Chevy Traverse wheelchair vans: transmission leak risk

NHTSA campaign 21V817000 · Reported Oct 18, 2021 · Braun Corporation

critical How serious is it? About this label

A transmission fluid leak can cause the vehicle to lose the power needed to keep moving, which increases the risk of a crash. If the leaking fluid reaches a source of ignition, it can also increase the risk of a fire. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	21V817000
Reported to NHTSA	Oct 18, 2021
Manufacturer	Braun Corporation
Part affected	Power Train:automatic Transmission
Vehicles covered	2 model/year combinations, model years 2020–2021
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

Some 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles were converted into wheelchair-accessible vans using a power in-floor ramp. In these vehicles, a screw and clip is meant to hold an inner wheel-well plastic shield securely in place. In some vehicles, this screw and clip may not hold the shield properly, allowing it to rub against the transmission case. Over time, that rubbing may cause the transmission to leak fluid.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle is affected.
2. Contact a dealer, or call Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
3. Replacement of the screw and clip, and inspection for transmission contact, is free.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 21V817000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (2)

2020 Chevrolet Traverse
2021 Chevrolet Traverse

Who to contact

Chevrolet — official Chevrolet recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-222-1020

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Chevrolet Power Train Recalls Cover Drive Loss and Wheel Lockup · all 15 Chevrolet recalls in this area

Other Chevrolet Traverse recalls

Mar 16, 2023Cadillac, Chevy, GMC SUVs Transmission Half-Shaft Failurehigh
Feb 2, 2023Chevrolet Blazer And Traverse Half-Shaft Can Separatehigh
Mar 31, 2022Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse Side Air Bag Wiringhigh
Jun 24, 2021Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave got wrong airbag softwarehigh
Apr 8, 2021Chevrolet Traverse Side Curtain Airbags May Be Loosehigh
Feb 25, 2021GM Vehicles Recalled for Over-Cured Tire Failure Riskcritical

All 13 Traverse recalls

Official notice

Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place may chafe against the transmission case, possibly resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
Safety risk: A transmission fluid leak can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the screw and clip, and inspect for signs of contact with the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.