SUV · Gas
Chevrolet Traverse 2009–2017 (1st gen)
- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $30,900–$47,900
- MPG
- 19
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Strength: Strong capability
- Strength: Strong passenger space
- Watch-out: Poor running costs
- Watch-out: Poor reliability
How it scores for you10 scores
A crash-safe, genuinely roomy eight-seat family hauler undercut by thirsty running costs and shaky reliability, from repeated air-bag complaints to known first-gen GM woes.
Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years; 4 of its 7 recalls were serious. About 3% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -5 points for its wider reputation.
5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4).
About $3,550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 12% of cars we track.
24.4 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 50% of other SUVs we track.
Genuinely spacious 8-seat cabin with usable third row and huge 116 cu ft max cargo—one of the roomiest crossovers of its time.
Large, heavy 8-seat crossover with adequate 281 hp 3.6L V6 but soft, ferry-like handling. Comfortable cruiser, not engaging. Below segment-typical for driving enjoyment.
First-gen platform (2009-2017) predates modern infotainment; limited touchscreen and driver-assist features even in later years. Below average by today's standards.
Quiet, roomy ride with smooth V6 and cushy seating make it a decent family hauler. Slightly above segment-typical comfort for its era.
SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.
Rated to tow 5,200 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls13 recalls
13 recalls · 7 common complaint areas across 2015–2017
- Airbags — 257 complaints (2017)
- Recall — Airbags: critical fasteners (2017)
- Airbags — 159 complaints (2016)
2017
- RecallAirbags: critical fasteners21V246000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
- RecallAirbags: frontal; air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module21V782000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- RecallAirbags: frontal: driver side: inflator module23V334000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- Complaint clusterAirbags257 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
A scheduled airbag recall repair could not be completed because the dealership did not verify that the recall part was in stock before my appointment. I arrived for the recall service after confirming the appointment days in advance and was told the part was not available. I was told I would be cont
- Complaint clusterElectrical19 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The driver door main window control panel and steering wheel, where the airbags seem to deploy from, have both had to be repaired/recalled parts installed on multiple occasions however the main window control panel still does not work and it started shorting out my battery ultimately locking my keys
- Complaint clusterPowertrain18 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
Transmission body throttle and TCM had to be replaced a year after purchase because of failing shifts, reverse failed to work completely.
- Complaint clusterSteering11 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
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 was no warning light
- Complaint clusterSeat belts9 complaintscomplaints:SEAT BELTS
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.
2016
- RecallVisibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor15V609000
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.
- RecallSeats15V833000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured November 6, 2015, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a the third row left lower seat frame that may have welds that are not in the correction location.
- RecallAirbags: critical fasteners21V246000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
- RecallAirbags: frontal; air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module21V782000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- RecallAirbags: frontal: driver side: inflator module23V334000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- Complaint clusterAirbags159 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that four local dealers were contacted. The contact was informed that parts were on back order. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not exp
- Complaint clusterPowertrain33 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
The vehicle only has 145,xxx miles and I experience a "shudder" which could be caused by torque converter issues, often felt at highway speeds (approx. 40-60 mph).
- Complaint clusterSteering24 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
Power steering pump in the car had low pressure causing the steering wheel to barely turn or have a hard time turning the wheel. This put me and my family at risk while driving because when making turns it would feel like it was locking up which almost would cause accidents not being able to turn th
- Complaint clusterElectrical21 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Front lights started dimming about the middle of April 2025 and now both back lights are out at the same time on June 3rd 2025.The car makes a rough grinding noise as it switches gears.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other11 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Passenger side mirror exploded randomly
2015
- RecallTires15V044000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured December 9, 2014, to January 14, 2015, 2015 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured December 9, 2014, to January 20, 2015, and 2015 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured December 9, 2014, to January 16, 2015
- RecallAirbags: critical fasteners21V246000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
- RecallAirbags: frontal; air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module21V782000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- RecallAirbags: frontal: driver side: inflator module22V246000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- RecallAirbags: frontal: driver side: inflator module23V334000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- Complaint clusterAirbags155 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2015 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of
- Complaint clusterSteering27 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
While operating the vehicle, the steering column became detached, creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. Upon inspection, the column appeared to be improperly secured using hose clamps instead of proper manufacturer components.
- Complaint clusterElectrical25 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The 2015 Chevy Traverse LTZ that I own is presenting with the same problems as many of its body style and year. The water intrusion has caused wiring to corrode in the side detection system & the drivers door wiring harness is presenting with open circuits. The LH side object module is throwing cod
- Complaint clusterPowertrain21 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an odor of rotten eggs inside the vehicle. The odor was discovered to be Hydrogen Sulfide that was entering the cabin of the vehicle from the overcharged batteries. No warning lights
- Complaint clusterEngine15 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
Our vehicle has a hole/leak in the pipe before the catalytic converter. This is a known problem in other years of the Traverse, and the warranty was increased substantially to fix an obvious and proven issue. GM needs to repair our 2015 Chevrolet Traverse at no cost to us before the fumes cause harm
Cost to own$26,600 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$30,900–$47,900
Estimated used price, by model year
$3,550/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
17
Highway MPG
24
Combined MPG
19
Horsepower
281 hp
Doors
4
Length
203.5 in
Width
78.3 in
Height
70.1 in
Wheelbase
118.9 in
Curb weight
4,844 lb
Cargo volume
24.4 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
116.3 cu ft
Towing capacity
5,200 lbs
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