I was driving on I-20 with cruise control on @ 71 mph (night time) @ 7 min into using cruise control, the suv acted like it stopped for a quick second (scaring me) I remember rubbing my neck afterwards, thinking it was almost like whiplash. I pulled off the road into parking lot. I thought maybe I had a flat or tire issue, no tire issues. I then stopped @ a store, when getting back into the suv,…
2021 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 12 engine complaints filed for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2021 Traverse has a documented exhaust system problem affecting both front and rear pipes at mounting brackets, causing leaks and odors as early as 33,000 miles. While GM issued limited Special Coverage for the front exhaust pipe, rear pipe failures and catalytic converter issues are not fully addressed, leaving owners with recurring repairs and unresolved check engine lights.
The 2021 Traverse's exhaust system is showing a clear pattern of failure. Both front and rear exhaust pipes are cracking or separating at their welded mounting brackets, starting as early as 33,000 miles. Owners hear loud exhaust noise, smell strong fumes inside the cabin, and some report carbon monoxide leaking into the vehicle during driving—a safety hazard.
GM issued Special Coverage (N222385510) for the front exhaust pipe failure, but it doesn't cover the rear pipe despite both being mounted on the same bracket. The catalytic converter is also failing, causing check engine lights and rattling noise. Dealerships are inconsistent: some replace only the exhaust pipe, leaving the catalytic converter failure unrepaired and the check engine light still on. At least one owner had the exhaust replaced multiple times with the problem recurring.
One owner also reported abnormally low oil levels shortly after a scheduled service at 41,000 miles, requiring 2 quarts to top off. Another experienced a brief loss of power at highway speed followed by a burnt smell.
The owner frustration is clear: GM covers the front exhaust under Special Coverage but not the rear, even though they use the same faulty mounting bracket.
Same Chevrolet Traverse engine reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Front exhaust pipe separation/cracking at mounting bracket
Front exhaust pipe separates or cracks at the welded mounting bracket, causing exhaust leaks and loud noise. General Motors issued Special Coverage (N222385510) for this issue, but coverage is limited and does not address rear exhaust failures.
When: 33,000–74,000 miles; some failures occur early in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud muffler or exhaust noise; Strong fume odors inside or near vehicle; Exhaust gas leak visible under vehicle
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (code not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships replace the front exhaust pipe; some owners report the dealer does not replace the catalytic converter even when failed. Repair costs not stated by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special Coverage N222385510 issued; however, coverage is reported to exclude rear exhaust pipes and some vehicle configurations. Technical Service Bulletin PIP5681C referenced by one owner but reportedly did not apply to their vehicle.
Rear exhaust pipe cracking/separation
Rear exhaust pipe cracks or separates at the mounting bracket (same bracket as front exhaust), leaking carbon monoxide fumes into the cabin. Not covered by the manufacturer's Special Coverage for the front exhaust issue despite being on the same mounting bracket.
When: Timing not specified in narratives
Symptoms owners cite: Loud exhaust noise; Strong fume odors inside vehicle; Carbon monoxide fumes leaking into cabin
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed by owners; dealership refused coverage citing lack of recall for rear exhaust.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special Coverage N222385510 does not cover rear exhaust failures despite shared mounting bracket with front exhaust.
Catalytic converter failure and rattling
Catalytic converter fails, producing abnormal rattling noise from the exhaust system. Occurs independently or in conjunction with exhaust pipe failures. At least one owner reports the exhaust pipe was replaced but the catalytic converter was not, leaving the check engine light unresolved.
When: 33,000–61,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal rattling sound from exhaust; Check engine light illumination; Potential lean-running codes (referenced in TSB but not confirmed in repairs)
Codes mentioned: P0420 or similar catalytic converter efficiency codes (inferred from TSB PIP5681C reference; exact codes not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealership replaced exhaust pipe only, not catalytic converter, leaving the check engine light on. Another owner reports catalytic converter replacement was recommended but not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin PIP5681C (Exhaust leak, Lean Codes, Rattle Noise, or Catalytic Converter Failure Codes) exists but was stated to not apply to at least one vehicle.
Exhaust system leak with emission control failure
Exhaust system leaks (front or rear pipes, or both) prevent proper emission system operation, causing check engine lights and lean-running conditions. Exhaust odors and fumes occur inside and under vehicle.
When: Early in vehicle life; as early as 33,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Oil warning light (in one case); Strong exhaust odors; Exhaust fumes leaking under vehicle
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Exhaust pipe replacement performed by dealerships in some cases; emission system integrity not confirmed after repair. Costs not stated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special Coverage N222385510 referenced; Technical Service Bulletin PIP5681C referenced but applicability limited.
Low engine oil level shortly after service
Engine oil level drops abnormally low (requiring 2 quarts to top off) shortly after scheduled service, despite recent oil change. Check engine and oil warning lights illuminated.
When: 41,000 miles; shortly after scheduled service
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Oil pressure warning light; Low oil level on dipstick
Repairs/costs cited: Owner topped off oil; no repair attempted or diagnosis performed. Possible leak or service defect not investigated.
Abnormal engine noise and burning smell under acceleration
Clicking sound and burnt-smell odor occur when accelerating. May indicate exhaust or fuel system issue. One owner reports similar symptoms on cruise control at highway speed, with vehicle briefly losing power, causing whiplash-like jerk.
When: 36,000 miles and undisclosed mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal clicking sound on acceleration; Fuel exhaust odor; Burnt smell (cruise control incident); Brief loss of power sensation (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealership replaced exhaust pipe under hood on multiple occasions but problem recurred. No resolution achieved. Other owner did not pursue repair.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the front exhaust pipe made an abnormally loud sound, and there was an odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The…
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Had engine trouble with your 2021 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 engine problem on the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 52,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2021/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.