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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:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
59,627 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 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2011 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #27

Feb 102021

Traverse

  • 133,000 miles

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

As described by hundreds, if not thousands, of other owners...obdii codes P0008 and P0017, in conjunction with "service stabilitrack, AWD disabled, traction control off". we have replaced multiple sensors, replaced throttle body(and sensor), replaced driver front wheel hub assembly (magnet that has to do with sensor came off). The above two codes persist. Purchased used vehicle with 118xxx miles and within a year these codes appeared. Took vehicle to dealer, who insisted it was timing chain, with estimate of $2300. However, second and third opinions disagreed...suggesting sensor issues, throttle body issues, etc. Why has the timing chain or tensioner not been recalled, if this is the issue? fortunately, our vehicle does not go into limp mode...however, we've been told this could happen in the future. Would greatly appreciate it if the NHTSA would do a deeper dive and generate a recall. Going to address camshaft bank sensors next before possibly replacing timing chain and/or tensioner. Additionally, problems with moisture issue of unknown location that causes the stereo speakers to not work. On sunny, warm days, stereo speakers work fine...any moisture, no speakers.

- Orland, ME, USA

problem #26

Dec 182020

Traverse

  • 175,000 miles
It became very hard to steer as we slowed down to turn into a parking space. It felt like manual steering and not power. The dealership said we need a steering rack and steering pump. Is there a recall on this vehicle?

- Candler, NC, USA

problem #25

Mar 112019

Traverse

  • 100,000 miles
Traverse traction control light and brake light come on and off all the time. Making think that car is not safe to drive. All of the time that the lights come on when we arr driving in a straight line on a flat surface.

- Woodbridge, CA, USA

problem #24

Dec 182017

Traverse

  • 170,000 miles

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

Driving the Traverse started to smell wires burning in the cabin dashlights started going crazy and dinging. Was about a mile to where I could pull over safely.. started to pull off the breaks and steering seemed to stop working and the vehicle died.. I nearly hit bridge pillar not being able to steer or stop.. the car was full with myself 4 children and a newborn.. I am told the motor is ruined and no one can pinpoint the other problems.. the repair costs are around 6000$ which have not been done because honestly I'm scared for my life to fix this vehicle and drive it..

- Auburn, KS, USA

problem #23

Oct 302018

Traverse

  • 109,000 miles
Stabilitrack needs serviced, ABS light on, traction control failure. Power loss. Just driving through town approximately 30 mph and all errors started flashing. This is a safety concern. I have read multiple complaints on the same issue with no results

- Waynetown, IN, USA

problem #22

Jul 182018

Traverse

  • miles
2011 Traverse having a sudden loss of power and loss of acceleration followed by error messages for both the traction control and stabilitrak systems and more lights like brakes and air bag and ect..

- Woobdringe, VA, USA

problem #21

Sep 292018

Traverse

  • 65,000 miles

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

I was driving on the highway and the vehicle shut off while I was driving at 70 mph. Lost power steering and brakes out of no where which is when I noticed the rpms was at 0. after we, by the grace of god, made it to the side of the road safely, we had it towed to a garage where the said the timing chain came off and ruined the engine and that it is a common problem and could be fixed for around $5600. The vehicle has 65K miles and blew up? its a common problem for a vehicle to shut off on the highway and I wasn't warned that this vehicle has this kind of history and GM don't recognize this is a problem!

- Altoona, PA, USA

problem #20

Jun 202018

Traverse

  • 65,000 miles
I got my car 6 months ago, so far the brakes went out, rotors went out, all struts had to be reolaced, heater broke, air conditioner leakes, and now timing chains need to be replaved. I found an inspection completed 2 weeks before I bought my car done at another dealership. The list of issues is scary.

- Waterville, IA, USA

problem #19

Jun 202018

Traverse

  • 68,000 miles
My vehicle has tie rod loose, leaky motor rack, rear valve cover leak, brakes and rotors loose, control arm loose, all wheels corroded, front strut leaks.

- Waterville, IA, USA

problem #18

Jan 292018

Traverse

  • 0 miles
I started my SUV and put it in reverse to back out of my driveway. Upon trying to turn, noticed my steering wheel was completely locked up. Tried braking so I wouldn't roll into the street with my children. Brakes were extremely resistant and hard to press down. I then put it into drive to try to get out of the street and my gas pedal was not working. I was unable to move forward, unable to steer, and barely able to brake. Turned off the vehicle. Tried again 2 minutes later, same problem persisted. Turned off vehicle and exited while car was in the middle of my neighborhood street. 15 minutes later the issues seemed to no longer be a problem and I was able to move my vehicle back to the driveway.

- Buckeye, AZ, USA

problem #17

Oct 012017

Traverse

  • 0 miles

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

Codes are as followed: P0008, P0496, P0221, P0017, C0242, C00561

- Buffao, NY, USA

problem #16

Oct 182017

Traverse

  • 70,571 miles
I only made one payment on my car and I don't feel it's safe to drive or put my kids in. The steering and tires or something just sway pull noise and I feel I don't have any control.

- Ontario, OR, USA

problem #15

Dec 302017

Traverse

  • 118,000 miles
I purchased this 2011 Traverse used in 2013 with approximately 28,000 miles on it in Aurora, co. It now has about 118,000 miles. I have had warning lights on the ABS and stability control systems come on, along with error messages indicating stability control and AWD are deactivated for about a week that do not reset upon restarting the car. Today, I experienced numerous losses of engine power, as though the car had dropped into neutral, while driving surface streets at approximately 30-35mph. Despite pressing the accelerator, the vehicle immediately dropped down to 10-15mph for several seconds. Research online in the Chevrolet forums indicates a throttle body issue, but shows no corporate investigation or recall into this, though many people report similar losses of power on highways at 60+mph, suddenly dropping to 10mph. I am concerned about safety in traffic if such a loss of power occurs again.

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #14

Nov 122016

Traverse

  • miles
Had a squeaking noise when applying brake pedal. Took it to a mechanic who said the the brake booster and master cylinder had to be replaced because it was leaking and causing the problem. Could eventually lead to braking issues. They also stating this was a common problem with the Chevrolet Traverse make and model. Should be a recall issue and not a $600 fix for me.

- Mount Juliet, TN, USA

problem #13

Aug 112015

Traverse

  • 90,622 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving 25 mph and approaching a red light, the brake pedal traveled to the floor and failed to stop the vehicle. As a result, the contact's vehicle rear ended another vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed, but the technician could not find a failure. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was parked on incline, it would roll backwards when the gear shifter was placed in drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 90,622.

- Schenectady, NY, USA

problem #12

Feb 012016

Traverse

  • 31,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 4 mph, the vehicle accelerated without warning. The brakes failed and the vehicle had to shift to neutral. The vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact received leg and ankle injuries which medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle remains at the scene. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.

- Purvis, MS, USA

problem #11

Nov 112014

Traverse 6-cyl

  • 67,000 miles
Stabilitrak control, anti lock brakes and engine speed reduced. Wife's car while on her way to work. There are hundreds if not thousands of consumers with this exact same issue with various makes/models of GM vehicles. Once the throttle body / throttle positions sensor becomes dirty, it sets off a series of failures causing the vehicle to reduce power to the point where it can only travel at about 35 mph. This is a very dangerous situation to place drivers in. I called my local Chevrolet dealer to inquire about whether or not this was covered under the 5 year 100,000 mile power train warranty and was told that it was. When the dealer verified that it was the throttle body, they told me that it would cost me about 500 dollars and that it was not covered under the powertrain warranty. This is a vital engine component. How can it not be considered to be part of the power train?

- Petoskey, MI, USA

problem #10

Aug 292014

Traverse

  • 75,000 miles
The ABS and trac control lights have been coming on and going off for about a month. Friday Aug, 29 2014, while my wife was driving the vehicle around town the stop light turned and she went to stop like normal, the pedal acted like it was slick, the ABS was trying to come on. When it did that the pedal went clear to the floor. The car did stop but she is a good driver so no accident happened thankfully. I can see how this can possibly cause an accident. I took it to the Chevy dealership and they replaced a wheel sensor and said it was fixed, $187. We left the shop and went about a block to the first stoplight and it happened again so we turned around and went back. They worked on it for 3 more hours and said they couldn't find anything and would have to keep the vehicle until they could talk to GM engineers. Today I received a call from them and it was fixed. The wife went to pick it up and the brought it around to her and said "here you go", she got in and the ABS light was on again. She didn't even leave the dealership, went back in and told them it is messing up again, so she had to leave it there again. Luckily so far I haven't had to pay anything more, but it obviously isn't fixed yet. As many other problems of this nature you'd think GM would do a recall for this problem. What really makes me mad is that we don't even have 80000 miles on this thing. If they can't build anything better I guess I will have to switch to a Ford or Chrysler or maybe even Kia.

- Alta Vista , KS, USA

problem #9

Mar 152014

Traverse 6-cyl

  • 38,000 miles
Vehicle was 2011 Chevy Traverse w/ AWD with history (four instances) of engine oil leaks/requiring engine removal and reinstall. Vehicle was on interstate when AWD/vehicle stability control lights went on. Dic indicated 'service stabiltrack', 'service AWD' and 'AWD disabled'. at that time, vehicle was 'chugging' but shortly after chugging got much worse to the extent that the vehicle could not accelerate or maintain speed at cruise, or without cruise up normal hills on an interstate. When gas pedal was pressed further, RPM/speed would increase but then drop sharply (500-1000rpm) multiple times and no further power could be applied. Vehicle slowed down to about 50mph at the top of a hill. Happened for the next 15-20 miles until it could be pulled over. Vehicle was taken in once right after original occurrence, all three lights had gone off at point and vehicle drove normally after that. Service center indicated a wheel censor (front right) was reading defective information. They cleaned 'dust' from the sensor. Happened again about two weeks later, similar circumstances/results. Service center indicated wheel sensor was bad, they replaced (at my cost) and had no further instances for about four months. Similar situation happened again today (7/19/2014, conditions and results). However, the engine chugging was much worse and vehicle could not be driven safely on the interstate, would not accelerate or maintain safe interstate speed.

- North Liberty, IA, USA

problem #8

May 242014

Traverse

  • 37,232 miles
We have only had our Traverse since January, but have noticed numerous times that the brakes grind (at times) when applying them. The car only had 24,000 miles on it when we bought it, it shouldn't have needed brakes already. Finally had money for the brakes to be checked and we need pads and rotors on all the wheels. It seems that this is a problem with a lot of the Traverses. Also, we have the problem which I have read about on here that when sitting at incline the car like to roll back. It has caused me to hit someone when on a hill. Of course there isn't a recall on that either. I don't feel that these cars are safe for younger drivers. I have two sons that I won't let drive my car do to the issues with it. I think someone needs to do something before someone is killed by all of these problems. I have tried to get all of the recall notices taken care of, but dealership we bought the care from never has the parts.

- Maryland Heights, MO, USA

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