Problems with 2009 Chevrolet Traverse STEERING

Power steering failure while turning at low speeds. problem is worse and occurs most when trying to park. you can be halfway through your turn into a parking space and all of a sudden power steering goes out. have almost hit several parked cars just pulling into a parking space. also happens when making low speed turns on the road. very dangerous because you never know when the power steering will stop working. so far it has not happened at high speeds and hoping it never does. *tr

While taking corners at low speeds the power steering will suddenly cut out. it does not happen all the time. i have had mechanics inspect the vehicle and they cannot diagnose the problem. this is a major issue that needs to be dealt with immediately. i have called chevrolet's help line only to tell me that each case is different and i need to pay to have their mechanic look at it again. while on hold with chevrolet, a message was told to me that letters have been placed in the mail regarding the loss of power steering! i asked the representative and that recall does not involve the traverse. my mechanic said this has been a very common issue with these vehicles. *tr

While traveling at slow speeds there is a complete loss of power steering. my wife was driving and nearly hit pedestrians because she lost power steering, it is nearly impossible to steer at low speeds, like parking and turning corners. *tr

I have noticed noise in the steering column. the first 2 times i took it in for service the tech was unable to replicate the problem. the third time i took it in, they heard the noise and diagnosed a problem with the steering rack. i was told the rack needs to be replaced, and that if i did not replace the rack i would at some point lose power steering. if this occurs, i believe that it is possible that i could be involved in a collision. since the problem was diagnosed, i have noticed a vibration in the steering column that seems to be getting worse. at this point, gm is not taking responsibility for this problem, although it is such a widespread problem that a class action lawsuit has been filed in the florida court system. *tr

Vehicle has been experiencing intermittent issues with steering at low speeds. while trying to park, pull into traffic or make low speed turns, the steering will seize. *tr

Turning down a street when steering locked on me. almost hit a car and almost lost control. i had to stop and try to not go up over the curb all the while another car was coming as i was crossing. it continues to do this locking while steering into parking places as well. very scary that this happened while my children were in the car. thank you for your time in looking into this. *tr

It is difficult to steer and makes a noise when steering. had the car in to the shop and he said power steering fluid is good and to contact the dealer because there are 1,000's of complaints regarding this same very dangerous safety issue. called the dealer and they claim to have not heard of this issue. this car has had 6 recalls and now this very dangerous safety issue that had not been recalled. gm needs to take care of this. i am afraid to even drive the vehicle because of the seriousness of this. nor do i feel that the consumer should pay for the repairs when this is happening in 1000's of vehicles. it is obvious that there is yet another found problem with this vehicle. i am very disappointed in gm that they are not taking these complaints serious and fixing the vehicles. *tr

The steering wheel locked as we were parking car. it was still on drive. took it to dealer. no recall on this even though i've researched a lot of complaints about the steering on this car 2009 traverse. it makes me feel unsafe driving this car especially if it happens again as i am driving down the highway. *tr

While backing out of a parking spot, the steering column completely locked up and would not allow me to turn the wheel. i then attempted to pull forward at which time the brakes locked in place. although there were no injuries, i can't help to wonder what could've happened and what my response would have been should this had happened in traffic on the freeway. i had my daughter in the car and i am still nervous about driving this vehicle. *tr

The power steering goes out with no warning while going at slower speeds. *tr

When i attempted to turn onto a busy street with my wife's 2009 chevrolet traverse, the power steering failed and i nearly broadsided another vehicle. fortunately i was able to stop before a collision occurred. when i got home i checked the power steering fluid and it was just under the max level. my wife said she has experienced the same thing when pulling into a parking space or just turning at slower speeds but it hasn't been consistent. now in the last couple months the problem has become consistent. i have read many complaints online of the same problem with not only the traverse but with gmc acadia's and buick enclaves. *tr

2009 chevy traverse lost steering control on the freeway almost making the vehicle uncontrollable as exiting the off ramp. had care been driven by my wife, she would not have had the strength to get the vehicle under control and likely would have resulted in a serious accident. subsequent investigation on the internet revealed that hundreds and hundreds of others have experienced the same malfunction. the suv just barely turned 5 years old and has only been used in normal driving conditions. this is a very serious component defect that will ultimately cost lives, if not already. please cross reference all of the similar complaints for all of the gm lamda platform vehicles which are virtually the same vehicle, same components, but are rebadged with different bodies and interior for each gm brand. this would include saturn outlook, gmc acadia, chevrolet traverse, and buick enclave....all with the same steering components. *tr

Power steering goes out intermittently at low speeds - sharp turns pulling into parking spots, pulling out of parking spots into traffic, etc.. there are numerous reports of this on the chevy traverse forum indicating this is a known issue and that changes have been made to the 2014 model. dangerous if failing while pulling out into traffic. *tr

There is a grinding sound when turning the steering wheel regardless of speed, even sitting still but mostly at slower speeds. you can feel the vibration of the grinding in your hand through the steering wheel. sound and vibration getting worse. now at 60,000 miles. *js

Around the beginning of march my 2009 chevy traverse developed a winding sound when steering at a stop or low speed. at this time the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. the problem has progress and now the venice has little to no assistb. i saw that gm recently released a recall on several of its models with similar steering systems. i feel that the 2009-2012 chevy traverse lt should also be included.6 *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet traverse. the contact stated while traveling at an unknown speed, the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn either right or left intermittently. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the power steering needed to be flushed. the vehicle was repaired and the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who was not able to neither duplicate nor diagnose the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

While driving my car the power steering abrubtly stopped working. i was coming up to a stop sign and the steering wheel became very hard to turn. it turned out that the power steering pump had failed. luckily i was on a rural road with no traffic around me. i took it to the chevy dealer and they replaced the pump at a cost of $650. my concern is what would have happened if i was in busy traffic and the power steering unexpectedly stopped working? the outcome may have been a lot different.i have been on several chevy traverse forums and i am amazed at how many owners have had the same issue with their vehicles. i would consider this a safety issue that gm should address especially in light of the recent recall they have issued recently on other models for the same problem.

Power steering occasionally stops responding. typically occurs at low speeds and parking lot situations. the issue is random, but occurring on a much more frequent basis. i am extremely concerned as my son is just beginning to drive. if a failure were to occur with him it very well could be catastrophic. *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet traverse ltz. the contact stated that while turning into the parking garage, the power steering failed and became inoperable to turn. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer had not been made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

The power steering failed on our 2009 traverse at low speeds while pulling out of a median into traffic. this type of power steering failure has happened before.the chevrolet dealer ship said we could have the rack and pinion replaced but could not say it would fix it and if you read the other complaint on here it didn't even fix the problem so i didn't have $1500 to throw away. this is a serious safety issue. it would be impossible to avoid an accident by turning the vehicle. your only options are to stop and "man handle" the traverse into position. an elderly person or a smaller person would not be able to control the vehicle at all. gm has re-designed the newer traverse/encore/acadia steering systems, so they know a problem exists. one day someone will get killed from this steering problem and everyone will wonder why a recall wasn't issued. some type of action needs to take place with this problem. *tr

The steering is sometimes very difficult to turn at low speeds especially when parking, making a turn into driveways or at intersections. the problem is intermittent but annoying and concerning enough that made it difficult for anyone else in the family to drive the vehicle. i am a strong individual and it is embarrassing when you try to pull into or out of a parking spot and almost swipe a vehicle because of the steering difficulty. i have siphoned and replaced the fluid multiple times and it seems to help a bit but not enough to warrant a piece of mind. i have talked with the dealership and they indicated the possible options for the fix may be in the $1000 to $1400 range. i was planning to have it fixed; however, based on some of the posts, i am hesitating to have anything done if the issue seems to come back shortly after as some indicated. i am not sure why gm has not done anything about it or the government has not forced a recall on the issue. it is a safety hazard and unless there are numerous death about the problem, no one wants to do the right thing and own up to their responsibility. i would not have known that this problem is widespread if it was not for the choking and high repair cost which may or may not fix the issue according to other posts. is this issue unique to the 2009 chevy traverse? or does it include other models in the suv family (buick, gmc) and newer models? is there any class action lawsuit against gm about this? *tr

Turning in dealer lot and steering became almost impossible to turn vehicle in desired direction. almost hit a new car on lot as there was no warning power steering would fail. this has happened several times since. seems like an accident waiting to happen. i doubt my wife would have been able to handle the vehicle in this incident. gm dealer in carlsbad ca. does not admit to any knowledge of the problem but goggle has hundreds of incidents. *tr

First noticed the power steering would go out in low speeds. especially in parking lots. we have had the dealer look at it but they said they couldn't find anything wrong with it. needless to say it is still happening and is getting worse. it is now to the point it is difficult to make low speed turns on the streets and creates an extremely dangerous situation. it is only a matter of time before it causes an accident. looking online it is clear there is a safety issue with these models and should have been included in the recall for other gm cars. i think the dealer just put us off so we will have to pay a significant amount of money once our warranty is over instead of making repairs while it was still under warranty. gm needs to do the right thing and include this in a recall before someone dies in an accident. *tr

The power steering on my 2009 chevy traverse does not work at low speeds (15 mph or less). pulling into parking spaces is a major issue as it reverts to manual steering or no steering. it became an issue in january, but was not as reproducible. now any time at low speeds there is no power steering. gm want to charge 1300 to fix, but based on other complaints, the work they want does not solve their issue. with gm's track record of hiding the truth and the number of people reporting the same issue, this should be taken seriously. i understand gm's stance that it is only an inconvenience when parking, but i would like assurances that it won't start to fail at 20mph or higher. *tr

I have a 2009 chevy traverse, bought brand new. when backing out and turning out of my driveway, my steering was beyond stiff. i had to use excessive force to turn and there was a loud clunking noise when i did. this steering problem occurred at lower speeds up to about 20 mph or so. it occurred whether i was turning right or left, moving forward or backwards. when turning left and/or right, (not from a stop sign) i had to pull the wheel very hard to keep from going into the oncoming lane. assuming the problem was a lack of steering fluid, i went to a les schwab to have it checked and filled, but that wasn't the problem. the next day i took it to a shop and the mechanic believes the problem to be the power steering sensor?? the car is there now so i don't know the results yet. prior to this incident, i was driving down the freeway and when changing lanes the steering stiffened and resisted almost causing me to hit the median. i have had many issues with this vehicle since buying it. issues that wouldn't be expected from a vehicle this new. *tr

While slowing to make a turn, the power steer stopped working. it has happened intermittently ever since, even when trying to park the vehicle...07/02/14 *bf

After car warms up, no power steering at speeds under 20 mph. *tr

Towards the end of 2013 my wife and i started noticing the steering being really difficult and locking up on some occasions pulling into parking spaces and parallel parking. we experienced some near misses where the steering locked and felt like we were going to collide with the vehicle in the next parking space. we took our car to the dealership in june 2014 to have the air bag recall done and a state inspection. we also told the dealer that the coolant level was consistently staying low and the steering almost locks up at times. the dealer said the steering gear (or rack and pinion) was bad. the dealer would not pass the inspection. state inspections are performed to ensure safe vehicle conditions. if a gm dealer is not willing to perform a state inspection they are admitting this is a safety issue. the dealer performed the air bag fix, and replaced the water pump (from the coolant level complaint, prior tsb). they said the steering gear fix would have to be scheduled the following week. after two days the check engine light came on (c1100 and p00008). we scheduled the appointment to have the steering gear replaced because we were unsure if the steering would lock up on a normal turn while driving. the dealer said the c1100 was a loose cable at the control board and the p00008 was a bad timing chain (replaced under a prior tsb). the steering gear was replaced and the cost was $1,552. after reading similar complaints from other owners of chevy traverse vehicles this is a systemic issue due to a poor design steering gear. gm should make the right decision and stand behind their quality in a proactive way and issue a recall to have these steering gears replaced before someone gets injured. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet traverse. the contact stated that while making a right turn, the power steering failed as the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 97,000.

While turning to the left or right the steering seems to lockup like the power steering is not working and you have to try to muscle the steering wheel to make the turn. *tr

At low speeds the power steering will stop working. the problem is intermittent and with out warning. while driving the operators must be extremely cautious so that they do not wreck the vehicle when the problem occurs. *tr

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. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet traverse. the contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, the power steering failed without warning. the power steering reset independently within moments. the failure recurred numerous times. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the power steering pump, power steering shaft and rack and pinion were replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 62,000.

I have been having the following problems: steering wheel whining and grinding steering froze/stuck while turning steering wheel shaking this is scary considering i'm driving this vehicle everyday with 3 small kids in the car. after doing an online search it's not hard to find that everyone with the same vehicle is having the same problems. *tr

At low speeds, in both drive mode @ 20 mph or less and in reverse, steering loses power. the first sign of trouble came @60k miles when trying to turn left and gradually affected turning in either direction. it is nearly impossible to navigate the car in a parking lot and don't even try to parallel park. it is so hard to turn the wheel i break out in a sweat from having to crank it so hard. it has now been going on for 10 months. my daughter would like to take her driving test but can't because of the steering issue. i have to rent a car so she can get her license. reported it to my local chevy technician back in december 2013 when i was in for an oil change. car port said he noticed it as well when bringing car around front after my appointment. have had three separate technicians look at the issue, over the last 6 months, two different chevy dealerships and ntb, and they had only guesses as to what might be causing the problem or how to fix it. *tr

In october 2013 i noticed that i was losing power steering whenever i made a left hand turn. it was intermittent and did not occur when i took it to dealership to be checked. it continues when turning left and now also occurs when turning right from a stop. in addition when i am trying to back out, it locks up completely then releases once i start moving. i have only experienced this at low speed 20-30 mph and hope i never have to find out that it happens at high speed too. *tr

At low speeds, power steering failed rendering the vehicle incapable of turning. backing out driveway became difficult because the steering wheel would refuse to turn. parking in parking spots was difficult. when turning, the power steering would fail creating a dangerous situation if unable to turn in a timely manner such as making left turns through oncoming traffic in, what would be considered normal circumstances. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet traverse. the contact stated that the power steering was rough which made it difficult to make left and right turns at low speeds on multiple occasions. the contact had to apply force to turn the steering wheel. the vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. the failure recurred for several months. an independent mechanic diagnosed that the power steering motor needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 72000. updated 5/27/14*cn the consumer stated gm paid $1100 of the $1900. updated 08/07/14

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.

I have replaced my power steering twice. the first time i had to replace all the hoses to the power steering. now this time i am having to replace the entire power steering system at a cost of $1,500.00. i have a 2009 chevrolet traverse. it was bought with 30,000 miles now has 90,000 miles. i'm very disappointed in gm regarding this. everyone is having same issues and i feel gm should own up to this. all athens chevrolet keeps saying is "we know we have a problem but it would cost way to much money to recall this". *tr

At low speeds such as pulling out of my driveway, pulling into parking spaces and turning onto a street from a stop the power steering in my 2009 chevy traverse appears to be failing making the vehicle nearly impossible to turn. it is very difficult to turn the steering wheel when this happens and i am worried this is going to happen when a person or another vehicle is in my way causing a severe incident.

My 2009 chevy traverse with approx. 68000 miles has begun to show a lack of power steering at very low speeds. as the rpm's are increased the normal function returns. my concern is that the power steering will go out completely; possibly at highway speeds. *tr

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. *js

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. *tr

Steering failed while driving on rural two-lane highway. i was unable to turn the steering wheel in either direction. i was able to edge the vehicle off the highway and avoid a collision with other vehicles with great difficulty. vehicle towed to chevrolet dealer and was advised power steering pump failed. pump was replaced on 16. august 2013. on 20. august 2013 steering again became difficult at low speeds. vehicle was returned to dealer and was advised both replacement pump and steering rack need to replaced. the consumer continued to experience minor hesitations in the steering, until august 20, 2013 when he experienced a loss of steering assist at low rpm's. the vehicle was taken to the original dealer, where he was informed power steering fluid was contaminated. the second dealer informed the consumer the wrong fluid was put in the vehicle. updated 10/31/13

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet traverse. while turning the vehicle at 20 mph, the power steering failed. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 60,000.

While attempting to perform a left hand turn after receiving a green light, the steering wheel became extremely stiff. continues to be a constant problem with a whining noise coming from steering wheel. took to chevy dealer and they said rack "beginning to seep." quoted me $1300 to fix but i believe there should be an investigation into this issue since so many other traverse owners are experiencing the same problem. *tr

Steering wheel has locked up on my wife multiple times will driving. we have taken it to the chevy dealer 3 times and no problem detected dropped it off today at another dealer for them to look at. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet traverse. the contact was driving approximately 5 mph when the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. the contact indicated the defect was only present when driving the vehicle at low speeds. the vehicle was taken to a local dealer but not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 50,000.

The power steering does not work i have seen online many complaints about this problem, ia lower speeds the powering steering cuts out not i have the strength to turn the car with much effort but a woman will not be able to turn the car and if they are facing oncoming traffic someone is going to be hurt the steering on the traverse need to be fixed a recall on this vehicle for safety reasons. *tr