P0496 on CHEVROLET TRAVERSE — EVAP System High Purge Flow

Q: "What does P0496 mean on a CHEVROLET TRAVERSE?"

"P0496 indicates: EVAP System High Purge Flow. This is a emission controls code. 6 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0496 on CHEVROLET TRAVERSE?"

"Based on 6 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Fuel/Propulsion System, Service Brakes,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System, Power Train,Electrical System,Unknown Or Other. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0496 serious on my CHEVROLET TRAVERSE?"

"Of 6 NHTSA reports for this code on CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my CHEVROLET TRAVERSE shows P0496?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0496 Means on Your CHEVROLET TRAVERSE

P0496 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: EVAP System High Purge Flow. This code relates to the emission controls system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

6 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2011-2019. Most reports come from the 2018, 2011 model years.

Real CHEVROLET TRAVERSE Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"I have had many ongoing issues since car purchase. electrical , air conditioning and injector issues. car does not seem safe. lights go out every few months whilde driving when it is dark. this is very dangerous."

— 2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE owner · POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER · Filed 11/26/2014

"So since 8/02/23 when the vehicle had 54,000 miles it began to give electrical problems. I bought the car 01/16/23 it had only 26,000 miles."

— 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 08/02/2023

"I went to shell and got Gas on september 7th and september 8th when i started."

— 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE owner · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 09/08/2023

"I have a 2018 Chevy Traverse that has been running strange lately. The engine seems to run rough hesitating and stalls. Today 4/4/2022 my check engine light came on with code P0496. I turned off engine and attempted to start again."

— 2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE owner · UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 04/04/2022

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'11

1

'12

3

'18

1

'19

Common Causes on CHEVROLET TRAVERSE

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 33.3%

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 16.7%

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN or OTHER 16.7%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN or OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 16.7%

UNKNOWN or OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 16.7%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0496 mean on a CHEVROLET TRAVERSE? ▾

P0496 indicates: EVAP System High Purge Flow. This is a emission controls code. 6 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0496 on CHEVROLET TRAVERSE? ▾

Based on 6 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Fuel/Propulsion System, Service Brakes,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System, Power Train,Electrical System,Unknown Or Other. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0496 serious on my CHEVROLET TRAVERSE? ▾

Of 6 NHTSA reports for this code on CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my CHEVROLET TRAVERSE shows P0496? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P0496 on Other Vehicles

→ All codes reported on CHEVROLET TRAVERSE