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2011 Chevrolet Traverse engine complaints

Page 6 of 8: complaints 131 to 160 of 213, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2011 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jan 12, 2016 · Engine · 61,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the 'engine power reduce' warning indicator illuminated as the vehicles speed reduced to approximately 45 MPH. The vehicle was restarted and no warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred on one other occasion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.

Filed Jan 11, 2016 · Driver assistance, Engine · TN

Same as everyone else... 2011 chevy traverse with intermittent and sporadic episodes of "traction control off, service stabilitrak, and engine power reduced" between 60,000 and 110,000 miles. I could be dead many times over the past 3.5 years during work commute on 70mph, 4 lane highway. Problem resolves for unknown and unreliable amts of time... Even after recommended fixes. Gm must be held accountable before more people die! I have made sure to keep all documentaion and names, file #s and complaints, so that if/when a disaster happens to my family or others, there will be no question as to fault.

Filed Dec 28, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · MS

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle shifted out of gear and began to lose power. The engine stalled with out warning. The vehicle failed to restart. The failure occurred twice. The contact also mentioned that the key was stuck in the ignition. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Dec 16, 2015 · Engine, Steering · 10 miles · NC

December 2015 drove the 2011 traverse to the grocery store. After parking the cooling fan was on after engine turned off. Very loud fan noise had me concerned. After driving home I notice no fan noise so I felt it was an isolated incident considering it is cool winter weather outside. Next a.m. We went to church approx 7 mile trip and fan was running when we turned off car again and saw puff of steam or smoke coming out from front of hood. Reasoned it was morning fog? Or evaporating water! On the way to do errands 2 days later engine was running about 260* on gauge on dash. Fan came on when I parked and ran very loudly. I went straight to dealership which is across the street and met chevy service rep. He said it was just the car reacting to run the defrost mode on the AC system and sent me on my way. Before I reached our home the temp gauge was at 260* or higher because it was on the highest point on gauge. Returned the next day to dealership as car had now overheated again, no fan coming on at all, and service writer said turn it off before it does damage. Wow! Left car and was called the next a.m, with diagnosis as bad water pump covered by recall. Work was done and then I was informed the rack amd pinion assembly was leaking and needs to be replaced and the engine mount is broken. I am sure the leak on the rack and pinion is due to overheating and extra pressure on the gaskets. No leaks ever noticed before this visit during multipoint inspection performed by dealer on 9/10/15. Area of fluid is fresh on rack area. Estimate at $1745.00. I'm sure this recall will be happening soon. I just received the november 2015 recall on faulty throttle position sensor repair. I can only hope the recall for the steering system leak and failures will come soon. . Fyi we have owned 30 chevrolet cars and we have never had anything like this happen or the amount of recalls occur

Filed Nov 24, 2015 · Airbags, Engine · FL

My car is overheating, have already changed the thermostat and flushed the radiator, the car still getting overheated

Filed Sep 14, 2015 · Engine · 24,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. While at a stop light, the vehicle was shifted to the drive position and rolled away approximately 10 to 50 feet. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred and the engine stalled. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure recurred numerous times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000.

Filed Aug 26, 2015 · Engine · 68,000 miles · VA

My wife and children were driving our 2011 traverse, when the traction control started to turn off and on, check engine light went on, displays started to roll through a number of warnings, and engine power was reduced and the car slowed to roughly 25 MPH. This all occurred in the middle of traffic. The concern is that the sporadic lose of engine power dropping a car from 60 MPH to 25 MPH will cause an accident.

Filed Aug 3, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 97,374 miles · PA

I was driving on the 95 and suddenly my car was flashing reduced engine power and the check engine light popped on. Our speed dropped all the way down to 20 from 65. I have seven children who driving in the car with me and were horrified at all the traffic around us while we tried to coast to the side. Thank god no one hit us! The check engine light is still on and we have replaced the trottle body, fuel pump, and a few other thing that popped up on the diagnostic testing for the check engine light. 16 codes popped up all at the same time. Way too expensive to fix everything and pay payments or the car still. Please help.

Filed Jul 7, 2015 · Engine, Steering · 104,000 miles · VT

The car just completely stopped. No warning no lights no oil light no service engine. Just quit going down the road at 60mph with my children in the car. Now I am being told it is the motor. I have serviced the car I should have and treated it very well. There is not one reason a 2011 should just quit. I also had a issues with traction control in the dead of winter the car would flash traction control off engine will lose speed service stablitrack and the car would drop from 65mph right to 25mph in 5 seconds flat which was extremely dangerous any time of year not just winter. Get those 2011 chevrolet traverses off the road.

Filed Jun 28, 2015 · Driver assistance, Engine · 25,678 miles · MO

Engine power was suddenly reduced while driving with the messages: traction control off, service traction control, service stabilitrack, engine power is reduced. Dealer found code p2135 was generated (faulty throttle position sensor). Throttle body unit was replaced. The same problem occurred 2 years later on 6/12/2015. Again the throttle body needed to be replace. Based on my experience the throttle body unit design is systemically bad and has caused two safety related incidents.

Filed May 10, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 10,000 miles · LA

While driving home from my mother's house, my 2011 chevy traverse suddenly, and without warning lost power. The warning "engine power reduced" came up. This made my car go from 45mph to 25 MPH at an extremely alarming rate while on a busy highway. This is not the first instance of this happening with this particular year model. I have read many forums today, all filled with people having the same problem. Apparently gm is doing nothing to correct the problem. It seems they are waiting for multiple injuries or god forbid deaths before they react. I just bought this car 2 months ago, and have put a little over 10,000 miles on it. Have had the oil changed, and yet, just from reading some of the other complaints listed on the forums I have read I feel like I may be at a loss on this vehicle. I implore you to do something about this. Too many hard working people have spent too much money on these vehicles to allow gm to get away with this. I feel I may be stuck making payments for a car that can't be driven. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed May 6, 2015 · Airbags, Driver assistance · AZ

Letter from congressman gosar on behalf of constituent re 2011 chevy traverse multiple recalls (attn: stephen briggs). *smd the consumer stated her vehicle had three major safety recalls regarding the air bags, seat belts and water pump. Recently, while driving the stabiltrak service traction control light illuminated, followed by the engine powering down and the engine light illuminated, at which point the vehicle decelerated from 65 MPH to less than 5 MPH.

Filed May 4, 2015 · Engine · FL

While driving down the highway at speeds of 60 MPH, my car started losing power and slowing down in the middle of the highway! I have googled this problem and other consumers have this issue as well. I was advised that this may be a problem with the engine. This could have killed me and my children!

Filed Apr 14, 2015 · Driver assistance, Engine · 50,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the service stabilitrac, traction control off, and engine power reduced messages suddenly displayed and the vehicle decelerated to approximately 20 MPH. The failure recurred on multiple occasions and the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The contact indicated that the dealer replaced a computer and throttle body, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000. ...updated 06/09/15 *bf the consumer also stated fluids were leaking from the vehicle. Updated 06/25/15

Filed Mar 31, 2015 · Driver assistance, Engine · 68,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. While driving at various speeds, the electronic stability traction control and check engine warning indicators were illuminated. The vehicle accelerated independently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

Filed Mar 22, 2015 · Engine · 96,000 miles · MO

I was on my way the chevy dealer to have the safety belt and airbag recall repairs completed on my 2011 traverse. I had four children ages (xxx) and under in the car with me. After coming to a complete stop at an intersection I made a left hand turn into the inside traffic lane on a busy 5 lane road and began accelerate to the speed of traffic. As soon as I reached 40 MPH, my speed quickly dropped to between 15 and 20 MPH and the following warning messages showed up on my dash: reduced engine power, service stabilitrac and service traction control. Fortunately, I was able to merge back over to the right lane and then completely pull off the road into a parking lot without getting rear-ended by the cars behind me that were traveling at the speed limit. I turned the car off, then back on, and attempted to drive. The maximum rate of speed my car would reach was 20 MPH, but I managed to drive it to the dealer taking back roads and subdivision roads. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a faulty throttle body. I did some research and discovered this is a well-known issue with these gm vehicles and a serious safety risk. After two days in the shop they completed the two recall related repairs without charge, but my cost to replace the throttle body and and reset the idle was $513.00. I told the dealer that I was aware that this is a well-known and well-documented issue so I did not feel that I should be responsible for the repair costs, but they refused to cover any of the cost because no recall has been issued for this problem. I believe this problem should be investigated and gm should issue a recall. I am a frequent highway driver and if I had been merging onto the interstate this incident could have ended in tragedy. *trparts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 20, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 50,208 miles · IN

Engine overheated, reduced engine power came on and car shut down. Had to have it towed. Water pump had to be replaced, car is only 4 years old. Doesn't make sense.

Filed Mar 9, 2015 · Acceleration, Engine · 93,000 miles · WV

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that while attempting to merge on a highway, the service stabilitrak and the reduced engine power was displayed across the message board. In addition, the contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body sensor and the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Mar 4, 2015 · Engine · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked and the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 26, 2015 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 75,785 miles · MN

Driving on highway at 60 MPH. Reduce power light and stability control light came on. Traverse slowed down to 20 MPH. I could not accelerate. I was almost rear ended on the highway. Brought the traverse to the dealership where they replaced the throttle body. Time for a recall.

Filed Feb 19, 2015 · Driver assistance, Engine · 65,057 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The traction control warning light illuminated and stability track off, service stability track, traction control off, service traction control, engine power is reduced was displayed across the message board. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The technician was unable to duplicate the failure or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 65,057.

Filed Feb 19, 2015 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 105,000 miles · MA

Driving on the highway in nh in traffic when stabilitrac/reduced power/traction control light came on and car slowed down to 15 MPH on a busy highway. Barely made it off the next exit as car wouldn't go over 10 MPH. Luckily the cars behind me did not slam into me as it was a dangerous situation. A recall is needed is it is a serious safety issue.

Filed Feb 18, 2015 · Engine · 72,046 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the stabilitrak light illuminated and the engine lost power. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred twice. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,046...updated 06-11-15 *bf updated 11/23/2015

Filed Feb 9, 2015 · Engine, Steering · LA

Tl*the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a spark plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

Filed Feb 6, 2015 · Driver assistance, Engine · 86,000 miles · IN

I was driving and the traction indicator light appeared. A warning showing loss of engine power was displayed and the car slowed to about 15 MPH. I had to pull over. I turned the traverse off, and restarted it. I was able to drive home. The next day, the same thing happened. After restarting the car, I was able to get home. From what I've been reading, this is a very common occurrence for this vehicle. It should be recalled and fixed.

Filed Feb 3, 2015 · Driver assistance, Engine · 101,540 miles · NY

On 2/3/15 driving 60mph on the 1-87 my steering wheel began to vibrate on and off. Then drove about 5 miles further then my stabilitrack and traction control failed with its indication on the dash board then the vehicle skid symbol lit up and the dashboard stated engine loss of power and the vehicle slowing began to decelerate to about 40mph and I had to pull over on the shoulder and had my vehicle towed to chevy dealer. I was told it was my throttle body. Which I see seems a big problem for a lot of 2011 traverse owners. The repair will cost me nearly $700 after I replaced a burned out wireharness for $658 just 2 weeks ago!!!!

Filed Feb 3, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 85,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. While the vehicle was parked, the ignition switch was turned to the off position and the engine continued to run. In addition, the engine was making an abnormal noise and discovered that the battery fractured. The contact also stated that the engine warning light illuminated. The contact replaced the battery. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a leak behind the glove department that leaked onto the fuse, which caused a wire shortage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed Jan 31, 2015 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 59,000 miles · OH

When I pulled out of a driveway and began to drive down the street, my traverse message board read, traction control off, engine power reduced, service stablitrac. I was unable to accelerate past 40 MPH. My car was unsteady and shaky. I called gm and they stated that I have recalls issued on the car but none of them have anything to do with my current issue. It seems this is a common problem that gm is not addressing concerning a faulty throttle body. I am very frighten to drive especially of highway and with my children in the car. I bought this vehicle because I believed it would be safe for my family.

Filed Jan 23, 2015 · Engine · 76,000 miles · AL

Tl*the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the traction control and the engine reducing message illuminated as the vehicle decelerated. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,000.

Filed Jan 15, 2015 · Driver assistance, Engine · 85,000 miles · CT

While driving, the vehicle suddenly showed alerts reading traction control off, service traction control, service stabilitrak, and engine power reduced. At this time the vehicle immediately slowed down to 20mph. Thankfully my toddlers were not in the car and I did not have traffic behind me so that I could safely pull over to the shoulder. I turned off the vehicle for a few minutes and restarted again, at which time the same errors returned with the exception of engine power reduced, so that I could at least make it home. I immediately called my chevy dealer who completes all service on my vehicle, and I was told that this is a common problem, especially in the cold temperatures as oil tends to accumulate in the throttle body and freeze up, making the sensor go haywire, leaving the throttle unable to compensate for the changes, and the warnings to occur. I was told it would not be covered under the powertrain warranty and that there was no recall. I was also told that it wasn't a big deal and it should be fine when it warms up. I guess we differ in our opinion of whether a car shutting down in the middle of the highway or with my children in the car is a big deal. I guess we also differ in our opinions about whether a $40k vehicle should function in freezing temperatures that occur for four months of the year in the northeast. Chevrolet has issued recalls for this very issue with many other vehicles and some years of traverses but not all. Chevrolet, you need to stand behind your vehicles...take responsibility for the $100 part that can very easily be fixed in 15 minutes time instead of forcing customers to drive an unsafe vehicle or shell out upwards of $600 to make the repair. I love this car, probably my favorite vehicle I have ever owned, but this is a major problem.

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