Problems with 2011 Chevrolet Traverse STEERING

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.

Power steering seems to fail at low speeds affecting turning, as into parking spots, garage, etc. wheel almost seems to freeze in place becoming all but impossible to turn. not noticable at driving speeds. has been happening on and off for over a year. my local mechanic mentioned a recall but my vin number did not come up on the list.

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.

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.

I purchased this vehicle in january 2017 with one owner having had it. here it is now 2 years later and i have numerous problems with my vehicle. some other owners have had but it still isn't part of a recall. the past year i have already spent over $1000 to fix it. items already replaced include several sensors, wheel bearing, power steerig pump and a battery. what still needs replacing: rack and pinyon, shocks and struts, and i have an electrical problem. currently, my windows go down but won't go up because there is an intermittent electrical problem and my radio cuts in and out. i am still paying for the car and no one is helping. other users have reported some of the same thing. if i go to my mechanic he tells me there are thousands of service announcements. but when i look at my make and model there is only 4 recalls and if i go by vin specifically there is none. this is ridiculous ! someone should help. with a car that isn't 'that old' i shouldn't be having this many issues. i have 154,039 miles on it. it isn't safe. my window is stuck right now i'm the down position. i can move it down more but not up. i have 3 kids. my car seems to not work more than it does. nothing like screwing over the little guy...chevy number one on safety ya right

**power steering recall*** i was driving my vehicle and in the mist of driving my vehicle steering became hard. as i went to make a turn my steering locked up and i could not make a turn without the use of force. when i had the vehicle towed to the mechanic i was told the power steering pump went out and power steering racket pinon needed to be replaced.

Bought the suv used & i love it untill a couple wks ago tryed turning out of my parking space & noticed my power steering was gone it was really hard to turn! if i can push on the gas be pedal at all the power steering will free up & i can turn! but it goes in and out without any knowing! really disappointed! it's difficult to turn into a parking spot or sometimes to make a sharp turn onto another street or into parking lots with on coming traffic, i have to always prepare myself for it to go out!!!

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.

I was driving on the highway and the vehicle shut off while i was driving at 70 mph. lost power steering and brakes out of no where which is when i noticed the rpms was at 0. after we, by the grace of god, made it to the side of the road safely, we had it towed to a garage where the said the timing chain came off and ruined the engine and that it is a common problem and could be fixed for around $5600. the vehicle has 65k miles and blew up? its a common problem for a vehicle to shut off on the highway and i wasn't warned that this vehicle has this kind of history and gm don't recognize this is a problem!

The steering is whining while turning, i have seen multiple complaints of steering failure. moving and stationary.

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.

When i was turning into the gas station my wheels locked up my steering wheel locked up and i could not turn my steering wheel at all to the left or to the right . i put my car in park went around the car to look and see if anything was wrong around the tires nothing looked unusual got back in my car put it in drive and the steering wheel was able to unlock very scary not having control of my vehicle . when this occurred my vehicle was in motion driving into the gas station coming toward the pump when the steering locked up.

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.

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?

Losing power steering fluid at the rack and pinion , had to have it replaced. this is a common problem with the traverse and buick enclave. i think gm should repair or pay for repair of this problem.

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. while making a right turn at 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.

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 steering is hard at low speeds. trying to pull into a parking spot the car doesn't want to turn easily. at other times it works fine.

I own a 2011 chevy traverse with just over 80,000 miles. i was driving along the street and stopped to make a left hand against traffic, as i moved my power steering locked. i managed to complete the turn without the power steering. i took the car to my local repair shop who informed me that the power steering pump had failed and that there was also a leak in the steering rack. they advised me to take it to the dealer as it was a known fault and should be repaired for free. i took it to the chevy dealer who said that as there was a leak it was not covered by general motors as the failure was due to normal wear and tear. there was no mention of the steering pump by the dealer. if it is a known fault gm and dealers should do a recall before someone is killed.

Tl* 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

I purchase the brand new chevy traverse in aug 2011, about 2 years ago i was making a u-turn and the vehicle stuck on the road and would not turn, called the dealer and they said turn off the car and re start in 2 minutes. i had around 20,000 miles at time. currently i have about 27k miles and 6 months ago i mention that we have some noise coming out when we turn the steering, dealer checked during my oil change visit and said its all normal. the noise was getting worst so took the car again at 25k miles and they checked in detail and said rack and pinion is gone bad, i was shocked that at 25k miles how this can be possible? they said its vehicle and anything can happen, they charging me $1861.00 to replace as it is not in warranty. this is ridiculous that at 25k-27k miles, gm measure component break downs and there is no recall, i feel me and my family in danger on the road driving the unsafe vehicle from gm/chevy

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. while driving various speeds and attempting to turn left, the steering column made an abnormal whining sound. the contact also stated that the turn would be extremely hard to execute. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear and pump needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 84,522.

While driving approx 20 mph out of a parking lot onto the main road and turning left, i heard a loud whining sound and felt a "thump" with some vibration in the steering column. the car continues to make the same sound when making sharper turns, like going into a parking space. i was told by the dealership that i have a power steering leak and need a new steering rack to the tune of $1300-1600 repair! this car only has 33,146 miles. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. while driving approximately 10 mph, the engine warning indicator illuminated and the steering wheel seized. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering pump failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. in addition, the engine warning indicator remained illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

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.

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.

2011 chevrolet traverse rack and pinion leak and timing belt light came on. car is well maintained, driven easy and has only 93000 miles on it. gm says it is not covered...

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. while driving approximately 10 mph, a loud sound emitted from the front of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion and the power steering pump failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact mentioned that the rack and pinion was previously replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 46,000. updated 08/29/16 *bf updated 08/30/16.*jb

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! [xxx] p.s. if anyone is interested in the special policy number and amendment please contact me. i have numbers to call also. :) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

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

Gm dealership service department found "whining" noise caused by power steering leak. replaced power steering gear at a cost of $1781. a "service bulletin" was issued by gm regarding this issue in 2014. it promised reimbursement for this repair for 10 years from date car was placed into service, but only until september 2015. clearly, this is a known defect in the traverse.

(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

For the past month or so, i kept on hearing a humming noise from the engine. the steering seem to be very stiff. i took it to the dealer and they told me that it needs a new power steering rack and pump. the car just rolled 62,000 miles which is too early for those type of issues

Tl* 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.

We have many issues with our family car 2011 traverse one being our power steering whining noise and it get really loud that we are having our 2nd issue in less then 4 months. we are just finding out they put a remanufactured part and master cylinder leaking into booster.. i drive with extreme care daily..

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.

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. the contact stated that a pulley was found in the driveway on the ground by his vehicle and the power steering failed. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the idle pulley fractured and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified. the approximate failure mileage was 78,183.

Tl* 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.