Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Chevrolet Traverse owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle was retrieved from a dealer after a recall regarding the air bags; however, while driving approximately 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lunged forward. The contact stated that the Stability Control warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the dealer, and the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle remained with the dealer for 2 months and the dealer attempted to perform the air bag recall again. The contact stated that later, when the vehicle was picked up, while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the Stability Control warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lunged forward while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to another dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle began to lose motive power and was making a loud abnormal sound coming from under the floorboards. The contact stated that the transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted and shifted to drive(D), the vehicle revved but failed to respond as needed. The contact shifted to reverse(R) however, the vehicle failed to move. The contact called a tow truck and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was determined that there were fragments of metal in the transmission and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
My 2016 Chevy Traverse LT with 108,750 miles had issues with the rear brake lights, and the Traction Control light would come on and the Traction Control turns off. A message appears on the dash that shows Service StabiliTrak. When I drive the vehicle to accelerate it shakes, jerks and shudders, and then it rides fine for a bit but the Traction Control is still off. I also noticed that the cruise control doesn't work either. I decided to wait a few more days hoping it would clear out, which it did for a day but the problem returned. I took the Traverse to AutoZone to use an OBD2 scanner and it showed that there is an issue with the braking switch (code C0161-00 ABS Brake Switch Circuit). A local mechanic replaced a fuse and the brake switch but the Traction Control/StabiliTrak issue hasn't been fixed. He's tried everything but the problem won't go away. …
Something is happening to cause delayed shifting in this vehicle without warning or any rhyme or reason to it. One moment you're going 40 and all is well then suddenly the rpms go high the car slows way down and doesn't want to shift. There is no light to indicate the issue and no codes so no way to tell what to fix also no warning as to when it will happen. This car has become so unpredictable with it's shifting we have opted to park it and look into the transmission. This seems to be a common problem with Chevy traverse wish I had known that when I purchased it and I don't want to think what would happen if we were driving on the interstate.
While driving on highway, experienced sudden/acute loss of engine power. Depressed acceleration pedal, but no response from engine. No CEL. Pulled to the shoulder and vehicle couldn't start. Key starter clicks but won't turn over. No CEL. Still have some electrical power because radio, dash lights, and AC remain on. Could not jump start, batt indicated 12V. Car has been to repair shop 8 times since Nov 2020 (purchased April 2019 used 38k miles) for same issue. Mechanics find they cannot replicate the issue. Has caused accident by sudden deceleration in high speed traffic conditions (highway).
The transmission blew while I was driving down the highway and my car dash was flashing transmission hot and My car would no longer move. It was smoking and leaked fluids everywhere. I was scared to death it was gonna catch fire but thankfully it didn't. I don't k it if the safety recall has anything to do with it but Larry Spacc has literally had my car at his shop waiting to be repaired since August!
While driving on a highway (65mph) the vehicle shuddered (as if running over rumble strips), the alert "Service Stabilitrak" appeared simultaneously with "Low engine pressure" message and simultaneously the Car entered limp mode. No CEL. Started car, car lunged a few feet and entered limp mode with no CEL. Would recommend alert that one is in reduced engine state.
Transmission failed and was replaced with a brand new one. Three weeks later the transmission started slipping again causing it to go back into the shop. It has now been in the shop for over three months with no idea as to what is causing the problem. Dealership confirmed it's the same problem that occurred last time.
Transmission failure- complete failure and required total replacement, car only has 73,000 miles. There were no warning lamps on or errors. Received a notice from GM that the car was in good condition via On Star also. Had three separate mechanics review issue. Issue appear couple weeks ago. Safety Issue!!!!!!!!!!!!
I routinely get my car checked and fixed at Jeff Wyler Chevrolet of Columbus in Canal Winchester, OH. I can't believe that my 2016 Chevrolet Traverse transmission pump and gasket, also my reseal oil pan has to be replaced this soon. This should have a recall. I've had to pay a total of $5,568.72
Transmission complaints in other Traverse years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, 13% of the model year's 292 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Chevrolet Traverse transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Traverse transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.