What is the lawsuit on the Chevy Traverse?
A class-action lawsuit has been filed against General Motors (GM) over alleged defects in the Chevy Traverse, a popular midsize SUV. The lawsuit claims that the Traverse has several design and manufacturing flaws that can pose safety risks to drivers and passengers.
Alleged Defects in the Chevy Traverse
The lawsuit alleges that the Chevy Traverse suffers from several defects, including:
- Transmission Issues: The lawsuit claims that the Traverse's transmission can suddenly and unexpectedly shift into neutral, causing a loss of power and control of the vehicle. This issue has been reported by numerous Traverse owners.
- Electrical System Problems: The lawsuit alleges that the Traverse's electrical system can experience malfunctions, leading to issues with the dashboard displays, warning lights, and other electronic components.
- Suspension Failures: The lawsuit claims that the Traverse's suspension components, such as the ball joints and control arms, can prematurely wear out, causing the vehicle to become unstable and difficult to control.
These alleged defects can pose serious safety risks to Traverse owners and other drivers on the road. The lawsuit seeks to hold GM accountable for these issues and to provide compensation to affected consumers.
Consumer Complaints and Recalls
The lawsuit is not the first time the Chevy Traverse has faced scrutiny. The vehicle has been the subject of numerous consumer complaints and several recalls over the years. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Traverse has been the subject of at least 10 recalls since its introduction in 2009, covering issues such as faulty airbags, defective seatbelts, and problems with the engine and transmission.
Consumers have also reported a wide range of issues with the Traverse, including the problems cited in the lawsuit, as well as other concerns such as excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, and problems with the brakes and suspension. These complaints have been documented on various consumer advocacy websites and forums.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The class-action lawsuit against GM is currently ongoing, and the outcome will likely have significant implications for Chevy Traverse owners and the broader automotive industry. As the case progresses, it will be important to monitor any updates or developments that may shed further light on the alleged defects and GM's response to the claims.
What parts are being recalled on the Chevy Traverse?
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
How much will I get from a GM class action lawsuit?
Lawyers make $66 million on GM V-8 class-action settlements, customers receive $700 to $30,000.
What is the class action lawsuit for the Chevy Traverse?
Recent class-action lawsuits against Chevrolet Traverse include a 2025 case alleging a defective brake master cylinder that can cause loss of braking performance, and a settled 2025 case regarding a "shift to park" defect in 2018-2019 models. Previous lawsuits have also alleged issues with other models' airbags and MPG misstatements.
Active lawsuits
- Brake Master Cylinder Defect: A recent class-action lawsuit alleges that the brake master cylinder in 2025 Chevy Traverse and other GM vehicles has an internal defect that can cause a loss of braking power. The suit claims GM was aware of the issue but continued selling the vehicles, and it seeks damages for the alleged defect.
- Other ongoing claims:
- There are also ongoing lawsuits regarding other potential defects, such as issues with transmissions and engines, that may lead to class-action status.
- While the 2025 case is specific, it may involve similar issues to those addressed in previous lawsuits, such as engine or transmission problems.
Closed or settled lawsuits
- "Shift to Park" Defect: ClassAction.org reported in June 2025 that a settlement was reached to resolve a class-action lawsuit concerning a defect in the shifter assembly of some 2017-2019 GMC Acadias, 2019 Chevy Blazers, 2016-2019 Chevy Malibus, 2018-2019 Chevy Traverses, and 2016-2019 Chevy Volts.
- 2018-2019 Traverse: Specifically, 2018-2019 Chevy Traverse models were included in the settlement.
- Settlement terms: Class members could receive a $500 cash payment and/or reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses.
- Deadline: The deadline to exclude yourself from the settlement was July 21, 2025.
- Airbag Defect: A 2014 lawsuit alleged that some Chevy Traverse models had defective airbags, leading to the possibility of a lawsuit in the future, but this lawsuit was not consolidated with the "shift to park" case, and is still in the early stages.
- MPG Misstatement: A 2016 class-action lawsuit was filed against GM regarding the alleged misstatement of the MPG on the 2016 Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave. The lawsuit sought damages, reimbursement for loss of market value, and damages for fraud.
Other potential claims
- Lemon Law: Individual owners may also have claims under state lemon laws if they have experienced repeated problems with their vehicles that have not been fixed under warranty.
- Safety Recalls: Some issues may be covered by safety recalls. It is important to check for any recalls that may apply to your vehicle and to address those issues promptly.
What's the most common problem with a Chevy Traverse?
The most common problems with the Chevy Traverse include transmission issues, engine troubles like excessive oil consumption and timing chain problems, and steering and electrical system malfunctions. These issues are more prevalent in earlier models, with transmission and engine problems being a frequent complaint across various model years.
Common problems by system
This video explains the common reliability issues and problems with the Chevy Traverse: 59sNexologyYouTube · Oct 28, 2025
- Transmission: Owners report a range of problems, including rough shifting, slipping gears, and complete transmission failure. Some models have issues with a "Shift to Park" message, especially after shutting down the vehicle.
- Engine:
- Excessive oil consumption: Some owners have reported that their engines consume a lot of oil.
- Timing chains: Earlier models are prone to timing chain issues, which can lead to a ticking noise and potential failure.
- Other issues: Some models experience engine stalling, shuddering, and a check engine light.
- Steering: Problems include power steering fluid leaks, noisy steering, and a general lack of power steering feel.
- Electrical: Issues can include a malfunctioning infotainment system, battery drain, and various error messages. In some cases, components like alternators and starter motors have failed prematurely.
- Other:
- Brakes: Unusual brake noises have been reported.
- Climate control: Air conditioning system problems, such as compressor failure and refrigerant leaks, are also common.
- Exhaust: Exhaust leaks and other issues with the exhaust system have been noted.
