2012 Chevrolet Traverse: steering wheel locks up

Filed May 28, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · 126,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet traverse. On three separate occasions, the traction control indicator illuminated and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle lost power steering ability, but was able to coast over to the side of the road. In addition, on two occasions, the vehicle was restarted and able to drive normally. The vehicle was taken to yark chevrolet (located at 9830 waterville swanton rd, whitehouse, oh 43571, (419) 877-7658) where it was diagnosed, but a failure code could not be found. The contact also stated that the failures recurred a third time while driving 70 MPH. In addition, the engine failed and the steering seized. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road, but failed to restart. The vehicle was towed back to yark chevrolet where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: [xxx]. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000. Parts 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 Aug 29, 2018 · Steering · 88,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet traverse. While driving 15 MPH, the steering seized without warning. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was not covered under warranty or recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Filed May 21, 2018 · Steering · 50,000 miles · OH

My steering locks up when trying to turn right for the first time after getting in the car. It has happened to me twice, and both times it was raining. It happens out of nowhere. No warnings/lights come on. It's scary to be driving with my kids and slide past my turn because my steering when won't turn.

Filed Mar 26, 2018 · Steering · 75,000 miles · ME

My steering locks up going at slower speeds and turning. My vehicle has the same issue with the steering as the other 2009-2013 chevy traverse steering . It's the same part, issue and vehicle as the warranty was extended to fix the steering up to 10 years and 150,000 miles and I am being told you have not included my VIN # under this warenty and I need a valid explanation why my VIN isn't covered. It's the same issue, the same part and the correct year.

Filed Apr 28, 2017 · Steering · 56,000 miles · IL

While driving thru a parking lot there was a loud noise in the front end followed by the steering wheel locking up. I had to shut the engine off and turn it back on to be able to get the steering wheel to move.

Filed Sep 13, 2016 · Steering · 90,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet traverse. While driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact maneuvered the vehicle to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure occurred on several occasions. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Apr 2, 2015 · Steering · 52,000 miles · MA

The power steering locks and becomes almost uncontrollable in wet conditions. It appears earlier model years have been recalled or covered under warranty but not 2012.

Filed Dec 30, 2014 · Steering · 53,345 miles · VA

On 24 dec 2014 at around 11:45am, I was pulling off a main road (with my young daughter) into the parking lot of my doctor's business, when my steering wheel locked completely while I was still in motion. After braking, I was able to jiggle the steering wheel free and pulled the car into a parking space. I contacted my dealership immediately to report the incident. As it was christmas eve, they were closing within minutes and I was told to bring in the car on friday, dec 26th..which I did. After an assessment was completed and the service department "could not duplicate customer's complaint of loss of power steering", I was told there was nothing else they could do for me until the problem happened again and with more regularity. The service reps did share that there has been reported incidents with the traverse regarding loss of power steering, but no further information was shared with me. Upon driving out of the dealership, I promptly contacted gm who opened up a case report. I have requested that gm and the dealership conduct a more thorough diagnosis of the steering system as I deem this incident more than just a "random" incident. This is rather alarming and I and my daughter are extremely lucky that this did not happen minutes before when we were on a major interstate driving at a higher speed. Needless to say, I feel very unsafe in my car now and feel it necessary to report the incident to the federal safety agency in the event other 2012 traverse owners have reported the same. Thank you.

Filed Oct 20, 2014 · Acceleration, Steering · 61,000 miles · WA

A week ago my traverse started making a grinding noise, and I thought it was the brakes so I took it to our mechanic who checked all four wheels and determined the brakes were fine. He said it was possibly a rock or something causing the noise and it stopped for a few days. This morning I was pulling into a parking spot at work and the steering froze up completely and the brakes did not want to work either. I almost hit the car I was parking next to! I'm so glad that didn't happen in the middle of traffic or a main street or it could have been a lot worse. Very scary, but what would cause this? Will gm be looking into this before someone gets really hurt or has a major accident? Taking back to the mechanic wednesday to check the steering pump.... Not happy.

Filed Jul 11, 2014 · Steering · 34,100 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that while making a left turn, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was able to restart and operated as normal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,100.