One of the worst Traverse years
Owners filed about 1.6 times as many complaints as a typical Traverse year. The main thing to watch is the air bags, which half of owners reported by about 66,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2013 and 2021.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Traverse years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 549 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The most reported problem area is the air bags (259, 47% of complaints), followed by the brakes and stability control and the electrical system. That is the most complaints of any Traverse year from 2012 to 2024. It has 7 recalls.
1 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse before you buy.
Air bags
259 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 66,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
The manufacturer has failed to remedy this safety recall. The recall is dated May 10, 2023, and now over 2 years later there is no remedy. I remain concerned about my safety and the safety of my family, while driving this car. Despite the cost of replacement, but in consideration of the potential seriousness of the issue, time fame…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owned a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, an 18-wheeler driving at 65 MPH crashed into the front-end driver's side. The vehicles came to a stop upon impact.There was no property damage. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact vehicle was towed to a tow yard. No warning lights were…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 150,000 miles
Brakes and stability control
134 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 71,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
Intermittent check engine light reduced power, stabilitrac failure, and traction control failure even at high speeds or while vehicle in motion in city and on highway causing engine to stall out losing power-steering and power. Once vehicle is stopped and key is removed from ignition, engine restarts normally with normal vehicle…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 80,000 miles
It's happened more times than I can count. Definitely over 10. I'm driving my traverse, on the highway or in town, and then my car goes crazy. Bells begin to ding and dash lights come on. The info center tells me to service stabiltrack and then I get a reduced engine power warning and I cannot go over 25 MPH. I pull off the road or off…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 76,000 miles
Electrical system
128 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 75,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
Odometer Fraud. The contact was in the process of purchasing a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. Before the vehicle was purchased, the mileage was 118,000. At the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 227,937.Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 227,937 miles
My car started lagging while driving and the power was low. And vehicle started shaking. Traction Tire keeps automatically shutting off and through investigation I found it was from TCM or EMC. But when looking at fuse box all fuses look burnt. I noticed there were other recalls on this year of vehicle that could possibly match up with…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Engine and cooling
120 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 68,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
The dealer ( P & C Auto of Vance SC) used a code reader to clear out safety codes before the car was purchased. After having a diagnostic test done, a mechanic was able to show the codes and when they were cleared. He recommended returning the car back as it was not safe to operate. I would like to have this looked at. I sent a letter to…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and failed to accelerate as intended due to an exhaust leak. The contact stated that the failure was due to the weld on the exhaust being fractured from the A/C drain leaking onto the exhaust. No warning…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 35,010 miles
Cruise control and acceleration
48 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 77,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 chevrolet traverse. While driving 2 MPH, the vehicle [VIN] independently and the contact crashed the vehicle into a garage. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 9,000.Owner complaint, filed 2014, at 9,000 miles
Traction control light comes on and then my vehicle keeps jerking as I drive and a stabilizer track notification light comes onOwner complaint, filed 2025
Transmission and drivetrain
36 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 54,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle started dragging and slipping into 3rd gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to her destination. The contact called the local dealer - all american chevrolet, inc. (1255 nj-35, middletown…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 50,000 miles
When transmission shift from 1st -2nd it will drag and pop and vibrate also when deceleration has occurred the transmission will pop and jerk when you try to accelerate between 20 MPH and up to 35 MPH.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 66,000 miles
Steering
27 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 45,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
My power steering stopped working abruptly without warning as soon as I exited the freeway. The fluid levels are within specs and there was no noise warning indicating a pump problem. I followed the lines and the rack and pinon and it is completely dry. Cant find any leaks. Chevy told me the power steering problem is only with traverses…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 82,000 miles
Power steering is going - ok on highway - issues turning/parking/backing due to power steering - this vehicle no longer has a good turn radius and becomes difficult to maneuver - at approx 40,000 miOwner complaint, filed 2018, at 40,000 miles
Fuel system
25 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 60,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
Dashboard notification indicating tighten gas cap, and then check engine light comes on. Took vehicle to get scanned and code says evap leak, took to mechanic all issues were fixed including replaced gas cap as suggested by many Chevy Traverse owners who have the same issue. 30 days later now same issue is coming up. Researched online…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The fuel gauge in my vehicle is not functioning correctly. It is showing that my fuel level is very low/empty even with a full tank of gas. I took it to the repair shop and the it had the codes P0452 for the fuel tank pressure sensor circuit and P0463 for the fuel level sensor. The repair shop replaced the fuel pump module which did not…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Seats and seat belts
19 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 64,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, he became aware that the front driver's side seat belt lap pretensioner had detached. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the remaining pieces of the lap belt pretensioner harness…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 109,000 miles
Seat belt buckle had outer case fall apart now buckle doesn't stay latched and is unsafe. Cannot keep buckle properly latched and snugOwner complaint, filed 2023
Lights, wipers and visibility
12 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 58,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
While driving my 2014 chevrolet traverse ls at night my low beam headlights went out the next day had both headlight bulbs changed drove for a couple of days lights went off again next morning had drl but no high beam unless I continually hold the lever cOwner complaint, filed 2019, at 146,500 miles
From the very first time of driving this vehicle it was noted that the rear window has cloudy circles in it which are very pronounced especially under sunny conditions. This could lead to visibility problems especially during a reverse back up procedure and could create a hazard in doing so. This problem was noted on other 2014 traverse…Owner complaint, filed 2014, at 22 miles
Wheels and tires
7 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 0 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse equipped with Cooper tires, Tire Line: CS5 Ultra Touring, Tire Size: 255/50/R20, DOT Number: U9N41CV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced wobbling due to the driver's and passenger's side front tires. The vehicle was taken to an independent…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 chevrolet traverse equipped with cooper adventurer h/t tires, tire size: 245/70/r17, dot number: u9nh1hl. The contact stated shortly after purchasing the tires from pep boys located a 205 spencer st., manchester, ct 06040, the front driver's side tire began to lose air pressure. The tires were taken back to the…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 450 miles
Suspension
4 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
The vehicle stalls while driving at any speed. It has left me on the highway or the middle of an intersection with myself & my kids in danger. The check engine light comes on before the vehicle shuts off completely & loses power & steering. The traction control & stability warning also come on. The vehicle has rolled backwards while in…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Traction control said off light on. Car shut down power failure. Car shaking as it stopped in traffic almost causing an accident. Barely made off road. I have seen other multiple complaints and no way to fix this problem. It is a death sentence on the highway. With no other transportation for me.Owner complaint, filed 2022
Body, doors and structure
4 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
There are a lot of paint dings. Some very small some larger. Mostly in the front half of the vehicle. My driving habits and destinations have not changed over the years and this is the first time I've ever seen this many dings in one vehicle in a short period of time. I did mention it to the dealerships service department and of course…Owner complaint, filed 2017
I was driving along the highway way at 60-65 mph when suddenly service traction control came on and vehicle started jerking and slowing down. As I tried to accelerate it continued to jerk and then just shut off completely. I hit the guard rail/ jersey wall on the drivers side because I had no control of the vehicle due to the vehicle…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Driver assist systems
3 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
I have a 2014 Chevy traverse I got December 2024. Up until 4/16/2025 I noticed a little cutting in and out of the radio and of course took it as the connection being back but yesterday after working I notice my radio isn’t giving out sound , my blinkers not giving sound and neither is my back up camera or seatbelt notifier. I’ve seen a…Owner complaint, filed 2025
I had to replace the two Modules under the rear bumper one on each side. It was warning me service side detection system on my dash. I took it to parsons Chevrolet in Antigo and they told me this is so common on the traverses they swell up and they make the whole car not run. I had to have it towed to the dealership and spend over $1000…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Chevrolet Traverse complaints by year
Compare the 2014 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2014 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Chevrolet Traverse | Among the worst years | 7 |
| 2014 Toyota Highlander | One of the better years | 5 |
| 2014 Honda Pilot | One of the better years | 3 |
| 2014 Ford Explorer | About average | 7 |
2014 Chevrolet Traverse recalls
Air bags Inflator module
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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 Critical fasteners
- Risk
- Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Electrical system
- Risk
- If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge.
Full recall summary
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and Sierra HD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.
Seat belts
- Risk
- If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.
- Fix
- General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge.
Full recall summary
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.
Electrical system Instrument cluster / panel
- Risk
- An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM to correct the fuel gauge reading, free of charge.
Full recall summary
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured March 26, 2013, through August 15, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the engine control module (ECM) software may cause the fuel gauge to read inaccurately.
Transmission and drivetrain
- Risk
- If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in.
- Fix
- General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge.
Full recall summary
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
2014 Chevrolet Traverse questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse?
The most reported problem areas on the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse are the air bags (259 complaints), the brakes and stability control (134 complaints) and the electrical system (128 complaints).
Is the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse a good year to buy?
One of the worst Traverse years. Owners filed about 1.6 times as many complaints as a typical Traverse year. The main thing to watch is the air bags, which half of owners reported by about 66,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2013 and 2021. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Traverse years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The most recent, from May 2023, covers the inflator module. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2014 Chevrolet Traverse problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the air bags gave a mileage of about 66,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the brakes and stability control gave a mileage of about 71,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Chevrolet Traverse years should I avoid?
The Traverse years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2014. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2013 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
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