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ProblemsByVinChecklist / 2016-CHEVROLET-TRAVERSE
Pre-purchase · Buyer's checklist
2016 Chevrolet Traverse inspection checklist
The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse has 2 critical safety recalls and a documented pattern of issues across 6 component categories. Before you sign anything, walk through this list with the seller. Skip nothing — the items below come from 291 owner reports already on file with NHTSA.
1
Verify safety recalls before you drive off
Recall fixes are free regardless of warranty status. Ask the seller for proof — or have the dealer pull the VIN history.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles — fix: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. GM began mailing final owner letters February 23, 2024 and will continue mailing through December 2025. 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 N232404980.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles — fix: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 3, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 10, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212349040.
What to look for: Anything that looks, sounds, or smells different from peer vehicles of the same year and trim. (159 owner complaints on this vehicle
· typical repair $1,100 )
What to look for: Hesitation on takeoff, harsh or delayed shifts, vibration at highway speed, fluid leaks on the driveway under the engine bay or transmission pan. (33 owner complaints on this vehicle
· typical repair $2,500 )
On the test drive: Drive 15+ minutes including a freeway on-ramp at full throttle, a steep hill, and stop-and-go traffic. Listen for clunks on shifts, flares between gears, and shudders during light acceleration at 30–50 mph (torque converter symptom).
What to look for: Wandering on the highway, clunks when turning, slop in the wheel before the tires respond, power steering whine. (24 owner complaints on this vehicle
· typical repair $700 )
On the test drive: On a smooth highway, take hands off briefly (when safe) — vehicle should track straight. Pulling left or right means alignment or worn front-end parts.
What to look for: Dim or flickering dash lights at idle, slow window operation, intermittent infotainment glitches, parasitic battery drain (dead battery after a few days parked). (21 owner complaints on this vehicle
· typical repair $850 )
On the test drive: Cycle through every electronic accessory during the drive — heated seats, defrosters, climate fan on max, cruise control. Glitches show up under load.
What to look for: Cruise that won't set, drops out on small inclines, jerky speed adjustment. (7 owner complaints on this vehicle
· typical repair $600 )
What to look for: Anything that looks, sounds, or smells different from peer vehicles of the same year and trim. (4 owner complaints on this vehicle
· typical repair $500 )
The seller's transparency on these tells you what kind of seller you're dealing with.
Inspection items derived from 291 owner complaints and 5 active recall campaigns filed
with NHTSA on the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. Category-specific guidance is written by ProblemsByVin contributors with ASE-certified mechanic
review. This checklist is meant to surface known patterns — it doesn't replace a paid pre-purchase inspection by a
qualified shop, which we recommend for any used vehicle priced over a few thousand dollars.