is a common problem. I believe it is unsafe to operate the vehicle with an exhaust leak that also creates loss of engine power and eventually leads to engine damage.
Took vehicle in for yearly inspection. Vehicle had 39950 miles on it. Vehicle would not pass inspection because of rear suspension adjustment link which could lead to accident. This problem is well known to service techs who inform owners this is a recurring issue at 40000 miles.
The driver's seat belt would not "buckle up" or latch into the buckle. This issue started a couple of months ago but it just seemed to be stiffer than the other belts. Then suddenly it started to release while driving. Then we were not able to get it to work at all. The dealership was able to get the vehicle in immediately and replaced the seat belt assembly. My safety and the safety of any of my family driving this vehicle was a risk of a malfunctioning seat belt. I don't know if it would have held if I were to get into an accident and I'm concerned about the passenger seat as well. Other than it being a little difficult to buckle up there were no other warning signs. The dealership replaced the part on 5/15/23.
Brought the vehicle in to dealer for oil change, and tire rotation. Dealer found that the rear toe links on the Traverse were corroded. It only has 36970 miles and is not covered under warranty which expired 36,000. This is a recall on numerous GM vehicles and GM should cover and issue recall on the traverse as well.
2020 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles may experience a loud, rumbling exhaust leak caused by a failing front exhaust pipe bracket weld, frequently noted in complaints. While special coverage exists for other model years, 2020 owners are experiencing similar issues, with some reports suggesting it may not be covered under the same official, extended recall. My vehicle is experiencing the same issues that the 2019, 2021, and 2022 model are experiencing why is my 2020 and other owners of a 2020 year skipped to be covered for this identical problem.
P0420 warning light came on car exhaust has whole in it
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026