NHTSA Complaint #11442131 — 2013 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE

General Motors is not notifying GM vehicle owners of electrical defect malfunctions that has been on-going for a number of years; leaving vehicle owners with alarming operational occurrences and unexpected repair expenses. While driving our 2013 Chevrolet Traverse fall 2021, we experienced the passenger airbag light coming on and staying on, along with the blind spot detection system lights coming on and staying on for both side mirrors. Also, the key fob wouldn’t work—manually lock and unlock the vehicle. We disconnected the negative battery terminal to reset the computers, resulting in the key fob to work and the passenger airbag light to go out. The blind spot detection system continued to malfunction so we scheduled a repair appointment with our Chevrolet dealership. Prior to the appointment, we endured a frightening experience while driving our Traverse; the entire instrument panel went out along with the radio. This electrical malfunction occurred on two separate occasions. In addition, the engine light came on and the engine temperature gage did not work properly. The dealership performed two diagnostic tests 11/5/2021 determining the engine coolant sensor malfunction and blind spot detection system modules/hardness malfunction. The dealership service manager explained other electrical malfunctions such as steering wheel movement and passenger seat movement that could occur while driving our vehicle should we continue to operate our vehicle without repairing the blind spot detection system and the need to replace both modules and the electrical harness. The video showed both modules were severely corroded. He also explained there is nothing a vehicle owner can do to prevent the corrosion because the modules are placed in the rear bumper—susceptible to moisture penetration and system malfunction. The repair costs was $1664. 11/30/2021 Customer Assistance Center stated by phone call, no action or reimbursement unless a recall is issued.