Unexpected notice of a service warning light that suddenly appeared on my wife's traverse after driving for 2 weeks..... [xxx] and I purchased a demo traverse with 4000 miles , at a ft pierce Chevrolet location recently... We went on a two week trip to hawaii and returned this past week ,as we started the car , upon our return, my wife exclaimed ; I have a warning airbag notice light on.... So…
2016 Chevrolet Traverse electrical problems
severe 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 21 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 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
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2016 Traverse has a pattern of electrical and control-system failures. Stabilitrak faults causing engine derate, blind-spot module water intrusion ($1,350–$1,900 repair), unexpected airbag warnings, and intermittent stalling appear across multiple narratives. Service departments often cannot diagnose root causes, and GM has not issued recalls for known issues.
Owners of 2016 Traverses describe a cascade of electrical failures that dealers struggle to pinpoint. The Stabilitrak and traction control system triggers power loss on highways without a clear diagnostic code—dealers sometimes replace relays or entire fuse boxes, with one part on national backorder. Multiple owners report the vehicle loses power abruptly, forcing a pull-over, then restarts normally until the next cycle.
Blind-spot detection modules fail from water intrusion and corrosion, particularly at the rear bumper wiring connection. When this happens, the electrical system misbehaves dramatically: turn signals stop working, gauges go dark, speedometer fails, and airbag and tire-pressure lights activate while driving. Repair cost runs $1,350–$1,900 and is not covered under warranty. Owners note dealers confirm this is a known issue but GM has not recalled it.
Other electrical issues include an airbag warning light that recurs after restart, a driver information center display too dim to read during daytime, and one case where the vehicle's entire electrical system shut down in a parking lot, requiring three hours of roadside troubleshooting. Battery drains, window-washer pump shorts, and radio failures also appear. Dealers often cannot diagnose the root cause, citing no available service information from GM.
Same Chevrolet Traverse electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Stabilitrak and Traction Control System Fault with Engine Derate
Service Stabilitrak and Service Traction Control warnings illuminate, followed by abrupt engine power loss, forcing vehicle to limp home or pull over. Dealer diagnosis is vague; some replace relays or entire fuse boxes. Check Engine light may accompany the event.
When: Between 52,000 and 100,000 miles; onset unpredictable while driving highway or long stretches
Symptoms owners cite: Service Stabilitrak warning light; Service Traction Control warning light; Traction Control Off light flashing; Abrupt engine power reduction to 40 mph maximum; Check Engine light illumination; Vehicle must be pulled over and stopped
Codes mentioned: P2138
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have changed relays; one owner's repair of pedal position sensor (code P2138) resolved power reduction for 3 weeks, but other symptoms persisted. National backorder reported for fuse box replacement. Repair cost not disclosed in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM customer service claims national backorders are normal; one mechanic states he has seen this issue hundreds of times across multiple Chevrolet models.
Airbag Warning Light—Chronic Activation
Airbag warning light activates unexpectedly and recurs after vehicle restart. Owner reports dealer unaware of cause and no GM guidance available. Complaint notes this is a recurring model issue dating to 2010 vehicles.
When: After 4,000 miles on demo vehicle, post-trip restart
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminates on instrument cluster; Warning persists after restart; Recurring each time vehicle is restarted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner alleges GM was aware of design defect but did not warn consumers. Issue reportedly affects side-mounted airbags, front center airbag, and seat belt pre-tensioners if ignored.
Driver Information Center Display Dimness
DIC screen excessively dim during daytime despite maximum brightness setting. Photocell malfunction causes intermittent display—can be manually triggered by covering photocell. Display functions normally at night. Blogs indicate instrument cluster replacement fixes it; GM has not acknowledged the problem.
When: Started ~1 year before complaint; increasing frequency; 96,000 miles on original owner vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: DIC unreadable during daytime; Daytime running lights function normally; Display dims unpredictably after functioning for 10 seconds to 1 hour; Manual photocell coverage triggers night-mode brightness; Display functions correctly at night
Repairs/costs cited: Owner notes blogs indicate instrument cluster replacement resolves issue, but has not been replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states no information from GM. No TSB or recall mentioned.
Blind Spot Detection Module Failure—Water Intrusion and Corrosion
Blind spot and cross-traffic detection modules fail due to water intrusion and corrosion in wiring harnesses. Module mounted in rear bumper cover with poor seal at connection. Failure causes cascade of electrical faults: loss of turn signals, speedometer, gauges, and false airbag/tire pressure warnings. Dealers identify this as a known GM issue.
When: 52,000–58,200 miles on 2016 models
Symptoms owners cite: Side detection system warning message on DIC; Cross-traffic warning message; Turn signals stop working; Speedometer and gauges stop functioning; Screen displays go dark; Airbag warning light activates; Tire pressure warning light activates; Module visible bulging from internal condensation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaces detection modules and wiring harness. Cost: $1,350–$1,900. Repair not covered by warranty. One owner reports part is no longer manufactured by GM.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states this is a well-known GM issue. Some earlier models have been reimbursed; 2016 Traverse not on reimbursement list as of complaint date. No official recall issued.
Electrical System Cascade Failure—Multiple Components
While vehicle running in parking lot, multiple service warning lights flash across dashboard. Side-mirror lights stay on. Heater fan continues running with key removed from ignition. Vehicle fails to start or even click. After 3-hour roadside repair involving disconnection of dash/door cord, some systems restored but side-mirror lights remain on. Dealers confirm other Traverses exhibit same pattern.
When: Occurs suddenly while parked with engine running; no prior warning
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple service warning lights flash; Side-mirror lights remain illuminated; Engine fan runs without ignition key; No crank or click when attempting restart; All-wheel drive inoperative; Driver-side window inoperative; Rear door inoperative; Door locks inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Roadside repair required disconnection of cord on dash and door. After reconnection one day later, most components restored except side-mirror lights.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirms service experience with other 2016 Traverses with identical issues.
Water Intrusion via Windshield—Emergency Brake Sensor Corrosion
Used vehicle purchased from dealership. One week after purchase, emergency brake warning light illuminates. Dealership unable to find cause initially. Later discovered windshield unsealed, allowing rainwater intrusion that dripped through emergency brake area. Rust, corrosion, and standing water found throughout vehicle undercarriage after 37 days of rain exposure.
When: One week post-purchase; discovered after 37 rain days
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency brake warning light comes on; Rust dripping from emergency brake assembly; Standing water under vehicle flooring; Rust and corrosion on undercarriage; Water leak suspected via windshield
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repaired by sealing windshield, replacing brake sensor, and replacing flooring. Owner did not consider repair adequate given extent of water intrusion and potential hidden electrical damage.
Ignition and Starter Failures—Stall and No-Start Events
Vehicle stalls while driving at low speed. Restart attempts fail repeatedly; requires multiple tries. Dealer diagnosis points to ignition key and ignition switch failure. New keys and ignition switch provided, but failure recurs. Dealer unable to duplicate on second visit.
When: At approximately 200 miles on vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving 15–20 mph without warning; Vehicle unable to restart on first attempt; Multiple restart attempts required; Recurrent failure after dealer repair
Repairs/costs cited: New ignition keys and ignition switch replacement performed by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no resolution stated.
Unexplained Power Loss While Driving—No Diagnostic Code
Vehicle loses power without warning while driving 10 mph. After restart, vehicle runs normally until key cycle, when failure may recur. Dealer cannot duplicate or diagnose. Occurs intermittently, making diagnosis difficult.
When: At approximately 1,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt loss of power while driving 10 mph; Vehicle recovers after restart; Failure recurs days later without pattern
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer states nothing can be done without duplication of failure. Owner refused to drive vehicle until diagnosed.
Engine Stall with Multiple System Failures—Transmission and Fuel Gauge
Vehicle jerks and decelerates independently while driving 60 mph, then stalls. Restart possible but failure recurs. Fuel gauge fails to display accurate level. Multiple warning lights illuminate. Dealer diagnosis: transmission and engine failure requiring replacement. Vehicle not repaired.
When: At approximately 800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerking and independent deceleration at 60 mph; Vehicle stalls without warning; Fuel gauge inaccuracy; Multiple warning lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed transmission and engine failure requiring replacement; vehicle not repaired per narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified per narrative.
Battery Drain and Engine Issues
Battery drains repeatedly. New battery installed but same drain recurs. Forum post suggests battery cable to engine is defective and separates. Engine develops loud ticking and sluggish operation at low RPM.
When: Within 3,500 miles of CPO purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies repeatedly; Defective battery cable (per forum); Engine loud ticking noise; Engine sluggish at low RPM; Battery cable separation
Repairs/costs cited: New battery installed; issue recurred. Dealership service performed jump start.
Windshield Washer Pump Failure
Windshield washer pump failed on near-new vehicle with only 10,500 miles. Dealer determined wire was shorting out fuse and pump. Repair and replacement performed under warranty.
When: At 10,500 miles on new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield washer pump inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Wire repaired; washer pump and fuse replaced under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repair covered under warranty; no further response noted.
Radio Failure and Recurrent Power Loss
Unspecified loss of power while driving, reportedly fixed under warranty but required dispute with GM. Subsequently, radio system failure occurs with repair estimate of $1,500.
When: First incident ~1 year before complaint; radio failure follows
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power while driving; Radio failure
Repairs/costs cited: Estimated radio repair cost: $1,500. Not covered under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial power loss resolved under warranty after owner dispute with GM.
Lighting System Degradation—Front and Rear
Front lights started dimming in April 2025. Both rear lights failed simultaneously by June 2025.
When: Front dimming began mid-April 2025; rear lights out by June 3, 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Front lights dimming; Both rear lights out simultaneously
Transmission Shift Issue—Stuck in 4th Gear
Vehicle acts as though stuck in 4th gear while in Drive position; Reverse functions normally. Occurs intermittently alongside other electrical faults.
When: Intermittent episodes alongside stabilitrak faults; vehicle with 71,000 miles after 1 year ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle behaves as if stuck in 4th gear in Drive; Reverse functions normally; Occurs intermittently
Transmission Failure After Engine Replacement
After engine failure and replacement under warranty, transmission subsequently fails. After transmission replacement under warranty, vehicle continues to exhibit stall-like behavior.
When: Post-warranty replacements; vehicle still symptomatic
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle acts as if it wants to stall; Recurs after engine and transmission replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Engine and transmission replaced under warranty; vehicle behavior unresolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty covers engine and transmission replacement, but root cause not identified or addressed.
Transmission Grinding Noise During Gear Shifts
Vehicle makes rough grinding noise as it switches gears.
When: Noted as of June 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Rough grinding noise during gear transitions
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a meaningful issue. 21 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 10,500 and 68,000 miles, with the median around 52,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,500; a quarter make it past 68,000. 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/2016/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.