NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Chevrolet Traverse Safety Ratings
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 16 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse achieved an exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, reflecting a robust federal safety profile for this SUV. This score represents a meaningful step forward from the 2025 model, supported by its five-star overall NHTSA crash performance and a perfect score for avoidance technology.
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse received a 5/5 overall star rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, sourced entirely from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse ranks 29 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 16 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 29 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?
What separates the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse from its immediate predecessor is a measurable jump in the NHTSA Safety Index, rising 8 points from 86/100 in the Strong band to 94/100 in the Exceptional band. That movement is driven by a crash-protection subscore of 66 out of a possible 70, a perfect avoidance-tech score of 10/10 reflecting standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, and a defect-record subscore of 17.75/20 supported by just one recall campaign. The single recall is a documentation-related action covering owner and service manuals across a broad GM platform sweep; it does not carry a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory. The 16 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA are modest for a current-year model and span Service Brakes, Engine, Power Train, and Forward Collision Avoidance as the most frequently alleged problem areas. The rollover rating of 4/5 with a 19% risk figure is the one place where the 2026 Traverse does not reach the ceiling, though the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result. Taken together, the data picture for this specific model year is notably stronger than what the 2025 data showed.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Traverse achieves an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, matching this top performance in both the frontal and side impact categories. Its rollover rating is 4 out of 5 stars, with a 19% rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic tip-test result. No crash-test categories remain unscored for this model.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21869
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?
The 2026 Traverse carries one recall campaign. It is a multi-vehicle action covering an equipment issue related to owners, service, and other manuals, issued across several General Motors nameplates including 2025-2026 Chevrolet Colorado and Equinox EV models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available campaign data. Shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL26V114000
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle
Reported 2026-02-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?
Sixteen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 Traverse, including 2 alleged crash incidents and 1 alleged injury. Top components cited are Service Brakes and Engine, each with 4 reports, followed by Power Train and Forward Collision Avoidance with 3 each. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
16 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?
Because this is a current-model-year vehicle, shoppers should run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup tool to confirm whether the open documentation recall has been remedied at the dealership level before taking delivery or completing a private purchase.
- The Safety Index rose 8 points year-over-year, from 86/100 in 2025 to 94/100 in 2026, the largest single-year gain visible in the available comparative data for this model.
- The one open recall for this model year is a documentation-related campaign covering owner and service manuals across multiple GM platforms; it carries no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory, but remedy status should be confirmed by VIN.
- Forward Collision Avoidance appears among the top complaint components with 3 reported allegations, which is notable given that forward collision warning is listed as standard equipment on this model year.
- The rollover rating of 4/5 with a 19% risk figure is the only star category that does not reach the top score, though the dynamic tip test recorded a No Tip outcome for this specific configuration.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse places
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Chevrolet Traverse safety questions
Was the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 18.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 16 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21869), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Traverse 2026.
- 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 29 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.