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
2011 Chevrolet Traverse steering complaints
Page 4 of 7: complaints 71 to 100 of 165, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Timing belt issues and power steering pump leak and issues needing replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road where the contact diagnosed and replaced the steering pump. Three months later, the failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the failure and stated that the vehicle was in a recall for the power steering. The power steering was replaced. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Steering goes out when slowing down to turn , chev.dealer charged 1400.00 to repair steering system , stating a pion gear and boots was worn and leaking , 105,000 miles , replaced pump as well as gear and new boots , see there is a problem with this make and model , need this issue addressed before someone is killed , came very close to a wreck myself , while turning off a busy highway ,consumers being charged to fix faulty gm products , not fair
Complete loss of power steering at low rpms.
My car is overheating, have already changed the thermostat and flushed the radiator, the car still getting overheated
Took vehicle in for oil change at harold chevrolet dealer in angola, indiana in july 2015. Was told that the "power steering box" was leaking and given a price quote of over $1800 for parts and labor to fix. Was also told that multiple owners are having this issue but gm is doing nothing. Took it to local shop who replaced rack and pinions, plus alignment costing $1025. During research online, hundreds of 2009-2011 traverse owners are having this issue. As of november 15, 2015 it became hard to turn wheel randomly at low speeds unless applying acceleration. Appears it may be the pump that they issued a "concern" for. I feel the whole power steering system needs replaced, at gm's expense. This is a serious safety hazard for myself, family, and other people on the road. A vehicle only 4-6years old should not be having these issues-- it is obviously faulty parts and/or production.
Whining noise. Rack and pinion assembly leak causing steering issues. Dealer replaced but stated not under recall although issue is occurring with this type gm vehicle. I now see that there is a class action lawsuit filed in california about this safety issue. Cost $1,500 to repair.
My wife was driving her car to work and slowed down with the flow of traffic to about 15 miles per hour and the power steering lost power and she almost crashed into another car. This is about the 5th time this has happened to her in traffic but is the first time she was almost in a wreck. This is dangerous and unsafe. This vehicle shoul be recalled as I have seen several complaints on this car with power steering issues since we purchased it.
The vehicle has been experiencing steering issues for a couple years - loud mechanical noises and popping. I have topped of steering fluid reservoir several times and that quieted the noise, but there was no evidence of a leak on my garage floor until october 2015 (after service explained below). The popping became a nuisance again and I took into the local chevrolet dealer to inspect. They found several issues in the front end that need replaced: rack and pinion (leaking), power steering pump, end links, bushings, transmission mount, struts (leaking). Steering component failure is a possibility in these issues and can cause loss of power steering in the vehicle. Loss of power steering would likely end up in an accident due to inability to turn vehicle as intended. Gm should issue a special coverage for rack and pinion replacement and strut leaks as these are very well know safety/design flaws. Gm has already issued special coverage for the power steering pump.
On 9-11-14 the power steering went out while driving. Took the vehicle to the dealership & I was told I needed a power steering solenoid. 10-23-14 power steering goes out again while driving so back to the dealership I go. This time I was told that gm has issued a bulletin on the problem and the power steering pump needed to be replaced. 11-10-14 power steering goes out again. Go back to the dealership and was told that the ecbtm needed to be replaced and it was not part of the bulletin? My issue is that I do not feel gm went deep enough to fix the problem. I know 3 people in my area that have had the same problem. When your driving in heavy traffic and your have no power steering it creates a dangerous situation for the vehicle occupants and opposing drivers. You would think gm would step up and fix the problem the first time. I have spoken to chevrolet customer asst 2 times with zero response about fixing the problem. The last time being with tiffany. My case # is 71-151168370
The is a rubbing/groaning sound when turning at slow speeds. I was advised by the dealership it is the steering gearbox needs to be replaced for over $1400. I found multiple service bulletins that refer to the power steering system. This should be considered for recall. Tsb: pi-0029b, pi-0029b, sbc-14329, sb-13-02-32-001, sb-10-02-32-002a
2011 chevrolet traverse lt was first told around april 2014 following an oil change at my local gm certified dealer that there was a leak around the power steering system (I cannot remember the exact term used). Anyway, the service tech said that it was clearly a slow leak and not causing any urgent problems, but that I should pay attention to it should things change. The next 2 or 3 oil changes, the same issue was noted. During a routine oil cahnge may 2105, I was told there was a seal leak to the engine of some sort but it was 'warrantied'. So, I authorized the repair, of a leak that I never noticed/had issue with. Fast forward to july 2015 (68,000 +/- miles) and my power steering is leaking puddles, the resivoir remains full, and suddenly lose all power steering capabilities. Call same gm dealer I always use, as I notice on the unrelated repair in may, the power steering components were messed with, flushed, etc. To allow for proper repair of other issue. I was told about a 'warranty extenstion' for the power steering pump and to bring it in, it should be a covered repair based on the notes the service tech could read pertaining to my vehicle. Call back today (8/3) and am told that while the pump is covered, nothing else is (despite from my research the pump failure is likely causing the other noted issues) and the repair for the rack/gear box + alignment + flushing + whatever else he rattled off to me, would be at my expense, with a quote of $2100+/- from everything I have read and researched, this is an extremely common issue that gm refuses to address in order to properly repair at their expense vs. The expense of vehicle owner. Clearly this is a massive and widespread gm issue with vehicles in this class .. Updated 09/30/15*bf
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.
I noticed that there was a low growling noise that seemed to be coming from the steering wheel as I turned corners. In april 2015, I was having the dealership perform the 30,000 mile maintenance and asked them to check to see what was causing the noise. The service department told me that it was the steering gear which needed to be replaced. They said that it could cause the power steering to fail to work in which case I wouldn't be able to steer and it was an expensive repair--about $850 for labor and $700 for the part and they did have the part in stock. The traverse had 31,110 miles on it. But, was out of warranty because I had bought it in sept. 2010. I decided to have it fixed. This shouldn't happen at 31,000 miles. It could have been a dangerous situation if I didn't have it repaired. I called the gm customer service number in the owners' manual and a case was filed with them. A senior advisor told me that she would contact the dealership about it. But, that the warranty time had passed and the power train warranty didn't cover it. The dealership had the part in stock implies they see these failures often. The labor was 8.6 hours implies a poor design. She said the dealership would call me. They did finally call to reiterate that it wasn't under warranty and there was nothing they could do. The senior advisor I spoke with at gm said she wished I had called her before I had the repair made. I don't know what that meant. Did she mean they would have covered part of the cost? Did she mean that I should wait until I couldn't turn the steering wheel and had or caused an accident? I don't know. My husband and I have purchased many gm vehicles since 1969 as she noted. As I reviewed the complaints about the 2011 chevrolet traverse, it seemed to me that about one-third of them were about steering gear failures. It's time gm does something about this. ...updated08/20/15 *bf updated 10/26/2017
There seems to be a widespread issue with the steering rack with the chevrolet traverse. The 2 years that I am aware of are the 2010 and 2011 traverse. Chevy dealers are charging over $1000 to repair but was concerned that there should be an investigation into a potential recall situation.
Having routine maintenance done at dealer. Upon investigation, I was informed the steering gear box was damp but no signs of a leak. At 39391 miles seems that part(s) are defective. Seems to me that such an important part of the steering system should be able to last well above 40000 miles.
I was making a right turn into a parking deck when the power steering went out. I stopped, and tried to turn the steering wheel to the left. This way was hard to turn also. The power steering resumed there after, however, hard steering occurred again several times when I slowed to make right turns.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that the steering rack system was defective. While driving approximately 60-65 MPH, the vehicle veered to the left and right lanes. The contact stated that the vehicle was classified under a special warranty for a steering pump; however, the faulty steering pump caused the rack system to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
I just recently purchased this 2011 chevy traverse last night from the dealer. My first time buying a used vehicle. Within 3 months, my heat stopped working in my vehicle. I purchased the vehicle at 40,000 miles. Brought it to the dealer, and asked if there was anything they can do as I just purchased this vehicle not too long ago, and they stated there wasnt any recall. I would have to pay out of pocket to have this fixed. Just recently this month I have been having an issue with a whining noise when I am driving, and when I am turning the wheel. I took my vehicle to a mechanic and they filed all of my fluids, including power steering which was low. Found out that I have a leak. I started doing some research on this, and found out that all of the 2011 chevy traverse vehicles had this same issue. I am going to contact the dealer today to see what they can do, as I didnt purchase an extended warranty with this vehicle. Should this not be something that is covered under chevrolet if the majority of these vehicles are having this same issue?
Noticed leak on garage floor. Determined power steering rack was leaking. Brought to dealer. They confirmed steering rack was defective, but not covered under warranty. Could have caused loss of steering. Rack should not have failed so soon. Chevy should reimburse customers at least for cost of part and issue service bulletin. Should not have to wait for fatality or crash before action is taken.
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
Purchased a used chevy traverse that now has 57,000 miles. During a service appointment the dealership informed me that the power steering fluid was leaking from the steering gear. The repair was estimated at $1,600 usd. The repair is necessary to maintain the vehicle in a safe working order but im disappointed that im having to pay for a very expensive repair on a relatively new vehicle. Numerous consumers are experiencing the same issue, I would hope that chevy would investigate the situation in more detail and offer to cover the cost of the repairs. I did notice a technical service bulletin on the issue (service bulletin 361329, action number: 10052379), but the existence of the service bulletin still resulted in me having to pay the full cost of the repair at the dealership. I believe that there is a problem that chevy needs to take ownership for the situation. My biggest concern is the possibility of experienced steering failure while driving 55+ mile per hour with no warning. I have small children and we live in a very busy commuting area. Steering failure could be tragic for us. Please help
My wife and I purchased a brand new chevrolet traverse ?11 in 2010 at a local chevrolet dealer in maryland. Almost immediately after purchasing the vehicle we noticed a whining noise in the steering at slow speeds. We brought in the traverse to the dealership service center numerous times for the steering issue and complained about it every time we brought the traverse in for oil changes. We were told two different responses, either they could not reproduce the issue or that it was normal and the sound would happen when the weather changes. Years later the problems with the steering seemed to get worse. Last month, after all these years and after the warranty period, they actually took the time to discover that there was indeed an issue with our steering and it was caused by a leak. They wanted to charge $1800.00 dollars to fix it. I told the gentleman we complained about this issue for years and now after the warranty, you took the time to find the issue. They charged me $85.00 to fill up the power steering fluid. I declined having the repairs being done and took my car over to a trusted mechanic. They also told me the steering issue has been going in the chevy traverse 2011 since it first came out and there has been numerous service announcements about the issue. The mechanic printed out the technical service bulletin 10-02-32-002a and recommended me contacting chevrolet. I feel disappointed that we reported a problem with our vehicle that should have been fixed years ago during our warranty period. Currently the traverse is having issues with the steering with fluid dripping in our driveway. I don?t feel safe having my wife drive our two and four year old children in the vehicle with the steering issue. I really put my trust in our local chevrolet dealership to service our vehicle and I feel they have neglected to address the steering problems with our traverse.
Complete failure of the power steering system in my 2011 traverse due to a leak. Problem is definitely a safety issue and should be addressed by gm. They have addressed a problem with the pump but when other parts in the system fail due to leakage, I think that consumers have a right to be concerned. Based on the high level of complaints waged by owners, the problems with power steering systems in gm's traverse, acadia, enclave and outlook family seems to be wide-spread. Gm should hold itself accountable for the inherent defects and, if not, perhaps the federal safety agency can make some headway.
Took car for emissions test and found that my rack and pinion was leaking. Service guy said I could lose control on the road. This is a huge hazard not only to myself and children but other people. There are thousands of complaints against gm and this faulty part! Issue a recall immediately!
I purchased a new chevy traverse that now has 55,000 miles. During today's service appointment the dealership informed me that the power steering fluid was leaking from the steering gear. The repair was estimated at $1,600 usd. The repair is necessary to maintain the vehicle in a safe working order but I?m disappointed that I?m having to pay for a very expensive repair on a relatively new vehicle. Numerous consumers are experiencing the same issue, I would hope that chevy would investigate the situation in more detail and offer to cover the cost of the repairs. I did notice a technical service bulletin on the issue (service bulletin 361329, action number: 10052379), but the existence of the service bulletin still resulted in me having to pay the full cost of the repair at the dealership. I believe that there is a problem that chevy needs to take ownership for the situation.
Steering became difficult when driving. My 2011 chevy traverse was brought to dealer, diagnosed failure of power steering pump and rack and pinion. Was informed that chevy would only cover power steering pump under separate extended warranty issued by gm and that rack and pinion is not covered and I would need to pay full cost of replacement. Steering issues appear to be an issue with the vehicle, this is a major safety concern that needs to be addressed. Gm should be required to extend warranty for entire steering system.
I was driving around 55mph when I noticed my steering becoming very tight so I pulled off the road. When I pulled off the road and tried to turn into a parking place, my steering was very tight and I had a hard time turning. I was worried that there was a leak with my power steering fluid so I had my local garage check it, the power steering fluid was full. When I started to research the problem, I am finding that this is a very common problem with this year/make/model and wonder why there has not been a recall issued? My next step is to contact my local dealership, I have seen some quote the repair expense up into the thousands..
My vehicle started making a whiring sound while I was sitting still at a red light or stop sign. When I turned the steering wheel, the noise got louder, but it did not get tighter. I took it to the dealer and was told that my rack and pinion steering was bad and had to be replaced. Apparently the vehicle was leaking fluid which was causing the noise. I was told that it would cause me $1100 - $1200 to be repaired because it is not covered under my powertrain warranty. The steering pump is covered under a special warranty and can be repaired without any cost. My car is only 4 years old, I brought it brand new and have taken great car of it. I should not be having these types of problems so soon. I bought this vehicle because I thought it was a dependable car, but apparently I was wrong. This is a safety issue and can cause serious injury in the future. I am not happy with this problem and gm should be ashamed for selling vehicles that are not safe.
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