Components related to timing chain failed, and vehicle is currently available with plans to sell to a salvage yard by 10/25/24. My 9 year old and I were at risk of collision when the vehicle failed. I was driving approximately 70-75 mph when we started to lose power. At 65 mph, I managed to cross 2 lanes of highway traffic and stopped on the shoulder. I turned off my vehicle and waited several minutes, hoping it would help reset or cool off a component or something. I had to try a couple of times before it started, and I attempted to drive as safely as I could, made it to 60 mph before it stopped running completely. I had to pull hard on the steering wheel to get to the shoulder again, only this time, the shoulder was pinched off in front of us and around a small blind spot behind us. I had my daughter move to the side closer to the cement barrier while waiting for a tow truck. She became very nervous about how close some of the other vehicles got. Afterwards, the error codes indicated several components pointing to a timing chain problem. I had the timing chain repaired around April or May of 2023 by a certified mechanic. I watched the oil life percentage and oil temperature gauge consistently. Everything indicated as normal, but I had difficulty pulling out the dipstick to check the oil level. Since it was hard to get a good reading, I tried to add some oil and recheck. The oil cap was nearly impossible to open, so I decided to wait for an oil tech to do it. Around 40-50% oil life, I had planned to have the oil changed. In spite of my efforts to maintain proper oil quality, the oil cap had to be opened with a wrench. Smoke rose out and dried out oil residue lined the inner walls. It was about a quart low. I don’t drive hard on it and it had only been around 3,000 miles between oil changes. It had been one year since the timing chain was replaced. Error codes remain and the vehicle runs rough if it stays on long enough after much effort to start it.
2011 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems
213 complaints (35% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 85,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 213
- of this car's complaints
- 35%
- typical mileage
- 85,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Chevrolet Traverse engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Loss of power 82Check engine light 64Engine failure 33Stalling 28Overheating 13Knocking 12Misfire 8Won't start 8Oil consumption 5
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2011 Chevrolet Traverse owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My timing and my energy is going bad..I don’t know the problem.Im new on having my own car..And when I got it everything was great at first but Two trips going too Chicago it started going bad
Unknown
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 45 MPH, the RPM became elevated, and the check engine warning light illuminated before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 125,000.
12/24/2022 while driving the car made a popping sound then started to slow down while I was driving. I went to make a left turn and the car stalled in mid turn. No warning or anything. Had it towed to a shop and was told that the motor had no oil in it. Which wasn’t true, when they pulled the dip stick it read that it was full. However when they opened the motor up, it appeared to be bone dry.
Engine failed at 182,000 miles. No warning. No indicator lights. Speed was 45+ miles per hour on 2-lane highway. Loss of engine power resulted in loss of steering control. Very hard to maneuver as vehicle coasted to stop at side of road. Put all occupants in a dangerous situation due to significantly reduced vehicle control. Vehicle would not re-start (or attempt to turn over) after failure. Towed to local shop. Local, trusted auto service center reported engine had “locked up” potentially due to low oil pressure. Again, no indication lights and routine, full oil service completed just 2500 miles prior. Engine was replaced after cost-benefit analysis of current car market prices and availability and the well-maintained condition of the vehicle overall. Concerns: Loss of control. Disappointments: One of many reliability issues with this vehicle that was purchased new in January 2011.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact noticed that the air conditioning system was blowing warm air. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the timing chain was out of position. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
2011 chevrolet traverse. Consumer writes in regards to engine failure. The consumer stated the vehicle had not experienced any failure but, was concerned of the possibillty due to mileage. The vehicle had approximately 100,000 miles.
The contact's wife owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, an abnormal knocking noise would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they replaced the idler pulley however, the vehicle was not repaired, and the vehicle would not start. The contact called his son and towed the vehicle to his home. The contact then called the dealer where he arranged to have the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The dealer informed him that the failure was due to a defective timing chain; however, while repairing the vehicle, the dealer informed him that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact also mentioned that the middle rear seat belt would become stuck and would not unlatch as needed. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency for further assistance. The contact replaced the engine himself. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000
Vehicle stalls due to transmission issue at 40 mph, yes it is available for inspection. When vehicle stalls at 40 mph at that point you have no steering support and the vehicle is just coasting until you can stop. You could crash with no steering support at 40 mph into stationary object, another vehicle or pedestrians. I have had it inspected by GM dealership No warning lamps or messages or other symptoms and it is repeatable started to appear on June 9, 2021
Questions about the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse engine
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse have engine problems?
Owners have filed 213 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, 35% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 85,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Chevrolet Traverse have bad engine?
The Chevrolet Traverse model years with the most engine complaints are 2011 (213 complaints), 2010 (186 complaints) and 2014 (120 complaints).
Other 2011 Chevrolet Traverse problems
Steering 165Driver assistance 116Transmission 79Electrical 67Acceleration 58Airbags 43Brakes 31Fuel system 26Body 21Seat belts 21Visibility 21Suspension 14Lights 7Wheels 7Seats 5Tires 3
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