2017 Chevrolet Traverse Safety Report

2017 Chevrolet Traverse: Excellent Crash Test Scores Undermined by Pervasive Airbag Recalls and Transmission Issues

349Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
12Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
10Injuries
1Deaths
Most reported components: Air Bags (246)Seat Belts (7)Power Train (7)Engine (7)Steering (6)Unknown Or Other (6)Vehicle Speed Control (4)Tires (4)Service Brakes (4)Electrical System (4)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2017 Chevrolet Traverse presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved excellent NHTSA crash test ratings, scoring 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, its real-world complaint data reveals significant concerns, particularly regarding its airbag system. With 349 total complaints, a staggering 246 (over 70%) are related to AIR BAGS. This high volume of airbag complaints directly correlates with three active recalls concerning airbag inflator explosions and improper side curtain airbag attachment, posing a risk of serious injury or death. Many complaints highlight the unavailability of parts for recall repairs, leaving owners with unrepaired safety defects. Beyond the dominant airbag issues, other complaint patterns emerge. The POWER TRAIN and ENGINE components each account for 7 complaints, with descriptions frequently mentioning transmission shuddering, rough shifting, and even complete transmission failure, often around the 30,000-60,000 mile range. Steering issues, including loss of power steering and clanking sounds, are also noted in 6 complaints. While the number of reported crashes (12), fires (1), injuries (10), and deaths (1) is relatively low compared to the total complaints, the severity of the airbag defect, if unaddressed, carries a high risk. The recall history for the 2017 Traverse is heavily focused on airbags. Two recalls address the risk of driver's airbag inflator explosion due to manufacturing defects, affecting various model years including the 2017 Traverse. A third recall targets improperly attached side curtain airbags, which could fail to deploy as intended. The persistent complaints about airbag warning lights and the inability to get recall repairs completed indicate a systemic issue that, despite high crash test scores, significantly compromises the vehicle's overall safety in practice. The high number of airbag-related complaints and recalls overshadows its otherwise strong crash test performance.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Chevrolet Traverse receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Airbag Inflator Explosion Risk
Driver's airbag inflator may explode during deployment due to manufacturing defect, potentially causing sharp metal fragments to strike occupants. Subject of multiple recalls, with many owners reporting parts unavailability for repair.		 High Common all miles
Side Curtain Airbag Improper Attachment
Side curtain airbags may not be properly attached, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Subject of a recall.		 High Common all miles
Transmission Shudder/Rough Shifting
Vehicle experiences shuddering, rough shifts, or a 'wobble' at various speeds (e.g., 30-45 mph), often attributed to torque converter or transmission issues.		 Medium Occasional 30000-60000 miles
Transmission Failure
Reports of complete transmission failure or needing replacement, sometimes linked to electrical issues or specific diagnostic codes (e.g., P-0826).		 High Rare around 100000 miles
Steering Loss/Malfunction
Steering wheel becoming inoperable or loud clanking sounds from the steering system, with reports of transfer case explosion damaging power steering lines.		 High Rare unknown miles
Cruise Control Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle accelerates instead of slowing when brakes are applied to disengage cruise control, requiring shifting to neutral to stop.		 High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse:

Air Bags 70% of complaints

Over 70% of all complaints (246 out of 349) are related to airbags, primarily concerning inflator defects, improper attachment, and the inability to get recall repairs completed, leading to persistent warning lights.

Power Train 2% of complaints

7 complaints detail issues like transmission shuddering, rough shifting, and potential transmission failure, often at specific speed ranges.

Engine 2% of complaints

7 complaints, including reports of surging during acceleration, stalling at idle, and potential fuel pump issues.

Seat Belts 2% of complaints

7 complaints, including instances where the seat belt assembly detached from the floor.

Steering 2% of complaints

6 complaints, including reports of inoperable steering, clanking noises, and damage to power steering lines.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse received excellent 5-star crash test ratings for overall, frontal, and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover. However, its safety is significantly compromised by 246 airbag-related complaints and three active recalls concerning airbag inflator explosions and improper side curtain airbag attachment. Many owners report delays or unavailability of parts for these critical safety repairs, leaving the vehicle with known, unaddressed defects that pose a high risk of serious injury or death.

What are common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse are overwhelmingly related to the AIR BAGS, accounting for 246 out of 349 total complaints. These often involve airbag warning lights, inflator defects, and the inability to get recall repairs completed. Other common problems include POWER TRAIN issues like transmission shuddering and rough shifting (7 complaints), ENGINE problems such as surging or stalling (7 complaints), and SEAT BELT malfunctions (7 complaints).

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse?

Yes, the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse has 3 recalls, all related to the airbag system. Two recalls (NHTSA Campaign Numbers 23V334000 and 17V413000) address the risk of the driver's airbag inflator exploding during deployment. A third recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 17V435000) concerns side curtain airbags that may not be properly attached. Many complaints indicate that parts for these recall repairs are often unavailable, leaving owners with unrepaired safety defects.

How does the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse perform in crash tests?

The 2017 Chevrolet Traverse performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving an Overall 5-star safety rating. It received 5 stars for both Frontal Crash and Side Crash tests, and 4 stars for the Rollover test. These ratings indicate strong performance in controlled crash scenarios.

What should I do if my 2017 Chevrolet Traverse has an airbag recall?

If your 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is subject to an airbag recall, you should contact a Chevrolet dealer immediately to schedule the repair. Be aware that many owners have reported delays or unavailability of parts for these critical repairs. It is crucial to ensure these recalls are addressed, as the defects pose a risk of serious injury or death.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high number of critical airbag-related complaints and unfulfilled recalls, exercise extreme caution; ensure all airbag recalls have been completed with proof of repair before considering purchase, and be prepared for potential transmission issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Chevrolet Traverse

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The data includes 349 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 12 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 10 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.