Chevrolet Traverse VIN Number Check

Enter a Chevrolet Traverse VIN for a free NHTSA vPIC decode: build details, the generation it belongs to and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. Owner reports follow below.

VIN prefix1GN

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Chevrolet Traverse

About the Chevrolet Traverse

Chevrolet has sold the Traverse in the US since the 2009 model year, and there have been three generations. Gen 1 first (2009–2017), then Gen 2 (2018–2023), and the Gen 3 took over for 2024–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 32 vehicle recall campaigns and 5,468 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the Gen 1. Its 2010 and 2011 model years alone account for 1,277 of them, with owners bringing up air bags most often and the steering after that. EPA rates the Gen 1 at 17–19 mpg combined, while the Gen 3 gets 20–23 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years2009–2026

GenerationsGen 1 · Gen 2 · Gen 3

NHTSA recall campaigns32

Owner complaints5,468 at NHTSA

Chevrolet Traverse photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Chevrolet Traverse generations

Three generations since the 2009 model year. The Gen 1 (2009–2017) has both the most owner complaints and the most recall campaigns (19).

3 / 3

Gen 3

2024–20263rd generation

Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2009201520202025

2024–2026· Generation 3 of 3

Gen 3 · 3rd generation

PlatformGM VSS-S

EPA combined mpg20–23

NHTSA recalls1

Engines (EPA)

2.5 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2024–2026
3.6 L 6-cyl · 2024

Drive & transmission (EPA)

AWD/4WD, FWD
automatic (2024–2026)

Known issues to check

Brakes (179)Forward collision avoidance (123)Electrical system (79)

Mentions in 340 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · Gen 31GNERGRS?SJ······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse LT, built in Lansing, Michigan

Check a Traverse VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Traverse model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 32 campaigns on file for Traverse model years 2009–2026, and the 2009 and 2020 show up in the most (8 each). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Transport Canada recalls for these model years were checked against this list; each one matches an NHTSA campaign shown here. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Chevrolet Traverse owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Complaints peak with the 2010 (669 of 5,468). Tap any bar or generation.

5,468NHTSA complaints, 2009–2026

159mention a crash

29mention a fire

188injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearGen 3: 340 complaints · most for the 2025 (179)

Top complaint areas · Gen 3

Mentions in 340 complaints, 2024–2026.

Brakes179

Forward collision avoidance123

Electrical system79

Engine and cooling47

Powertrain (transmission, driveline)34

Rear camera / back-over prevention14

Crashes 6Fires 1Injuries 7

2024–2026 (Gen 3)

NHTSA data summary

Complaints peak with the 2025 (179 of 340). Owners across the generation name brakes most often (179 mentions), then forward collision avoidance (123).

What Traverse owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2024–present (3rd generation)

Owner data is thin for this generation. On the 2025, NHTSA complaints center on brakes, with owners describing ABS, brake, stability control and collision warnings lighting up together and safety features shutting off. CarComplaints has only a handful of reports, led for 2024 by third-row seats that would not fold down, a steering wheel issue and a coolant leak at the bottom of the radiator. [1] [2]

2018–2023 (2nd generation)

Transmission complaints lead for the 2018. NHTSA owners describe shifting problems, jerking and a Shift to Park message, and CarComplaints ranks transmission failure first for 2018, followed by the Shift to Park message and stalling. A recall covers 2018–2020 models whose start/stop accumulator endcap may be missing bolts, and another covers side curtain air bags on models through 2019 that may not be properly attached. [3] [4]

2009–2017 (1st generation)

Power steering is the standout issue. On the 2010, NHTSA owners describe power steering assist cutting out, and CarComplaints notes it quits particularly at low speeds. Timing chain trouble with check engine lights is another common 2010 complaint. Recalls cover side impact air bag wiring on 2009–2013 models that may keep the seat air bags and belt pretensioners from deploying, and side curtain air bags on 2010 and later models that may not be properly attached. [5] [6]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the side air bag wiring and curtain air bag recalls on 2009–2019 models and the start/stop accumulator recall on 2018–2020 models.
Ask for records of power steering, timing chain and transmission repairs.
On the drive, feel for steering assist dropping out at low speed, watch for harsh shifts or a Shift to Park message and check for brake or ABS warnings.

Sources (6) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner complaints · by model year

Traverse complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Every Traverse version is counted together. Tap a year to see its top systems.

5,468complaints, 2009–2026

159mention a crash

29mention a fire

188injuries reported

3complaints report a death

Most complaints: 2010 (669), 2011 (608), 2014 (547)

2010 · 669 complaints

Crashes 17 · fires 6 · injuries 12

Steering331

Engine178

Power train66

Electrical system60

Electronic stability control57

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Traverse CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 40 Traverse versions for model years 2009–2026. The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 387 g/mi (2024). Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

Gen 12009–2017

17–19 mpg · CO₂ 465–518 g/mi

Gen 22018–2023

20–22 mpg · CO₂ 404–448 g/mi

Gen 32024–2026

20–23 mpg · CO₂ 387–450 g/mi

Model year2025

23combined MPG

388CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$2,900EPA yearly fuel cost

5/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

5/10Greenhouse gas rating

California LEV-III ULEV50 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 50Emission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2025: FWD · Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo — 23 MPG · 388 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

Gas

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Traverse vs Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2024–2026. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the Traverse, against 7 for the Toyota Highlander and 8 for the Honda Pilot. Pick a range to compare.

Chevrolet TraverseGen 3

Model years 2024–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 1
NHTSA owner complaints: 340
EPA combined mpg: 20–23
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.5 L · 6-cyl 3.6 L
Also listed: turbo
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Brakes 179
Forward collision avoidance 123
Electrical system 79

Toyota Highlander

Model years 2024–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 7
NHTSA owner complaints: 54
EPA combined mpg: 24–36
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.4, 2.5 L
Also listed: turbo, hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Brakes 10
Fuel system 8
Electrical system 7

Honda Pilot

Model years 2024–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 8
NHTSA owner complaints: 338
EPA combined mpg: 20–22
Engines (EPA): 6-cyl 3.5 L
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Forward collision avoidance 100
Steering 70
Electrical system 54

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Chevrolet Traverse VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on a Traverse

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Blue Chevrolet Traverse (third generation) SUV, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

The Traverse VIN plate sits at dashboard level on the driver's side, readable through the windshield. A sticker inside the driver's door jamb displays the number, an additional label appears on the B-pillar, and some models have a sticker near the rear cargo area. The Gen 3 generation starts with the 2024 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (R for 2024) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Chevrolet Traverse VIN questions

Which Chevrolet Traverse model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2010 leads with 669, ahead of the 2011 (608) and 2014 (547). Those first two alone make up 23% of the 5,468 Traverse complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Chevrolet Traverse had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 32 vehicle campaigns for model years 2009–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, Gen 1 leads with 19. Then come the Gen 2 (13) and Gen 3 (1), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Chevrolet Traverse recalls are high risk?

23V-334, 22V-246 and 20V-446 cover air bag inflator modules and how they deploy. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 10V-240, 15V-609, 20V-668 and 21V-817. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Traverse generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the Gen 1 is 2009–2017 and the Gen 2 2018–2023. Gen 3 spans 2024–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (R is 2024).

What fuel economy does the Chevrolet Traverse get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2024–2026 Gen 3 at 20–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 17–19 mpg for the 2009–2017 Gen 1 (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Chevrolet Traverse compare with the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot on recalls?

For 2024–2026 models the Traverse has 1 NHTSA recall campaign. The Toyota Highlander has 7, the Honda Pilot 8. Complaints run 340, 54 and 338 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Chevrolet Traverse have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Traverse 5 stars overall. Both rated versions, FWD and AWD, get that score.

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