The 2015 Chevy Traverse LTZ that I own is presenting with the same problems as many of its body style and year. The water intrusion has caused wiring to corrode in the side detection system & the drivers door wiring harness is presenting with open circuits. The LH side object module is throwing code U0233:00. They tested circuits at RH module. Found water intrusion in module, & corrosion on…
2015 Chevrolet Traverse electrical problems
severe 25 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
3fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 25 electrical complaints filed for the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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
Owners have filed 25 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Water intrusion into door connectors and modules is endemic in 2015 Traverses, causing power window/lock failures, airbag disablement, and dashboard destruction. Factor in frequent electrical failures, unexplained engine power loss on highways, and at least two documented fires—this model poses real safety risks even at higher mileage, and many failures persist after dealer repair attempts.
Owners of 2015 Chevrolet Traverses report widespread electrical failures tied primarily to water intrusion. The most pervasive issue involves unsealed connectors between door harnesses and the main body harness. These connectors sit exposed between door hinges, allow rain and road salt to corrode pins, and disable critical functions: power windows, door locks, mirrors, and child safety locks stop working. One owner couldn't lock the driver door remotely if they became incapacitated. Repairs require replacing object modules and harness assemblies, with estimates exceeding $2000.
Water damage also compromises airbag systems. Corrosion in side detection modules triggers airbag codes that dealerships acknowledge disable all airbag deployment—a critical safety gap in collisions. Dashboard water intrusion damages electronics, killing radio and display functions. Multiple owners report the check engine light returning shortly after dealer "repairs."
Stabilitrak and traction control warnings cause sudden, dramatic engine power loss at highway speeds, reducing acceleration to a crawl or killing steering assist—hazardous during freeway merges or turns. Dealers cannot reproduce the failures or identify root causes despite multiple visits. Transmission fires have occurred with no warning codes, and accelerator pedal sensors stick in the floored position, requiring physical manipulation to free.
Additional electrical issues include headlight bulbs burning out every 2 months, fuse block failures cascading across multiple systems, ignition switch problems preventing starts in traffic, and dashboard flickering that removes blinker and speed display capability mid-drive. One vehicle caught fire while parked only 15 minutes after purchase.
Same Chevrolet Traverse electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Door harness corrosion and water intrusion
Unsealed connectors between door electrical harnesses and body harness allow water and road salt ingress, causing pin corrosion and open circuits. Affects driver door primarily but all four doors vulnerable.
When: Various mileages; one complaint at ~10,700 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power window controls inoperative; Power door lock controls inoperative; Power mirror controls inoperative; Child lock unable to disable; Door lock unable to respond when driver incapacitated
Codes mentioned: U0233:00 (side object module thrown 2 days after purchase), B0085:05 (airbag code)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report estimates over $2000; dealers recommend replacing LH and RH object modules and door harness assemblies
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No factory sealing gasket on connectors; no recall or TSB mentioned
Airbag system electrical failure from water intrusion
Water intrusion into side detection modules and door harnesses causes corrosion and open circuits, disabling airbag deployment. Poses critical safety risk in collision events.
When: One complaint 2 days after purchase (04/01/25)
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag code present (B0085:05); Side detection system failure; No airbag deployment capability at impact; Airbag light constant
Codes mentioned: B0085:05, U0233:00
Repairs/costs cited: Taylor & Sons Chevy recommended replacing LH and RH object modules and harness; cost not stated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; dealership (AutoCredit, Hayden ID) refused to repair despite acknowledging code presence and safety risk
Check engine light recurrence and catalyst efficiency code
Check engine light returns repeatedly after dealer repair. Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold code present; dealer repaired once but issue returned within days of pickup.
When: March 2023; recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Check engine light returns after repair
Codes mentioned: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer (Landers Chrysler, Norman OK) repaired on 03/17/2023 but problem recurred by 03/17/2023 after leaving dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer repaired once; did not disclose pre-sale code presence to buyer
Headlight bulb failure and outage
Headlights burn out at high frequency (one bulb every 2 months per one complaint) or fail completely. Design requires inner fender removal, risking bulb contact contamination.
When: Recurring; one instance immediately after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight bulb burns out; Headlight inoperative; Rapid bulb failure cycle
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported over $2000 estimate from Classic Chevrolet; bulb replacement requires inner fender access
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer (Landers Chrysler) refused to repair headlight, directed owner to service contract which does not cover headlights
Stabilitrak/traction control false activation with engine power loss
Service Stabilitrak and traction control warnings illuminate unexpectedly, triggering dramatic engine power loss and acceleration limitation. Vehicle slows to stop or becomes difficult to steer, creating highway hazard. Dealers unable to replicate or diagnose root cause.
When: Multiple incidents reported; one at 65 MPH on freeway, another during freeway exit turn
Symptoms owners cite: Service Stabilitrak light on; Service Traction Control light on; Engine Power Reducing warning; Unable to accelerate beyond 10 MPH; Loss of steering assist; Harsh transmission shifting at 65 MPH; Vehicle dramatically decelerates
Repairs/costs cited: First visit: hose came loose, engine mount repaired. Second visit: sensor replaced. Third visit: no codes found, dealer unable to replicate. Issue recurred after all repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall mentioned; owners report widespread forum discussion of this issue on 2015 Traverses
Shift solenoid and housing failure
Solenoid in dash clicks and fails when shifting out of Park. Two solenoids replaced unsuccessfully; housing then required. Dealer found same failure in two other 2015 Traverses on lot. If solenoid fails completely, transmission cannot shift out of Park.
When: 38+ months of ownership; began 06/13/2018
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise in dash when shifting out of Park; Unable to shift out of Park if failure is complete
Repairs/costs cited: Two solenoid assemblies replaced, then housing replaced; cost not stated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall mentioned; dealer mechanics stated they had never seen this failure before
Accelerator pedal sensor and module failure
Accelerator sensor and module malfunction causes pedal to stick in floored position. Pedal remains down despite driver releasing foot; requires physical manipulation to free. Sensor fault causes module to fail, preventing restart.
When: Highway driving at 80 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal stuck in down position; Vehicle accelerates to 90 MPH uncontrollably; Pedal resists brake pressure; Loud clunk when accelerator finally releases; All warning lights illuminate after incident; Engine shuts off after incident; Vehicle will not start
Repairs/costs cited: Accelerator sensor and module replaced by dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership towed vehicle and diagnosed sensor/module failure
Fuse block failure causing electrical cascade
Main fuse block fails, causing loss of multiple systems including rear brake lights, ABS, and transmission function. Parts on national backorder with no ETA. Poor design cited by owner and referenced in GM service literature.
When: Second occurrence within 1.5 months
Symptoms owners cite: Rear lower brake lights inoperative; Only center top brake light functional; ABS warning; Transmission not shifting properly; Multiple warning lights (3-4 different messages)
Repairs/costs cited: First occurrence: brake light switch on brake pedal replaced. Second occurrence: main fuse block replacement required; part on national backorder
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned; owner research indicates GM has major fuse block design issues across models
Electrical smoke odor and battery failure
Abnormal electrical smoke smell during driving; battery diagnosed and replaced at two separate dealerships. Failure recurred post-repair, indicating root cause not addressed.
When: 37,500 miles approximately
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal electrical smoke odor while driving; Check engine light illuminated; Other warning lights illuminated; Owner became nauseous (no medical attention required)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced at Lake Country Buick GMC (Devils Lake, ND) and Rydell Chevrolet (Grand Forks, ND); failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted or informed
Ignition switch and electrical start failure
Intermittent electrical and ignition switch issues prevent starting after multiple key turn attempts. Vehicle has stalled in moving traffic. Dealership unable to diagnose despite two 4-5 day service visits.
When: Recurring over unspecified time period; stall incident occurred in moving traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Will not start following multiple ignition key turns; Stalling in moving traffic; Stalling shortly after getting underway
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership kept vehicle 4-5 days on two separate occasions; no repairs completed; no trouble codes found
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership provided no assistance contacting GM; vehicle returned without repair
Dashboard light flicker and display loss
Dashboard lights flicker off and on, head unit restarts repeatedly, backup camera turns on randomly while driving. When dash goes dark, driver loses blinker signal capability and speed/system information.
When: Recurring; two separate incidents reported with similar symptoms
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights flicker on and off; Head unit flashes and restarts; Backup camera activates randomly during motion; Loss of blinker control when dash is off; Loss of mileage display when dash is off; All interior lights out (in one incident for ~3 minutes)
Repairs/costs cited: Not stated; owner reports two incidents within two weeks of lease start (07/25/2015)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Fire and smoke during operation
Vehicle caught fire while driving with minimal warning or diagnostic codes. One vehicle caught fire parked only 15 minutes after initial 2.1-mile drive (totaled). Another smoking event while driving resulted in transmission fire.
When: One at 2.1 miles (brand new); another during street traffic under 40 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle catches fire; Smoke from vehicle while driving; Transmission catches fire
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle totaled; transmission fire: steering wheel and alignment repair, clutches/parts replacement required per dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; fire department required to extinguish vehicle
Traction control service and acceleration loss
Traction control requires servicing causing acceleration loss on freeway. Stabilitrak also activates. Vehicle loses ability to accelerate; issue repeats despite repair attempts.
When: Recurring; multiple incidents over 4-month period
Symptoms owners cite: Service Traction Control message; Service Stabilitrak message; Loss of acceleration on freeway; Vehicle decelerates while driving; Vehicle shakes badly at times
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics report difficulty diagnosing; no specific repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Audio system and backup camera electrical loss
Complete audio system failure including radio, Bluetooth, blinker sounds, and backup alarm while driving. No sound output from any vehicle system. Represents safety hazard when blinker and backup alerts fail.
When: While driving; occurrence timing unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: No radio sound; No Bluetooth audio; No blinker/turn signal sound; No backup alarm; Complete audio system silent
Repairs/costs cited: Not stated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Water intrusion into dashboard and console
Water leaks into vehicle during rain from unknown source, pooling in front middle console area and flooding floor and seats. Dashboard and radio destroyed. Damage location difficult to identify.
When: During rain events
Symptoms owners cite: Water enters dash area; Water pools in front center console; Water floods floor and seats; Dashboard display darkened; Radio inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; leak source unidentified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Engine stalling and AC failure
Vehicle stalls while driving within a week of purchase. AC fails. After dealer claims electrical issue repair, vehicle immediately begins smoking and AC fails again.
When: One week after purchase; recurring within weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving; AC compressor failure; Vehicle fails to start; Smoking from vehicle; AC failure recurring
Repairs/costs cited: Air compressor replaced; electrical repair attempted; no other repair details provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed electrical issue fixed but issue recurred
Engine does not shut off when key turned off
Engine continues running after key is turned to off position and removed. Vehicle fails to shut down properly.
When: Occurrence timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues running after key turned off; Engine continues running after key removed
Repairs/costs cited: Not stated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Transmission fire with no root cause determination
Transmission catches fire during city driving with no prior warning dashboard codes. Vehicle exhibits uncontrolled acceleration, deceleration, and braking prior to fire. Dealership unable to determine root cause of fire despite investigation.
When: Street traffic under 40 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates on its own; Vehicle decelerates on its own; Vehicle brakes on its own; Transmission catches fire; Vehicle cannot drive straight; Reverse not functional; Loud clunking sounds; Bucking motion during shifts; No warning codes on dashboard
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership report states 'no root cause found' for fire; steering wheel and alignment repaired, clutches and parts replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Reverse camera false activation
Reverse camera activates while driving forward. Accompanied by service warnings and engine power loss. Root cause not identified.
When: While driving; timing unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Reverse camera turns on while driving; Service Engine Light illuminated; Traction Control turned off; Parking Assist alert off; Service Traction Control warning; Service Stabilitrak warning; Loss of engine power (unable to accelerate over 10 MPH)
Repairs/costs cited: Not stated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reports pages of forum posts regarding this exact issue; no recall mentioned
AC system failure and repeated repair
AC fails shortly after purchase. Compressor replaced, but system fails again shortly after return from first repair with smoking from vehicle.
When: One week after purchase; recurring
Symptoms owners cite: AC stops working; Smoking from vehicle when AC fails second time
Repairs/costs cited: Air compressor replaced first time; second failure results in smoking
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Vehicle has intermittent electrical and ignition switch issues. It frequently will not start following multiple attempts at turning the ignition key, and has actually stalled in moving traffic while my wife and child were driving, a clear safety issue. Dealership has twice had vehicle for 4-5 days and indicated no trouble found both times. Dealership has provided no assistance in contacting gm…
When it rain, water is getting into my car from somewhere. It has knocked out my dashboard and my radio no longer works.the water gets in to the front part of the car and end up in my front middle console. No body can tell where the leak is coming from nor explain how it get in the middle of the cup holder and flooding my floor and seat. Nothing is showing on my dashboard or the miles displayed.…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a meaningful issue. 25 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 16,000 and 67,000 miles, with the median around 37,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,000; a quarter make it past 67,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
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.