2011 Chevrolet Traverse

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 608 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 5 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Traverse years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Traverse years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,700 milesMedian miles at failure

496 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2011 Chevrolet Traverse problems

137 of the 608 complaints (23%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine131
211
Steering127
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control81
300
Electrical System41
021
Air Bags · airbags39
6019
Power Train · transmission37
000
Service Brakes · brakes23
201
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration22
000
Seat Belts17
101
Unknown or Other13
001

2011 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems

23% of all complaints

137 of the 608 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • sets off warning lights on the dash22% · 30
  • turns on the check engine light19% · 26
  • loses power18% · 25
  • stalls13% · 18
  • leaks oil or fluid9% · 13
  • knocks, grinds or clunks8% · 11

Share of the 137 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
88,000 mi
median of 112 reports
Peak year of filing
2019
21 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
2 · 1 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
None
“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.”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 28, 2023 at 125,000 miles
“Car was powering down at highway speeds and check engine light came on. Now needs timing chains replaced. Also started having issues with the steering not working and the steering rack is bad and needs replaces. Suspension is no good and all has to be redone. Vehicle only has 70,000 miles on it for being a 2011.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 11, 2019 at 70,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2010: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'102011: 15 complaints, 3 about the engine2012: 16 complaints, 2 about the engine'122013: 33 complaints, 6 about the engine2014: 105 complaints, 11 about the engine'142015: 121 complaints, 20 about the engine2016: 64 complaints, 13 about the engine'162017: 59 complaints, 20 about the engine2018: 67 complaints, 13 about the engine'182019: 66 complaints, 21 about the engine2020: 20 complaints, 11 about the engine'202021: 23 complaints, 9 about the engine2022: 5 complaints, 3 about the engine'222023: 7 complaints, 2 about the engine2024: 5 complaints, 3 about the engine'242025: 1 complaints, 0 about the engineRecall 12V151000 (visibility)Recall 14V118000 (airbags)Recall 14V266000 (seat belts)Recall 15V415000 (body and frame)Recall 21V246000 (airbags)NHTSA investigation EA20002NHTSA investigation RQ19003
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2011 Traverse peaked in 2015, with 121 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 23% of the complaints. In 2025 owners filed 1 so far.

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Critical Fasteners21V246000
Filed Apr 8, 2021108 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.

Risk. Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate15V415000
Filed Jun 30, 2015691,144 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured August 17, 2006, to March 18, 2010. The affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open. These struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall.

Risk. If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. The recall began on November 15, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 15240.

Seat Belts14V266000
Filed May 20, 20141,339,355 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.

Risk. If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.

Remedy. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014. A second notice will be mailed to owners once parts become available. The recall for the 2009-2010 model years began on July 11, 2014. The interim letter for the 2011-2014 model years were distributed on July 11, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.

Air Bags › Side/Window14V118000
Filed Mar 17, 20141,176,407 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk. Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14030. Note: Vehicles repaired as part of Customer Satisfaction Campaign 10085 and special coverage 10335 have already had the subject condition repaired and therefore are not included in the safety recall.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages12V151000
Filed Apr 9, 201247,846 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, AND GMC ACADIA VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. SNOW OR ICE BUILDUP ON THE WINDSHIELD OR ON THE WIPER MAY RESTRICT THE MOVEMENT OF THE WIPER ARM, CAUSING THE WIPER ARM TO LOOSEN AND CAUSE THE WIPER TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM NUTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2012.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2011 Traverse.

Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable FailureEngineering analysis EA20002Closed
Opened Aug 31, 2020Closed Aug 30, 2024Led to recall 21V245seat belts

On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) EA20002, as an upgrade of Recall Query (RQ) RQ19003. This investigation, related to recall 14V-266, was opened to investigate instances of detachment of the flexible steel seat belt anchor cable attached to the outboard side of the front seats in vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The subject vehicles included model year (MY) 2009 through 2014 GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Traverse SUVs as well as MY 2009 through 2010 Saturn Outlook SUVs. These vehicles were previously …

Seat Belt Anchor Cable FailureRecall query RQ19003Closed
Opened May 28, 2019Closed Aug 31, 2020seat belts

On May 19, 2014, General Motors LLC (GM) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct Safety Recall 14V266 to address fatigue and separation of the flexible steel cable that connects the front outboard seat belts to the seat-mounted belt pre-tensioner in 1.4 million model year (MY) 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook, 2009-2014 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse (Lambda Platform) vehicles.The remedy was to inspect for signs of damage and replace pre-tensioner anchor cables as needed. Re-work was conducted to relocate the pre-tensioner anchor cable out of the …

Technical service bulletins

1,461 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2011 Traverse. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 508engine 243electrical system 217transmission 70equipment adaptive/mobility 53fuel system 48visibility 41wheels 32
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

PIT5236GService campaignMar 31, 2016electrical system

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …

PIT5236FService campaignAug 3, 2015electrical system

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …

G-163500Service campaignApr 5, 2013engine

13079 - Customer Satisfaction Program. Vehicles may have leaks from the water pump shaft seal. These leaks are often due to vehicle operation with a low engine coolant level. Proper maintenance of the engine coolant level will increase shaft seal reliability and help ensure that the water pump operates as intended. Dealers are to check the engine coolant …

00-06-01-026RService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 5, 2025engine

This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.

23-NA-153Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 15, 2025engine

The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.

22-NA-074Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 30, 2025engine

This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.

01-06-01-011QService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 5, 2024engine

This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.

04-06-04-051JService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 27, 2024engine

This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.

04-06-04-051JService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 27, 2024engine

This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.

Showing the newest 6 of 243 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2011 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.5%
2011 Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.9%

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Tires
Filed Oct 6, 2025TX

In summary, a business is selling unsafe "sidewall patched" used tire. On Sep 20, 2025 I purchased four used tires for my 2011 Chevy Traverse in this business. Mike's Tires Plano [XXX] ) [XXX] [XXX] Ten days later, one of the tires started to have a slow leak. On Oct 5, 2025, I visited a nearby National Tire & Battery store to have it checked. And was told that the tire is not repairable, since it already had a sidewall patch and the same patch had a leak again. After some research, I found it was illegal to sell and install sidewall patched tires in Texas, since it is unsafe to drive with such tires. (A failed patch on the sidewall dramatically increases the risk of a sudden and catastrophic tire blowout, Most professional tire shops will refuse to repair sidewall damage because of the significant safety risk and liability involved) A common criterion for an unsafe used tire is one that "has a repair to the tire in the tread shoulder, sidewall, bead area or belt edge area." On Oct 6, 2025, I went to the tire shop to ask for a refund or to replace other safer used tires. But the owner refused to do any, and even refused to admit that his tire is a sidewall patched tire, saying it is safe to use and legal to sell. I am writing this letter to complain that this business unlawful and unethical practice puts people's lives in danger. Texas Transportation Code Sec. 547.612 [XXX] “(f) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, a person who owns or operates a business that ins

Engine
Filed Oct 8, 2024MI

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% o

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 18, 2024OH

As i am driving down the road the service stable trak light and abs lights pop on and the brakes sieze up so bad you cant get the car to stop and brake pedal to unlock as well as when you try to turn the steering wheel locks

Engine
Filed Jul 30, 2024ND

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

Air Bags
Filed Apr 10, 2024TX

This vehicle is notorious for multiple electrical failures. The alternator fried the battery fried, both of which were replaced. This vehicle still wouldn't start. The wiring harness to the PCM is notorious for having shorts. The pcm itself is notorious for going out really early. This vehicle is almost undrivable and it dies while you're in the middle of driving where you can't stop. I do not know how this vehicle has been kept on the market without being recalled. I do not know how more people haven't been in accidents because of it. And even worse, it's notorious for the airbags messing up. I think I would be more understanding if it weren't for the fact that this vehicle has been well maintained. It has regular maintenance. It's never overdue for an oil change or a fluid top up. I have children that ride in this vehicle and now I have to worry about their safety.

Engine
Filed Jan 14, 2024IL

Unknown

Structure
Filed Jul 10, 2023TX

The contact's friend owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the liftgate failed to function as designed. The contact stated that the liftgate would spontaneously slam shut. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V415000 (Structure). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jul 5, 2023MN

Side curtain airbags deployed driving 70 mph on I94 outside of Monticello, MN after drifting onto the rumble strip. Upon turning back there was a loud bang from the side airbags deploying. The drivers side came down and hit my daughter in the side of the head, the passenger side didn't come down all the way missing my 86 year old Mom as she is 5 ft tall. My daugther by some miracle didn't panic and veer into other traffic lanes with other vehicles driving 70 mph. GM is denying a problem and insinuating that something other than defect caused the airbags to deploy, even though there is nothing but rumble strips on the section of road. They are blaming some minor scraps on the side of the vehicle that were existing on a 2011 Traverse.

Engine
Filed Jun 28, 2023125,000 milesIL

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.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 8, 2023KS

Care loses connection shuts off while driving and unable to accelerate. Loses steering control

Seat Belts
Filed May 30, 2023CA

My driver side seat belt cable snaped. All I did was go to put my seat belt on. There was no warning no warning lights no nothing. This is a recall (Recall No. 14V266000 Recall Date; 05-20-2014) for these vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008 thru May 14, 2014 but as I was told by GMC not for my vehicle VIN number. I was told by them I may have special coverage but I would have to have it inspected by a dealership. The dealership told me it would be $195 for them to look at it. I then called GMC back and spoke with someone else who told me that special coverage would not cover the seat belt and basically I was out of luck. This is obviously a problem with their seatbelts and had I been in an accident I could have been seriously injured they should have to replace it at no cost to me.

Air Bags
Filed May 16, 2023MI

Service air bag comes on as well as it won't detect if someone is in the passenger seat. I had this issue serviced at the dealership twice. The issue has returned both times. My vehicle is continuing to have this problem. Service for airbag repair on 12/18/2020 and on 12/10/2021. Problem returned and continues to this day.

Engine
Filed Jan 10, 2023TN

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
Filed Sep 10, 2022KY

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.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemCrash
Filed Jul 25, 2022PA

The driver's side mirror is cracked, in addition to the catalytic converters - bank 1 and 2, they sold me this car like this and reset the engine light.

Engine
Filed Jun 23, 2022145,000 milesKY

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.

Suspension
Filed Apr 8, 202290,000 milesWA

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the weight of the vehicle placed on the suspension caused the steering wheel and four wheels to not align. Due to the failure, the contact stated that the steering wheel would align 50% percent to the right causing the vehicle to be undriveable. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic for multiple repairs including the control bushing, lower control arm, rack and pinion, and several other vehicle parts; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and informed her that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 14, 2022TX

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 3, 2021FL

While driving home smoke began to fill up my vehicle. I noticed it was coming up out of the floorboard where the battery is located as well smoke was billowing from the arm rest. I rushed home before anything else could have went wrong while in traffic barely able to see through the dangerous ploom of smoke.

Engine
Filed Sep 21, 2021131,000 milesOH

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 NHTSA for further assistance. The contact replaced the engine himself. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000

Electrical System
Filed Aug 4, 2021132,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the engine was still running independently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that water was entering the hood of the vehicle causing the vehicle to have electrical issues and the fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 8, 2021MI

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

Steering
Filed Jul 1, 2021PA

THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLITON ON THIS VEHICLE SB-10056456-3388 IT HAS TO DO WITH THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND SOME RACK AND PINON STEERING PARTS. IT IS HARD TO TURN WHEN YOU ARE FIRST STARTING OUT GETS EASIER AS YOU ARE DRIVING THOUGH BUT IS STILL A MAJOR CONCERN AND PROBLEM AS IT COULD HAPPEN TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AT SOME POINT WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS PROBLEM GET A RECALL ON IT

Engine
Filed Jun 26, 2021MI

Vehicle stalls at 40mph when slowing down and you have no power steering or any other engine running support. This is very dangerous it is hard to steer and stop, you coast till you you hopefully can find a safe area to stop and restart vehicle and drives normal until the next time you are above 40mph. no codes or mil lights. repeatable every time. Everyone in the vehicles safety is at risk and so is anyone else driving in our area, can't stop or steer fast with no engine support. has not been diagnosed by dealer yet. we are trying to get it in for diagnosis.

Engine
Filed Jun 8, 2021139,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud banging sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The front of the vehicle started shaking and vibrating before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was damaged and needed to be replaced, due to a faulty oil pump seal which caused the engine rod to malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 24, 2021PA

Service air bag comes on as well as it wont detect if someone is in the passenger seat. Apparently A LOT of people are having this issue how is it not a recall yet????

Air Bags
Filed Apr 5, 2021100,000 milesME

SERVICE AIRBAG WARNING ON DISPLAY, POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE.

Engine
Filed Mar 18, 202190,000 milesCA

AT 90,000 MILES I WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE JUST SHUT DOWN. LOSS OF POWER STEERING, BRAKES LOCKED UP, ENGINE DIED. BROUGHT IT HOME REPLACED BATTERY AND SERPENTINE BELT. ATTEMPTED TO START, AND TOOK SEVERAL TRIES. ONCE RUNNING THERE WAS A HORRIFIC LOUD KNOCK COMING FROM THE ENGINE. TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO REPORTED THE ENGINE WOULD "THROW A ROD ANY TIME NOW" AND THAT HAVING LOOKED THE VEHICLE OVER IT WAS NO FAULT OF MY OWN. FLUIDS WERE ALL FRESH AND FULL, NO DEBRIS IN OIL, NO REASON FOR FAILURE. I'M NOW STUCK WITH A LOAN ON A CAR THAT FAILED WAY BEFORE INDUSTRY STANDARDS. DO YOUR JOB GM AND HELP OUT YOUR CUSTOMERS! I HAVE HEARD OF MANY OTHER TRAVERSE MODELS IN THIS YEAR RANGE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE!

Electrical System
Filed Mar 16, 2021IN

THE WHOLE VEHICLE SHAKES WHILE DRIVING IT SEEMS LIKE THE BATTERY IS GOING DEAD OR IT DOESN'T WANT O TO GO ANYWHERE. TIMING CHANGE THE GAS GUAGE NOT READING RIGHT IT HORRIBLE GAS MILEAGE

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 4, 2021133,000 milesME

AS DESCRIBED BY HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS, OF OTHER OWNERS...OBDII CODES P0008 AND P0017, IN CONJUNCTION WITH "SERVICE STABILITRACK, AWD DISABLED, TRACTION CONTROL OFF". WE HAVE REPLACED MULTIPLE SENSORS, REPLACED THROTTLE BODY(AND SENSOR), REPLACED DRIVER FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY (MAGNET THAT HAS TO DO WITH SENSOR CAME OFF). THE ABOVE TWO CODES PERSIST. PURCHASED USED VEHICLE WITH 118XXX MILES AND WITHIN A YEAR THESE CODES APPEARED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO INSISTED IT WAS TIMING CHAIN, WITH ESTIMATE OF $2300. HOWEVER, SECOND AND THIRD OPINIONS DISAGREED...SUGGESTING SENSOR ISSUES, THROTTLE BODY ISSUES, ETC. WHY HAS THE TIMING CHAIN OR TENSIONER NOT BEEN RECALLED, IF THIS IS THE ISSUE? FORTUNATELY, OUR VEHICLE DOES NOT GO INTO LIMP MODE...HOWEVER, WE'VE BEEN TOLD THIS COULD HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE. WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT IF THE NHTSA WOULD DO A DEEPER DIVE AND GENERATE A RECALL. GOING TO ADDRESS CAMSHAFT BANK SENSORS NEXT BEFORE POSSIBLY REPLACING TIMING CHAIN AND/OR TENSIONER. ADDITIONALLY, PROBLEMS WITH MOISTURE ISSUE OF UNKNOWN LOCATION THAT CAUSES THE STEREO SPEAKERS TO NOT WORK. ON SUNNY, WARM DAYS, STEREO SPEAKERS WORK FINE...ANY MOISTURE, NO SPEAKERS.

Steering
Filed Mar 4, 2021IN

I'VE OWNED MY TRAVERSE FOR SLIGHTLY LONGER THAN 1 YEAR. I CAN HEAR A WHINY SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AREA AND IT IS BECOMING HARDER AND HARDER TO TURN THE WHEEL WHILE I'M GOING SLOW...AS IN I CAN'T GET IT INTO OR OUT OF TIGHT AREAS SUCH AS PARKING SPOTS. PUT IN HALF BOTTLE OF FLUID....DIDN'T HELP. IS THERE A RECALL?

Suspension
Filed Mar 3, 2021183,000 milesMI

THE STABILITRAK LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON POWER OF VEHICLE GOES DOWN..WHILE DRIVING

Steering
Filed Feb 16, 2021140,000 milesKY

I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY STEERING WHEN I DRIVE AT A SLOW SPEED. WHEN I GO TO TURN THE WHEEL YOU HAVE TO USE A LOT OF FORCE TO TURN, IF NOT YOU HAVE TO BE ON THE GAS TO GET THE STEERING TO WORK. I HATE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR. I HAVE ALMOST WREAKED IT A FEW TIMES. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON. WHEN IT STARTED HAPPENING LAST MONTH I GOT MY POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED AND THEN A WEEK AFTER I GOT IT PUT IN, IT'S NOT WORKING PROPERLY AGAIN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. I HOPE THIS ISSUE GETS FIXED. I AM GOING TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP ONE MORE TIME IF IT DOES IT AGAIN.

Engine
Filed Feb 14, 2021110,000 milesNH

IT HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WHERE THE STABILITRACK GOES HAYWIRE WHILE DRIVING AND LOCKS THE VEHICLE UP ALLOWING TO ONLY TRAVEL A FEW MILES PER HOUR SUPER UNSAFE WHEN ON HIGHWAY. HAVE HAD A CHEVY DEALERSHIP REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY SND LESS THAN 10,000 MILES LATER SAME PROBLEM. IN RESEARCHING ONLINE SEEMS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON ALL CHEVYS THAT IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE WHEN IT HAPPENS AND YOUR DRIVING.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 8, 2021NC

DRIVERS INFORMATION CENTER DOES NOT WORK IN DAYLIGHT. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING AND NOTHING IS WORKING. SO IF SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH MY CAR I WON'T KNOW TILL AT NIGHT.

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 31, 2021111,729 milesMI

2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT CABLE STARTED TO FREY LIKE OVER NIGHT WAS NOT DRIVING CAR (ONE DAY NOT THERE NEXT DAY ALL EXPOSED AND MOST WIRES BROKE) OPEN DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND STICKS RIGHT OUT BEFORE YOU DID NOT NOTICE, PASSENGER SIDE FEELS FRAYED BUT SRINK WRAP NOT TORN I BELIEVE BOTH WERE ON A PREVIOUS RECALL IN 2014 FOR SEAT BELTS, BUT DID NOT HAVE PROBLEM ACCORDING TO BETTEN DEALER SHIP IN MUSKEGON MI.

Engine
Filed Jan 31, 2021MO

ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE LOUD NOISE KNOCKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. CHECKED ALL FLUIDS AND THEY WERE ALL IN GOOD CONDITION. HAD A MECHANIC CHECK, THEY SAID ENGINE WAS SHOT AND THAT THEY HAVE SEEN A LOT OF THE TRAVERSE VEHICLES HAVE ENGINE FAILURE.

Engine
Filed Jan 25, 2021150,000 milesWA

I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE CAR STARTED MAKING LOUD NOISES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HAD THREE DIFFERENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE. ALL POINTING TOWARDS THE TIMING CHAIN OR POSSIBLE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THE CAR HAS HAD MAINTENANCE REGULARLY AND WELL TAKEN CARE OF. MECHANIC SAID THAT THE TRAVERSE HAS A LOT OF ISSUES REGARDING THE TIMING CHAIN ON A HUGE SCALE. I AM AT A LOSS ROAD AS TO WHAT CAN BE DONE. I HOOE THAT THETEIS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE CAUSE AFTER READING SO MANY PEOPLE ISSUES WITH THEIR CARS, IT IS WRONG TO JUST LEAVE PEOPLE STRANDED AND HOPELESS TO GET BACK ON THE RAOD. STEP UP TO THE PLATE GM.

Engine
Filed Jan 20, 2021140,000 milesAZ

WE WERE DRIVING ABOUT 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE A KNOCKING SOUND AND LOSING POWER. WE PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START. WE GOT A JUMP AND HAD TO BUY A NEW BATTERY DUE TO IT BEING DRAINED. GOT A NEW BATTERY AND PULLED UP THE CODE FOR THE KNOCK SENSOR. WE REPLACED IT AND NEW CODES PULLED UP. THE ENGINE THRU A ROD WITH NO WARNING OF ANYTHING BEING WRONG WITH THE TRAVERSE. IT WAS WELL MAINTAINED WITH ONLY 140,000 MILES. THE NEW BATTERY WE BOUGHT WAS DRAINED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AND NEEDS TO BE CHARGED FOR THE TRAVERSE TO EVEN START WHEN THE MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 11, 2021IN

MAIN WINDOW SWITCHES HAVE FAILED AND THE WIPERS DO NOT WORK ON THE HIGHEST SETTING.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 8, 2021175,000 milesNC

IT BECAME VERY HARD TO STEER AS WE SLOWED DOWN TO TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE. IT FELT LIKE MANUAL STEERING AND NOT POWER. THE DEALERSHIP SAID WE NEED A STEERING RACK AND STEERING PUMP. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE?

Power Train
Filed Dec 28, 2020CA

I HAVE BEEN IN SMALL AND BIG INCLINES AND MY CAR ROLLS BACK. I HAVE TO KEEP MY FOOT ON BRAKE AND GIVE AT SAME TIME I RELEASE THE GAS OR IT ROLLS BACK. I HAVE COME CLOSE TO HITTING THE CAR IN BACK OF ME.

Engine
Filed Dec 21, 2020DE

MY ENGINE WENT OUT ON MY 2011 CHEVY TRAVERSE AND THIS IS PART OF OF THE RECALL THE DEALER DIDN'T DO NOTHING ABOUT IT AND NOW I AM WITHOUT A CAR

Power Train
Filed Dec 13, 2020968,000 milesIA

WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH SUDDENLY HEAR A BEEP AND SEE A WARNING THAT TRACTION CONTROL IS OFF, THEN SERVICE STABILITRAK WARNING KEPT FLASHING AND CAR IN SKID IMAGE IS ON CONSTANTLY. ALSO AFTER THESE WARNINGS STARTED FLASHING THE SPEED CONTROL COULD NOT BE SET. LUCKILY I DID'T LOSE POWER THIS TIME AS SO MANY OTHERS HAVE REPORTED. AFTER ARRIVING HOME AND RESTARTING THE CAR LATER ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE OFF. FOR SEVERAL WEEKS NOW WHEN RESUMING SPEED AFTER STOPPING THE CAR LUNGES WHILE GETTING BACK UP TO SPEED. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS HAD I LOST OR HAD REDUCED POWER LIKE HAS HAPPENED TO SO MANY. GM REALLY NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 9, 2020IL

ON THE DASHBOARD COME ON SERVICE AIR BAG

Engine
Filed Oct 27, 2020IL

I PURCHASED THIS CAR A MONTH AGO, DIDN'T SEE ANY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, BUT I NOW IT IS AND IT IS A CODE RELATED TO THE TIMING BELTS, IT SEEMS THE CAR STILL WORK OK BUT SOMETIMES STARTS SHAKING A LITLE. SO I SEE THERE IS A LOT OF COMPLAINS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, I HOPE CHEVROLET HAS A RECALL TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE, BECOUSE THIS IS A VERY HIGH COST REPAIR.

Engine
Filed Oct 23, 2020OH

PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AT THE END OF JULY AND A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER STARTED NOTICING POWER FLUCTUATION WHILE DRIVING AND A KNOCKING ON THE TOP PART OF THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING, SPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY AND DECIDED TO PARK IT AND WAIT FOR OUR SHOP TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT. APPARENTLY THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDS REPLACED AGAIN DESPITE OF "ISSUES ALREADY BEING CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER'. THIS VEHICLE IS AROUND 98K-99K MILES RANGE AND IT MIGHT NEED THE HOLE ENGINE BLOCK REPLACED DUE TO A SLOPPY RECALL REPAIR. SPENDING 5K ON A NEW ENGINE THAT DOESN'T HAVE EVEN 100K SEEMS RIDICULOUS, BUT HAVING PEOPLE DRIVING WITH THE CHANCE OF MALFUNCTION A HIGH SPEEDS IS VERY CONCERNING.

Power Train
Filed Sep 25, 2020111,000 milesVA

MY 2011 CHEVY TRAVERSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, ON 9/18/20 AND REFERENCED ERROR CODES P0009 AND P0018. THE CAR IS LOOSES POWER WHEN DRIVEN AND IS GETTING TERRIBLE GAS MILEAGE. IT ONLY HAS 111,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S GUIDELINES. THE MECHANIC THAT REVIEWED MY CAR INDICATED A TIMING CHAIN ISSUE, WHICH I HAVE FOUND ALL OVER THE INTERNET HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER 2011 TRAVERSE OWNERS. LUCKILY MY CHAIN DID NOT BREAK WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. WHEN WILL CHEVY BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS ISSUE?

Engine
Filed Sep 24, 2020116,000 milesNE

I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED WITH 80,000 MILES ON IT. A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING IT I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO A BURNING OIL SMELL AND WAS TOLD IT WAS "NORMAL TRAVERSE SMELL". THE SMELL KEPT GETTING WORSE BUT EVERYWHERE I TOOK IT THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR TWO YEARS NOW AND AFTER TAKING IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, NOT A GM OR CHEVY MECHANIC, WE WERE TOLD IT NEEDS THE TIMING BELT REPLACED SO WE HAD THAT DONE. THE BURNING OIL SMELL NEVER WENT AWAY SO I TOOK IT BACK AND HE FOUND THAT THE TIMING BELT NEEDS REPLACED AFTER TWO MONTHS BECAUSE A BRASS RING THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED WASN'T. THIS BRASS RING WAS NEVER ON THE RECALL LIST SO THE PREVIOUS OWNERS KNEW NOTHING ABOUT IT. CHEVY KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE BUT THEY WON'T REPLACE THEM. I AM NOT STUCK WITH A PILE OF JUNK THAT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE ALL BECAUSE CHEVY WON'T OWN UP TO THEIR FAILURE. WHY NOT RECALL THE BRASS RING INSTEAD OF EXPECTING PEOPLE TO FORK OUT $6,000 FOR A NEW ENGINE?

Engine
Filed Sep 1, 2020211,434 milesGA

TIMING CHAIN CAN COME OFF AT RANDOM AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO LAST YEARS, BUT DON'T.

Complaints 1-50 of 608, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2010
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20271000Routine
202627200Routine
2025185000Routine
2024144010Routine
202395200Routine
2022101100Routine
202194310Routine
2020235810Above average
2019412320Above average
2018465220Above average
2017361321Fatalities reported
2016292511Fatalities reported
2015314530Above average
2014548710Above average
2013162420Routine
2012354520Above average
2011 — this page608541Fatalities reported
2010669560Above average
2009448820Above average

Compare every Traverse year →

2011 Chevrolet Traverse: questions buyers ask

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse a good car?

It is not among the Traverse years to avoid. Owners filed 608 complaints, against about 334 for a typical Traverse year. The most common complaint is about the engine (23%). In NHTSA crash tests it scored 5 stars overall.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?

The engine: 137 of the 608 complaints (23%) are about it. Owners most often say it sets off warning lights on the dash (22%), turns on the check engine light (19%) and loses power (18%). The typical report comes at 88,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Apr 8, 2021. The largest, 14V266000, covered 1,339,355 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Traverse problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 70,700 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 88,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?

Yes, 2 times. The latest, EA20002 ("Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure"), was opened Aug 31, 2020 and closed Aug 30, 2024.

Are there service bulletins for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?

The manufacturer filed 1,461 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (243), the electrical system (217) and the transmission (70). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 8, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.