Power Steering Fluid Problems of Chevrolet Traverse - part 2

Took vehicle in to get check engine light issue looked at (timing belt issue, not a recall, but covered by chevy). While they had the engine tore down, they informed us that there was a fluid leak with the power steering gear and was going to cost $1,400 to fix as it was not covered under warranty. This was hard to believe given that the car only has 34,000 miles. Chevy subsequently reduced the cost to $900. We were also told that chevy had covered the repair cost for some vins for this same issue; but our VIN was not covered. Looking at posts on the internet; this issue can lead to a loss of power steering while moving, very concerning and there should be a recall. Fortunately, this issue was identified in the shop and not while we were driving.

See all problems of the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse 🔎.

The initial problem started in Dec. 2014 while turning at low speeds while parking especially when it was very cold out. The power steering seems to go out and it is really hard to turn. This happened every once in a while. I took it to a chevy dealer because I received a TSB in the mail. The chevy dealer said that the problem was not covered under the bulletin because my steering gear is leaking which is not part of the TSB. My power steering fluid is still full. Cost to repair would be $1701. 09. My vehicle is exhibiting the same problems as two TSB but the dealer still says it is not covered. Now in April 2015 the problem is happening all the time even while driving and turning at normal speeds. This is a huge safety issue and should be addressed by chevy. I don't understand how a known safety issue is not covered!.

At very low speeds (when parking in a parking stall or parallel parking) our power steering starts to seize up and the wheel becomes very difficult to turn. . . In fact it takes every ounce of my petite body to get it to turn. Upon bringing it in we have learned that there is a warranty extension out on this very issue and also received a letter indicating that. Unfortunately they could not duplicate the issue therefore the fix was not completed. I would think that any type of steering failure that comes without an indicator warning light should be considered a "safety item". We have also had a clunking noise coming from the steering column since we purchased the vehicle and gets worse when it¿s cold out. Also we now have a power steering wheel gear leak and the dealership indicated to us that they also thought that the leak might be a part of the problem which is also alarming for again the fact that I am losing power steering with no warning light indicator. I do not believe this to be the root of our issue because if it was a fluid level issue it would be more consistent rather than an intermittent issue. I find it kind of strange that all of the sudden we have all these power steering issues all at once and yet other gm models are being offered life time warranties on some of these same issues. I have opened a case with gm about the failure when it comes to turning the steering wheel because of the fact that it has yet to be resolved and gm has already recognized the issue in the warranty extension and has an obligation to fix it. We first noticed this issue since the middle of summer 2014. We will soon have a child taking driving lessons with this vehicle and we are almost afraid that we will lose 100% power steering because of these issues while he is driving and he will have no idea what to do which is a scary thought!.

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.

See all problems of the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse 🔎.

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.

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.

My 2010 Traverse had a power steering fluid leak in July, 2014. Took it to the local dealer who replaced the power steering pump at my cost of $800. Afterwards, I received a letter from gm stating this was a known issue and they would reimburse for any repairs. I continue to have power steering problems. Replacement of the pump was only a partial fix. This has created a safety issue. Today I was told the power steering gear needs replacing at my cost of $1,200. Based on gm's confession that there are known and documented power steering issues, all parts of my power steering system should be paid for and repaired by gm.

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.

I first noticed an occasional hard steering into parking spaces or turning corners. The problem now occurs every time the vehicle is driven. Power steering fluid levels have been checked and noted to be adequate. No leaks from under the hood exist. The difficult steering, and I mean absolute loss of control of my steering happens at low speeds, from a complete stop to less than 20 mph, as when pulling into parking spaces or maneuvering around street corners, curbs, or medians. I have also noticed the loss of control when decelerating around highway on/off-ramps when my speed nears 30 or less mph. The steering becomes worse than "manual" steering and requires absolute force/man-handling of the steering wheel to complete the intended task, then as rapidly as the steering went out, it comes back again when I least expect it, causing over-steering through my maneuver. My husband also has difficulty maneuvering the vehicle when it converts to "manual" steering. The problem is so incredibly dangerous. I have ran into curbs and medians, thankfully not a pedestrian or fellow driver's car. Multiple complaints about the same issues, even after costly replacement/repairs of power steering pumps and steering rack and pinions, leads me to believe there is a serious defect with my steering system and gm needs to investigate and correct the problem immediately! it is a matter of time before fatalities begin to occur from this problem.

During slow speed turns (~20 mph), as when turning in a parking lot to park the vehicle or turn into a driveway, there is a sudden loss of power steering making it very difficult to nearly impossible to continue turning the vehicle. When the problem first started happening months ago it was an intermittent problem for part of the turn and only when you turned to the left. Now it is happening more freequently and for longer durations of time as well as when you turn to the right. Had to stop, backup and retry parking the vehicle a few times. Power steering fluid level is fine. No fluid leakage that I've noticed. Extremely concerned this may start happening at higher speeds / highway / expressway driving. Lack of confidence in this vehicle now for long trips.

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.

At slow speeds (under 25 mph) power steering fails making it very difficult to steer. No accidents yet, but there have been numerous close calls entering driveways or making turns at intersections where I could not steer tightly when the power assists goes out - barely missing other vehicles and pedestrians. Repair shop stated that fluid levels are fine, the pump is working, and there are no leaks in the system. Dealer service stated that there are no recalls. Now that I have over 100,000 miles I am being told I will be responsible for all repair costs.

I purchased my gm vehicle from a dealership in south burlington, vermont, in September 2010. I have driven it for just three and a half years with just 55,000 miles on it, and now after a routine service visit (lube oil and filter, transmission fluid, air filter, and winter tire change) I am now being told that the steering rack and front struts are leaking and will cost $2,262 to repair. Absurd. I was told that it's a safety issue and must be done because my car will now not pass inspection. I have never had to spend that much money on a car repair, much less a car that is relatively new with so few miles on it. In addition, on a side note, my check engine light is now on after the dealership completed the air bag recall on the vehicle. Because my husband and I were so shocked at the steering rack and strut quote, I decided to do some research and have now discovered it's a very common problem in these vehicles, and there is a class action lawsuit out of California. General motors has allegedly been aware of this problem for several years and continues to sell the vehicle. I have four children in my car, and although the service technician told me that my car is safe to drive until I need it inspected in August, after all I have researched, I am afraid my steering will give out on the highway. I truly hope that something will be done to address this apparently widespread safety defect in these cars.

On Sunday I noticed a reddish fluid under the front right corner of the vehicle that had leaked out onto the garage floor. On Thursday I took the vehicle in for regular maintenance and have the water pump recall taken care of and had mentioned to the service tech about the fluid I had noticed. The service tech called me later that day to inform me that the mechanic had found that the fluid was coming from the power steering pump and that the rack and pinion had to be replaced at a cost of $1400. 00. The vehicle is just over 4 years old and to have this problem is unacceptable. In doing research into power steering failure on this particular Chevrolet vehicle, there are numerous consumers with the same issue related to the power steering components. The service tech said that this is a safety issue. If this is a reoccurring problem, a recall should be issued to have gm replace the power steering components before there are major accidents because of this. As of this writing, I'm waiting on a decision from the dealership to see if they would replace the power steering unit at gm's cost. Again, this is unacceptable.

I contacted gm and they are contacting the dealer where I purchased my 2010 Traverse. Having the car only 6 months and found the steering was locking up called dealer and they checked out the car, needs power steering fluid because its leaking and the steering gear box needs replaced. 1,310 just to fix the car. Why is there no recall?? I have small children and we bought this for a family vehicle. Now I shouldn't even be driving it and how will I get to work? something needs to be done. Atleast Toyota fixes there vehicles at no cost to the customer. Gm cant even do anything for theres just take there money.

I took the listed vehicle to the shop for its yearly state inspection. They informed me that rack and pinion needed to be replaced, that is was leaking fluid. Before this I did notice a whining sound when I turned the vehicle at low speeds also harder to turn.

During 15mph turn power steering failed and it was extremely difficult to manage the turn. I narrowly avoided hitting another vehicle which was waiting to enter the intersection. Took vehicle to dealer on 11/5/13 who replaced the water pump because the coolant leaking on belt caused the belt to slip, which is turn caused the power steering to fail. 12/27/13 brought car back to dealer because initial steering problem was occurring again. This time we were told steering rack and pinion is leaking fluid and we were advised to replace this.

See all problems of the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse 🔎.

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.

No incident occurred, but I had the autonation delray beach, FL gm dealership service technician look into why the steering wheel would squeal when making slow speed turns, with the sharper the turn, the louder the squeal. Reading the other posts, I am guessing he knew right away what the noise was from without really having to investigate. After their "inspection", the gm service rep gave me a call and indicated that the steering rack needed to be replaced because it was leaking fluid. And this leak would over time cause internal parts to overheat and potentially cause a lack in steering capabilities. After saying yes to the repairs/replacement, I started thinking that this might be something that should be covered under the warranty. As was the experience with other posters, the gm service rep indicated gm is currently not considering this a warranty repair or recall repair. As taxpayers, don't we still own a part of gm? or maybe they were able to pay us back using the costly repairs dollars we have been paying out for repairs that I would say definitely fall under the recall category? I feel fortunate steering never locked up on me, but it sounds like these repairs to the steering components don't guarentee no future issues.

Our 2010 chevy Traverse ltz is currently in the shop reference heater/defroster not working and engine light coming on. The vehicle has been in the shop several times this year for ac problems, fluid leaks and numerous sensors failing. The steering problem was discussed with repair facility on several occasions. The problem according to them could not be duplicated. We had to ask the dealership personal to physically set in the vehicle and attempt to turn the steering wheel. A new power steering pump and return hose was replaced total cost $658. 93. At present this has solved the problem. Approximate total cost this year for repairs $3100. 00. At this point we have no confidence in general motor products of anykind. We have all documentation for these claims.

This car started having problems with making turns at slow speeds about a year ago. Has been getting worse, despite adding power steering fluid. Fluid not leaking. Have found many reports about this problem from others online. Have also found a class action lawsuit that has been started appx 1 year ago. I noticed that gm has recalled the chevy malibu for power steering problems, but not the Traverse. This is a very dangerous problem. I must have it fixed, but do not have the money to do it. Should be covered by gm. Is a defect with the design.

My 2010 chevy Traverse lt loses steering power in situations when I am slowing down and initiating a turn or when maneuvering in a driveway or parking lot where short turns are required. The wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn. I am concerned that it will put me in a dangerous situation since there is no telling when it will happen. It does not happen every time I drive, but it has become progressively more common. Steering fluid is full and there is no evidence of leaks. Given gm's recent history in stonewalling necessary recalls, I hope they make this right or a recall is required before anybody is injured or killed.

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.

At slow speeds such as entering a parking space or making a turn onto a side street the steering simply locks up. More difficult than simply driving a car without power steering. No accident yet but my wife drives it daily and I'm afraid its only a matter of time before she gets hit due to lack of ability to react quickly. I have found hundreds of Traverse owners having the same issues with the same vehicle at the same mileage. This needs to be addressed by gm. A recall needs put into effect as repairs are costly. Ive seen from$850 to over a thousand. This is too costly and important a repair for an automobile with such low mileage. Fluid levels were found to be low once. Fluid was topped off but issue remains. Absutely no signs of leak under vehicle. It is spotless.

Noted power steering fluid in driveway. Had it diagnosed at the dealership as a leak from the steering column. Was told the steering gear assembly had to be replaced at a $1300 charge. I've researched the issue and found many, many complaints regarding this same problem. I have also read complaints that various repairs had been made to solve the steering problems with other Traverses, but still problems with the steering system occur. I'm concerned my steering may go out entirely during travel and end up in a fatality. A recall should be required to rectify this issue.

Power steering failed without warning while turning left onto a side street from a stop, nearly a traffic crash with oncoming traffic. Following the initial incident, the problem occurred at lower speeds of less than 30 mph while coasting, foot off gas, around corners and curves. Problem persistent, absolutely no power assisted steering in parking lots at low speeds and trying to park. Problem corrected itself while accelerating, or by raising engine rpm's. Upon checking, power steering pump reservoir, it was found to be dry. Upon filling pump, there was no change to the problem. Taken to dealer, diagnosed the problem as a pump bearing failure. Approximately 1 month prior, 75,000 mile service performed by dealer, power steering fluid checked by dealer, found to be full at that time. Power steering pump replaced, system flushed, no leaks found. Dealer advised of an ongoing problem with power steering pump failure to this make and model, but no recall by gm. Repair cost between $750, for pump and flush, and $1200 with other system problems. Due to disabilities, unable to steer vehicle, had to turn driving over to another person in the vehicle. Definitely a safety issue!.

Car began to emit a groan noise while turning and only got worse from there. Today leaking p/s fluid a plenty. Dealership relates need for new power steering pump and steering rack along with an alignment. Total estimated cost: $1625. 00.

Vehicle had been parked in garage when we noticed pink fluid under car. Took it to local repair shop where they diagnosed the power steering gear valve solenoid is leaking. Have to take it to dealer for repair. Dealer has already replaced steering gear input housing (10-29-12) and said they had 4 Traverses in with the same problem that week.

Bought this 2009 chev Traverse used in 2011 w 17,000mi. In 2012 at approx 40,000 mi, out of warranty (of course) I notice that in a slow or stopped position and trying to turn the wheel (ie backed out of driveway in reverse at slight angle, put into drive to finish turn to drive away, the power steering acts like it is gone and is now manual steering. This doesn't happen every time but is very intermittent. Next time into dealer on transmission seal recall, I mentioned this as it continued for about a year, happening every day for a week, nothing for two weeks, again for a week, etc. When they did the recall work on the seal, it also stopped the random failure of the power steering. Always at low speed or stopped, either direction. Now at 72,000 mi, it is still doing it more often. Gave up on dealer and had a shop power flush the steering system. Did not fix the failure. Had a real battle turning the wheel when adjusting my parking into a stall in a parking garage. Very frustrating. I see other gm vehicles getting recalled for power steering issues. Hoping mine is next. Was told next would be to either replace the power steering pump at approx $800 or the rack and pinion at approx $1800. Not excited about either but if continues to worsen, won't have much choice. Very disappointed in this vehicle and poor service at the dealer where I bought it. Will not go back for service or to buy, period. I see others mentioning what reads like the same exact issue in this forum. I too am very concerned about family members driving it as well as myself if it occurs at higher speed and motion. No leaks and shop said pwr steering fluid level was fine before flush. Said they didn't know but I said try the flush which was the less expensive option, thinking something was flowing and blocking the pump action. What is the story gm?.

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.

Chevy Traverse has had a funny noise when making sharp turns since purchase. Took back to dealer and they said power steering fluid low. This has happened for 5 years. Finally when out of manufacturer warranty I am told it needs new power steering pump. I found recall to get it paid for, but power steering fluid still leaking. They now say I need new rack and pinion assembly. Cost of at least $1200 for something that has been a problem since I have owned the vehicle. Why will Chevrolet fix part of the problem, but not all of it. What happens if I wait to fix and power steering goes out and someone gets hurt? sounds like a quick lawsuit for Chevrolet. I think its time to pay for your mistake!!!!.