2020 Chevrolet Traverse Complaint Log

Bracket fell off of the exhaust pipe on my 2020 Chevrolet Traverse LT, which in turn cracked the exhaust pipe, making my car create this loud noise every time the car was accelerating.

Issue documented in PIP5681C

Failing front exhaust pipe mounting bracket. GM has a special coverage program (N212356540) for 2019-2020 Chevrolet Traverse which covers the repair for 15 years or 150,000 miles from the original service date. The coverage is VIN specific. My vehicle has been having this issue for two years now and my VIN is not covered. This is unfair to the consumer/Chevrolet owners who's VIN's are not listed. This is an obvious ongoing problem for many Chevrolet Traverse owners, it should be an active recall on all 2018-2023 Chevrolet Traverse owners. Especially since Chevrolet/GM is aware of the problem. Most of us are paying off our vehicles because we can't afford a new one and GM is not providing assistance for some of us who at no fault of our own are having to pay for a defect they are aware of.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the exhaust system made an abnormally loud sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was determined that the front clamp on the exhaust system was loose. The dealer tightened the clamp; however, the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: PIP5681A (Exhaust leak, Lean Codes, Rattle Noise, or Catalytic Converter Failures). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK OF FRONT PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT UNLOCK DOOR. PLUNGER TRIES TO MOVE UP WHEN ENERGIZED BUT STAYS IN LOCKED POSITION. DOOR DESIGN DOES NOT INCLUDE MECHANICAL KEY UNLOCK OVERRIDE. A FIRST RESPONDER WOULD NEED NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS TO LIFT UP THE DOOR LOCK STEM. THIS FAILURE PUTS ANY PASSENGER AT RISK OF DELAYED EXIT. THE LEFT REAR PASSENGER DOOR HAD THIS FAILURE MAY 2024, NO PRIOR SYMPTOMS. THE DRIVER DOOR HAD THIS FAILURE A FEW MONTHS LATER. EACH REPAIR COSTS OVER 700, DEALER IS AWARE OF THESE FAILURES. NO WARNINGS OF THIS FAILURE VISIBLE. NO INSPECTIONS MADE OTHER THAN DEALER

The exhaust has a leak. Loud noise, rattling coming from exhaust. Smell of fumes in the cab of the vehicle. I believe there is a recall for 2018,2019,and 2021 year models for this same issue but no recall for the 2020 model.

Failed/failing hydraulic timing chain tensionors. Common issue for this engine said to be caused by poor oiling. After speaking to many shops, this is just one of the many, very common issues that occurs in this vehicle. Started on February 20th, 2026. There are no warning or check engine lights on for this issue. People who are unfamiliar with the symptoms may be driving a vehicle that may suddenly stop running without warning as there is no light illuminated on the dash. Online it states that this may be caused by not performing oil change services on time. For my particular situation, I am a preventative maintenance specialist for the past ten years. I am professionally trained and perform PM services daily. I know my Traverse has been very well maintained and serviced with premium synthetic motor oil since my ownership. And despite this, I am now having to pay a significant amount of money to have this fixed or risk the safety of myself, my family and really anyone else on the road. My vehicle is available upon request any time.

Front exhaust bracket weld failed creating a hole in the exhaust system, as covered by GM Bulletin PIP5681C. This resulted in a loud noise as well as exhaust leaking into the cabin since it is near the engine, right above the drivers center console

Vehicle: 2020 Chevrolet Traverse VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 50,100 miles Ownership: Original owner The driver’s seat belt intermittently fails to latch. This is a primary safety restraint system, federally required, and critical for occupant protection. The failure occurs randomly and cannot be reliably duplicated. The dealer inspected the seat belt buckle and confirmed no debris or obstruction. The dealer was unable to duplicate the issue during their inspection. Video documentation from the owner of the intermittent failure is available. This appears to be a premature mechanical failure of a safety-critical component. The vehicle is only 50,100 miles and properly maintained. Failure of the driver’s seat belt could prevent proper restraint in an accident, creating a serious safety risk. There are no open recalls related to this issue, and the vehicle is out of warranty. I contacted the manufacturer about goodwill assistance for repair. They confirmed that, since there are no open recalls, the issue cannot be duplicated, and the vehicle is out of warranty, they will not provide reimbursement or cost assistance. The driver’s seat belt should not fail during the expected life of the vehicle. At 50,100 miles on a 2020 Traverse, this appears to be a premature mechanical failure of a safety-critical component. I am submitting this complaint to document this issue for this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

A MANUFACTURER RECALL NOTICE NEEDS TO BE ISSUED ASAP. Exhaust is leaking into passenger cab due to a defective exhaust mounting bracket. Was replaced 1 year ago at the dealer at considerable cost to vehicle owner. Now this defective part has failed a second time. A MANUFACTURER RECALL NOTICE NEEDS TO BE ISSUED ASAP. This presents a health hazard as well as financial loss due to defective manufacturing. Other years of this particular vehicle have been recalled and this defective part was repaired/replaced it is supected to replaced with the same defective OEM part due to its repeated failure. It is unclear why this model year has been discriminated against. A MANUFACTURER RECALL NOTICE NEEDS TO BE ISSUED ASAP.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was shifted into the park(P), the message "Shift to Park" was display on the instrument panel. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was shifted out of park and back into park several times before being able to turn off the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Burning oil. There is something wrong. I took it to the dealership i still have warranty i really think this needs to be looked into.

Cracked flex pipe. Common issue with all traverse models/years. Needs to be addressed and recalled!

My seat belts do not click when fastened or stay fastened. Sometimes I have to try several times to get the seabelt to click.

The forward exhaust bracket weld broke causing a rattling noise and allowing exhaust fumes into the car which is incredibly dangerous.

The contact's son owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic who could not perform the repair. The contact was referred to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that a crack in the catalytic converter had caused a defect within the exhaust manifold. The contact was then informed that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin Number: PIP5681C and was referred to the dealer for assistance. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle no longer qualified for the TSB repair due to the mileage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and made the same assessment. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,100.

2020 Chevy Traverse High Country Exhaust bank 1 and bank 2. Transmission shudder.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied in the vehicle, there was a rattling sound coming from the front of the vehicle while stationary or while driving. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the exhaust mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: N222385510 (Front Exhaust Pipe); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.

The vehicle just suddendenly shuts down when driven on the freeway, according to Tillery Chevrolet GMC the engine cracked and needed to replaced for total of $17,291.94

Weld on exhaust was faulty the bracket malfunction. The exhaust system has leak and rattle with exhaust noises, causing the converter fail.

Active GM coverage on exhaust falling off, does not include all vins affected. My car is affected by this exact issue reported and refusal to fix or repair issue, because vin “not included” (n212356540) is gm special coverage for exhaust falling off that isn’t including all vehicles affected

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there were abnormal sounds coming from the exhaust system. The contact stated that the vehicle sounded like a motorcycle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and DTC: P0171 was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that there were exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that there were cracks in the exhaust pipe and the catalytic converter pipe at Bank 2 and Bank 1 that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: PIP5681A. The contact had called the dealer to advise that there was a bulletin covering the cracks on the exhaust and the catalytic converter pipes, but was informed that the cracks on the pipes were on the wrong side and that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,045.

Due to exhaust bracket failure where converter with muffler and side down pipe needs replaced. This was diagnosed at the Chevy dealer and appointment for repair is made. The exhaust suddenly became very loud so I took it to the dealership. There were no messages or warning lamps.

Receiving a persistent “Shift to Park” message, after the car has been placed in Park. This causes an inability to turn off my engine completely and is draining my battery. As a temp fix, I've had to wiggle the shifter many times, turn the car on and off, place the car from park into drive many times to get the car to realize it's in Park. Scheduled with the dealership and referenced the TSB that was issued for this specific safety issue (in writing). Brought the car in for the repair and the technician and intake person were both aware of this major problem and have seen other Chevy's with the same issue. Repair is $809.00 for a shifter assembly. [XXX] - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The car has 45,000 and started burning oil. The car is in brand new condition and well under mileage for an issue of such to be occurring. Took to car dealership where purchased and was told $8,500 fix!

Leaking exhaust noise at start up began around 9/22/25. Noise became louder over the following week. Check engine light came on morning of 9/24/25. Immediately took it to local GM dealership for inspection. Dealership first said it was a cracked front exhaust pipe at the bracket and then they called back and said rear pipe at the bracket was broken also the whole system needed to be replaced because the brackets were not separate but welded directly to the pipe. The estimate was over $1300. Dealership then said the error coded was probably because of the exhaust pipe and catalytic converter and that they require replacement. I discovered there are already recalls and special coverage for the same issue on the 2019, 2021 and 2022 year models of this vehicle. I contacted GM and they acknowledged the problem in other model years before and after but said there isn't enough complaints for this model year. This is a known problem and design flaw. This needs to be addressed by GM immediately. NONE of the welds have held on any parts of the exhaust system or the catalytic converter.

19 Sep 2025. The headlights turn off at night while driving. With the switch in the "auto" position, I turned the switch to "off" then back to "auto" and they came back on for a short period of time. They turned off again, I turned them to "on", they came back on for a brief period. I had to keep switching the headlight switch from "on" to "off" and back to "on" every 20 to 30 seconds (estimated) to keep driving. The dealership could not schedule a diagnosis until 8 Oct 2025. This is a potentially fatal issue.

Rattling noise when starting vehicle started occurring a year ago. Dealership diagnosed a broken bracket weld that holds the exhaust pipes in place. Dealership cut off bracket. A year later there is a hole in one of the exhaust pipes because of the broken bracket and a check engine light comes on. There is a recall for the 2018-2023 Traverse models EXCEPT the 2020 year for the exact same issue. Why is every other covered but not the 2020? Why do I have to pay for a known GM issue that causes a hole in the exhaust pipes from their crappy bracket welds? This is an emissions issue yet we are being denied by our dealership.

I own two 2020 Chevrolete Traverse. I am currently dealing with my second one that has an exhaust leak at the forward joining exhaust bracket. This is a poor design for a hanging exhaust and is a known issue for the 2019 and 2021 models, but not the 2020. These other years have a special coverage to repair the forward exhaust but not the 2020 traverse because there have not been enough reports on it. I already paid out of pocket to repair my other 2020 traverse with this known problem and I refuse to do it again because of a design flaw. This needs to be addressed by Chevrolete immediately.

Exhaust and catalytic converters keep breaking off causing loud noise and check engine light to stay on

Slipping in low gears of transmission. Shaking of vehicle. Potential to break down.

Exhaust started to rattle, now it is a loud clangy exhaust. Clearly a part has separated or there are holes in it. Dealership told me my car has a repair out for that for years 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 but NOT my year, 2020.

Check engine light came on day after I purchased this vehicle. Cracks in both front exhaust pipes. Seem to be an issue with 2020 chevy traverse models.

Ive got this vehicle on 5/12/2025 and all of this need to be done CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT. DURING INSPECTION FOUND LOUD EXHAUST ON STARTUP. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND BANK 1 CATALYTIC CONVERTER CRACKED CAUSING EXHAUST LEAK. BOTH EXHAUST FRONT PIPES DAMAGED AS WELL(BROKEN MOUNTING BRACKETS BETWEEN BOTH PIPES) . RECOMMEND REPLACEMENT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND BOTH EXHAUST FRONT PIPESBRAKE SYSTEM FLUID EXCHANGE-PERFORMED PRESSURIZED FLUID EXCHANGE OF OLD BRAKE FLUID, REMOVED MOISTURE AND AIR CONTAMINATION FROM BRAKE SYSTEM. INSTALLED NEW DOT SPECIFIC FLUID TO MEET MANUFACTURE SPECIFICATIONSAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE FLUID EXCHANGECF - COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE 6830/5881-01 INCLUDES FLUSH COOLING SYSTEM, PRESSURE TEST, CHECK HOSES, CAP AND CHECK CONNECTION. INSTALL COOLING SYSTEM CORROSION CONTROL KIT Drain old Transfer case fluid and replace with new fluid REAR DIFFERENTIAL SERVICE This should have been done when the dealership got the vehicle, and it should be GM or BERGER responsibility. I am sure this was an issue to begin with.

Catalyst converter bracket on the front of my exhaust is broken causing loud noise and the check engine light to remain on. This should be in connection with specialized coverage program N212356540

The alternator failed randomly while driving down the road. The vehicle only has 26500 miles. There was no lights on prior to the car stalling. When it failed my whole car started to flash every warning at the screen to me. My car then stopped working and I barely was able to coast into a parking lot. Luckily I was not on the highway and no one was behind me when the car stopped working. The problem was confirmed by the dealer it was the alternator. What sucks though is that the alternator killed the battery. The battery is not covered by warranty so it is $507 to replace a battery.

When I put my car in park and turn it off I get an error message that I need to "Shift to Park". It shows in the dash that it is in park but my radio, and lights stay on. I have to restart my car and put it in park, reverse, or neutral and try to put it in park again. I takes several try's to make the error message go away.

A few months ago I was driving and without any warning the steering wheel would lock up and I couldn’t turn it at all. I had to use my strength to wiggle it to unlock it. It happened several times on busy roads and highways. It’s currently at the dealership for the past 2 months because there is a short and the steering gear box needs to be replaced but the part is on back order with no date of when it’ll become available. I obviously can’t drive it due to the steering locking up and that it’s a danger to not only myself and my family but other drivers on the road. Anyone could have been seriously injured or killed had it locked up and caused an accident. It would happen no matter what speed I was going.

Leaking exhaust noise at start up began around 7/14/25. Noise became louder over the following week. Check engine light came on morning of 7/25. Immediately took it to local GM dealership for inspection. Dealership first said it was a cracked front exhaust pipe but then they also determined that the check engine light was from the catalytic converter. Dealership said both the exhaust pipe and catalytic converter require replacement. Through research, we discovered there are already recalls and special coverage for the same issue on the 2019, 2021 and 2022 year models of this vehicle.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved diagnostic trouble code: P0091 (Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control Circuit Low). The contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Vehicle started to show error for shift to park. Not able to shut vehicle off. Vehicle drives fine but when I go to park and vehicle is in park. I go to turn vehicle off and error appears. I called dealership according to them just to look at vehicle its going to cost me $275.. For everything else $1,100. After reading all the complaints on this issue why has manufacture done anything. Obviously this is a well known problem I've always loved my chevy

July 2025 the transmission started stuttering. Took to an outside transmission shop, report showed torch converter failure.

I recently had to replace my transmission (2020 Chevrolet Traverse) due to shuddering from manufacturer's fault in assembly process. Now I'm having to replace the transmission in my mother's 2018 Chevrolet Colorado that has less than 65k miles. These issues cause power loss while driving. I was in the middle of passing another vehicle when my vehicle experienced power loss. This is a HUGE safety issue, not only for my family but many others that I know that are experiencing or have experienced the same issues. I have 3 family members that have had to have the same repairs as well as over 40 acquaintances. I had assumed with the thousands others that I've chatted with on facebook and reddit that this would have been a recall, sadly, GM/Chevrolet doesn't seem to care that it is their fault that their consumers are having to spend THOUSANDS of dollars to correct an issue that leaves the manufacturer at fault. With the thounsands experiencing the same issue, i feel that those that have already had to spend money should be reimbursed.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the message “Shift to Park” was displayed and the contact was unable to turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jolted abnormally while accelerating. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed since the VIN was not under an open recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

Engine light came on couple weeks ago. Code is p0420 so I did some research and inspected the exhaust system and found the weld on the support bracket of the exhaust pipes was cracked and wore a hole between the pipe and the bracket. There are others that have the same problem with different year models Chevrolet traverses. Mine is a 2020 Chevrolet traverse LT

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormally loud rattling sound. The contact stated that the failure also occurred upon starting the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the mounting bracket on the front exhaust pipe had separated from the pipe and might develop a hole in the exhaust pipe. The dealer determined that the front exhaust pipe mounting bracket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Purchased the vehicle in 2024, the vehicle recently has been notifying “shift to park” when vehicle is on park and ignition is turned off, the notification stays on and alerting, so I am unable to leave the vehicle. I must turn the vehicle on and off again, while moving the shifting lever back and forth from drive to park, this must be done a minimum of four times before it reads the lever in park position. It’s a safety hazard because, the vehicle cannot be left on shift to park and possibly roll away or drive/excel on its own. Vehicle has not been inspected at this time, when purchasing the vehicle in 2024, car fax report did not indicate any issue with power train. Would also like vehicle to be inspected for missing airbags, when driving 65mph or more, you can hear and feel air coming in and out of side front left passenger side of the vehicle.

Exhaust system developed a hole due to poor weld, Bulletin # PIP5681A. Updated 10-5-20 to include 2020 Traverse. Fumes are getting into the cabin.

It just started showing a error message to SHIFT TO PARK when the car is already in Park. I took it to Register Chevrolet in Brooksville, Fl on May 14, 2025 and they said it needed a whole new shifter that it is defective. This is a major safety issue. I can currently still turn the car off but alarms start going off and was told I may not be able to turn the vehicle off or not lock the doors and could drain the battery. This is absolutely ridiculous there has not been a recall on the safety issue. I have seen that hundreds of others have had the same issue and there has been class action lawsuits. The dealership said it would be around $800 to fix the defective part. Also, I purchased the vehicle in Ohio but moved to Florida in Sep.2021.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked, with an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, where the contact was provided DTC: P0420 (Catalytic converter was fractured and punctured, and a bracket was missing). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the muffler was punctured and not the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then took the vehicle to a Valvoline Center to be diagnosed and DTC: P0420; was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally while driven with an abnormal rattling sound coming from underneath the vehicle. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Manufacturer's Recall Numbers: N212356540 and N222385510; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.