YearToAvoid

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 15 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, 17% of its 89 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 95,500 miles. One related recall (21V817000) covers wheelchair-accessible conversion units, not the core 9-speed transmission.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
15
17% of 89
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
95,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe the 9-speed automatic transmission shuddering, skipping, or shifting hard, especially in higher gears or while climbing grades.
  • Several report hesitation or failure to shift into reverse or drive, with a noticeable delay before the vehicle engages gear.
  • Some describe shudder or stalling in the 25-45 mph range during acceleration, which they say makes merging onto highways dangerous.
  • One owner reported the torque converter was replaced, followed by a transmission fluid leak from a gasket shortly after.
  • One owner reported a drive shaft bolt separated while driving 45 mph, splitting the drive shaft and causing loss of control.
  • One owner reported the gear shifter responding slowly or not at all when releasing the shifter button, along with intermittent loss of acceleration.

When 2021 Chevrolet Traverse transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 6, 2021, latest Sep 8, 2026.

2021 Chevrolet Traverse transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month2Jun 2021Sep 2024Apr 2025Jan 2026Mar 2026May 2026Sep 2026
15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Feb 2026 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

  1. NHTSA 21V817000Oct 18, 2021Transmission & Powertrain639 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Traverse model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200958 (13%)
  2. 201066 (10%)
  3. 201179 (13%)
  4. 201246 (13%)
  5. 201328 (17%)
  6. 201436 (7%)
  7. 201523 (7%)
  8. 201637 (13%)
  9. 201718 (5%)
  10. 2018195 (42%)
  11. 2019167 (41%)
  12. 202039 (17%)
  13. 202115 (17%)
  14. 202243 (44%)
  15. 202329 (33%)
  16. 202418 (13%)
  17. 202513 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have?
NHTSA lists 15 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2021 Traverse, which is 17% of the 89 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?
There is one related recall, 21V817000, but it covers a screw and clip on Braun wheelchair-accessible conversion vehicles that could contact the transmission, not a defect in the standard 9-speed transmission itself.
At what mileage do 2021 Traverse transmission problems usually appear?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for transmission & powertrain complaints on the 2021 Traverse is 95,500 miles.
What transmission symptoms do 2021 Traverse owners report most?
Owners most often describe shuddering or hard shifting in the 9-speed automatic, delayed engagement into gear, and shudder or hesitation during acceleration between roughly 25 and 45 mph.
Were there any crashes linked to 2021 Traverse transmission complaints?
NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the 15 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2021 Traverse.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.