YearToAvoid

2011 Chevrolet Traverse Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 165 steering complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, 27% of the 608 total complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 66,500 miles. No related recall is listed for this steering issue.

Steering complaints
165
27% of 608
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
66,500 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the steering wheel suddenly seizing or locking up while turning at low speeds, sometimes tied to a failed steering pump.
  • Several describe a loud whining or high-pitched squealing noise from the steering column or gear housing when turning left or right.
  • Some report a complete but temporary loss of power steering assist, requiring extra force to turn the wheel, especially during left turns.
  • A few describe intermittent power steering loss that resolves after stopping and restarting the vehicle, with dealers unable to duplicate the fault.
  • One owner reported the steering wheel locking up during a low-speed turn while parking, along with the ignition key becoming stuck.

When 2011 Chevrolet Traverse steering complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 4, 2012, latest Oct 8, 2024.

2011 Chevrolet Traverse steering complaints: complaints filed per quarter172012 Q22013 Q42015 Q12016 Q22017 Q32018 Q42020 Q22024 Q4
165 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q2 to 2024 Q4; peak 2014 Q2 (17).

Steering recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Traverse model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2009231 (52%)
  2. 2010331 (49%)
  3. 2011165 (27%)
  4. 201262 (18%)
  5. 201318 (11%)
  6. 201427 (5%)
  7. 201527 (9%)
  8. 201624 (8%)
  9. 201711 (3%)
  10. 201814 (3%)
  11. 201918 (4%)
  12. 20207 (3%)
  13. 20214 (4%)
  14. 20222 (2%)
  15. 20232 (2%)
  16. 20244 (3%)
  17. 20254 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering complaints on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?
NHTSA lists 165 steering complaints for the 2011 Traverse, which is 27% of the 608 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for steering problems on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this steering issue on the 2011 Traverse.
At what mileage do steering problems typically appear on the 2011 Traverse?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for steering complaints on the 2011 Traverse is 66,500 miles.
Did the 2011 Traverse steering problems cause any crashes?
NHTSA data links 2 crashes to steering complaints on the 2011 Traverse, with no reported fires or injuries.
Is steering a bigger issue on the 2011 Traverse than other years?
The 2011 Traverse's 27% share of steering complaints is lower than the 2010 model's 49% share but higher than most later years, which mostly stayed below 10%.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.