Steering Failed problems of the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

The steering gear in my 2009 chevy Traverse has failed prematurely for a second time. The problem was diagnosed during a routine oil change at my local dealership. The original steering gear was replaced at 46,000 miles in 2011 and my vehicle requires a new unit approximately 43,000 miles later. Failure to replace the componant will result in steering difficulty that can lead to a crash. To put this in perspective, I am replacing the steering gear at the same frequency one would normally buy new tires for vehicle. There are several indications there is a problem with general motors' lamda platform. Via a 2012 service bulletin, gm modified the steering gear part number and made changes to the replacement process to prevent steering gear seal failures. Secondly, a service manager at an independant chevy dealership confirmed that he has seen a significant increase in steering gear failures at his facililty. Lastly, there are hundreds of documented complaints on the NHTSA site and chevy internet forums describing this exact problem. Despite the evidence above, gm will not replace the steering gear and cover the cost 100%. The corporation is not standing behind their chevy product but, more importantly, I believe their complaint resolution processes are masking a clear quality and safety issue. I hope the NHTSA can effect some change.

I have a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse ltz and I have been having steering problems with the vehicle. I have had problems with the power steering at low speeds making it difficult to steer the vehicle. I have had work done on the vehicle to repair this problem and I am still having problems with steering the vehicle at low speeds. My wife usually drives the vehicle and I am concerned for her safety because of the steering problems. I took my vehicle to a Chevrolet dealership and I have spent over $1,000 on this vehicle and I am still having problems with this vehicle. I would like to know if there is a solution and if gm has a recall on these vehicles for this problems. I am afraid that the steering will fail and my wife may have a vehicle accident.

While driving through a winding road suddenly experienced loss of power-steering making it difficult to steer. Power-steering then returned as suddenly as it went away. Problem happens intermittently and especially at low speeds when turning making steering of the Traverse very difficult. I believe the gm recall for power-steering failure needs to be extended to include chevy Traverse models before drivers are injured.

While driving experienced total steering failure. Could not turn car at all. Required complete sytem replacement of power steering pump and steering rack. Appears to be very common problem with car.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed without warning while he attempted a turn. The failure was experienced numerous times. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000 and the current mileage was 42,000.

Intermittent steering failure in 2009 chevy Traverse. Speed is not a factor since the steering just stops working at no matter what my speed is. It doesn't matter if your turning left or right. It started out just happening on occasion not very frequently. Now it is happening all the time. I have had the steering just stop working to the point that you cannot steer at all like it just locks up, not even manual steering is available. I have had the steering stop working while trying to turn a corner and have to wait for the steering to come back before I can finish the turn. It only takes a few seconds for it to come back and I have not gotten into an accident because of it yet but my fear is that it could cause an accident with this issue. This has happened doing 70 mph down the expressway. This is my wife's car and I have great concern with her driving this car. I have read several steering issues on the internet dealing with the same issue that I am having however gm has not recalled this problem yet.

Since mid-'10, our '09 Traverse has had issues with the power steering. When the problem first surfaced, it was primarly limited to sharp turns into parking spaces. The steering would seize and it would be difficult to turn into the spot. We took the Traverse to the dealer in 10/10 when the mileage was 21,129. The problem was diagnosed as an "internal steering gear failure (binding). The power steering gear was replaced and the power steering system bled. The problem seemed better. The seizing occurred much less. However, in the past few months we noticed a rapid decline. Now the problem has surfaced when driving down the road and trying to make a turn (left or right) onto another road/driveway/etc. The wheel seizes so much that my husband is almost incapable of turning the wheel. This is a serious safety hazard. We brought the vehicle into the dealer on 5/22/13 when the mileage was 61,287. This time the problem was diagnosed as "steering gear leaking". The dealer stated that the problem was not covered under warranty, but because the problem was not properly addressed back in October 2010 (when it was covered), they would do us a favor and cover it at a pro-rated amount. The repair (replacing the power steering gear for a second time and bleeding the power steering system) only cost us $456 out of pocket. Two days later the problem resurfaced, and even worse than before. I will not drive the car anymore, out of fear that I am not strong enough to turn the wheel if the problem occurs. I fear for my family's safety when we are riding in it. We have an appointment at the dealership for this Friday. Hopefully this time it will be repaired. I am not optimistic. It is inexcusable that there is not a recall on this issue yet. This website, and several others, reveal that hundreds -- if not thousands -- of vehicle owners are experiencing this same issue.