# Chevrolet Traverse check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 249 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (60) - **Related recalls:** 5 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 249 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Chevrolet Traverse (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (60). There are **5 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Chevrolet Traverse check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 22 | 314 | 7% | | 2016 | 22 | 292 | 8% | | 2017 | 11 | 361 | 3% | | 2018 | 60 | 465 | 13% | | 2019 | 29 | 412 | 7% | | 2020 | 40 | 235 | 17% | | 2021 | 8 | 94 | 9% | | 2022 | 8 | 103 | 8% | | 2023 | 6 | 95 | 6% | | 2024 | 23 | 144 | 16% | | 2025 | 19 | 186 | 10% | | 2026 | 1 | 29 | 3% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Chevrolet Traverse recalls related to the check engine light **[23V172000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V172000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-03-16): 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. **[23V042000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V042000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-02-02): 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. **[21V817000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V817000)** (2020-2021 models, reported 2021-10-18): 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. **[20V668000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V668000)** (2018-2020 models, reported 2020-10-29): 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. **[20V639000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V639000)** (2020 models, reported 2020-10-15): Insufficient fuel supply can result in an engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module. The recall began November 16, 2020. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Chevrolet Traverse owners report - "The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact stated that while making a right turn into the dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the..." -- owner of a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, complaint filed 2025 - "Acceleration reduction message then check engine light came on 8/30. Roaring loud noise before the light came on. Put 1 gallon coolant in it and light went off. Now runs and idles high." -- owner of a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, complaint filed 2026 - "* My check engine light has come on at least 3 times. That's a separate issue with this car. Multiple check engine lights with no known issue to solve at dealership." -- owner of a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Traverse check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 5 related recalls (23V172000, 23V042000, 21V817000, 20V668000, 20V639000) covering 2018-2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Chevrolet Traverse years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Traverse model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 60 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet Traverse with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Chevrolet Traverse has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Chevrolet dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Chevrolet Traverse warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-traverse): 53 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-traverse): 69 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/chevrolet-traverse): 16 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-traverse): 99 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-traverse): 21 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-traverse): 86 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Chevrolet Traverse - [Chevrolet Traverse specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-traverse) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-traverse Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.