NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Chevrolet Traverse Safety Ratings
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse scores 78 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 394 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse carries a robust 5 out of 5 stars in its NHTSA overall crash rating. However, this full-size SUV achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100, landing it in the Average band. This assessment is shaped by three recall campaigns and a defect record score of 11/20, tempering the otherwise strong crash-test results.
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse ranks 69 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 78 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 394 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 69 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?
The 2019 Traverse achieves a Safety Index of 78/100, placing it in the Average band. Its most notable attribute is a strong crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70. This strength is supported by a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including a perfect 5-star result in side impact tests. However, the vehicle's defect record diminishes its overall safety standing, scoring only 11 out of 20. This lower score is directly attributable to three active recall campaigns. Two of these recalls specifically address air bag systems, a critical area given their role in occupant protection during a crash. The avoidance technology score stands at 6 out of 10; forward collision warning and lane departure warning were not standard equipment for this model year, meaning their presence varies by individual vehicle configuration. Finally, 394 unverified consumer allegations have been filed, with powertrain issues accounting for 160 of these reports. While unverified, this volume of complaints is significant. The 2019 Traverse demonstrates strong performance in federal crash tests, but its defect record prevents it from achieving a higher safety classification.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Traverse achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While side protection also earned 5 stars, frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each rated 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk was measured at 17 percent, with a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13103
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2019 Traverse. The first addresses air bag critical fasteners across a broad GM lineup. The second targets the automatic transmission in certain 2018-2020 GM models including this Traverse. The third involves the Sensing Diagnostic Module tied to air bag deployment. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS21V246000
Risk: Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.
Reported 2021-04-08
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION20V668000
Risk: 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 reca
Reported 2020-10-29
AIR BAGS18V774000
Risk: If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.
Reported 2018-11-01
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?
NHTSA has logged 394 unverified owner allegations for the 2019 Traverse. Reported complaints center on the powertrain (160 allegations) and electrical system (107 allegations). Consumers have also alleged 13 crashes and 13 injuries in these unverified filings, though none of these claims have been independently established.
394 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?
The 2019 Traverse saw three recalls, two of which address critical airbag concerns, underscoring the importance of verifying completed remedies for any used model. Unresolved airbag recalls present a tangible safety deficit.
- Two of the three recall campaigns specific to this model year target air bag systems, including one involving the Sensing Diagnostic Module that controls deployment, making VIN-level recall verification a priority for this year.
- The 2019 Traverse earned NHTSA's top overall 5-star rating, but the defect record sub-score of 11/20 is the single largest drag on its 78/100 Safety Index, reflecting the weight of those three recall campaigns.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional on this model year, so the avoidance technology score of 6/10 applies differently depending on which features a specific vehicle was equipped with at purchase.
- The 394 unverified consumer allegations logged with NHTSA for this model year include reported powertrain complaints totaling 160 filings, the highest of any single category, alongside 107 alleged electrical system issues.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse places
The 2019 Chevrolet Traverse qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Chevrolet Traverse safety questions
Was the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 394 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Traverse years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13103), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Traverse 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 69 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.