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CarComplaints.com Notes: There are a fair-number of power steering related complaints which is a continuation of problems from the previous model year. Considering the problem tends to happen beyond the standard warranty (73k+) it's best to avoid this vehicle or at least be prepared for the $1,300+ repair.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
61,413 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Chevrolet Traverse steering problems

steering problem

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2011 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Comments (Page 3 of 9)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #121

Mar 082017

Traverse

  • 40,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The power steering has gone out/had problems twice in 67,000 miles. This is a big safety issue for my family and all the others that are driving this type of vehicle. A vehicle without power steering is a safety concern. Chevrolet provided additional coverage for a problem they identified with the power steering, however it doesn't cover all of the repeated problems owners continue to have. There needs to be additional coverage so that owners can get the problem fixed and safely drive their vehicles.

- Superior, WI, USA

problem #120

Oct 112016

Traverse

  • 47,000 miles
Power steering assembly was in process of failing. Was told by service center that the teeth were grinding down and would shortly have lost the ability to steer vehicle. Only indication was the whine of the steering pump as it failed due to the combination of a seal leak and contaminants in fluid from the metal shavings from the steering gear. Unfortunately I did not have the presence of mind to ask for the parts or take pictures of the failed parts.

- Normandy Park, WA, USA

problem #119

Feb 282017

Traverse

  • 120,000 miles
At 120,000 miles the vehicle begin exhibiting the issues as described in special warranty 14329. I took the vehicle to the dealership who told me that while the same two parts listed in the warranty had failed they did not fail in the manner that is covered by the warranty. I find it very convenient that these two parts which do not fail routinely in vehicles failed within the warranty period but it was not caused but the warranty issue. Unless I receive the $2000 this repair costs back or it is proven to me empirically that this was not caused by the warranty I will continue to pursue repayment of the money owed to me. I will also ensure that no one within my family and friends purchases another GM vehicle until this matter is handled. I have submitted a case to Chevy with number 8-2782147523

- Castle Creek, NY, USA

problem #118

Dec 092016

Traverse

  • 84,522 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving various speeds and attempting to turn left, the steering column made an abnormal whining sound. The contact also stated that the turn would be extremely hard to execute. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear and pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,522.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #117

Dec 032016

Traverse 6-cyl

  • 33,146 miles
While driving approx 20 mph out of a parking lot onto the main road and turning left, I heard a loud whining sound and felt a "thump" with some vibration in the steering column. The car continues to make the same sound when making sharper turns, like going into a parking space. I was told by the dealership that I have a power steering leak and need a new steering rack to the tune of $1300-1600 repair! this car only has 33,146 miles.

- Ephrata, PA, USA

problem #116

Nov 122016

Traverse

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving approximately 10 mph, the engine warning indicator illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the engine warning indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Cos Cob, CT, USA

problem #115

Aug 232016

Traverse

  • 93,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2011 Chevrolet Traverse rack and pinion leak and timing belt light came on. Car is well maintained, driven easy and has only 93000 miles on it. GM says it is not covered...

- Charles City, VA, USA

problem #114

Jul 212016

Traverse

  • 81,881 miles
Power steering rack found leaking during nysi. I feel rack should be covered under extended warranty. This is an outrageous price to pay for a vehicle that was just in for an inspection with nothing else wrong.

- Endicott, NY, USA

problem #113

Jan 092016

Traverse

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while turning at approximately 10 mph, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver as an abnormal squealing sound emitted. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred intermittently without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

- Lumberton, NJ, USA

problem #112

Jun 032016

Traverse 6-cyl

  • miles
I took my car to the dealership for power steering issue. The dealer diagnosed the power steering issue and was covered under a "special policy". when I pick up my vehicle the steering wheel was loose. My husband called the dealer and we took the car back. They aligned the vehicle. Still same issue. After over a week the dealer said it was the "gear" or "wrack". there is a special amendment to the special policy but, apparently my car didn't qualify. Not sure why? my car is well maintained and taken care of. This is a none issue with GM and we are currently fighting with them that they should take care of the gear. GM writes special policies for the cheap repairs but, when it comes to a major issue that was no fault of mine they want to charge me an arm and a leg. I find it ridiculous that consumers can be treated in this way. I have started writing my complaints since trying to deal with GM has become unreasonable. Be careful out there! [xxx] P.S. if anyone is interested in the special policy number and amendment please contact me. I have numbers to call also. :) information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Morning Sun, IA, USA

problem #111

Jun 162016

Traverse 6-cyl

  • 46,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving approximately 10 mph, a loud sound emitted from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion and the power steering pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mentioned that the rack and pinion was previously replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000. Updated 08/29/16 updated 08/30/16.

- Alberquerque, NM, USA

problem #110

Feb 062016

Traverse

  • miles
We have many issues with our family car 2011 Traverse one being our power steering whining noise and it get really loud that we are having our 2nd issue in less then 4 months. We are just finding out they put a remanufactured part and master cylinder leaking into booster.. I drive with extreme care daily..

- Whittier, CA, USA

problem #109

Apr 052016

Traverse

  • 77,000 miles
At 76,000 miles I have noticed that when I turn left with my steering wheel that it makes a revved up whining noise. Since I have had the car at 54,961 from 1 1/2 years ago, I have fixed the heating system (800), wheeling bearing (290) and now a steering problem. I have owned a Chevrolet for a long time but this is a piece of junk. I am sickened to think that an american company such as Chevrolet has no intentions to fix a problem that is very prevalent in these cars. Maybe a couple of deaths and some lawsuits will wake you up! I will no longer purchase a Chevy/GMC product based on this experience. $1500 to fix something I still owe money on>>>bull crap >>btw I don't have the funds to fix this problem>> thanks

- Broadway, VA, USA

problem #108

Mar 012016

Traverse

  • 13,601 miles
(takata)2011 Chevy Traverse when I drive in the rain I lose all steering in the rain also I have a lot of play in the steering I can turn the wheel with one finger and this is a safety hazard and the car drifts from left to right on the highway my family is very scared to get in this car and all these problems happen when I'm in motion on I-95 highway

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #107

Mar 162016

Traverse

  • miles
GM dealership service department found "whining" noise caused by power steering leak. Replaced power steering gear at a cost of $1781. A "service bulletin" was issued by GM regarding this issue in 2014. It promised reimbursement for this repair for 10 years from date car was placed into service, but only until September 2015. Clearly, this is a known defect in the Traverse.

- Edmond, OK, USA

problem #106

Feb 152016

Traverse

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. While steering the vehicle at various speeds, the steering wheel made an abnormal noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack leaked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was not available.

- Georgetown, MA, USA

problem #105

Mar 252015

Traverse

  • 49,782 miles
My vehicle's power steering failed, GM has a recall notice about the steering pump leaking but they would not replace as per the recall. They said my rack and pinion steer has also is leaking. I feel this is a way to get you to spend more on repairs. When this happened the vehicle was on a state road and I almost lost control because the ps assist failed.

- Pasadena, MD, USA

problem #104

Feb 202016

Traverse

  • 62,000 miles
For the past month or so, I kept on hearing a humming noise from the engine. The steering seem to be very stiff. I took it to the dealer and they told me that it needs a new power steering rack and pump. The car just rolled 62,000 miles which is too early for those type of issues

- Wayside, NJ, USA

problem #103

Dec 152015

Traverse 6-cyl

  • 68,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that there was a progressing failure in which the power steering suddenly failed. The contact noticed an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel when turning it left or right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for further inspection. The contact received a service campaign letter from the manufacturer for the power steering pump and notified the dealer. The dealer indicated that the failure may not be related to that campaign without diagnosing the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000. Updated 05/18/16 consumer was informed that there was a leak in the power steering system that would require the entire power steering to be replaced. The dealership informed the consumer that the issue would only be covered if it was an issue with the power steering pump, but not the rest of the power steering system. Power steering is fixed. Updated 6/618

- Scituate, MA, USA

problem #102

Nov 282014

Traverse

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving various speeds, there was a loud abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel without warning. The noise grew louder and the speed increased. The contact stated that when it rained the traction control warning indicator illuminated continuously. The failures recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

- Sanford, FL, USA

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