2020 Chevrolet Traverse Safety Report
2020 Chevrolet Traverse Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (8) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (198) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 12 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2023 | Compare against the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse with 66 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse before buying across this generation. |
Chevrolet Traverse Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Chevrolet Traverse years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Traverse | 77 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Chevrolet Traverse | 366 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Chevrolet Traverse | 83 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Chevrolet Traverse | 427 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Chevrolet Traverse | 66 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Chevrolet Traverse | 349 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2020 Chevrolet Traverse Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
35 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Chevrolet onlyUnknown Or Other
24 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Chevrolet onlyEngine And Engine Cooling
20 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Chevrolet onlyPower Train
18 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Chevrolet onlyElectrical System
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Chevrolet onlyFuel/Propulsion System
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Chevrolet onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
Reliability Score
The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exhaust Pipe Mounting Bracket Failure Failing front exhaust pipe mounting bracket is a common issue, leading to exhaust leaks and loud noises. GM has a special coverage program for this issue. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Hydraulic Timing Chain Tensionor Failure Failed/failing hydraulic timing chain tensionors are a common issue, often caused by poor oiling. This can lead to engine damage if not addressed. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Automatic Transmission Recall Braun Corporation is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles for automatic transmission issues. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Seat Belt Malfunction Driver’s seat belt intermittently fails to latch, posing a safety risk. This issue is reported in 5% of vehicles. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse:
Failing front exhaust pipe mounting bracket is a common issue, leading to exhaust leaks and loud noises.
Braun Corporation is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles for automatic transmission issues.
Driver’s seat belt intermittently fails to latch, posing a safety risk.
Failed/failing hydraulic timing chain tensionors are a common issue, often caused by poor oiling.
Recall Details for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
The following 8 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse by NHTSA:
Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
Consequence: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212352140.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Consequence: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Consequence: Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800...
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Consequence: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this r...
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine.
Consequence: Insufficient fuel supply can result in an engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module. The recall began November 16, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202314760.
Summary: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly crimped to the inflator and could separate from the inflator during air bag deployment.
Consequence: If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect RRAB modules, free of charge. The recall began September 3, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N202305380.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The right-hand frame rail in the engine compartment may be cracked.
Consequence: A crack in the frame rail may reduce crash performance, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N192268310.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Failing front exhaust pipe mounting bracket. GM has a special coverage program (N212356540) for 2019-2020 Chevrolet Traverse which covers the repair for 15 years or 150,000 miles from the original service date. The coverage is VIN specific. My vehicle has been having this issue for two years now and my VIN is not covered. This is unfair to the consumer/Chevrolet owners who's VIN's are not lis...
Active GM coverage on exhaust falling off, does not include all vins affected. My car is affected by this exact issue reported and refusal to fix or repair issue, because vin “not included” (n212356540) is gm special coverage for exhaust falling off that isn’t including all vehicles affected
The exhaust has a leak. Loud noise, rattling coming from exhaust. Smell of fumes in the cab of the vehicle. I believe there is a recall for 2018,2019,and 2021 year models for this same issue but no recall for the 2020 model.
A MANUFACTURER RECALL NOTICE NEEDS TO BE ISSUED ASAP. Exhaust is leaking into passenger cab due to a defective exhaust mounting bracket. Was replaced 1 year ago at the dealer at considerable cost to vehicle owner. Now this defective part has failed a second time. A MANUFACTURER RECALL NOTICE NEEDS TO BE ISSUED ASAP. This presents a health hazard as well as financial loss due to defective manuf...
ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK OF FRONT PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT UNLOCK DOOR. PLUNGER TRIES TO MOVE UP WHEN ENERGIZED BUT STAYS IN LOCKED POSITION. DOOR DESIGN DOES NOT INCLUDE MECHANICAL KEY UNLOCK OVERRIDE. A FIRST RESPONDER WOULD NEED NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS TO LIFT UP THE DOOR LOCK STEM. THIS FAILURE PUTS ANY PASSENGER AT RISK OF DELAYED EXIT. THE LEFT REAR PASSENGER DOOR HAD THIS FAILURE MAY 2024, NO PRIOR SYM...
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 th...
Failed/failing hydraulic timing chain tensionors. Common issue for this engine said to be caused by poor oiling. After speaking to many shops, this is just one of the many, very common issues that occurs in this vehicle. Started on February 20th, 2026. There are no warning or check engine lights on for this issue. People who are unfamiliar with the symptoms may be driving a vehicle that may sudden...
Front exhaust bracket weld failed creating a hole in the exhaust system, as covered by GM Bulletin PIP5681C. This resulted in a loud noise as well as exhaust leaking into the cabin since it is near the engine, right above the drivers center console
My seat belts do not click when fastened or stay fastened. Sometimes I have to try several times to get the seabelt to click.
Vehicle: 2020 Chevrolet Traverse VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 50,100 miles Ownership: Original owner The driver’s seat belt intermittently fails to latch. This is a primary safety restraint system, federally required, and critical for occupant protection. The failure occurs randomly and cannot be reliably duplicated. The dealer inspected the seat belt buckle and confirmed no debris or obstruction. The dea...
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was shifted into the park(P), the message "Shift to Park" was display on the instrument panel. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was shifted out of park and back into park several times before being able to turn off the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehi...
Cracked flex pipe. Common issue with all traverse models/years. Needs to be addressed and recalled!
The forward exhaust bracket weld broke causing a rattling noise and allowing exhaust fumes into the car which is incredibly dangerous.
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...
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied in the vehicle, there was a rattling sound coming from the front of the vehicle while stationary or while driving. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the exhaust mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. ...
The vehicle just suddendenly shuts down when driven on the freeway, according to Tillery Chevrolet GMC the engine cracked and needed to replaced for total of $17,291.94
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 replace...
Burning oil. There is something wrong. I took it to the dealership i still have warranty i really think this needs to be looked into.
The contact's son owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic who could not perform the repair. The contact was referred to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that a crack in the ca...
Leaking exhaust noise at start up began around 9/22/25. Noise became louder over the following week. Check engine light came on morning of 9/24/25. Immediately took it to local GM dealership for inspection. Dealership first said it was a cracked front exhaust pipe at the bracket and then they called back and said rear pipe at the bracket was broken also the whole system needed to be replaced becau...
Showing 20 of 198 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
Has the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE been recalled?
Yes, the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE has 8 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE have?
The 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE has 198 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 11 involved crashes. 7 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE?
The 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE involve engine (35 complaints), unknown or other (24 complaints), engine and engine cooling (20 complaints). Other affected components include power train, electrical system, fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE have?
There are 11 crash reports associated with the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE out of 198 total complaints (5.6% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE out of 198 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE.
How many injuries are reported for the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE?
7 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE is acceptable with caveats. It has 198 complaints, 8 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE?
The components with the most failures on the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE are: 1. ENGINE (35 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24 complaints), 3. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (20 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (18 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 35 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE?
Be aware of potential exhaust pipe mounting bracket failures and automatic transmission issues. Regular maintenance can help prevent these problems. The 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE has 198 NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE?
The 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 198 owner complaints, 8 recalls, and 12 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Exhaust Pipe Mounting Bracket Failure and Hydraulic Timing Chain Tensionor Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE?
Known issues with the 2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE include: Exhaust Pipe Mounting Bracket Failure, Hydraulic Timing Chain Tensionor Failure, Automatic Transmission Recall, Seat Belt Malfunction. These are based on patterns found across 198 NHTSA complaints. 8 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse?
Yes, Braun Corporation is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles for automatic transmission issues.
What are the common issues with the exhaust system?
Common issues include exhaust pipe mounting bracket failures, leading to exhaust leaks and loud noises.
Can the seat belt issue be fixed?
Driver’s seat belt intermittently fails to latch, posing a safety risk. This issue is reported in 5% of vehicles.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential exhaust pipe mounting bracket failures and automatic transmission issues. Regular maintenance can help prevent these problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The data includes 198 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 8 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 11 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 7 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14