Chevrolet Traverse Window & Wiper Problems

Owners have filed 87 complaints about windows, wipers & sunroof problems with the Chevrolet Traverse — 2% of all Traverse complaints. The worst model years are 2011 (19), 2012 (18) and 2009 (7). Problems typically start around 53,000 miles. 2 related recalls have been issued.

87complaints
2011worst year
53ktypical miles
2related recalls
1crashes
1fires

Window & Wiper complaints by model year

’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’267519182245434312242
Window & Wiper complaints per model year, Chevrolet Traverse.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
202628%—
202542%—
202421%53,000 miles
202322%37,000 miles
202211%56,000 miles
202031%32,000 miles
201941%10,000 miles
201831%4,000 miles
201741%23,000 miles
201652%27,000 miles
201541%74,000 miles
201420%0 miles
201321%82,000 miles
2012185%94,000 miles
2011193%47,000 miles
201051%50,000 miles
200972%40,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Sun/moon roof assembly
    8
  • Power window devices and controls
    6
  • Rear window wiper/washer
    4
  • Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
    1
  • Glass, side/rear
    1

Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    1729%
  • 25k–50k
    1017%
  • 50k–75k
    1221%
  • 75k–100k
    916%
  • 100k–150k
    610%
  • 150k+
    47%

What owners report

Beginning in May 2025, my 2025 Chevrolet Traverse began exhibiting a false "rear liftgate open" condition when the liftgate is fully closed. This defect triggers a continuous audible alarm that occurs before every drive and persists for the entire duration of the drive, stopping only when the vehicle is turned off. As a result of this defect, the rear windshield wiper and washer are disabled, eliminating rear visibility during rain and snow. The vehicle alarm system also cannot be armed, creating a security risk. The continuous alarm causes significant driver distraction, and the loss of rear visibility impairs safe operation of the vehicle, particularly in adverse weather. Minor children are frequent passengers, and the defect has occurred while they were in the vehicle. The vehicle has been presented to an authorized Chevrolet dealership on four separate occasions for the same issue. …

2025 Traverse · May 2025

Driver side windshield wiper does not clear window, blades have been replaced and still not fixed. Appears to be a wiper arm issue. Rear camera blips out, goes black or shows half a screen during use. Happens almost daily and has caused me to nearly hit cars and or people. Front tire sensor will not recalibrate. Brakes make horrible squeaking noises- Dealer advised this is a known issue with the type of brakes installed on these cars and nothing can be done. Taking car in for service for all these issues.

2025 Traverse · Nov 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, there was a loud explosion and the sunroof exploded. The contact stated that the sunroof was closed during the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the sunroof glass needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not under recall for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,213.

2020 Traverse · Sun/moon roof assembly · 32,000 miles · Mar 2023

The backup camera system on my 2020 Chevrolet Traverse fails repeatedly and intermittently. When shifting into reverse, the camera frequently displays a black screen, a crossed-out camera icon, or an error message indicating the camera is unavailable. I have brought the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealership multiple times for this issue. The dealer has replaced the rear/front camera twice and replaced a corroded cable, but the problem continues to occur. The repairs have not permanently resolved the issue. The failure happens unpredictably and makes it unsafe to reverse the vehicle, especially around pedestrians, children, or obstacles. This vehicle is equipped with a federally required backup camera, and its repeated failure presents a safety concern. …

2020 Traverse · Nov 2023

My complaint is in regard to the climate control system on my 2019 Chevy Traverse. I chatted with Will of the Chevrolet Customer Service Center on October 10, 2021. The problem is that the system will not keep the windshield clear of fog in certain weather conditions. During the chat, Will said that he couldn't do anything unless I had taken the car to the dealer. I believed it is a design flaw, because my son owns the same model and year of Traverse and has the same complaint. (I have previously owned 2009 and 2012 Traverses and did not experience this problem.) The next time I took the car to my dealer for service 12/14/2021, I told the service dept about the problem. According to the service request: "All functions working as designed at this time." The service manager told me that this is a common complaint. …

2019 Traverse · Oct 2021

Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving, the contact heard a loud banging noise. The contact noticed that the sun roof exploded without impact. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to east hills Chevrolet of freeport (located at 42 east sunrise highway, freeport, ny 11520, [phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer stated that there were no visible defects to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 9-5109447539. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.

2019 Traverse · Sun/moon roof assembly · 10,000 miles · Mar 2019

Purchased a year ago in fl. My windshield came loose twice already where you can see the padding in the dashboard area again. The tire on driver side has to have air in it several times after driving about 20 mins. Pressure keeps reading at 26 and alarm going off with the problem. Husband refills and three days later I move the vehicle and it happens again. Windshield you can hear air leaking from it. Several times when I started my car it had a weird engine noise loud acceleration even when sitting in my driveway. I read no recalls but possible class action pending if you refuse to fix the vehicles. I will be over 36 months before my car reaches 30K miles. I drive to and from doctors, grocery shopping. Casual driving.

2018 Traverse · 4,000 miles · Feb 2020

Many issues from the day that I bought the vehicle. 1) noticed front windshield and or driver side window having lots of air noise coming in and wind can be heard as im driving. 2) the auto start does not function correctly when going turns off and about to drive off it tumbles/shakes. 3) hearing a noise on the driver side front part of the vehicle that can be heard on the inside as im driving. Sort of a knocking rattling sound.

2018 Traverse · 0 miles · Jul 2018

Related recalls (2)

Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor

NHTSA recall 15V-609 · Sep 29, 2015 · 29,295 vehicles

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015. Due to a manufacturing defect, the windshield wiper motor may overheat when used.

Remedy: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover assembly, free of charge. Owners are advised not to use their front windshield wipers until the wiper cover has been replaced.

Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages

NHTSA recall 12V-151 · Apr 9, 2012 · 47,846 vehicles

General motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet traverse, Buick enclave, and GMC acadia vehicles currently registered in alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york,…

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 20, 2012.

Frequently asked questions

Which Chevrolet Traverse years have window & wiper problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (19), 2012 (18), 2009 (7), 2010 (5) and 2016 (5) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2011.

Is there a recall for Chevrolet Traverse window & wiper problems?

Yes — 2 recalls, including 15V-609 (motor, Sep 29, 2015); 12V-151 (linkages, Apr 9, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Chevrolet Traverse window & wiper problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles; 47% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the sun/moon roof assembly (8 mentions), followed by the power window devices and controls (6).

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.