NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Chevrolet Traverse Safety Ratings
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 85 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse achieved a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, contributing to its NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, which places it in the Strong safety band. However, three distinct recall campaigns have been issued for this model year. Prospective owners should confirm these recalls have been addressed to ensure the vehicle meets its intended safety specifications.
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received a 5-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse ranks 73 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 85 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 73 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse marks a meaningful jump in this model's safety standing, rising eight points to 81/100 from the 2020 model year's index of 73/100, moving from the Average band into the Strong band. That climb is driven largely by crash protection, which accounts for 61 of a possible 70 index points, anchored by the 5-star overall NHTSA rating and the standout 5-star side-crash result. The avoidance-technology sub-score of 6 out of 10 reflects that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning remain optional rather than standard for this year, a meaningful gap given that electronic stability control is the only safety technology listed as standard. The defect record sub-score of 13.5 out of 20 is the area that tempers the overall picture: three recall campaigns, including two air bag system actions and one powertrain recall limited to wheelchair-accessible conversions, weigh on that component. Buyers evaluating this specific model year should treat the air bag harness connector recall as the broadest-exposure item, since it spans multiple model years and two nameplates. The 85 filed complaints, with reported allegations touching the electrical system most heavily, add a layer of scrutiny worth tracking through NHTSA's complaint database.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Traverse received a perfect 5-star side rating from NHTSA, contributing to its 5-star overall rating. Frontal and rollover protection were each assessed at 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk for the Traverse is 15 percent, and the vehicle successfully passed the dynamic tip test with no tip recorded.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15341
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. Two involve air bag systems: one targets a harness connector fault in the curtain air bag on certain 2020-2022 Traverse models, and a second addresses a frontal impact sensor issue introduced during dealer service on 2021 Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. A third recall, issued by Braun Corporation, applies specifically to wheelchair-accessible Traverse conversions with a Power In-floor Ramp and concerns the automatic transmission. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN22V210000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2022-03-31
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION21V817000
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.
Reported 2021-10-18
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:FRONTAL IMPACT21V472000
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N212340220.
Reported 2021-06-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?
Owners have filed 85 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (22 reports), an Unknown or Other category (19), Power Train (13), Engine (10), Service Brakes (9), and Engine and Engine Cooling (6). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
85 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?
Three recall campaigns were issued for the 2021 Traverse. Prospective owners should verify completion of all three, particularly the curtain airbag harness and frontal impact sensor actions. Unresolved recalls transfer with the vehicle.
- The 2021 model year index of 81/100 represents an eight-point increase over the 2020 Traverse's score of 73/100, the single largest year-over-year safety index gain visible in this model's recent history.
- Two separate air bag recall campaigns affect this model year: one for a curtain air bag harness connector fault shared with 2020-2022 Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles, and a second for a frontal impact sensor problem specific to 2021 Traverse and Enclave vehicles arising from dealer service procedures.
- The third recall applies only to Traverse units converted to wheelchair-accessible vehicles by Braun Corporation and involves the automatic transmission on the Power In-floor Ramp conversion, making VIN verification especially important for any such modified example.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional for this model year, meaning individual vehicles may or may not be equipped with them, and buyers should confirm which safety technologies are actually present on any specific used unit.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse places
The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Chevrolet Traverse safety questions
Was the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 15%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 85 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Traverse years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15341), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Traverse 2021.
- 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 73 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.