Service Brakes Problems of Chevrolet Traverse - part 1

My 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is experiencing a shift to park issue. When the car is placed into park, the electrical system does not recognize it and will not shut off the vehicle. There is a defect with the button trigger that allows the gear shifter to move and it is not being recognized. The quick fix is to press this button around 15 times to reset it. Sometimes this works but when on an incline, it does not. It takes turning the vehicle on and off a few times to have this registered. The estimated cost to replace the gear shifter is around $600 to $900 dollars. Please have this item recalled.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse 🔎.

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the semi-truck in front of the vehicle started slowing down and the contact depressed the brake pedal and the brakes failed. When the brake pedal was first depressed the brake pedal was extremely firm. While forcefully depressing the brake pedal the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the braking distance became extended. The brake assist failure, warning brake, park, abs, starter control, crash, and esc warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the parking brake was inoperable, and the vehicle was coasted to a stop. The contact became aware that there was fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,589.

See all problems of the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse 🔎.

Master cylinder failure on interstate caused complete loss of braking. No accident. Shop replaced master cylinder per gm bulletin. Warning light for brake assist failure came on and pedal went to the floor. This could’ve ended in a mass casualty situation, thank god we were in wide open territory and could coast to a stop which took over a mile in neutral.

See all problems of the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse 🔎.

There has been multiple times that the brake system fails and different codes on dashboard pop up which makes brakes not work and looses power train , the vehicle has to be put in neutral in order to stop on highways and roads which has put my life in danger.

2023 chevy Traverse lt with 33, 884 miles on it. Abs, tc, service esc, service 4wd, reduced steering assist. Obd2 codes: c0040, u0414, u0121 populated. There is a short in the electronic brake control monitor, a part that should last way more than 3 years and 33k miles. $1300 to remove and replace ebcm.

See all problems of the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse 🔎.

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving 5 mph, the contact attempted to depress the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to slow down. The message "limited braking - no assistance braking" was displayed. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was awaiting a diagnostic test. The contact was advised that the onstar modules needed to be replaced, but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 16,000.

My emergency parking brake keeps activating while I’m driving where it is engaging itself while I’m driving almost causing accidents.

See all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse 🔎.

My 2016 chevy Traverse lt with 108,750 miles had issues with the rear brake lights, and the traction control light would come on and the traction control turns off. A message appears on the dash that shows service stabilitrak. When I drive the vehicle to accelerate it shakes, jerks and shudders, and then it rides fine for a bit but the traction control is still off. I also noticed that the cruise control doesn't work either. I decided to wait a few more days hoping it would clear out, which it did for a day but the problem returned. I took the Traverse to autozone to use an obd2 scanner and it showed that there is an issue with the braking switch (code c0161-00 abs brake switch circuit). A local mechanic replaced a fuse and the brake switch but the traction control/stabilitrak issue hasn't been fixed. He's tried everything but the problem won't go away. Apparently this an ongoing problem with many Traverses.

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse 🔎.

On August 25, 2026, my 2026 Chevrolet Traverse experienced a severe safety failure involving the automatic emergency braking (aeb) system. While moving slowly forward in a drive-thru lane with no obstacles in front of the vehicle, the car's automated systems unexpectedly and violently slammed on the brakes. The vehicle brought itself to an immediate, harsh stop without any actual hazard present. The sudden, uncommanded application of maximum braking force caused severe physical jolting, resulting in a whiplash injury to my neck. This unexpected braking event creates an immediate crash hazard for vehicles behind me and poses a severe risk of physical injury due to violent, unprompted stops. This incident appears directly related to ongoing electronic brake module and automatic braking system malfunctions under active federal investigation. I request a thorough safety investigation and a formal recall to address this dangerous defect.

The contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving 3 mph, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle decelerated, and the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle crashed into the brother's vehicle parked in the driveway and pushed the vehicle forward. The vehicle then crashed into a desk before stopping. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while parking the vehicle in the driveway at the brother’s residence. The contact and her husband were inside the vehicle at the time of the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact was taken to the local medical center. The contact sustained pain in the right knee. The vehicle was inspected by the insurance company and deemed a total loss. A police report was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 60,324.

See all problems of the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse 🔎.

On 08/15/26, I was at a traffic light waiting to make a left turn on a major roadway. Because the wait was on a hill, the park brake automatically engaged. When the traffic light turned green and as I attempted to accelerate, the electronic parking brake failed to release as it should and normally does. Since the vehicle would not move normally, I was unable to safely make my intended left turn so I had to continue straight in order to get out of the way of moving traffic. As I was driving to a parking lot of a business in the vicinity, my back tires were screeching and smoking as the park brake appeared to remain engaged. I was extremely concerned because I was in active traffic and could not operate the vehicle normally. I attempted to resolve the problem by turning the vehicle off, allowing it to sit for a few minutes and restarting it. After at least 20 tries, I could feel the pressure of the brakes release and I was finally able to move the vehicle normally. This was frightening and placed me and other motorists at risk. I was stopped at a major intersection on a hill when the vehicle failed to operate normally as traffic began moving. Had the parking brake remained engaged, I could have been stranded in moving traffic or potentially involved in a collision. I have experienced this parking-brake problem at least seven times, including this incident, since I have owned this vehicle since 2017. I have also experienced an abnormal condition involving the vehicle in which it would not allow me to shut off the engine when the park brake was engaged therefore wearing out the battery and I had to have it towed to the dealer. I am concerned that there may be an underlying electrical or electronic control-system defect. This greatly concerns me and it should be very alarming to the manufacturer. I have asked the dealer and called Chevrolet hq to inquire about a recall or at least recoup some of the money I am constantly paying out of pocket.

See all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse 🔎.

The defective software trigger: vehicle’s dashboard brake pad life monitor indicated the pads were low showing 19% roughly 3. 5-4mm remaning life. Upon arrival to the dealership, I was informed that my rotors would also need to be resurfaced. I contested a mandatory rotor resurfacing policy. I openly disagreed with this arbitrary "store policy" but was forced to comply to get my vehicle serviced. The dealership stated they would refuse to replace the pads unless I paid out-of-pocket for an unnecessary resurfacing. The technician measured my pads at 7mm (over 60% of usable life remaining). My vehicle did not need brakes; it was suffering from a known factory software bug detailed in gm bulletin 25-na-029. Rather than identifying this warranty glitch, I was forced to pay for unnecessary vehicle repairs. The technician machined my front rotors and installed new pads. On my way home, the vehicle exhibited severe, violent steering wheel shaking under braking at highway speeds. The technician completely failed to check for runout or machine the rotors evenly. I was forced to drive 90 miles home with a violently vibrating steering system. I called the dealership but the facility was closed. To correct a severe safety hazard caused entirely by the shop, I had to drive an additional 90 miles back to the dealership (a 180-mile total round trip) on compromised brakes. I requested that the dealership replace the ruined rotors and pads at their expense. Management refused instead, to force the shaking to stop and avoid paying for hardware, the dealership refunded the original resurfacing fee (driver side rotor 29. 89mm to 1st resurface 29. 20m- passenger side 29. 80mm to 1st resurface 29. 25mm) and machined my front j61 rotors a second time, cutting them down to 27. 80mm driver side and 27. 59 mm on my passenger side. I have contacted corporate but I've had no resolution.

Electrical, drivetrain, powertrain. While driving the vehicle a message popped up on the speedometer saying service battery chargeing system and battery saver mode. The is the second time that those messages have come up in the four years of ownership with the first time being in 2024. The second issue we have had with this vehicle was injectors going bad and causing a bad misfire making driveability rough. We have gone through three O2 sensors in the past 4 years. We have replaced the alternator and are fixing to replace it again. The driverside axle seal leaked. Transmission slips bad. There is a current random misfire. Back in may of 2025 we were driving to florida from missouri and had to slam on the brakes and when we released the brake the car refused to move and when I pressed the gas harder there was a loud bang like we had been hit but it was like the brakes had locked up completely. It shudders bad when starting. Two months ago the steering locked up while driving. Vehicle has been inspected several times by the dealer we bought it from but driving this vehicle is becoming my families worst nightmare.

This started happening about two weeks ago. My check engine light came on and my obd scanner said a nox sensor code showed. I told the dealership and I guess they cleared the code and it hasn’t reappeared but the reduced acceleration has maintained. It was [xxx] I had just go of work and needed gas. While traveling to the gas station I got notification that my acceleration was being reduced and it was very noticeable. After arriving and pumping gas, I started the car and got 3 additional messages. The car aside my brake assist and esc needed service, my abs system was off, and my forward collision system was off. While driving, I noticed that the brakes were still working but acceleration was still being reduced. This is an everyday use car and I have a 6 children who I don’t feel are safe anymore in the car. Not being able to utilize the brakes and the reduced acceleration is very concerning especially when in traffic. I have a little over 27500 miles on the car. It just came from the dealership to get the telematics module replaced last week because it went out about a month ago. I’ve only had this car a year and it seems like the issues are becoming more common everyday. I will be taking care back to dealership tomorrow. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

There is a known issue with the software / brake monitoring system with the 2024 chevy Traverse. The brake pad sensor is faulty and the vehicles warning system tells you that your brake pads are critically low when in reality they are not. Even after you change the brakes and put a new sensor you cannot clear the notification. The only way to reset this is to either take it to the dealership for them to change your brakes or pay $200 to obtain the fix for the software. Now this is bricks maintenance meaning as the consumer you should be able to maintain your vehicle on your own but gm has made this impossible which will force the consumer to turn off their brake monitoring system to remove the faulty warning. This is a safety risk for the consumer and the other people on the roads. This update should be done free of charge but they refuse to do it.

There was a sent out that gm dealers needed to at no cost provide the software update to several vehicles due to a software issue that puts out an emergency warning that the brakes are wearing and are critically low when in fact they are not. Without the new software vehicle owners cannot manually reset the notification even after changing their brakes. I recently took my truck to david Chevrolet who advised me I needed to pay $193 for this software update which goes against the notice from gm and the dot. I’m now driving without my brake monitoring system on because the dealership will not update my software. I’m filing a complaint because I should not need my brakes changed again by the dealership as I have already replaced perfectly good brakes because I didn’t know there was a software problem. My vehicle is well under the 36k mile and is only two years old.

While driving on the highway all of a sudden the vehicle started to vibrate and smell like metal burning . Merged off the highway to find my brakes where super hot. Pulled over for a little bit and drove home very slowly . Mechanic said the pads were locked on the rotors and completely destroyed both pads and rotors. Will be taking vehicle to chevy dealer because I dont feel safe driving my family .

The car will be placed in park but keeps saying shift to park. Then I have to turn the car on and off clicking the shift button till it will finally shut off. One time it took ten minutes. This needs to be a recall!!! specifically since it seems to be affecting many of the cars!!!.

Vehicle: 2024/2025 Chevrolet Traverse rs component: electronic eboost brake master cylinder assembly description: within a few months of purchasing the vehicle, the brake pedal began exhibiting excessive free play (long pedal travel) and significantly delayed stopping behavior, particularly dangerous at highway speeds. The vehicle requires substantially more stopping distance than normal, creating an imminent rear-end collision risk. This defect has been brought to the dealership's attention twice already. The vehicle was just serviced and returned for this same issue. After each service visit, the brakes temporarily function normally for only 500 to 1,000 miles before the dangerous delayed braking behavior returns. Previous dealer repairs included bleeding the brake lines and updating the electronic brake control module (ebcm) software — both failed to permanently resolve the issue. The root cause appears to be an internal bypass leak within the electronic eboost brake master cylinder assembly, where defective internal rubber cartridge seals allow pressurized fluid to slip past them over time, progressively degrading braking performance until the next service intervention. This is a repeat safety failure. The vehicle has been serviced for this identical brake defect twice, and the condition returns each time within 500–1,000 miles of the repair. This issue is documented under gm service update n242482170 and TSB 25-na-029, and is the subject of active class-action litigation affecting 2024–2025 gm suvs. The driver and all vehicle occupants are placed at serious risk of injury or death due to the inability to stop the vehicle within a safe distance during normal highway driving conditions.

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the rear driver's side window failed to open or close while depressing the buttons on the driver's door and on the passenger's door to control the window. While depressing the brake pedal to attempt to slow down, and while in reverse, the brakes were squeaking. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for the window failure. The dealer diagnosed that the brake pads had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 43,632.

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "esc", "abs", "brakes", "emergency brakes", "forward collision", "emergency parking brake", and "speed limited" displayed. The contact depressed the brake pedal and it went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact activated the hazard lights, and the vehicle coasted to the shoulder. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was able to drive to the destination, but the failure recurred two days later. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

Started my car and several dashboard lights and service messages cane across the screen; forward collision unavailable, service esc, service brake assist. Traction control light was also lit up.

My 2019 chevy Traverse prior to "the storm" when I left work and approached my vehicle someone left a not in my windshield wipers stating that my horn was honking every 15 seconds it was a long shift so by the time I got to my vehicle my battery was dead. I got a jump from a CO-worker allowed my alternator to charge my battery, and it was fine (so I thought). Then the day after "the storm" happened, my Traverse went haywire displaying multiple signs of electronic failures while driving on a major highway: service esc, abs disabled, traction control disabled, power steering disabled, horn honked continuously, windows won't roll down, key fob unresponsive, manual lock/ unlock switch unresponsive, a/c on but doesn't blow cold, infotainment system on, cluster hazard light indicators on but lights aren't illuminated, windshield wipers on max speed unprompted while spraying continuously. I pulled over, placed the vehicle in "park", turned the vehicle off, safely exited to realize my vehicle was still running, got back into the vehicle where I was greeted by a prompt that said to place the vehicle in park to turn it off. I attempted to shift but it was immovable, called a tow truck. Every time after dealership visits/ repairs my vehicle shutoff while moving. It's been to the dealership 3 times (4 to include tomorrow) I've also connected an obd2 scanner to run a diagnostic after the last visit and these faults appeared almost instantly. Work done so far: x2 bcm replacements (w/ flashed software) x1 battery replacement x1 keyless entry module replacement x1 driver door lock/unlock switch replacement x3-->4 tow trucks over $3,000 in expenses.

Brakes have screeching noise transmission jumps when changing gear the shift to park is so constant can not even go out because it takes more than 20 to 30 tries for it to accept park and turn vehicle off! I have taken it to the dealer for the concern stated no recall or warranty at this point I am afraid to even leave it in shift to park and walk to the store and it gets stolen or leaves me stranded with my children.

My car randomly started alerting me of “ecs service” & “brake assist service”. The dealership essentially did nothing even though there is an active recall on the 2024 models.

At approximately 30,000 miles, upon starting my 2025 Chevrolet Traverse lt, the brake pedal traveled completely to the floorboards with zero resistance. Simultaneously, the 'service brake assist' warning message appeared. This loss of hydraulic pressure occurred while stationary. This follows a dealership visit one week prior for a 'glitchy' check engine light that was dismissed by service staff. The vehicle is being towed via flatbed to the dealership as it is unsafe to operate. Additionally, the vehicle has exhibited abnormally 'touchy' brake response and a persistent high-pitched squeal from the front assembly since purchase. These symptoms suggest a failure of the e-boost braking system and/or internal master cylinder seals, consistent with service update n242482170. This defect poses an immediate risk of total brake failure during operation.

To make a very long story short, I was having major software issues with my vehicle. I had the car "blackout" lights screens and everything turn off then when it powered on I would have service lights on for my brakes. I also had my reverse camera go out a few times and my lane assistant light on dash say its not working. All to find out I had a faulty rear control module. Upon replacement I learned this exact rear control module is the same one used in other gm vehicles noted in several recalls but the part itself has never been directly recalled. So now I have the same exact part in my vehicle again which is bound to fail again at some point. My vehicle is only 3 years old and has done this with children in the car. I let gm know numerous times and they said since the part is replaced its fine. But I know this exact part is not safe. If you look up the model number on the rear control module you will see how many times it is noted in service bulletins and is main contributor to these issues. Please recall the 2023 chevy Traverse. I dont want this part just "updated" it needs redesigned.

Our car one day showed several illuminated dash lights regarding brake system, along with several pop up warnings. We took it to a Chevrolet dealer for service. They’ve had it for 54 days. They’ve confirmed widespread brake system and electrical system failure, but even after escalating to corporate tech assistance, there is no progress nor resolution available. We were told they have at least a dozen others with this same issue. It is wildly inappropriate that there has not been a recall issued as this is a serious safety defect. We demand a buyback from gm for putting this death trap on the market knowing they had these issues with 2024 models but continuing to roll 2025 and 2026 models with the same issues.

We drove the Traverse 55 miles to a baseball game. When we got in the car to return home several warning lights appeared on the instrument display and there was an audible warning sound. The message “service esc” and “brake assist failure” appeared on the instrument display panel. We couldn’t find a dealership that was open on Saturday so we cautiously drove 55 miles home. The brake pedal was hard to push and had to be pushed all the way to the floor to stop the vehicle. We could not drive faster than 62 mph on the way home and I had to start braking early in order to be able to come to a complete stop at stop lights. Cruise control isn’t working either and the audible alarm sounds off every couple of minutes. We took the car to our local dealership this morning.

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the red "service brake assist warning" light and esc (electronic stability control) message were displayed. Additionally, the yellow abs, cruise control, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact returned to the residence and parked the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and agreed to have the vehicle towed from the residence to the dealer. The dealer performed a diagnostic and retrieved dtc: c055f, for the brake master cylinder failure. The dealer informed the contact of technical service bulletin: 25-na-240; and the failure was associated with the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

Vehicle: 2019 Chevrolet Traverse issue: “shift to park” warning – vehicle fails to recognize it is in park I am filing a complaint regarding a persistent &dangerous defect with my 2019 Chevrolet Traverse involving the “shift to park” warning system. For the past several years, my vehicle has repeatedly failed to recognize that it is in park, even when it clearly is. This issue has escalated into a serious safety and reliability concern. Most recently, I was stranded in a store parking lot for over two hours because my vehicle would not properly shut off or restart due to the false “shift to park” warning. I had to call someone to disconnect the battery to prevent it from draining completely, which caused additional cost and inconvenience. After reconnecting the battery, the vehicle still would not start for another 2hours. This defect leaves me at risk of being stranded at any time, including in unsafe or isolated. As a single parent of 4 young children, this creates a significant safety concern for my family. This problem has been ongoing since oct 2023 and has occurred repeatedly since then, and consistently every month since then, often four or more times per month. I have brought this issue to a Chevrolet dealership, reed-lallier Chevrolet in fayetteville, nc, multiple times. Despite being charged diagnostic fees, no permanent fix has been provided. This is a known issue with this vehicle model related to a faulty shifter assembly or park detection system. This defect impacts the vehicle’s ability to shut off, restart, & function reliably, creating a serious safety hazard. I am requesting that this issue be formally investigated & that appropriate action be taken to require a recall or manufacturer-covered repair. This problem is widespread among similar vehicles & should not continue to leave drivers stranded or at risk. Mileage: 44,410 miles dates of occurrences: oct 2023-present dealer contacted: reed-lallier Chevrolet on raeford rd fayetteville nc.

Master cylinder failure at 15,000 miles on 4/13/2026 safety risk of potential brake system failure. Taken to dealership on 4/13/2026, as of today 4/16/2026, master cylinder has been replaced but now the vehicle is rejecting the part, per the dealership. Abs light and brake light illuminated at the time of failure. No other car symptoms noted.

I was driving through the tollbooth on the bayway in [xxx] , I stepped on the brake to slow down and all kinds of warning lights lit up in the car showing the brakes were not working. Anything automatic with the brakes failed. I had to stand on the brakes to get the Traverse to stop. The issue was confrmed to be the master brake cylinder I was lucky they had it in stock at maher Chevrolet in st petersburg. My grandson was supposed to be in this car the next day driving over the skyway bridge. The safety of children is being compromised. Please issue a recall!!!!! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The car started locking up my steering wheel. I took it to the mechanic and they ran the codes and said it is the abs control system module. I called the dealer to get the part and they said it is on back order nationally and it may be months before they can get the part. The 2018 model for Chevrolet Traverse has been recalled for this exact thing but my model has not even though this is a known issue. My car is currently not drive able and gm can’t even provide the piece to make it driveable. This is a big issue and I am not receiving any help. If it is on back order it is obvious that it is a big issue nationally yet they have not submitted a recall. The wheel keeps locking up every time I drive it for more than 5 minutes.

Car started making a load vibrational noise on the highway. When we got to the next stopping point, the right front brakes were extremely hot and smelly. When the brakes were taken apart to inspect/replace parts, it was identified that the seals that protect the pistons had shrunk and were no longer attached to the caliper/piston. Corrosion was evident because of this causing a sticky caliper. Contacted chevy dealer who said the calipers were back ordered. That's an indication that this problem is real and has caused a shortage of replacement parts. Wait time for replacement caliper was said to be 7-10 days. The only parts that seemed to be available to get the car usable in a short period of time were aftermarket and that was even strained. Picture submitted shows. Seals were not pulled out, they were that loose to fall out.