Recall 21V817 affects 639 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles for shroud fasteners that can chafe the transmission case. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 639 2020-2021 Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Braun Power In-floor Ramp conversions because a screw and clip in the inner wheel-well shroud can rub against the transmission case. That contact can lead to a transmission fluid leak, loss of drive power, and fire risk near an ignition source; Chevrolet dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse in this recall was converted with a Power In-floor Ramp for wheelchair access. Inside the driver front wheel well, a plastic shroud helps cover and protect nearby parts. A screw and clip hold that shroud in place, while the transmission case sits close behind it and contains the fluid the automatic transmission needs to work.
On affected vehicles, that screw and clip sit too close to the transmission case. As the vehicle is driven, they can rub against the case and wear into it. Braun traced the problem to development vehicles used for durability testing, where that screw and clip were not installed.
A warning sign is transmission fluid on the ground near the driver front tire. A dashboard warning light can appear, but the filing says it does not always appear before the leak is found.
Who's affected?
The scope spans two Traverse model years, with the same automatic transmission component listed for both.
| 2020 Chevrolet Traverse | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Traverse | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 639 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
A transmission fluid leak can cause loss of drive power and increase crash risk. Fluid near the driver front tire is the clearest warning sign, and a dash indicator is not guaranteed. If you see fluid or notice shifting problems, stop using the vehicle and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free screw-and-clip replacement that keeps the wheel-well shroud hardware from chafing the transmission case.
- Bring the owner letter if you received one. If not, reference recall number 21V817 when you call.
- Ask the dealer to inspect for transmission contact and signs of a fluid leak during the repair.
- Watch for transmission fluid under the vehicle or a burning smell, and call the dealer before driving if either appears.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician replaces the screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place. The technician also inspects the area for contact with the transmission case and checks for related transmission-fluid leakage. The recall repair is free. Braun reimburses the dealer directly, so the service desk should not charge you for the covered inspection, replacement parts, or labor.
Timeline
| October 18, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 5, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| November 5, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 29, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 17, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V817?
Recall 21V817 covers 639 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with a Braun Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The inner wheel-well shroud screw and clip can chafe the transmission case, causing a transmission fluid leak. Dealers will replace the screw and clip for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Traverse is included in recall 21V817. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the screw and clip replacement and transmission contact inspection. Reference recall number 21V817 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For recall 21V817, dealers will replace the screw and clip and inspect for contact with the transmission free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a transmission fluid leak. A leak can cause loss of drive power, increasing crash risk. Transmission fluid near an ignition source also increases fire risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V817000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-488-0359 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V817 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V817000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →