NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Chevrolet Traverse Safety Ratings
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 78 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, securing its place in the Strong safety band. This score is primarily driven by impressive crash-test results; however, a weak avoidance-tech sub-score and two active recall campaigns introduce significant caveats to its overall safety profile.
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse ranks 96 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 78 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 96 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse?
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse presents a nuanced safety profile, with a computed Safety Index score of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This score marks an 11-point decrease from the 2022 model's Exceptional rating of 93 out of 100. Crash protection for the 2023 Traverse remains a strong point. The vehicle achieved a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, with 5 stars in both frontal and side crash tests. This performance contributes 66 out of a possible 70 points to its crash-protection sub-score. However, the Traverse's avoidance technology sub-score is 2 out of 10. This reflects that forward collision warning and lane departure warning are not standard across all trims, but rather a mix of standard and optional equipment. The defect record also impacts the overall Safety Index, contributing 13.5 out of 20 points. This is influenced by two recall campaigns. One recall addresses the automatic transmission across multiple GM platforms, while the other is specific to the Traverse's left-side half-shaft assemblies. Furthermore, the 2023 Traverse has accumulated 78 owner-reported complaints, with 23 of these specifically citing Power Train issues. The combined weight of these factors indicates a shift in the vehicle's safety standing from the prior model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its frontal and side crash tests both yielded perfect 5-star scores. The vehicle’s rollover assessment, however, received 4 out of 5 stars, reflecting a 15 percent rollover risk, though it did register a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17120
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?
The 2023 Traverse carries two recall campaigns. The first targets the automatic transmission across a broad GM platform group including the Traverse. The second, Traverse-specific recall addresses left-side half-shaft assemblies that may be missing a component, a driveshaft concern that could affect vehicle control. Neither campaign is listed as a do-not-drive order, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN before purchase or continued use.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION23V172000
Risk: A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222389310.
Reported 2023-03-16
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT23V042000
Risk: A missing retaining ring on the half-shaft can cause half-shaft inner joint separation, resulting in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left-side half-shaft assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222390180.
Reported 2023-02-02
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse?
Owners have filed 78 unverified complaints with NHTSA for the 2023 Traverse. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Power Train with 23 reports, Electrical System with 17, and Engine with 15. Reported allegations also include 5 crash events and 8 injury claims, all unverified and not established as fact.
78 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse?
For the 2023 Traverse, two open recall campaigns for powertrain issues warrant attention from prospective owners. Buyers should verify that both have been completed. This is particularly true for the half-shaft driveshaft campaign. Confirming resolution through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool and by reviewing completion documentation from the seller is a critical step before purchase.
- The 2023 Traverse Safety Index dropped 11 points from the 2022 model year, falling from 93/100 Exceptional to 82/100 Strong, driven by recall activity and avoidance-tech scoring rather than crash-test results.
- Two recall campaigns specifically affect this model year: one covering the automatic transmission shared across multiple 2023 GM platforms, and one unique to the 2023 Traverse and Blazer addressing potentially missing components in the left-side half-shaft assemblies.
- NHTSA crash tests awarded this model year a 5-star overall score with perfect frontal and side results, but the rollover category came in at 4 stars with a 15 percent rollover risk figure attached.
- Owner-reported complaints total 78 unverified allegations, with Power Train the most frequently cited category at 23 reports, followed by Electrical System at 17 and Engine at 15, all unverified and not confirmed as defects.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse places
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Chevrolet Traverse safety questions
Was the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 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 2023 Chevrolet Traverse crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 78 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17120), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Traverse 2023.
- 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 96 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.