Should I buy a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse with documented airbags problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented airbags issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2015 Chevrolet Traverse airbags problems

moderate Owners of the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse have filed 155 NHTSA complaints about the airbags, typically surfacing around 74,000 miles at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →

Failure mileage

Complaints

155

Recalls

Avg fix

$1,100

airbags complaints on the Chevrolet Traverse, by model year
Model year	airbags complaints
2011 Traverse	33
2012 Traverse	39
2013 Traverse	19
2014 Traverse	233
2015 Traverse (this page)	155
2016 Traverse	158
2017 Traverse	256
2018 Traverse	5
2019 Traverse	8

4crashes

3injuries

When does it fail?

Of the 155 airbags complaints filed for the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.

0-25k

0 (0%)

25-50k

1 (33.3%)

50-75k

1 (33.3%)

75-100k

0 (0%)

100-125k

0 (0%)

125-150k

0 (0%)

150k+

1 (33.3%)

Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.

What stands out

Airbags accounts for 50% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.

Owners have filed 155 airbags complaints against 1 active recall — roughly 155 complaints per campaign.

Related recalls

critical NHTSA 22V246000 April 14, 2022

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia vehicles

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 drivers air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222366190.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.

Service Bulletin PIC5650J Jul 2021

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Service Bulletin 16-NA-232 Jul 2017

This informational bulletin provides information on the inboard seat airbag is mounted in this area and creates a slightly different contour of the seat causing an appearance concern, and that this should be considered normal and no parts should be replaced for this concern.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Service Bulletin 12-09-41-002C Feb 2016

This informational bulletin provides information on Passenger Presence System (PPS) May Command Seat Belt Reminder Chime and Passenger Airbag Indicator On or Set DTC B101D When Electronic Devices or Conductive Objects are Placed on Front Passenger Seat

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Service Bulletin 06-08-50-009I Jan 2016

This informational bulletin provides Information on Passenger Presence Sensing System (PPS or PSS) Concerns with Custom Upholstery, Accessory Seat Heaters or Other Comfort Enhancing Devices

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Service Bulletin PI-1357 Nov 2014

BUICK/GMC/CHEVROLET: A MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED IN DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC), SERVICE AIR BAG, AND AIRBAG LIGHT ON WITH MANY CODES, COULD BE CAUSED BY HIGH RESISTANCE AND CRIMPING OF TERMINALS. MODEL 2014-15 ENCLAVE, TRAVERSE, ACADIA.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

The failure pattern owners describe

The bulk of complaints revolve around the Takata inflator recall (NHTSA 23V334). Owners received recall notifications starting May 2023, but replacement parts have remained unavailable for 8–12+ months as of the latest complaints. Dealers and GM consistently tell owners parts are on back order with no estimated delivery date. GM has declined to provide loaner vehicles or rental reimbursement while the defect—which the recalls describe as capable of causing inflator rupture and metal fragment ejection into the cabin during deployment—remains unaddressed.

Several owners report warning lights illuminating on the dashboard and intermittent sensor faults unrelated to the Takata recall. These include occupant classification system failures, clockspring wiring failures, and passenger side sensor malfunctions that trigger the airbag warning light. One owner had a partial airbag deployment without a crash. Another experienced a complete failure of all front airbag modules. Most were diagnosed at dealerships but remain unrepaired due to cost, parts availability, or being out of warranty.

One collision resulted in airbags not deploying at a low speed (20–25 mph) despite a rear-end impact; the passenger was uninjured but sustained a chin bruise from dashboard contact. A separate incident of uncontrolled acceleration resulted in multiple crashes, though the owner stated the airbag did not deploy in their vehicle despite deployment in an adjacent parked car.

Same Chevrolet Traverse airbags reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017

Failure modes owners describe

Takata Inflator Rupture Risk (Recall 23V334)

Driver-side airbag inflators manufactured by Takata without chemical drying agent; propellant degrades under prolonged heat and humidity exposure, potentially causing inflator rupture during deployment. Rupture may eject metal fragments through the airbag into the cabin, causing serious or fatal injury.

When: Recall issued May 10, 2023; complaints span June 2023–February 2024 indicating parts still unavailable 8–12 months later

Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification letter received; Airbag warning light illuminated; Parts unavailable at dealerships and GM; No estimated date for repair parts

Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 23V334000

Repairs/costs cited: Replacement inflator required; parts on indefinite back order. No loaner vehicles or rental reimbursement offered by GM.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 23V334 issued May 10, 2023. GM acknowledges defect but states repair parts not available and no timeline provided. GM declined loaner/rental assistance during part shortage.

Airbag Warning Light – Intermittent Illumination (Non-Takata)

Service airbag warning light illuminates intermittently on dashboard, often requiring sensor replacement. Light may turn off on its own temporarily but recurs within days. Diagnostic trouble indicates passenger occupant classification system or sensor wiring issues.

When: 2019–2023 timeframe; one case occurred immediately after routine service

Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminates on startup or while driving; Light may turn off after second engine crank but recurs within 3 days; Intermittent behavior makes diagnosis difficult

Codes mentioned: Occupant classification system fault, Airbag wiring harness fault

Repairs/costs cited: Sensor replacement ($200–$500+) required at dealership. One owner had two sensors replaced within a month; light returned a third time in November. Repairs not covered after warranty expiration.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls identified by owners for intermittent sensor faults; treated as warranty or out-of-warranty repair.

Occupant Detection System Failure

Passenger-side occupant classification system fails to recognize occupied seat; airbag warning light remains illuminated. Defective passenger airbag module requires replacement.

When: Failure mileage 78,000 miles; diagnosed 2021

Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light remains illuminated; System fails to detect occupant in passenger seat

Codes mentioned: Passenger airbag module fault

Repairs/costs cited: Passenger airbag module replacement required; estimate provided but owner notes cost not specified.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in complaint.

Airbag Wiring Harness Loose/Failed Connection

Airbag system wiring harness becomes loose or improperly connected, triggering warning light and making vehicle difficult to drive. One case involved mechanic failure to properly reinstall wiring after initial sensor work.

When: Failures reported at 40,000 miles and 81,500 miles; 2019 and later

Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminates while driving; Wiring harness loose or disconnected; Vehicle difficult to drive

Codes mentioned: Airbag wiring harness fault

Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement or reconnection; one vehicle out of warranty declined repair at dealership. Another required second repair due to improper first installation.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; out-of-warranty vehicles not assisted by dealer.

Clockspring Failure

Clockspring component fails, illuminating airbag warning light. Component part of airbag electrical system that allows airbag to be deployed when steering wheel turns.

When: Failure at approximately 110,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminates while driving

Codes mentioned: Clockspring fault

Repairs/costs cited: Clockspring replacement on back order; parts unavailable. Vehicle not repaired.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Parts on back order; manufacturer notified but provided no assistance.

Partial Airbag Deployment (No Crash)

Front driver's side curtain airbag partially deployed without vehicle being involved in crash. Cover panel was loose and unsecured; airbag replacement needed.

When: Failure mileage unknown

Symptoms owners cite: Front driver's side curtain airbag cover panel loose and unsecured; Airbag partially deployed without accident

Repairs/costs cited: Airbag replacement required; vehicle not repaired. Passenger seat occupant detection sensor also failed simultaneously.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; vehicle not repaired.

Complete Front Airbag Module Failure

All front airbag modules failed upon vehicle startup. Dealer diagnosed that all front modules required replacement and rear airbags could potentially be inoperable as well.

When: Failure at approximately 80,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated upon starting vehicle; All front airbag modules failed

Codes mentioned: Front airbag module failure

Repairs/costs cited: Complete front airbag module replacement required; possibly rear airbags as well. Vehicle not repaired.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was aware of failure but no details on assistance provided.

Airbag Non-Deployment During Collision

Vehicle struck another vehicle at 20–25 mph in rear-end collision; driver-side airbags did not deploy. Passenger in front seat struck chin against dashboard, sustaining bruise.

When: Incident at approximately 135,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Airbags did not deploy during rear-end collision at 20–25 mph

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle drivable; police report filed. Passenger injury minor (chin bruise, no medical treatment sought). Vehicle later identified as subject to Recall 23V334, but parts not available.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V334 notification received, but parts unavailable for repair.

Synthesized from 155 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 8 most recent

airbags · filed 12/18/2024

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware…

airbags · 160,000 mi · filed 12/18/2023

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer…

airbags · 37,650 mi · filed 12/18/2017

Dashboard displays "service airbag" randomly and intermittently. I looked up special coverage 15804 and brought vehicle to dealership where I purchased. My VIN doesn't have the special coverage but the diagnostics are the same as described. Dealership agreed to obtain dic code which is b0014. This code is included in special coverage 15804 but my VIN hasn't been included. The service airbag…

airbags · filed 12/15/2023

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V33400 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool…

airbags · filed 12/12/2023

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer…

airbags · 65,000 mi · filed 12/12/2019

Airbag light on and off, connections all feel tight under passenger seat but light warning came on 3 times in 2 days.

airbags · filed 12/11/2023

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms…

airbags · filed 12/06/2023

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was…

Had airbags trouble with your 2015 Chevrolet Traverse? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the airbags problem on the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 155 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?

Across the 34 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 45,000 and 101,000 miles, with the median around 74,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 101,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to airbags?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover airbags issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Chevrolet/Traverse. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.