Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2010 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse has a substantial number of steering and engine complaints alongside five major recalls. These issues suggest potential concerns regarding reliability, particularly with the steering and airbag systems. However, other areas show limited complaints, indicating no widespread problems beyond these key issues.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 668 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V246000 Side Curtain Air Bags May be Unsecured NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V415000 Liftgate Struts may Fail and Liftgate may Fall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V266000 Flexible Steel Cable for Seat Belt may Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V118000 Side Impact Air Bags Wiring Connections NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V375000 SECOND ROW SAFETY BELT INTERFERENCE NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 331 complaints
- Engine 178 complaints
- Power Train 66 complaints
- Electrical System 60 complaints
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 57 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 42 complaints
Of the 668 complaints on file, 17 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 668 complaints, owners report 12 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Difficult or erratic steering
How to check: Test the steering for smoothness and ease during turns.
Engine stalling or misfiring
How to check: Listen for unusual noises or rough idling.
Airbags may not deploy
How to check: Check recall completion for airbag fastening issues.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for rough idling or knocking sounds.
Red flag: Persistent engine noise.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Any warning light stays on.
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth and responsive acceleration.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking.
- 04
Low-speed turns
What to check: Feel for smooth steering operation.
Red flag: Steering hard to turn or noisy.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Listen for engine smoothness and stability.
Red flag: Engine vibrates or struggles.
- 06
Braking
What to check: Brakes should engage smoothly without noise.
Red flag: Vibrations or grinding sounds.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the steering system been serviced?
- Are there any unresolved recalls?
- Have any engine repairs been done?
- Is the airbag recall addressed?
- What maintenance has been regularly performed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history records
- Recall completion documentation
- Accident history report
- Owner's manual
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2010 Chevrolet Traverse? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.