2009 Chevrolet Traverse: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Feb 26, 2018 · Steering · LA

Power steering makes odd, high-pitched squeaking noises, sometimes chatters and has completely failed on several occasions. This has been happening since we purchased the car in 2011 with only about 12,000 miles. I have asked the dealership about this every time the car was serviced and was told this is normal. I don't see how it's normal to be driving a car and suddenly have no steering. I am honestly scared every time I leave my driveway that this will cause an accident and injure someone. Now, the dealer finally admits there is something wrong - needs power steering pump and rack & pinion. But it now has 94,000 miles, so they won't repair it.

Filed Oct 19, 2015 · Steering · 58,900 miles · NJ

We had a power steering noise. Took to our chevy dealership. Recommended power steering pump replacement under special coverage 14329(bulletin/extended warranty) they found fluid leaking out of the front rack power steering boots. Recommended replacing rack & pinion & proforming a front end alignment at a cost of $1119.05 to me. We feel that this repair should be covered by gm since it is also all part of the power steering system. We discovered thru the internet that there is a class action lawsuit on the 2009 traverse steering system.

Filed Jul 27, 2015 · Steering · 4,000 miles · SC

Steering made noise within first year of purchase. Was told nothing was wrong with vehicle after each scheduled service. Steering became stiffer and noisier over time. Paid $1,100 to replace the steering housing and other related parts in july, 2015.

Filed Nov 20, 2014 · Steering · 78,000 miles · IL

I originally took vehicle to dealer to replace the timing chain. When I got the vehicle back the power steering was making a loud noise. The dealer said the power steering was fine. Approximately 6 months later I take the vehicle back to the dealer for recalls and leaking coolant. Power steering still loud. Tech found leak from rack and pinion. I am glad that my steering did not fail like other complaints. I was lucky that my vehicle had a coolant leak and the tech found the leaking rack and pinion while fixing the coolant leak. My wife drives this vehicle each day with my 3 kids and having the steering fail while in traffic could have been horrible. It is obvious this is an issue in the 2009 traverse and is a safety issue.

Filed Dec 4, 2012 · Steering · 64,000 miles · VA

When making turns at slow rates of speed, around 30 MPH. Steering becomes extremely difficult to turn, making it nearly impossible to maintain control of the vehicle. Does not happen regularly but is happening more often. Power steering fluid checks okay. During some instances steering will make popping noises, this happens when turning either left or right.

Filed Sep 30, 2011 · Engine · 98,231 miles · GA

Approximately a week after taking it to dealership for diagnostic check on steering problems, my truck started making noise. I took it to several mechanics and they all seem to think it was related to the timing chain. As time progressed the noise got exceedingly worse and used an extensive amount of gas. My car is currently not operating and it has approximately 120k miles. I contacted gm and they stated the problem occurred due to the amount of usage. After checking the website www.chevytraverseforum.com I discovered that many other consumers experienced the same problem; however, their usage was much lower, I.e. 19k posted by cotton-smith, 20k heather and mark, 21k judih, to name a few. Sensor code was p0017 I contacted the gm consumer line listed on their website to no avail. Requesting an investigation be conducted on the issues relating to timing chains/engine problems.

Filed Aug 25, 2011 · Steering · 35,900 miles · OH

When my vehicle was 2 years old and had approximately 35,900 miles, I started hearing a low whining noise in the steering column whenever the steering wheel was turned. The intermittent noise continued, so I had the vehicle serviced on 2/18/11 with mileage of 36,379. The dealership was unable to duplicate the noise. The noise continued getting worse; became louder and constant. I had the vehicle serviced on 8/24/11 with mileage of 44,248. The dealership determined the steering gear was failing and needed replacement. Since the vehicle was no longer under warranty, I had to pay $1212.80. It's very disheartening to have a repair of this magnitude on a 2 year old vehicle with low mileage. I purchased this traverse brand new to avoid the costly repairs of older vehicles. Apparently, I made a bad decision. This vehicle has already had 3 safety recalls and the steering gear should be made the 4th.

Filed Jul 13, 2011 · Steering · 53,000 miles · WI

I began noticing that my steering wheel would make a clicking noise. Then a while later, I began to notice it was increasingly harder to make sharp left/right turns into parking spaces. I took in my vehicle at 53,000 miles and they said the steering gear had failed. It took 2 days to repair and almost $1400. Then I'm driving the car less than a day and can't again turn into a parking space. I cranked the wheel with all my might to get it parked. I took my car back and they now say it's a power steering failure! Why does a 2 1/2 yr old car have failing parts?!

Filed Mar 29, 2011 · Steering · 40,000 miles · MO

Loud thumping noise when turning the steering wheel. Sounded like something fell out of the front end of the car. Car dealership replaced rack and pinion and bled power steering and set toe. Found noise traced to internal rack failure which caused clunk when turned back and forth. Repaired 3/2011

Filed Jun 24, 2010 · Steering · 11,768 miles · 00

Steering wheel whining noise when turning. Pulsating and a stiff turning in a parking lot or when going slow. Dealer replaced sic coil, fixed temporary.

Filed Jun 24, 2010 · Steering · 17,587 miles · 00

Steering wheel whining noise when turning. Pulsating and a stiff turning in a parking lot or when going slow. Dealer is now going to replace the steering rack.

Filed Mar 18, 2010 · Steering · 12,800 miles · KY

Steering wheel makes strange noise when turning the steering wheel. Pulsating and a little stiffer turning in a parking lot or going slow.