Dealer visit checklist
2020 Chevrolet Traverse checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 3.6x more recalls than nearby model years
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2020 Chevrolet Traverse problems to check
- Infotainment system (Chevrolet MyLink) freezing or lagging, a widely reported annoyance across 2018-2021 model years
- Transmission hesitation and rough shifts at low speeds, particularly in stop-and-go driving, often requiring a software update or fluid service
- AC evaporator issues causing musty odors or reduced cooling performance, with some owners facing $800-$1,500 repair bills
- Excessive oil consumption reported on the 3.6L V6 engine — recommend checking oil every 3,000-4,000 miles between changes
- Minor interior rattles and trim squeaks developing over time, especially around the third-row area and dashboard panels
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- TIRES: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles.
- TIRES: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles.
- AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR: General Motors, LLC.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles.
- STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles.
- AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $26,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away