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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 2 of 9)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #141

Sep 012018

Traverse

  • miles

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

The steering is whining while turning, I have seen multiple complaints of steering failure. Moving and stationary.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #140

Aug 012018

Traverse

  • 162,000 miles
Intermittently losing power steering assist. Comes and goes unexpectedly and causing you to not be able to steer vehicle.

- Bay City, MI, USA

problem #139

Jun 262018

Traverse

  • 95,723 miles
When I was turning into the gas station my wheels locked up my steering wheel locked up and I could not turn my steering wheel at all to the left or to the right. I put my car in park went around the car to look and see if anything was wrong around the tires nothing looked unusual got back in my car put it in drive and the steering wheel was able to unlock very scary not having control of my vehicle. When this occurred my vehicle was in motion driving into the gas station coming toward the pump when the steering locked up.

- Joliet, IL, USA

problem #138

Apr 162018

Traverse

  • 114,600 miles

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

It was a rainy day and heading down a local street at about 40 mph and the steering locked up without warning for a period of 5 seconds. I'm 190 lb male, and I couldn't budge the wheel heading for a tree. I was able to avoid the collision but I can guarantee that if my wife was driving, should would not have been able to move the vehicle's steering wheel. It happened to me two more times that day but for smaller intervals of time. Luckily my kids were not in the car but I am now fear that this could happen again without warning. I won't let my wife drive it, and I have to keep both hands on the wheel ready to use all my strength. This care can not be casually driven. This has serious life safety concerns.

- Berkley, MA, USA

problem #137

Mar 192018

Traverse

  • miles
Steering locks up, there is power steering fluid in it, but having a major problem steering and making turns. Steering locks or freezes up and it won't move while driving. There is nothing leaking anywhere. Was there a recall for this issue?

- Bolingbrook, IL, USA

problem #136

Feb 082018

Traverse

  • 87,650 miles
Losing power steering fluid at the rack and pinion, had to have it replaced. This is a common problem with the Traverse and Buick enclave. I think GM should repair or pay for repair of this problem.

- Trinity, NC, USA

problem #135

Jan 292018

Traverse

  • 0 miles

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

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 #134

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 #133

Dec 132017

Traverse

  • 85,000 miles
Early December I heard sound indicating steering issue, supported by local mechanic when getting oil change. Researched causes and prices online and found service bulletin #14329A from GM. I adhered to bulletin and took vehicle to dealer. They confirmed sb applied to my vehicle. Later received a call that the steering gear was also at issue but not covered by bulletin to the tune of~ $1200 for "necessary" replacement.. I tried to get local dealer service manager and agents for GM cares to explain how either original part was not poorly designed or manufactured or the fluid was not adequate for the steering assembly to have not caused this problem. Was not successful in discussions with them. There is obviously an issue with the steering GM is avoiding responsibility for. While not happy about being out $1200 for associated repair on a GM service bulletin, I am more concerned that the steering assembly of the vehicle is faulty and places my grandchildren at risk. Only on the last day before dropping off at dealer was there any issue with degree of difficulty of the steering. I requested the steering gear they removed and have it in my possession. I have an emailed summary statement from GM cares on my complaint and a copy of the invoice on the repair.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #132

Dec 062017

Traverse

  • 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. While making a right turn at 10 mph, the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

- Paradise, CA, USA

problem #131

Oct 152017

Traverse

  • 133,000 miles

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

I was on my way home from dinner when the engine started revving on it's own and the car began jerking. I pulled to the side of the road and the engine killed. I restarted the vehicle and noted that the battery was suppling enough power and the temperature gage was normal. At this time, the lights started to flicker, the rpms were going up and down fairly quickly and the windows and locks were clicking. I was able to get the vehicle home (5 miles), but the problems persisted the entire drive. The second I would let me foot off the gas pedal, the engine would kill. I took it to the mechanic and he said when he hooked it up to the machine to see what the problem was, there was so much wrong he couldn't actually tell what was causing what. The computer and engine both were recommended to be replaced. I let him know as well it had become more difficult in the last few months to turn the wheel when going at a slow speed and virtually impossible to park. He stated it is a known issue with this make, model and year. The steering, the computer and the engine he has seen multiple customers have problems with.

- Minnetonka, MN, USA

problem #130

Oct 111956

Traverse

  • 80,000 miles
My stabilitrak has been going in and out for years with no issues. I had it checked but told it was ok. Now it has started stalling on me. And I was slightly rear ended last night on vacation. I called the Chevrolet 1 800 # and told no recall on this. However on line is hundreds of issues with this model. So over the last 2 weeks it has been going frequently. The steering is just making noises and crunching sounds when turning

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #129

Sep 072016

Traverse

  • 117,000 miles
I would love to know why the power steering rack is not important enough of a part on a vehicle to insure a safe ride" there are literally hundreds of reports on the Traverse about this part giving out. This happened to me and they want $2000 to fix it? what" it should be on a recall list and taken care of before a number of deaths happen. Very disappointed that GM has maneuvered around fixing this important part of a vehicle.

- Bethel, PA, USA

problem #128

Jul 012017

Traverse

  • 149,000 miles
The steering is hard at low speeds. Trying to pull into a parking spot the car doesn't want to turn easily. At other times it works fine.

- Naselle, WA, USA

problem #127

Jun 222017

Traverse

  • 82,000 miles
I own a 2011 Chevy Traverse with just over 80,000 miles. I was driving along the street and stopped to make a left hand against traffic, as I moved my power steering locked. I managed to complete the turn without the power steering. I took the car to my local repair shop who informed me that the power steering pump had failed and that there was also a leak in the steering rack. They advised me to take it to the dealer as it was a known fault and should be repaired for free. I took it to the Chevy dealer who said that as there was a leak it was not covered by General Motors as the failure was due to normal wear and tear. There was no mention of the steering pump by the dealer. If it is a known fault GM and dealers should do a recall before someone is killed.

- Ashland, MA, USA

problem #126

May 102017

Traverse

  • 96,411 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel shook and the rpms increased and decreased rapidly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,411.

- Bellflower, CA, USA

problem #125

Jan 092017

Traverse

  • 25,665 miles
I purchase the brand new Chevy Traverse in Aug 2011, about 2 years ago I was making a U-turn and the vehicle stuck on the road and would not turn, called the dealer and they said turn off the car and re start in 2 minutes. I had around 20,000 miles at time. Currently I have about 27K miles and 6 months ago I mention that we have some noise coming out when we turn the steering, dealer checked during my oil change visit and said its all normal. The noise was getting worst so took the car again at 25K miles and they checked in detail and said rack and pinion is gone bad, I was shocked that at 25K miles how this can be possible? they said its vehicle and anything can happen, they charging me $1861 to replace as it is not in warranty. This is ridiculous that at 25K-27K miles, GM measure component break downs and there is no recall, I feel me and my family in danger on the road driving the unsafe vehicle from GM/Chevy

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #124

Mar 172017

Traverse

  • 137,000 miles
To whom it may concern, I own a 2011 Chevy Traverse and the timing chain broke on my wife last weekend. This was very scary for her and my kids as they were on a mountain going into a curve. She lost all control of steering and brakes. I was wondering if there are any recalls and or help from GM on getting this car repaired. To make a long story short, I am just glad my wife and kids were fine. The outcome could of been different as they described it to me. Please get back with me asap on this matter. I would appreciate it, by towing this back to my house and to the shop it has been a nightmare. I think it caused the motor to mess up as well. So, I am looking for help in this matter. Looks like the design of this is questionable on how this care was made and causes serious problems when a timing chain goes out. The vehicle was in motion.

- Young Harris, GA, USA

problem #123

Mar 282017

Traverse

  • miles
Car is making knocking noisies when turning either way. Took to dealership and they are telling me it us going to cost $1,800 to fix. The part only cost like $250.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #122

Jan 022017

Traverse

  • 117,000 miles
Power steering gets hard when in a lower speed, front windshield washer works parttime

- Dowagiac, MI, USA

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