Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse faces significant airbag-related issues, with multiple recalls and numerous complaints, making attention to safety features crucial when considering purchase. Complaints about the power train, engine, and electrical system also highlight areas for cautious inspection. Given the high number of airbag complaints and recalls, ensure all recall-related repairs have been completed.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 292 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #23V334000 Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V782000 Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V246000 Side Curtain Air Bags May be Unsecured NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V833000 Third Row Seat Frame may be Incorrectly Welded NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V609000 Front Windshield Wiper Motor may Overheat NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 163 complaints
- Power Train 37 complaints
- Engine 31 complaints
- Electrical System 26 complaints
- Steering 24 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 19 complaints
Of the 292 complaints on file, 8 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 292 complaints, owners report 15 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator explosion risk
How to check: Verify airbag recalls have been repaired
Side curtain airbag attachment
How to check: Ensure side curtain airbags are secure
Third row seat frame weld defect
How to check: Inspect third row seat frame welds
Frequent power train issues reported
How to check: Listen for unusual noises from power train
Windshield wiper motor overheating
How to check: Test windshield wipers for normal speed
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights
Red flag: Persistent warning lights on display
- 03
Low speed maneuvering
What to check: Test steering response and smoothness
Red flag: Stiff or unresponsive steering
- 04
City driving
What to check: Feel for smooth gear shifts
Red flag: Harsh or delayed shifting
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure stable power delivery
Red flag: Hesitation or lag in acceleration
- 06
Braking
What to check: Assess brake responsiveness
Red flag: Spongy or weak braking feel
- 07
Final parking
What to check: Operate all electrical controls
Red flag: Non-functional switches or buttons
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Experienced any airbag issues?
- Any transmission repairs made?
- Has the engine required repairs?
- Any known electrical problems?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Complete service history
- Accident report
- Title status
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2016 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.