2011 Chevrolet Traverse Problems And Complaints

2011 Chevrolet Traverse User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Complaints

• Engine problems- As with many GM engines from the era, the 3.6L V6 on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is also susceptible to timing chain issues. A stretched timing chain can cause the engine to underperform sometimes causing the engine to knock heavily, misfire, reduce pickup, and stall as reported by owners. This is usually accompanied by a “reduced engine power” message and engine malfunction light with service code P0008 and the failure is noted on engines with mileages as low as 80,000 miles. Despite the issue being widespread, no service bulletins or recalls are made available and the replacement costs are estimated to be over $2,800.

• Transmission Problems- the 6-speed automatic on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverseis generally known to be reliable but users might experience occasional shifting issues, slippage, or even excessive jerking. Mostly these issues arise due to a faulty TCM unit or improper transmission service. However, some units have reported having 35R clutch wave plate issues, in which case, you might need a transmission overhaul.

 Electric System complaints

• StabiliTrak/ traction control issues- “StabiliTrak” off and “traction control off” warnings are common on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse which at times sometimes is coupled with a throttle body errors message. The most probable cause for this issue is excessive contamination of the throttle body sensors (position/MAF) by blow-by fumes from the PCV valve. Cleaning the throttle body would mostly fix this issue. If not, the fuse, wheel speed sensor, and brake position sensor might need an inspection for proper functionality.

• A/C problems- Loss of cooling effect with a noticeable hissing sound from under the dashboard has been a problem reported by many owners. This issue mainly points towards low refrigerant levels in the lines, indicating a leak at some point. As reported, the evaporators or condensers are the common leak points and would require a replacement (including seals) if diagnosed.

Structural Complaints

• Steering issues- Abnormal noise and loss of steering assist have been common issues on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. A service bulleting from the manufacturer suggests that some batches of the SUV (2009-2011) may develop power steering pump wear conditions that can cause intermittent loss of power steering. As a remedy, the warranty on this specific part has been extended to 10 year/ 150,000 miles as part of special coverage. However, issues with the rack and pinion unit on the 2011 Traverse are not that uncommon and owners have reported replacing the unit at their own expense.

• Power liftgate problems- Premature wear of the power liftgate struts is a common issue on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse and owners have reported the gate not opening, stopping halfway, or even falling on the person while the trunk is in access. The manufacturer is aware of these issues and has initiated a recall (15V415000) for updating drive module software and replacement of struts if found necessary.

• Windshield wiper- intermittent failure of the wiper is a common issue reported on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The complaint was traced to the build-up of ice in the wiper mounting points which eventually cause the wiper arm to loosen and lose functionality. A recall (ID-12V151000) was initiated in response to the repeated occurrence and the units were inspected and repaired free of charge.

2011 Chevrolet Traverse Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	8th April 2021	21V246000	Side curtain airbags may be unsecured	The side curtain airbags may not be properly attached causing them to not work as intended increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.	The dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021.
2	30th June 2015	15V415000	Liftgate struts may fail and the liftgate may fall	In the affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, the struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall, striking the user and increasing the risk of injury.	The 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.
3	20th May 2014	14V266000	Flexible steel cable for seatbelt may fail	In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time, failing to restrain the occupant properly in the event of a crash and increasing the risk of injury.	The dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. The recall began on July 11, 2014.
4	17th March 2014	14V118000	Side impact airbag warning connections	In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat-mounted side impact airbag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.	The dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014.
5	9th April 2012	12V151000	Windshield wiper arm nuts	Snow or ice buildup on the windshield or the wiper may restrict the movement of the wiper arm, causing the wiper arm to loosen and cause the wiper to become inoperative.	The dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 20, 2012.

 Should you buy a used 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?

Hanging around in the same guise for quite some time now the Chevrolet Traverse has lost a bit of its initial appeal now, at least for us. However, it seems that the manufacturer is witnessing a seemingly high demand for their ‘now slightly dated’ midsize SUV in recent times which does come as a surprise to us. This, as a result, has inevitably brought about a spike in the number of complaints as seen from official reports and other customer platforms due to inherent issues with the package. For this reason, it is hard to tag the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse a recommended midsize SUV purchase this year from our end, but prospective buyers must be aware of the issues mentioned in the article to ensure trouble-free long-term ownership.