2016 Chevrolet Traverse Problems: 3 Known Issues
2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Traverse has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Roof-rail airbag weld nuts may be damaged, out of position or missing — recall 21V246. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 3 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.
TIRES
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured December 9, 2014, to January 14, 2015, 2015 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured December 9, 2014, to January 20, 2015, and 2015 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured December 9, 2014, to January 16, 2015, and all equipped with Goodyear P255/65R18 Fortera HL tires. These vehicles are equipped with tires that may experience tread cracking. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or Less."
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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 2016 Chevrolet Traverse has 3 documented issues. Documented issues include: Roof-rail airbag weld nuts may be damaged, out of position or missing — recall 21V246, A/C compressor can fail or lock up (owner reports), Rear (auxiliary) A/C evaporator can corrode and leak refrigerant — bulletin 16-NA-046. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 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 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 2015-2016 Chevrolet Traverse A/C compressor can fail or lock up (owner reports)?
Owners of 2015-2016 Traverses report the A/C compressor failing, locking up or smoking, leaving no cold air; in one report the locked compressor stalled the engine. Applies to: 2015-2016 Chevrolet Traverse (owner reports here are from 2015 and 2016 models). Summarized from the ow… 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.