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2020 Chevrolet Traverse problems

The most common problem on the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is engine and cooling, typically around 83,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Traverse model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
235
Recalls
8
Service bulletins
7821 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
20-21mpg

The worst 2020 Chevrolet Traverse problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse

Check engine light 38Fuel smell 11Shudder 11Backup camera 8Stalling 8Transmission failure 8Jerking 7Seat belt 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse mention

P0420 5P0171 2

Recalls 8

Air bags: side/window: curtainReported March 31, 2022 · 89 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
Risk
Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N212352140.

Recall number 22V210000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 18, 2021 · 639 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place may chafe against the transmission case, possibly resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
Risk
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. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1‑800‑488‑0359.

Recall number 21V817000 · Recall details

TiresReported February 25, 2021 · 33,838 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Risk
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Buick customer service at 1‑866‑608‑8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.

Recall number 21V115000 · Recall details

TiresReported November 5, 2020 · 7,516 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Risk
Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Buick customer service at 1‑866‑608‑8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.

Recall number 20V684000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Buick Customer service at 1‑866‑608‑8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

Recall number 20V668000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported October 15, 2020 · 2,781 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine.
Risk
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. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Buick Customer service at 1‑866‑608‑8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N202314760.

Recall number 20V639000 · Recall details

Air bags: side/window: curtain: inflatorReported July 30, 2020 · 769 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly crimped to the inflator and could separate from the inflator during air bag deployment.
Risk
If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect RRAB modules, free of charge. The recall began September 3, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑630‑2438, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4223, or Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300. GM's number for this recall is N202305380.

Recall number 20V446000 · Recall details

Structure: frame and membersReported September 6, 2019 · 3,420 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The right-hand frame rail in the engine compartment may be cracked.
Risk
A crack in the frame rail may reduce crash performance, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300. GM's number for this recall is N192268310.

Recall number 19V643000 · Recall details

See all 8 recalls for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse

Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse 782

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 782 bulletins for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse

2020 Chevrolet Traverse fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.6L 6‑cylFWD182721
3.6L 6‑cylAWD172520

What 2020 Chevrolet Traverse owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Transmission · 157,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH through an intersection with a green traffic light, the transmission unexpectedly stopped functioning, and the vehicle failed to move. The contact stated that the hazard lights were activated while the vehicle was in traffic. The vehicle was towed to a service center, where the failure was addressed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Engine · 104,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fractured flex pipe. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was associated with GM Technical Service Bulletin: PIP 5681C and Manufacturer Communication Number: 10211780 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the contact was referred to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed the failure was not covered under warranty. The contact spoke with the manufacturer, who also confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · AZ

Shift to park message error. Have to start/ stop engine several times until message goes away

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · MA

Noticed rattling under front hood and exhaust entering the interior of the car. Brought to the dealer and they said there are no recalls on this problem and quoted 4K to replace the CAT and exhaust pipes. There is indeed a tsb document covering Chevy Traverse years 2018-2023 - PIP5681C failed bracket weld on the exhaust pipe causes cracks. This is a dangerous situation with exhaust entering the vehicle. I have 4 children that travel in that vehicle daily! Based on what I have read online, this is an existing problem happening frequently with Chevy Traverses. I would like this repair covered by GM. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 3, 2026 · Acceleration · KY

I was on the interstate trying to merge into traffic and I floored the gas pedal to get into position with the flow of traffic. Upon pushing the gas pedal to its full position the pedal snapped off and I lost my ability to accelerate. I was lucky enough to be able to pull off to the side of the interstate and into the grass. I placed the Traverse into neutral and came to a stop. The gas pedal snapped just above the tab that sticks out where it connects to the module. Very unsafe that this is even a possibility to have happened. I would not recommend plastic for the gas pedal. Thank God the brake pedal is metal.

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Engine · 82,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the exhaust system was sagging due to an improperly welded mounting bracket. The contact became aware that an exhaust system bolt was cracked and missing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a technician confirmed that the weld on the exhaust hanger had separated from the subframe, causing the loud rattling sound of the exhaust system. Additionally, the check engine warning light was frequently illuminated, and the exhaust system was louder than normal. The failure mileage was 82,000.

Filed Sep 26, 2026 · Brakes · TX

My 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is experiencing a SHIFT to PARK issue. When the car is placed into PARK, the electrical system does not recognize it and will not shut off the vehicle. There is a defect with the button trigger that allows the gear shifter to move and it is not being recognized. The quick fix is to press this button around 15 times to reset it. Sometimes this works but when on an incline, it does not. It takes turning the vehicle on and off a few times to have this registered. The estimated cost to replace the gear shifter is around $600 to $900 dollars. Please have this item recalled.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · NM · 1 injury

The rear power liftgate closed on my finger severing the top part of my finger at the base of the finger nail.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · CA

On September 18,2026 owner #3 bought the vehicle on December 9,2026 at the time of purchase it had 46,545 on September 17 check engine light came on and the diagnostic code came up as P0171 lean bank one from Pep Boys.Pep Boys scan found P0171 lean bank 1 meaning that is sucking in too much oxygen, upon inspection found rear exhaust manifold is cracked, creating a vacuum and suck. ng in oxygen,causing the engine light, the exhaust hanger is broken and pictures from PepBoys show the exhaust hanger is broken and was held by poxy putty from previous owner #2 this was not disclosed at the time of sale on December 9,2026 and CarMax failed to complete a 125+ inspection before it left the dealership lot.The Poxy putty caused the manifold to crack with catalytic converter and 2 O2 sensors. Further another serious concerns owner #3 has as reported on history from Good Car reported from other consumers owning 2020 Chevy Traverse is the Shift to Park issue which was discovered on August 5,2026 at Affordable Transmission in Lancaster when i got my transmission service. This is also another pre-existing condition that was not disclosed by CarMax at the time of sale on December 9,2025. I feel the car is defective and not safe. The vehicle is at my mechanic getting evaluated. Per Car Facts this vehicle was involved in a minor accident which was not disclosed.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · OK

While the gears are shifted to park, as soon as the car is turned off, a message pops up advising me to "Shift to Park". The car will already be in park. I have to with jiggle the gear shift or turn the car back on and cycle gears a couple times in order for the car to recognize that it's in park.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse before you buy

Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse

Traverse vs Ford ExplorerTraverse vs Dodge DurangoTraverse vs Kia SorentoTraverse vs Honda PilotTraverse vs Nissan PathfinderTraverse vs Toyota HighlanderTraverse vs GMC AcadiaTraverse vs Buick Enclave

Other model years

2009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027

Questions about the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse

Is the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?

Owners have filed 235 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse, fewer than a typical Traverse model year.

What is the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse year score?

The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Traverse: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse?

Engine and cooling, with 95 complaints, typically around 83,000 miles. Next is transmission (40).

How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse have?

8 recalls, covering air bags, power train and tires.

What year does the Chevrolet Traverse have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Traverse model years with the most engine complaints are 2011 (213 complaints), 2010 (186 complaints) and 2014 (120 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse get?

Official estimates for the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse range from 20 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.6L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 27 highway.

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