2013 Chevrolet Traverse Problems: 5 Known Issues
2013 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse has 5 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Front outer seat belt anchor cable can fatigue and separate — recall 14V266, High-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing reduced power or a stall (owner reports) and Roof-rail airbag weld nuts may be damaged, out of position or missing — recall 21V246. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2013 · LT · 3.6L V6 LLT
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All 5 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls9 recalls
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
AIR BAGS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Chevrolet Traverse problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Chevrolet Traverse has 5 documented issues. Documented issues include: Front outer seat belt anchor cable can fatigue and separate — recall 14V266, High-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing reduced power or a stall (owner reports), Roof-rail airbag weld nuts may be damaged, out of position or missing — recall 21V246. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Front outer seat belt anchor cable can fatigue and separate — recall 14V266 and High-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing reduced power or a stall (owner reports) and Roof-rail airbag weld nuts may be damaged, out of position or missing — recall 21V246. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 2009-2014 Chevrolet Traverse Front outer seat belt anchor cable can fatigue and separate — recall 14V266?
The flexible steel cable that connects the safety belt to the vehicle at the outside of the front outboard seating positions can fatigue and separate over time as a result of occupant movement into the seat. In a crash, a separated cable could increase the risk of injury to the o… Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse High-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing reduced power or a stall (owner reports)?
Owners report the high-pressure fuel pump on the 3.6L V6 failing: at highway speed the engine dropped into reduced power ("limp mode"), or the vehicle stalled and would not restart. Applies to: 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse with the 3.6L V6 (owner reports here are from 2009 and 20… Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse Roof-rail airbag weld nuts may be damaged, out of position or missing — recall 21V246?
One or two of the weld nuts that secure the right or left roof-rail airbag to the vehicle might be damaged, out of position, or missing, because repairs flagged during assembly may not have been performed or may have been performed improperly. If the roof-rail airbag is not prope… Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse Water pump shaft seal can leak when coolant runs low — bulletin 13079?
The water pump shaft seal on the 3.6L V6 may leak, and GM says these leaks are often due to driving with a low engine coolant level. GM says keeping the coolant at the proper level will increase shaft seal reliability. Applies to: 2009–2013 Chevrolet Traverse with the 3.6L LLT V6… Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2016 Chevrolet Traverse Rear (auxiliary) A/C evaporator can corrode and leak refrigerant — bulletin 16-NA-046?
The auxiliary evaporator blower motor may emit brush dust containing copper particles, which can lead to accelerated corrosion of the auxiliary A/C evaporator and a small refrigerant leak. Owners may notice the A/C blowing warm, poor A/C performance or a low charge. Applies to: 2… Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.