Power Steering Fluid problems of the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse

21 problems related to power steering fluid have been reported for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse based on all problems reported for the 2011 Traverse.

1 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 01/09/2019

Out of no where my air bag lights came on. The sensor in the passenger seat isnt detecting weight and stays off all the time now, also my service airbag light is on for the driver as well. I am also having power steering issues as well. My power steering fluid is full, no leaks but the steering is hard to turn. Had the steering pump checked and was told nothing was wrong with it. My last issue is with the speakers they cut in and cut out all the time and nine times out of ten I only have my tweeters for sound. Very disappointed with chevy right now.

2 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 03/19/2018

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?.

3 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 10/11/2016

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.

4 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 01/22/2016

Internal and external fluid leak. . . . Loss of power steering at sparatic times very dangerous especially on icy roads. This complaint is the same as hundreds of Traverse owners. I have owned nothing but chevy my whole life and would expect that they will stand behind their product.

5 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 01/05/2016

After noticing a grinding noise when turning at low speed, Chevrolet dealership states the power steering is leaking fluid internally and could result in loss of steering while driving. Repair estimate is $1,700. 00, not covered by warranty due to mileage. While reviewing complaints related to Chevrolet Traverse steering it is apparent that this is a very common problem. If you check "carcomplaints. Com" under 2011 Chevrolet Traverse steering problems you will see that the majority of complaints are the same as ours. Given that loss of steering while driving is obviously a safety concern, coupled with the volume of complaints regarding this issue, I was hoping NHTSA could look into it (if they weren't already). Several of the complaints I read were regarding vehicles with under 40,000 miles. It seems this may well be a defective or poorly designed steering system.

6 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 12/12/2015

December 2015 drove the 2011 Traverse to the grocery store. After parking the cooling fan was on after engine turned off. Very loud fan noise had me concerned. After driving home I notice no fan noise so I felt it was an isolated incident considering it is cool winter weather outside. Next a. M. We went to church approx 7 mile trip and fan was running when we turned off car again and saw puff of steam or smoke coming out from front of hood. Reasoned it was morning fog? or evaporating water! on the way to do errands 2 days later engine was running about 260* on gauge on dash. Fan came on when I parked and ran very loudly. I went straight to dealership which is across the street and met chevy service rep. He said it was just the car reacting to run the defrost mode on the ac system and sent me on my way. Before I reached our home the temp gauge was at 260* or higher because it was on the highest point on gauge. Returned the next day to dealership as car had now overheated again, no fan coming on at all, and service writer said turn it off before it does damage. Wow! left car and was called the next a. M, with diagnosis as bad water pump covered by recall. Work was done and then I was informed the rack amd pinion assembly was leaking and needs to be replaced and the engine mount is broken. I am sure the leak on the rack and pinion is due to overheating and extra pressure on the gaskets. No leaks ever noticed before this visit during multipoint inspection performed by dealer on 9/10/15. Area of fluid is fresh on rack area. Estimate at $1745. 00. I'm sure this recall will be happening soon. I just received the November 2015 recall on faulty throttle position sensor repair. I can only hope the recall for the steering system leak and failures will come soon. . Fyi we have owned 30 Chevrolet cars and we have never had anything like this happen or the amount of recalls occur.

7 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2015

The vehicle has been experiencing steering issues for a couple years - loud mechanical noises and popping. I have topped of steering fluid reservoir several times and that quieted the noise, but there was no evidence of a leak on my garage floor until October 2015 (after service explained below). The popping became a nuisance again and I took into the local Chevrolet dealer to inspect. They found several issues in the front end that need replaced: rack and pinion (leaking), power steering pump, end links, bushings, transmission mount, struts (leaking). Steering component failure is a possibility in these issues and can cause loss of power steering in the vehicle. Loss of power steering would likely end up in an accident due to inability to turn vehicle as intended. Gm should issue a special coverage for rack and pinion replacement and strut leaks as these are very well know safety/design flaws. Gm has already issued special coverage for the power steering pump.

8 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2015

I just recently purchased this 2011 chevy Traverse last night from the dealer. My first time buying a used vehicle. Within 3 months, my heat stopped working in my vehicle. I purchased the vehicle at 40,000 miles. Brought it to the dealer, and asked if there was anything they can do as I just purchased this vehicle not too long ago, and they stated there wasnt any recall. I would have to pay out of pocket to have this fixed. Just recently this month I have been having an issue with a whining noise when I am driving, and when I am turning the wheel. I took my vehicle to a mechanic and they filed all of my fluids, including power steering which was low. Found out that I have a leak. I started doing some research on this, and found out that all of the 2011 chevy Traverse vehicles had this same issue. I am going to contact the dealer today to see what they can do, as I didnt purchase an extended warranty with this vehicle. Should this not be something that is covered under Chevrolet if the majority of these vehicles are having this same issue?.

9 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 04/28/2015

I purchased a new chevy Traverse that now has 55,000 miles. During today’s service appointment the dealership informed me that the power steering fluid was leaking from the steering gear. The repair was estimated at $1,600 usd. The repair is necessary to maintain the vehicle in a safe working order but I’m disappointed that I’m having to pay for a very expensive repair on a relatively new vehicle. Numerous consumers are experiencing the same issue, I would hope that chevy would investigate the situation in more detail and offer to cover the cost of the repairs. I did notice a technical service bulletin on the issue (service bulletin 361329, action number: 10052379), but the existence of the service bulletin still resulted in me having to pay the full cost of the repair at the dealership. I believe that there is a problem that chevy needs to take ownership for the situation.

10 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2015

My vehicle started making a whiring sound while I was sitting still at a red light or stop sign. When I turned the steering wheel, the noise got louder, but it did not get tighter. I took it to the dealer and was told that my rack and pinion steering was bad and had to be replaced. Apparently the vehicle was leaking fluid which was causing the noise. I was told that it would cause me $1100 - $1200 to be repaired because it is not covered under my powertrain warranty. The steering pump is covered under a special warranty and can be repaired without any cost. My car is only 4 years old, I brought it brand new and have taken great car of it. I should not be having these types of problems so soon. I bought this vehicle because I thought it was a dependable car, but apparently I was wrong. This is a safety issue and can cause serious injury in the future. I am not happy with this problem and gm should be ashamed for selling vehicles that are not safe.

11 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 03/17/2015

I was driving around 55mph when I noticed my steering becoming very tight so I pulled off the road. When I pulled off the road and tried to turn into a parking place, my steering was very tight and I had a hard time turning. I was worried that there was a leak with my power steering fluid so I had my local garage check it, the power steering fluid was full. When I started to research the problem, I am finding that this is a very common problem with this year/make/model and wonder why there has not been a recall issued? my next step is to contact my local dealership, I have seen some quote the repair expense up into the thousands. .

12 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 02/09/2015

When driving my Traverse at low speeds around 5 mph while trying to park, my steering gets very tight and it is extremely difficult to make the turn into a parking spot. In addition the vehicle is making a whining noise. We checked the power steering fluid and it is at the correct levels. I took it to my local repair man and they stated that the power steering pump was bad and needed to be replaced. I then contacted my local chevy dealership to see if this was covered under my manufactures warranty and he stated that it was no longer covered and the warranty ran out at 3 years or 36,000 miles which ever come first. To make matters worse, when I spoke with the dealership, I was never informed about the service bulletin released in December 2014. I was informed by the dealer that it would cost between $1000-$1500 to replace the power steering pump. My local repair man had quoted me around $750. Therefore, I paid him to repair my vehicle because I didn't have that much money available for the dealer to do the repair and was very concerned with driving the vehicle under these conditions. When I returned to pick up my car I found out that the rack & pinion is leaking and will need to be replaced also! these issues seem to be an ongoing problem with this vehicle and I believe it poses a big issue especially if I am driving with my children in the car and my steering goes out. GMC needs to get on the ball and recall this before it kills someone!!!.

13 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 02/06/2015

Have noticed steering being stiff a low speeds for about 2 weeks, and once had it go stiff while driving around 55 mph which was startling to say the least. This morning heard a whine coming from under the hood. Took the vehicle in to the dealer who said that fluid had leaked out from the rack and caused the power assist pump to run dry and go bad. Dealer says both the rack and the pump need to be replaced at a cost of $2,200, and said that the pump is not covered under gm's steering service bulletin 377272. Gm has had plenty of complaints over these faulty parts and fluid, and must take responsibility for putting people's lives at risk with a defective product.

14 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 10/08/2014

Car was steering hard and leaking power steering fluid. Replaced power steering pump at local dealership at my expensive. This should be a safety issue not mechanical failure due to poor maintainence by owner, which was not the case. Lawyers or death before recalls. Now airbag danger. Have had three other recalls.

15 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 09/13/2014

Power steering failed. Started with strong vibration in steering wheel a few hours before the failure. Car was very difficult to control safely at any speed. Dealer is looking at a significant leak in the steering fluid because it was below the minimum level. No visible evidence of a leak from where I park the car.

16 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 08/28/2014

Complete loss of power steering caused by loss of power steering fluid. Lost control of steering, steering wheel locked-up. Fortunately traffic was light at the time and was able to slow down to stop in a controlled manner. Upon inspection, found significant puddle of steering fluid under the car. Appears to be a sudden failure, not a slow leak based on amount of fluid loss at the time of the problem. Restarted the car and was able to slowly make it home with no power steering, steering wheel was very difficult to turn. Consider this to be a serious safety issue, especially if this happens at higher speed in a busy traffic. Found many similar complaints in various owner forums online. Waiting for a dealer appointment to determine whether it's the pump, gear or fluid lines that caused the loss of steering fluid.

17 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 06/06/2014

Purchased a used chevy Traverse that now has 57,000 miles. During a service appointment the dealership informed me that the power steering fluid was leaking from the steering gear. The repair was estimated at $1,600 usd. The repair is necessary to maintain the vehicle in a safe working order but im disappointed that im having to pay for a very expensive repair on a relatively new vehicle. Numerous consumers are experiencing the same issue, I would hope that chevy would investigate the situation in more detail and offer to cover the cost of the repairs. I did notice a technical service bulletin on the issue (service bulletin 361329, action number: 10052379), but the existence of the service bulletin still resulted in me having to pay the full cost of the repair at the dealership. I believe that there is a problem that chevy needs to take ownership for the situation. My biggest concern is the possibilty of expeirenced sterring failure while driving 55+ mile per hour with no warning. I have small children and we live in a very busy commuting area. Sterring failure could be tragic for us. Please help.

18 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2014

2011 Chevrolet Traverse. Consumer writes in regards to power steering issues. The dealer informed the consumer, the fluid was low, because the steering gear was leaking.

19 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2013

Loud whining sound coming from front end. When turning steering wheel slowly you can hear a loud scratching noise. Bought the car brand new and only have 17k miles in 3 years. Entire steering column had to be replaced. Power steering fluid leaking.

20 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 04/30/2013

Tl-the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated the brake light illuminated so the contact took the vehicle to a dealer. The dealer stated the brake fluid was low and the front passenger side brake caliper was leaking. The dealer replaced the brake hose gasket, added brake fluid, and replaced the brake caliper on the passenger side. The dealer also notice the vehicle had worn tie-rods and replaced them both. The contact stated after the repair the steering started to squeak when the steering wheel turn left and right. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer. The dealer replaced the steering housing. The failure mileage was 10,823. Jo.

21 Power Steering Fluid problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2011

My wife and I purchased a brand new Chevrolet Traverse ‘11 in 2010 at a local Chevrolet dealer in maryland. Almost immediately after purchasing the vehicle we noticed a whining noise in the steering at slow speeds. We brought in the Traverse to the dealership service center numerous times for the steering issue and complained about it every time we brought the Traverse in for oil changes. We were told two different responses, either they could not reproduce the issue or that it was normal and the sound would happen when the weather changes. Years later the problems with the steering seemed to get worse. Last month, after all these years and after the warranty period, they actually took the time to discover that there was indeed an issue with our steering and it was caused by a leak. They wanted to charge $1800. 00 dollars to fix it. I told the gentleman we complained about this issue for years and now after the warranty, you took the time to find the issue. They charged me $85. 00 to fill up the power steering fluid. I declined having the repairs being done and took my car over to a trusted mechanic. They also told me the steering issue has been going in the chevy Traverse 2011 since it first came out and there has been numerous service announcements about the issue. The mechanic printed out the technical service bulletin 10-02-32-002a and recommended me contacting Chevrolet. I feel disappointed that we reported a problem with our vehicle that should have been fixed years ago during our warranty period. Currently the Traverse is having issues with the steering with fluid dripping in our driveway. I don’t feel safe having my wife drive our two and four year old children in the vehicle with the steering issue. I really put my trust in our local Chevrolet dealership to service our vehicle and I feel they have neglected to address the steering problems with our Traverse.



Safety Ratings of Traverse Cars
Fuel Economy of Traverse Vehicles
Traverse Service Bulletins
Traverse Safety Recalls
Traverse Defect Investigations