general problems of the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse - part 1

As I am driving down the road the service stable trak light and abs lights pop on and the brakes sieze up so bad you cant get the car to stop and brake pedal to unlock as well as when you try to turn the steering wheel locks.

Care loses connection shuts off while driving and unable to accelerate. Loses steering control.

Components related to timing chain failed, and vehicle is currently available with plans to sell to a salvage yard by 10/25/24. My 9 year old and I were at risk of collision when the vehicle failed. I was driving approximately 70-75 mph when we started to lose power. At 65 mph, I managed to cross 2 lanes of highway traffic and stopped on the shoulder. I turned off my vehicle and waited several minutes, hoping it would help reset or cool off a component or something. I had to try a couple of times before it started, and I attempted to drive as safely as I could, made it to 60 mph before it stopped running completely. I had to pull hard on the steering wheel to get to the shoulder again, only this time, the shoulder was pinched off in front of us and around a small blind spot behind us. I had my daughter move to the side closer to the cement barrier while waiting for a tow truck. She became very nervous about how close some of the other vehicles got. Afterwards, the error codes indicated several components pointing to a timing chain problem. I had the timing chain repaired around April or may of 2023 by a certified mechanic. I watched the oil life percentage and oil temperature gauge consistently. Everything indicated as normal, but I had difficulty pulling out the dipstick to check the oil level. Since it was hard to get a good reading, I tried to add some oil and recheck. The oil cap was nearly impossible to open, so I decided to wait for an oil tech to do it. Around 40-50% oil life, I had planned to have the oil changed. In spite of my efforts to maintain proper oil quality, the oil cap had to be opened with a wrench. Smoke rose out and dried out oil residue lined the inner walls. It was about a quart low. I don’t drive hard on it and it had only been around 3,000 miles between oil changes. It had been one year since the timing chain was replaced. Error codes remain and the vehicle runs rough if it stays on long enough after much effort to start it.

I've owned my Traverse for slightly longer than 1 year. I can hear a whiny sound coming from the steering wheel area and it is becoming harder and harder to turn the wheel while I'm going slow. . . As in I can't get it into or out of tight areas such as parking spots. Put in half bottle of fluid. . . . Didn't help. Is there a recall?.

The steering on my Traverse intermittently stops working, there does not seem to be any pattern and when it stops working the car is practically undriveable and I've almost gotten into accidents three different times. Most of the time it happens when driving, however, when stopped it happens as well.

Car was powering down at highway speeds and check engine light came on. Now needs timing chains replaced. Also started having issues with the steering not working and the steering rack is bad and needs replaces. Suspension is no good and all has to be redone. Vehicle only has 70,000 miles on it for being a 2011.

On repeated occasions for several years, when traveling at a low rate of speed, during a turn, the steering will freeze. Vehicle will become difficult to turn and car emits high loud sounds. If car is stopped and engine turned off, when restarted it will often continue to emit the sound and continue to be non-responsive.

While driving the vehicle at slow speeds 20 mph or less the power steering goes out when you apply the brakes. When the problem first happened we checked the power steering fluid and made sure it was full. Then it started happening again. It happens randomly and it is very hard to muscle the wheel it becomes so stiff. This is very dangerous and needs to be investigated as these are typically family vehicles carrying children. After doing some research online it appears there is a significant number of Traverse owners who have experienced similar problems.

**timing belt recall** I was driving my vehicle on the local parkway and it lost power while I was driving it then started riding rough as if the tires were wobbling then I went to make a left turn and it started making a reeving noise during the turn. I had the car towed to the auto shop and I was told there was no oil leaks but the oil was low and also I had to replace the timing chain on my vehicle.

Steering wheel locked up during normal driving on a highway as I started a turn, making it impossible to steer leaving me stranded in traffic. Had to stop, turn off car, restart and steering wheel became functional.

While the vehicle was crossing a the I-395 bridge into washington DC at 45 mph, the engine suddenly failed taking out the power steering with a jerk to the left. This failure was not precipitated by an engine warning light or a change to the ride and feel of the vehicle.

Intermittently losing power steering assist. Comes and goes unexpectedly and causing you to not be able to steer vehicle.

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.

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.

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. 00 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.

Tl- the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while making a right a right turn driving 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. Am.

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.

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.

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.

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. 00.

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.

The power steering has gone out/had problems twice in 67,000 miles. This is a big safety issue for my family and all the others that are driving this type of vehicle. A vehicle without power steering is a safety concern. Chevrolet provided additional coverage for a problem they identified with the power steering, however it doesn't cover all of the repeated problems owners continue to have. There needs to be additional coverage so that owners can get the problem fixed and safely drive their vehicles.

At 120,000 miles the vehicle begin exhibiting the issues as described in special warranty 14329. I took the vehicle to the dealership who told me that while the same two parts listed in the warranty had failed they did not fail in the manner that is covered by the warranty. I find it very convenient that these two parts which do not fail routinely in vehicles failed within the warranty period but it was not caused but the warranty issue. Unless I receive the $2000 this repair costs back or it is proven to me empirically that this was not caused by the warranty I will continue to pursue repayment of the money owed to me. I will also ensure that no one within my family and friends purchases another gm vehicle until this matter is handled. I have submitted a case to chevy with number 8-2782147523.

Power steering gets hard when in a lower speed, front windshield washer works parttime.

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. 00 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.

Power steering rack found leaking during nysi. I feel rack should be covered under extended warranty. This is an outrageous price to pay for a vehicle that was just in for an inspection with nothing else wrong.

I took my car to the dealership for power steering issue. The dealer diagnosed the power steering issue and was covered under a "special policy". When I pick up my vehicle the steering wheel was loose. My husband called the dealer and we took the car back. They aligned the vehicle. Still same issue. After over a week the dealer said it was the "gear" or "wrack". There is a special amendment to the special policy but, apparently my car didn't qualify. Not sure why? my car is well maintained and taken care of. This is a none issue with gm and we are currently fighting with them that they should take care of the gear. Gm writes special policies for the cheap repairs but, when it comes to a major issue that was no fault of mine they want to charge me an arm and a leg. I find it ridiculous that consumers can be treated in this way. I have started writing my complaints since trying to deal with gm has become unreasonable. Be careful out there! kerri wilkerson p. S. If anyone is interested in the special policy number and amendment please contact me. I have numbers to call also. :).

At 76,000 miles I have noticed that when I turn left with my steering wheel that it makes a revved up whining noise. Since I have had the car at 54,961 from 1 1/2 years ago, I have fixed the heating system (800), wheeling bearing (290) and now a steering problem. I have owned a Chevrolets for a long time but this is a piece of junk. I am sickened to think that an american company such as Chevrolet has no intentions to fix a problem that is very prevalent in these cars. Maybe a couple of deaths and some lawsuits will wake you up! I will no longer purchase a chevy/GMC product based on this experience. $1500 to fix something I still owe money on>>>bull crap >>btw I don't have the funds to fix this problem>> thanks.

(takata)2011 chevy Traverse when I drive in the rain I lose all steering in the rain also I have a lot of play in the steering I can turn the wheel with one finger and this is a safety hazard and the car drifts from left to right on the highway my family is very scared to get in this car and all these problems happen when I'm in motion on I-95 highway.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. While steering the vehicle at various speeds, the steering wheel made an abnormal noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack leaked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was not available.

While driving to work early January 18,2016 my check engine light and stability control light came on, not a minute later my steering went out and I hit a road sign. I had turned off the traction control before leaving my house as instructed by my service advisor at the chevy dealership. I believe gm is responsible for the damage to my vehicle. Took my 2011 Traverse to the dealership that same day. Lights still on, and by the time I got it there the vehicle was shaking terribly, they diagnose it as throttle body codes po221-po121 & po300. They fixed that problem, but took no responsibility gm to take responsibility for this problem. I wanted a safe vehicle for myself and my family, now I am not sure if it is safe even with the repairs that were done.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while turning at approximately 10 mph, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver as an abnormal squealing sound emitted. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred intermittently without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Power steering whine diagnosed today with whine present while turning or accelerating after a turn. They are saying we need a new steering gear (rack) and that will only set me back $1700. It is a safety issue as the power steering can go out at any point. I have only had this car less than 2 years and there have been so many things needing attention. There is a whine with the a/c when one of the bolsters<?> are to shut for a change in temp.

Complete loss of power steering at low rpms.

My car is overheating, have already changed the thermostat and flushed the radiator, the car still getting overheated.