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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
54,880 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.

2013 Chevrolet Traverse steering problems

steering problem

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2013 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Comments

problem #18

Oct 022023

Traverse

  • 134,426 miles

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

It happened several times already and couple of times was so dangerous, I had 4 kids in my car. When I drive from Salem, OR to Portland, OR, in the middle of a highway, my car suddenly doesn't drive. On the dashboard signs are traction controll and stability track or something. Please help me. When it happens, car doesn't drive and stops on freeway. It's so dangerous.

- Salem, OR, USA

problem #17

Oct 122022

Traverse

  • miles
Vehicle steering wheel vibrates when it's on and on park. The light to dashboard, radio, is dim then as I drive it might turn bright then back to dim.

- Staten Island , NY, USA

problem #16

Dec 022021

Traverse

  • miles
While driving 65 to 70 mph on the freeway, vehicle suddenly shudders and dash state "engine reduce speed" and "service stabilitrak" and "service traction control". It has happen about twice a month 6 months back. Took it to the dealership, no code so they couldn't find the issue even though I should them multiple videos. Today the vehicle shut off while driving 65 mph this morning in the fast lane. Luckily my wife put the Emergency lights on and we wasn't hit from behind but cats did brake fast and almost hit us. So far vehicle has left me on the side on the road 3 times today. Errors codes that are coming up is P1682 and c042-00. It also states replace ignition relay switch which I had done 3 times already. Once this happens I have to wait 10 minutes, then restart, then shut off, then reatart, then shut off then restart until to vehicle starts up how it should start up with no hesitation or shaking. Then I can make it home My fear is my wife will be driving and car shuts off while driving on the freeway with the kids. I know this issues was recalled with the traverse 2009 and 2010 and some other vehicle gm made.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #15

Oct 062021

Traverse

  • miles

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

Steering gave out my mechanic put on new pump took it out for a test drive and it still didn-€™t correct it. Put another pump on same thing. He doesn-€™t know what to do it is a programming problem the 2013 traverse is having from all the research I have done. From what I read very dangerous problem

- Wilder, KY, USA

problem #14

Oct 022020

Traverse

  • 140,000 miles
The vehicle randomly turns off and on the traction control system. At times, the vehicle also goes into "reduced power mode" while traveling at highway speeds. When the reduced power mode occurs, loss of power steering and power brakes also occur making the vehicle difficult to control until it is stopped. After restarting the vehicle, the reduced power mode and traction control/stabilitrac conditions go away until it randomly triggers again. The reduced power mode and traction control/stabilitrac errors may occur either while moving or while stationary. The events trigger random engine codes, of which I have several on record, and those engine codes typically have nothing to do with the traction control system. Additionally, on occasion, the front passenger seat belt and airbag lights alert to buckle the belt althought there is no one or nothing in that seat. This vehicle is equipped with the same iginition switch that was recalled in other GM vehicles experiencing similar problems, however, this vehicle was not included in recall.the most recent incident was 10/02/2020, when the vehicle suddenly went into reduce power mode, and nearly causing me to miss a negotiating a curve in the road.

- Richmond, KY, USA

problem #13

May 012020

Traverse

  • 152,000 miles
Streering hard at low rmp. Hard to steer

- Bunkie, LA, USA

problem #12

Feb 242020

Traverse

  • 71,000 miles

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

I have a 2013 Traverse with this same problem it has done this a few times now without any warning at all, the latest was today when I was pulling out of my local gas station in to on coming traffic the steering just quit had a hell of a time trying to keep my car into my lane. My SUV is in perfect condition I take good care of it. Has anyone heard of any possible recall on this problem? I hope Chevy does something soon before someone gets hurt. This SUV is not safe to drive with this totally unexpected steering problem with no warning at all. Jim

- Decatur, IL, USA

problem #11

Jul 092019

Traverse

  • 109,000 miles
Takata recall 2013 Chevy Traverse ltz, 109K miles, I'm on my 3rd power steering pump. Bought used in July 2018, replaced the pump back in May 2019, I provided the pump and took it to the dealership where I bought it, they replaced it and charged me $600 for labor and the next day it out out again (turns out it was actually a bad pump, brand new but bad ) so the dealership said they'd swap it out for the cost of labor, I didn't have another $600 to throw away so I replaced it with some help and it worked perfectly, we used the dext. Iv fluid as suggested and it's been running great, no more whine and steers like a dream. Well it's now July 2019 and the pump is out again. No visible leaks and the fluid level is good and fluid still red. If I get rid of this I'm going back to Ford for a vehicle, this is my first Chevrolet and also my last. If the pump went out on the highway that would be incredibly dangerous. I drive all highway and it's my daily driver. I can still drive the vehicle, but when the rpms are low it's like manual steering, forget going through a drive through or parking up front anywhere!

- Ripley, WV, USA

problem #10

Aug 042018

Traverse

  • 72,000 miles
Driving the Traverse on the freeway and it cuts out, the steering wheel locks, making it hard to steer. Endangering everyone in the vehicle. Other cars are coming at high speed and this one does with no warning. Other times it protects a reaction control check stabilise message and reduces engine power, greatly reducing speed you are going.

- Baker, LA, USA

problem #9

Feb 052019

Traverse

  • miles
Power steering issues: Very hard to turn wheel when parking and at slow speed. It is like manual steering!! I have a small fluid leak at power steering pump and rack pinion boot. I researched this issue and its common. I then contacted Chevy who admits this a common issue but yet an recall has been issue !! what is taking so long? help !!

- Marlton, NJ, USA

problem #8

Nov 062018

Traverse

  • 55,389 miles

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

Took my Traverse to the dealership as I needed new tires due to dry rot. This was discovered when I took it in for an oil change. It stated to them that I could hear a growling noise coming from the steering column when turning the wheel to the right. I was told that the power steering gear was leaking at the right front boot. The total cost to repair $1700. No recall on this important part of the Traverse or any alerts or bulletins on this matter so the cost needs to be footed by the customer. As the noise has increased and now happens whether turning left or right and I have become very concern with my wellbeing and the passengers in my car, I have ordered the repairs to be performed as soon as possible. I had to pay upfront for the part as it is not a stock item. Consumer safety should be a top priority for GM. We should not have to become a strategic to get there attention. I have own many Chevrolet cars and so have many of my family members going back 3 generations. Too many foreign made cars on the roads today. GM wake up!

- Millsboro, DE, USA

problem #7

May 012016

Traverse

  • 85,000 miles
I have been having issues with the power steering pump on my vehicle. I have had it replaced 6 times now in a total 6 months, I have a new on E put in it and it goes out in a few days. The rack N pinion has been replaced as well. I never loose any fluid the pump starts making a squealing noise and then goes out. I believe there is a issue with this pump, the dealer needs to look to this. They will not cover this at all, even I have the burden of proof that is not my fault and it keeps going out.

- Belington, WV, USA

problem #6

Feb 012017

Traverse

  • 40,000 miles
Power steering hose leaked at connections at just a few years of age and at low miles (40K). Chevy proceeds to tell me it's a very common issue and hope for me that it'll be a recall so I can get my hundreds back in repairs for a small simple job, ridiculous, since it leaked quite a bit on the floors, and down a hot motor, which could potentially disrupt power steering as well as a potential fire hazard. Just love that my pregnant wife drives this death trap everyday. GM wont help since I am a second owner, as they pretty much tell me they treat customers who purchase them new and/or certified with better customer service. If the dealer tells me it's such a common issue that these power steering hoses are backordered, there is a design flaw with the connections and GM needs to stand up to keeping their customers safe rather than worrying about their pockets!

- Richmond, KY, USA

problem #5

Dec 262015

Traverse

  • 59,134 miles
While driving about 65 mph on us-59 in my 2013 Chevrolet Traverse ltz, the instrument panel lit up like a christmas tree, followed by a rapid, un-controlled deceleration, loss of power, and loss of steering. This was while driving on a straight road, and no surface impediments such as rain, snow, sleet, ect.. the issue was "stabilitrak! as a 30 year, career law enforcement officer who investigated thousands of accidents, this was a very dangerous situation and my family and I are very lucky to be alive. I also found there is a long history of this going back to at least 2010. This same vehicle has had the rear A/C fixed 4 times and mylink system fixed 2X.

- Katy, TX, USA

problem #4

Apr 012014

Traverse

  • miles
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled several times. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. Also, the contact mentioned that the radio failed several times and the sensors and gauges intermittently flickered. In addition, the contact stated that while traveling 25 mph attempting to avoid dog, the contact swerved to the right and crashed into another vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the back and legs. The contact did not seek medical attention. The contact indicated that the steering wheel locked and the ignition switch would not turn over. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was not available.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #3

Jan 062014

Traverse

  • 7,895 miles
As I was driving on a highway I stepped on the accelerator and the car did not respond and came to a sudden stop in the middle of the highway. I had no warning and no ability to pull off to the side of the road. I could not restart the car and I had no power steering or brakes. I had my car towed to the local GM dealership and they found that a piece in the engine had fallen or broken and damaged the piston, the cylinder and the head of the engine. As the mechanic said, it was a "catastrophic engine failure." They replaced the engine in the car and then one day later, after having the car at the dealership for 32 days, the check engine light went on. I took the car back to the dealership and they found that the oxygen sensor was not working and they replaced it. GM told me that the piece that fell had not been tightened properly and this was missed on the final inspection. Not only am I concerned by having had this frightening experience happen on the highway, moreover in a new car, but the sudden stopping of the car while driving is the same thing that has happened to the cars that have recently been recalled by GM. I got this car because of its good safety profile however now I do not feel safe and secure driving this car.

- Teaneck, NJ, USA

problem #2

Feb 062013

Traverse 6-cyl

  • 1,500 miles
In snow of almost any depth, the vehicle will shake violently on acceleration from 35 mph up. The transmission will not accelerate and feels like its bogging down. It will stay like this for sometime hours then it will cease. Fender wells are clear of debris. The problem is it will do this sometimes at will on the roadway where I have been almost rear ended trying to get up to speed, there are multiple complaints on the Chevy Traverse forum website. Someone is going to get seriously hurt or die.

- Rochester Hills, MI, USA

problem #1

Apr 012013

Traverse 6-cyl

  • 60,504 miles
Without warning, no leaks, no noises.... at 55 mph when I started to decrease my speed to take a curve I lost my power steering. This comes and goes without warning and is very dangerous for anyone driving a Traverse!! I just bought this used vehicle on Mar 6, 2013 and no signs of any problems and then the power steering fails. When you try to turn into parking lots or onto a side street it just hits and you lose all power steering making it very dangerous for all person(s) in or near the vehicle. We were told by various mechanics in the surrounding area that this is a "known" design flaw and problem in these vehicles and yet GM has yet to do anything about this!! there is a multitude of complaints regarding this exact same issue the is scattered all over the internet with power steering issues!! GM should be required to issue a recall immediately before its too late and someone gets killed and class action lawsuits are filed!!

- Glasgow, KY, USA

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