2011 Chevrolet Traverse: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Mar 8, 2018 · Engine · 115,000 miles · MN

My traverse started at the beginning of winter randomly having the engine light come on then the vehicle would ding and I would get a message of "service traction control" then "service stabilitrack" and then it would ding again and I would get the message "reduced engine power" after a couple months this happened every time I started the car and was finally able to take it in to have the code read. Turns out the throttle body was shot. Gm replaced this under an extended warranty. Well upon picking my vechel up I was told the rear o2 sensor was shot, they wanted to charge me $250 to replace it, I opted out and my husband, an on the side mechanic, fixed it for a total of $30. Service light still on after new o2 sensor. My vehicle was also making a weird sound at this time which I described to my husband as a grinding. They hooked it up to the computer again and said that they gave me the wrong info last time that it was the front o2 sensor that was bad but that was the only code. So I ordered another o2 sensor for my husband to fix... 2 days later my service engine light started flashing at me. I immediately pulled over and shut my vehicle off. I called the local dealership to again ask if another code was thrown, was told no... Drove my vehicle home and my husband drove it. He knew it was the timing chain. He called the local dealership once more and they quoted us at $2500 to replace as the entire motor has to come out. He called to a different dealership 40 miles away and it was $1900 to fix. I got on the phone with gm and wanted to know if there was any recalls as this is a very common problem and at this time there are not so they didn't cover any of the cost!!! I have a cousin who also has a 2011 traverse and it is currently sitting at the shop with the exact same problem, however hers also needs the catalytic converter replaced!!

Filed Mar 8, 2017 · Steering · 47,000 miles · WA

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.

Filed Nov 15, 2016 · Brakes · TN

Had a squeaking noise when applying brake pedal. Took it to a mechanic who said the the brake booster and master cylinder had to be replaced because it was leaking and causing the problem. Could eventually lead to braking issues. They also stating this was a common problem with the chevrolet traverse make and model. Should be a recall issue and not a $600 fix for me.

Filed Jul 11, 2016 · Steering · 80,000 miles · NJ

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.

Filed Jan 6, 2016 · Steering · 67,000 miles · CA

After noticing a grinding noise when turning at low speed, chevrolet dealership states the power steering is leaking fluid internally and could result in loss of steering while driving. Repair estimate is $1,700.00, not covered by warranty due to mileage. While reviewing complaints related to chevrolet traverse steering it is apparent that this is a very common problem. If you check "carcomplaints.com" under 2011 chevrolet traverse steering problems you will see that the majority of complaints are the same as ours. Given that loss of steering while driving is obviously a safety concern, coupled with the volume of complaints regarding this issue, I was hoping the federal safety agency could look into it (if they weren't already). Several of the complaints I read were regarding vehicles with under 40,000 miles. It seems this may well be a defective or poorly designed steering system.

Filed May 13, 2015 · Steering, Transmission · 36,300 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer because of a grinding noise emerging from the engine every time a turn was made. The technician diagnosed that the power steering unit was faulty and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,300. Updated 09/18/15

Filed Dec 8, 2014 · Seat belts, Steering · 42,000 miles · PA

On august 6, 2014 we had our vehicle serviced by the dealer due to an airbag recall and at the time the vehicle had 38,000 miles. Shortly there after we noticed a grinding noise when we made a right hand turn. At first it happened intermittently but eventually it became noticeable at low rates of speed (5 - 10 MPH). Today we took the vehicle to the dealership for the third recall this being the power steering pump. We were informed that this was covered by gm but we also had a leak in our rack and pinion and it would cost $1200 to repair. We intend to fight this since it appears it may be linked to the steering recall. We also have noticed that the driver side seat belt has cut a groove into the plastic seatbelt cover near the shoulder harness. We were told that this was not related to the earlier seat belt recall which had been serviced. This could effect the integrity of the seat belt system if the belt gets snagged by the plastic groove which has appeared. This should not happen with a car that is less than 3 years old.

Filed Jun 23, 2014 · Steering · 121,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that while turning at low speeds, the power steering failed and the contact heard a grinding noise coming from the steering wheel. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 121,000.

Filed May 28, 2014 · Brakes · 37,232 miles · MO

We have only had our traverse since january, but have noticed numerous times that the brakes grind (at times) when applying them. The car only had 24,000 miles on it when we bought it, it shouldn't have needed brakes already. Finally had money for the brakes to be checked and we need pads and rotors on all the wheels. It seems that this is a problem with a lot of the traverses. Also, we have the problem which I have read about on here that when sitting at incline the car like to roll back. It has caused me to hit someone when on a hill. Of course there isn't a recall on that either. I don't feel that these cars are safe for younger drivers. I have two sons that I won't let drive my car do to the issues with it. I think someone needs to do something before someone is killed by all of these problems. I have tried to get all of the recall notices taken care of, but dealership we bought the care from never has the parts.

Filed Apr 11, 2014 · Steering · 56,000 miles · MI

My vehicle has had a whining noise when steering. It also feels "loose" as if I'm not in complete control of the steering. I took the vehicle to the dealership and the service advisor stated that this is a very common problem and the steering could likely get worse if not serviced. He also stated that this is not an isolated incident and is very common. I have heard reports of owners of the same vehicles having lost control of steering. I have a three year old daughter and safety was a major factor in purchasing this vehicle. I do not feel safe knowing that this problem exists. I had the vehicle repaired at my own expense. General motors does have a bulletin on this problem so they are aware of the issue. However, I believe that the government should investigate as their might be consumers out there that are not aware of this safety issue. They may think that it is just a simple squeak and not as severe as I was made aware. Thank you

Filed Mar 25, 2014 · Engine, Steering · 75,000 miles · VA

My issue started when I was making left hand turns it would sound like the engine would make a loud noise with some grinding noise. Then it started happening with right hand turns as well. Took it to the dealership today and they believe that it is the transmission. After doing some research I found alot of similar issues. This needs to be fixed by gm. I am curious to see how this is handled by gm and the dealership. Basically it should be a no brainer, the vehicle is 4 years old, transmission should not go out that fast. Already filed a complaint and contacting gm this afternoon as well. I have a feeling this is going to be a fight. Below are other issues reported to the federal safety agency, I stopped looking after page 3 took car in for odd noise in steering. Was told pump was bad and seal was bad. Appears that this is a common issue with this type of vehicle and no recall has been made. Its not just one or two cars, after research is hundreds of cars. The federal safety agency id number: 10567931 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. The federal safety agency id number: 10566861 tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that there was an abnormal vibration in the steering wheel when turning in either direction. The contact also indicated that the vehicle was stationary. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the power steering fluid and pump were replaced but the failure was not remedied. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 20,000. The federal safety agency id number: 10555889 power steering has issues at low speeds when turning. Dealer cost to replace pump and gear is 2,500! The federal safety agency id number: 10520885.

Filed Sep 19, 2013 · Steering · 58,000 miles · TX

While turning, my steering wheel locks up. Almost impossible to turn at times. It has made a squeaking noise for a while, but the "locking" just starting about 6 weeks ago. It doesn't happen all of the time and happens at various speeds while turning.