Chevrolet Traverse fuel smell problems

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Engine · CA

The first time this happened was in 2024, my Traverse started to sound like a go-cart, loss of power to accelerate, and exhaust smell would leak into the cabin. Being active duty living on base with one car it was more convenient to use an insured Mobile Mechanic. - Front bracket that secures the Exhaust Manifold/ Catalytic Converter in place welds failed resulting in the parts to be under extreme additional stress breaking it. This has happened every year since, everytime Chevrolet/GM customer service has been contacted and we are told that my VIN year make and model are not on the Special coverage list and there is nothing they can do. Three Catalytic Converters in three years from an engineering flaw is not normal wear and tare.

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · TX

SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT TO ADD CRITICAL SAFETY HAZARD FOR PENDING COMPLAINT. In addition to the broken bracket and cracked converter previously reported, raw exhaust fumes are now actively leaking into the passenger cabin, creating an immediate health hazard

Filed Oct 17, 2026 · Fuel system · TX · 1 injury

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious fuel-system safety issue involving my new 2027 Chevrolet Traverse with approximately 50 miles on the odometer. While the vehicle was stopped, strong gasoline fumes entered the passenger compartment. Because of the potential fire and safety risk, the vehicle was not driven and was instead towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealership. AutoNation advised me that the gasoline leak was caused by **faulty installation of the fuel injectors**. I was informed that the fuel injectors had not been properly installed, resulting in the fuel leak. This condition is extremely concerning because gasoline and fuel vapors are highly flammable and can create a risk of fire if exposed to heat, electrical components, or another ignition source. The presence of gasoline fumes inside the passenger compartment also created a direct safety concern for the occupants. The defect occurred when the vehicle had only approximately 50 miles and was essentially brand new. I am concerned that this may represent a manufacturing or assembly issue that could potentially affect other 2027 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The vehicle is currently being addressed through an authorized Chevrolet dealership, and Chevrolet/General Motors has also been notified of the issue. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and review this incident as a potential vehicle safety defect involving the fuel system and the installation of the fuel injectors.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MD

First issue-cracked catalytic converter caused leaking carbon monoxide inside vehicle. When I was driving I could smell strong, nauseating fuel smell and would have to drive with windows open to try and get fresh air. Took it to local shop for repair which cost $2700. After repair did some research and found special coverage warranty for 2018 Traverse for this same issue, however chevy told me because I took it to a third party they would not reimburse. Second issue-when car would go into gas saving mode vehicle would shut off quickly then start back up and all alert lights would come on (ie. engine light, parking light, etc.), vehicle would also show typed alert on screen something about power steering would be modified and drive safely. Recently took it to chevy to have it looked at, 3 issue were wrong, one being the purge solenoid needing to be replace. Because of known issue before, did some research and also found a special warranty coverage for 2018 traverses for this issue as well. However, my VIN is not showing any of these recalls so now chevy says they will also not cover this.

Filed Sep 3, 2026 · Engine · NY

The front intermediate exhaust pipe mounting bracket weld fractured at the engine manifold, causing the exhaust pipe to break completely loose. We can now actively smell raw exhaust fumes inside the passenger cabin while operating the vehicle, creating an immediate safety hazard for carbon monoxide poisoning and driver disorientation. Additionally, the heavy steel exhaust system is completely unsupported at the front, creating an imminent risk of the pipe falling and dragging on the roadway at highway speeds, which could cause a catastrophic crash. The vehicle began getting progressively louder during cold weather between late 2025 and early 2026. A certified Chevrolet dealership technician officially inspected the vehicle, filmed an inspection video confirming this exact structural failure, and attempted to submit it for warranty coverage. GM Corporate denied the claim solely because my VIN is excluded from Special Coverage N212356540, despite the vehicle suffering from the identical manufacturing defect described in the bulletin. I possess the official dealer repair receipt and the technician's inspection video as proof.

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Engine · GA

The welding that holds the exhaust together has failed. They offer a Special Warranty to cover only the passenger side, however it has failed and exhaust is super loud. Also reading 4 codes from check engine alert. All are P0420 (cat convertor). The smell of exhaust and cat convertor is super disgusting

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Engine · 50,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a loud sound coming from the exhaust pipes, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate, with exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the exhaust mounting bracket had failed, causing the exhaust pipes to separate and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under a manufacturer-extended coverage that was associated with the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · CT

The welds that hold the catalytic converter and exhaust pipe together have pinhole leaks. The hose that connects to the exhaust system is also failing. This has been confirmed by the Chevy dealership we took it too. No warning lights were triggered. We heard a rattling noise after having a prior hose replaced. One week later we were back at the same dealership. At this appointment they discovered the pinhole leaks and confirmed there are pinhole leaks while revving the engine to 1,000 RPMs. We requested GM pay to fix the issue and they have refused. Our safety is at risk because no sensors were triggered and we could smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle while using the air conditioning. This is not the first issue we had with this vehicle. Prior to this the whole car died while my wife was driving it with our 2 kids in the car with her. She had no steering or braking.

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Engine · 98,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, there were exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the mechanic was notified of a failure with the exhaust manifold. The local dealer was contacted and informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the exhaust manifold weld needed to be re-welded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Jan 24, 2026 · Engine · CA

The forward exhaust bracket weld broke causing a rattling noise and allowing exhaust fumes into the car which is incredibly dangerous.