MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Chevrolet Traverse

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

3Recalls
85Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE CHEVROLET TRAVERSE

The Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row midsize SUV aimed squarely at families who need real passenger and cargo capacity without stepping up to a full-size rig. Competing against the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot, the Traverse has been one of GM's volume sellers in this segment since its second generation launched for 2018. It seats up to eight and leans on a practical, value-forward identity.

VERDICT

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Traverse as a family-friendly, spacious midsize SUV that delivers competitive practicality and a comfortable ride for its segment. Most praise its interior room and ease of use, while noting that it does not feel like a driver-focused vehicle. Some reviewers flag that newer competitors have raised the bar on refinement and technology.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 15%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15341

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech6/10
Defect record13.5/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

85 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

4reported crash
0reported fire
6reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 22Unknown Or Other 19Power Train 13Engine 10Service Brakes 9Engine And Engine Cooling 6

Other Traverse years

Rivals in SUV (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15341), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Chevrolet Traverse 2021. Class rank 73 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure