2026 Chevrolet Traverse: Recalls, Complaints & California Lemon Law

When shifting into drive from start, the shifter does not shift. I have my foot on the brake at the same time also. This has happened at least 8 eight times sense the SUV went over 3500 miles on the odometer. I have to wait about 5 seconds before trying it again. This is a safety item that needs immediate attention by Chevrolet and GM, If I needed to evacuate an area, or my garage in the event of a fire and the shifter fails!!!?? should I take it back to the dealer and ask for a refund?? O give them a chance to fix it?

NHTSA #11744824

My car is available for inspection upon request. AWD Service and 4WD Service messages appeared at 389 miles and 2104 miles on the odometer. Messages appeared during operation of the vehicle, shutting down AWD as an option and defaulting to 2WD. Messages would go away and AWD would come back online after a few hours of leaving the car off. AWD system was in use when error messages appeared and deactivation of the AWD/4WD system increased risk during icy road conditions. When taken to the Houston Mac haik Chevy dealership service center, I was refused at the door, stating that the messages needs to be on for them to take a look. No warning lamps or other messages appeared prior to failure. Message first appeared during normal operation with AWD on at 389 miles on the odometer. The components have not been inspected by anyone.

NHTSA #11713432

I bought a brand new 2026 Chevy Traverse on May 30, 2026, and I have been experiencing chirping sounds coming from under the hood. I took it to the Chevy dealership, and they informed me that it is a known issue with no current fix available. They advised me to wait for the recall. How am I expected to identify the problem if they themselves cannot articulate what it is?

NHTSA #11744108

What is causing the problem is unknown. Vehicle was at a complete stop at red light when releasing brake vehicle lunged forward hitting vehicle in front from behind so yes there has been an accident.. 2nd time was when first starting vehicle in the morning and putting vehicle in Drive when brake is released vehicle lunged forward at 7 miles an hour without touching the gas pedal. Dealer claims they cannot reproduce problem. This is a safety hazard the problem does not give you warning it just lurches forward.

Allegedly reported: 1 injury (as reported to NHTSA). NHTSA #11731931

While driving on the freeway, the vehicle’s battery shut down. I received the following text as this happened, so there was no way I could react in a timely manner as to exercise safety and any precautions: “Diagnostic Alert: Low 12V battery detected in your vehicle. To recharge, try and start in a well-ventilated area. If it won't turn on, try to jump start or call 1-888-4-ONSTAR. Text STOP to cancel.” This situation was life-threatening and scary. I was scared for my life.

NHTSA #11741682

I’m reaching out for help with a frustrating situation. I purchased a brand new 2026 Chevrolet Traverse in New York, but after moving to Texas, I'm having trouble registering it. The car can't pass the state inspection due to emissions issues, and local dealerships aren't providing any assistance. The only advice I've received is to drive it around for a bit, hoping the problem resolves itself. However, I'm concerned about the safety of myself and my 4 children, and it seems like Chevrolet isn't taking this issue seriously. What steps can I take to resolve this situation?

NHTSA #11718684

On Monday, December 15, 2025, I was "creeping" into my garage when the brakes failed and I ran into my garage wall damaging my wall and the front of the vehicle. On Tuesday, December 16 ,2025, while slowly pulling into a parking spot at Sam's Club in OKC, the brakes again failed, and the forward crash system prevented running into another vehicle. On that same date while stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the brakes again failed, and I was able to pull into the median rather than hitting the car in front of me. That same evening, while backing out of a parking spot at a restaurant, the brakes failed in reverse and again the vehicle reverse crash avoidance system stopped without hitting another vehicle. Later, as I was leaving the parking lot, the brakes failed at the STOP sign, and I was able to turn right in the Merge Lane avoiding hitting another oncoming car. At the very next STOP sign, the brakes failed again, and I was able to get the car into PARK avoiding another head on collision. All these brake failures happened at speeds under 5 mph or barely "creeping" forward or reverse. I drove the car to Cummins Chevy Dealership in Weatherford, OK, the next day and related the issues to them. They gave me a "Loaner" for use until they fixed my car. The Service Manager did ask me if I had "Tagged" my car yet and I said I had. So far, GM and Cummins have been very helpful and understanding. I had no issues "braking" the car at speeds above 5 mph. I have only had this vehicle for 3 weeks when the issues started. I love the vehicle and hope this is only a minor glitch or some bad part that can be replaced. I file this complaint proactively in case it is a bigger problem with this line of vehicles. Thank you.

NHTSA #11706269

Brakes have been squeaking since purchasing the vehicle brand new. Have been told that “this is a known issue but it’s “normal””.

NHTSA #11739620

The weight detection is failing to recognize a child in the passenger seat.

NHTSA #11740915

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2026 Chevy Traverse that occurred on May 9, 2026 at 6:46pm. While driving at freeway speed in the carpool lane with adaptive cruise control and gap assist engaged, my vehicle suddenly applied the brakes unexpectedly even though there were no vehicles directly in front of me. The nearest visible vehicle was a significant distance ahead, and there was no apparent reason for the braking event. This was not a gradual deceleration. The vehicle actively braked. I was passing under or near an overpass at the time, which makes me wonder whether the sensors misread something. Regardless, the sudden braking created a dangerous situation because vehicles were behind me, and the driver behind appeared to think I was brake checking them. This could have easily caused a rear end collision. As a result of this incident, I no longer feel I can trust these safety/driver assistance systems and have since disabled those features because I do not feel safe relying on them until this issue is properly investigated and addressed. I am requesting that this issue be formally documented, that the vehicle be inspected for any malfunction related to adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, or related sensor systems, and that I be advised whether this is a known issue with the 2026 Traverse. If there are any software updates, technical service bulletins, recalls, or corrective actions available, please let me know. This is a serious safety concern, and I would appreciate guidance on the next steps.

NHTSA #11737441

Windshield making creaking noises. Windshield has split down the middle and now continuing off to the side. Dealership states no know recalls and refusal to fix it. No rocks have been hit. Damage is directly down center and all the way to the top.

NHTSA #11724875

While driving 65mph, the vehicle’s engine shut off, a ‘Reduced Acceleration Drive with Care’ message showed up and I had to coast to the side of the freeway. Engine would not restart and dealer confirmed a piston contacted a valve and a new engine is needed.

NHTSA #11725251

This vehicle is unsafe for two reasons. First, it slams you on brakes and puts you in park at random times. Middle of road, parking lots, etc. This puts you at higher risk of someone hitting you. The second thing is when pressing the gas when taking off after a stop, the rpm’s jump up and the engine revs up, but the car is barely going. Not safe when crossing intersections along with many other times. Both of these puts mine and my families safety at risk along with others on the road. No warning signs, lights, etc. Car is in shop for second time. First time on November 28, second time on December the 11. Still no answer on a fix. Just that they think they may know the cause. The dealer has gotten the car to reproduce these issues.

NHTSA #11706428

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact stated that while making a right turn into the dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because parts were on back order. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 500.

NHTSA #11704704

The car is equipped with a supercruise feature, which should ideally enhance the driving experience. However, I've encountered a significant issue: even when this feature is not activated, the vehicle tends to oscillate between the lane markers. This problem becomes particularly pronounced under poor road conditions, such as when it's raining. The moisture on the pavement obscures the lane markings, and in these instances, the car automatically drifts toward the right side of the road. As a result, I find myself constantly struggling to maintain control of the steering wheel in an effort to keep the car centered within the lane. When it veers off to the right, I must exert extra effort to correct its direction, which can lead to a hazardous driving situation, regardless of the weather conditions or time of day. The need for constant corrections not only creates frustration but also increases the risk of losing control, making this a serious concern for both my safety and that of other road users.

NHTSA #11704756

Purchased the car in August 2025 and have had into service 3 years for the same issues. When driving the car, the RPM will get "stuck" between 5-6 when only driving 20-30 mph. Once I slow down/brake, it will jump into a park effect, but still be in drive. The car has been inspected by Chevy 3 times, but they can't get any fault code on the vehicle, so they can't "fix" the issue. This puts myself and my small children at risk because if it jumps into the park effect, while still in drive, I can not move and someone could rear-end me. I do have video evidence.

NHTSA #11701392