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2011 Chevrolet Traverse Problems & Owner Complaints

608 NHTSA owner complaints
16 crash 4 fire 30 injury 1 death

Age-normalised, this year draws ~38.0 complaints per year on the road — ranking 6 of 15 Chevrolet Traverse years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, cited in 204 of 608 filed complaints (34%).

Steering is next (165 complaints, 27%), followed by Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (103), Power Train (79), Electrical System (67).

Across all complaints, 16 report a crash, 4 report a fire, 30 report injuries, 1 report a death.

The most safety-critical cluster is Fuel System: 1 crash, 1 fire, 3 injury, 1 death report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 608.

Engine 204 3 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION .INCIDENT REPORTED TO COX CHEVY 08/23/11,MAHER CHEVY 11/02/12,04/16/14 AND AN ACCIDENT 06/07/14 WITH BODILY INJURY HITTING A CONCRETE WALL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10598650, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WE CAME TO A BRIEF STOP AT A DRIVE THROUGH LANE (APPROX. 5-10 SECONDS), HARD CRANK OF THE WHEEL LEFT, MILD ACCELERATION, TRAVELED ABOUT 15 FEET, CRANK TO RIGHT, PULL INTO A PARKING SPOT. IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE COMING TO A STOP, I NOTICED THICK WHITE SMOKE EMANATING FROM THE EDGES OF THE HOOD, AND WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A STOP I ORDERED EVERYONE TO GET OUT. BLACK SMOKE STARTED AS WE EXITED THE VEHICLE. I HAD THE FIRE OUT QUICKLY, ESTIMATE 45-60 SECONDS FROM SEEING SMOKE UNTIL THE FIRE WAS COMPLETELY EXTINGUISHED WITH A CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHER. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FIRE WAS OUT, WH…”
NHTSA complaint #10585341, 2014 · fire

“MY WIFE RETURNED FROM THE DEALERSHIP AFTER RECEIVING AN OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION. SHE PARKED THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY AT THE HOUSE AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES MY FAMILY GOT IN THE VEHICLE. I SMELLED A BURNING ODOR WHILE WALKING TO THE VEHICLE. MY WIFE CRANKED THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I OPENED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE BURNING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WE GOT THE FAMILY OUT OF THE CAR AND I GRABBED A WATER HOSE AND PUT THE FLAMES OUT. AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES I NOTICED THAT SMOKE WAS AGAIN COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPA…”
NHTSA complaint #10522488, 2013 · fire

Steering 165 2 crash

“WHILE DRIVING TO WORK EARLY JANUARY 18,2016 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON, NOT A MINUTE LATER MY STEERING WENT OUT AND I HIT A ROAD SIGN. I HAD TURNED OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL BEFORE LEAVING MY HOUSE AS INSTRUCTED BY MY SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP. I BELIEVE GM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. TOOK MY 2011 TRAVERSE TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT SAME DAY. LIGHTS STILL ON, AND BY THE TIME I GOT IT THERE THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING TERRIBLY, THEY DIAGNOSE IT AS THROTTLE BODY CODES PO221-PO121 & PO300. THEY FIXED THAT PROBLEM, BUT TOOK NO RESPONSIBILITY GM…”
NHTSA complaint #10821831, 2016 · crash

“MY STABILITRAK HAS BEEN GOING IN AND OUT FOR YEARS WITH NO ISSUES. I HAD IT CHECKED BUT TOLD IT WAS OK. NOW IT HAS STARTED STALLING ON ME. AND I WAS SLIGHTLY REAR ENDED LAST NIGHT ON VACATION. I CALLED THE CHEVROLET 1 800 # AND TOLD NO RECALL ON THIS. HOWEVER ON LINE IS HUNDREDS OF ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL. SO OVER THE LAST 2 WEEKS IT HAS BEEN GOING FREQUENTLY. THE STEERING IS JUST MAKING NOISES AND CRUNCHING SOUNDS WHEN TURNING”
NHTSA complaint #11033026, 1956 · crash

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11615149, 2024

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 103 3 crash

“IN JANUARY 2016, MY VEHICLE STARTED HAVING STABILITY TRACK ISSUES. IT GOT SO BAD I HAD THE CAR SIT UP FOR A MONTH THEN CALLED A MECHANIC OUT TO DIAGNOSIS THE CAR. THEY SENT ME TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND THEY FIXED SOMETHING WITHIN THE STEERING, BUT THAT DID NOT STOP MY STABILITRAK FROM MALFUNCTIONING. WHILE DRIVING THE STABILITRAK LIGHT TURNS ON AND SAYS IT NEEDS SERVICING. THEN IT MAKES THE ENGINE SLOW DOWN AND IT STARTS STALLING SO WE HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON FOR IT TO DO THE SAME THING AGAIN WITHIN MINUTES. IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ON IT TURNS IT OFF…”
NHTSA complaint #11012183, 2016 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING TO WORK EARLY JANUARY 18,2016 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON, NOT A MINUTE LATER MY STEERING WENT OUT AND I HIT A ROAD SIGN. I HAD TURNED OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL BEFORE LEAVING MY HOUSE AS INSTRUCTED BY MY SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP. I BELIEVE GM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. TOOK MY 2011 TRAVERSE TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT SAME DAY. LIGHTS STILL ON, AND BY THE TIME I GOT IT THERE THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING TERRIBLY, THEY DIAGNOSE IT AS THROTTLE BODY CODES PO221-PO121 & PO300. THEY FIXED THAT PROBLEM, BUT TOOK NO RESPONSIBILITY GM…”
NHTSA complaint #10821831, 2016 · crash

“MY STABILITRAK HAS BEEN GOING IN AND OUT FOR YEARS WITH NO ISSUES. I HAD IT CHECKED BUT TOLD IT WAS OK. NOW IT HAS STARTED STALLING ON ME. AND I WAS SLIGHTLY REAR ENDED LAST NIGHT ON VACATION. I CALLED THE CHEVROLET 1 800 # AND TOLD NO RECALL ON THIS. HOWEVER ON LINE IS HUNDREDS OF ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL. SO OVER THE LAST 2 WEEKS IT HAS BEEN GOING FREQUENTLY. THE STEERING IS JUST MAKING NOISES AND CRUNCHING SOUNDS WHEN TURNING”
NHTSA complaint #11033026, 1956 · crash

Power Train 79 2 crash

“IN JANUARY 2016, MY VEHICLE STARTED HAVING STABILITY TRACK ISSUES. IT GOT SO BAD I HAD THE CAR SIT UP FOR A MONTH THEN CALLED A MECHANIC OUT TO DIAGNOSIS THE CAR. THEY SENT ME TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND THEY FIXED SOMETHING WITHIN THE STEERING, BUT THAT DID NOT STOP MY STABILITRAK FROM MALFUNCTIONING. WHILE DRIVING THE STABILITRAK LIGHT TURNS ON AND SAYS IT NEEDS SERVICING. THEN IT MAKES THE ENGINE SLOW DOWN AND IT STARTS STALLING SO WE HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON FOR IT TO DO THE SAME THING AGAIN WITHIN MINUTES. IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ON IT TURNS IT OFF…”
NHTSA complaint #11012183, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON INCLINE, IT WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE…”
NHTSA complaint #10855156, 2015 · crash

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11423924, 2021

Electrical System 67 2 fire 1 injury

“I TURN OFF REMOVED THE KEY. THE CAR ON(RUNNING) NO STOP, THE DEALER ONLY FOR TEST AND DIAGNOSE, $800.00 I CAN BELIEVE.. ONLY 48000 MILES THE SECOND OWNER.. 2011 CHEVY TRAVERSE PLEASE NO,BUY ANY CHEVY”
NHTSA complaint #10819581, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)

“THE HEADLIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE WIRING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED BUT RUNNING IN A DRIVEWAY. THIS CAUSED ABOUT 2000 IN DAMAGES TO THE VEHICHLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11043215, 2017 · fire

“MY WIFE RETURNED FROM THE DEALERSHIP AFTER RECEIVING AN OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION. SHE PARKED THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY AT THE HOUSE AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES MY FAMILY GOT IN THE VEHICLE. I SMELLED A BURNING ODOR WHILE WALKING TO THE VEHICLE. MY WIFE CRANKED THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I OPENED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE BURNING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WE GOT THE FAMILY OUT OF THE CAR AND I GRABBED A WATER HOSE AND PUT THE FLAMES OUT. AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES I NOTICED THAT SMOKE WAS AGAIN COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPA…”
NHTSA complaint #10522488, 2013 · fire

Vehicle Speed Control 58 2 crash 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 4 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED LEG AND ANKLE INJURIES WHICH MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE REMAINS AT THE SCENE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10825143, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION .INCIDENT REPORTED TO COX CHEVY 08/23/11,MAHER CHEVY 11/02/12,04/16/14 AND AN ACCIDENT 06/07/14 WITH BODILY INJURY HITTING A CONCRETE WALL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10598650, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 st…”
NHTSA complaint #11618746, 2023

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Air Bags 43 8 crash 21 injury

“AIR BAGS DO NOT COME OUT IN HIGHWAY IMPACT OF 70 MILES PER HOUR.”
NHTSA complaint #11113909, 2018 · crash · 6 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER FELL ASLEEP, VEERED OFF THE ROAD, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. TWO CHILD PASSENGERS EXPERIENCED WHIPLASH, BRUISES, AND CUTS. ANOTHER CHILD PASSENGER WAS SHAKEN UP AND EXPERIENCED LOW BLOOD PRESSURE. ANOTHER ADULT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED BACK AND EXTENSIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT I…”
NHTSA complaint #10916454, 2016 · crash · 6 injury(ies)

“I WAS TURNING ON A GREEN ARROW FROM AN ON RAMP. A WOMAN IN AN LARGE FORD VAN HIT THE REAR DOOR AND QUARTER OF MY VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SENDING US UP AND IN A CIRCLE. WE CAME DOWN HARD AFTER A COMPLETE CIRCLE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ONSTAR DID NOT WORK. MY HUSBAND WENT TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE AND MY MOTHER AND I RECEIVED SIGNIFICANT BRUISING. I HIT MY HEAD SO HARD ON THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW IT THREW MY GLASSES INTO THE PASSENGER FLOOR. I COULD NOT BELIEVE THERE WAS NO AIRBAG SYSTEM AS THIS WAS THE REASON I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FOR MY FAMILY OF 7. I CALLED CHEVROLET AND WAS GIVEN AL…”
NHTSA complaint #10724446, 2012 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

Unknown Or Other 36 1 injury

“LEFT LIFT GATE SUPPORT MALFUNCTIONED. IT LEAKED ALL THE GAS OUT AND AND SLAMMED SHUT NEARLY MISSING ME. I GOT AN ABRASION ON MY KNUCKLE ON MY RIGHT INDEX FINGER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, MY FAMILY WERE UNLOADING GROCERIES. I BOUGHT REPLACEMENTS WITH MY OWN MONEY AND HAVE THE RECEIPT. CASHIER AT AUTO PARTS STORE SAID TO CHECK FOR A RECALL ON FAULTY GAS STRUTS AKA LIFT SUPPORTS.”
NHTSA complaint #10850264, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11442523, 2021

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11396192, 2021

Service Brakes 31 2 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 4 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED LEG AND ANKLE INJURIES WHICH MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE REMAINS AT THE SCENE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10825143, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON INCLINE, IT WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE…”
NHTSA complaint #10855156, 2015 · crash

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11615149, 2024

Seat Belts 21 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR END AND PUSHED THE VEHICLE INTO AN INTERSECTION. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN HER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, KNEE AND A FRACTURED HAND. THE POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED THREE TIMES PRIOR TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND AS A TEMPORARY REMEDY RESET THE LIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTS…”
NHTSA complaint #10607441, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11524445, 2023

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11390875, 2021

Structure 21 2 crash 5 injury

“THE REAR LIFT GATE WHEN OPEN IS SUDDENLY FALLING. IT HAS ALREADY HIT ME AND MULTIPLE FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE BACK AND HEAD BECAUSE IT FALLS WITHOUT WARNING AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. THIS IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE PROBLEM WITH THE POWER LIFT GATE THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN RECALLED. TO QUOTE THE POWER LIFT GATE RECALL WEB PAGE: "THESE STRUTS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE OPEN LIFTGATE MAY SUDDENLY FALL. IT MAY STRIKE A PERSON, INCREASING THEIR RISK OF INJURY."”
NHTSA complaint #10892664, 2016 · 3 injury(ies)

“WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN MY TRAVERSE WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY THE TIRE AND FENDER. THE SIDE AIR BAG OR FRONT AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT MY TRAVERSE HAD AIRBAGS THAT DEPLOYED. MY WIFE WAS 4 MONTHS PREGNANT AND DIDN'T HAVE PROPER PROTECTION OF THE MULTIPLE AIRBAGS THIS VEHICLE HAS. SHE INJURED HER KNEE FROM BANGING INTO THE DASH BOARD AND CAUSED GREAT CONCERN ABOUT THE HEALTH OF OUR UNBORN CHILD. THE SAD PART IS NOW WE RECEIVE A LETTER THAT OUR CAR IS PART OF THE RECENT SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG RECALL ON THE CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE REASON WHY IT DIDN'T DEPLOY IN THE ACCIDE…”
NHTSA complaint #10609870, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE STOPPED AT A RAILROAD CROSSING, I WAS REAR ENDED BY A VEHICLE TRAVELING 55 MPH WHICH TOTALED MY CAR BUT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10596075, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Traction Control System 21

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11170092, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH UPHILL, THE VEHICLE LOST TRACTION CONTROL AND ACCELERATION. THE SERVICE STABILITRACK AND ENGINE POWER REDUCED WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10953705, 2017

“LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN GOSAR ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2011 CHEVY TRAVERSE MULTIPLE RECALLS (ATTN: STEPHEN BRIGGS). *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HER VEHICLE HAD THREE MAJOR SAFETY RECALLS REGARDING THE AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS AND WATER PUMP. RECENTLY, WHILE DRIVING THE STABILTRAK SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED, FOLLOWED BY THE ENGINE POWERING DOWN AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AT WHICH POINT THE VEHICLE DECELERATED FROM 65 MPH TO LESS THAN 5 MPH. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10714847, 2015

Fuel/Propulsion System 19 2 crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11475813, 2022 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING TO WORK EARLY JANUARY 18,2016 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON, NOT A MINUTE LATER MY STEERING WENT OUT AND I HIT A ROAD SIGN. I HAD TURNED OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL BEFORE LEAVING MY HOUSE AS INSTRUCTED BY MY SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP. I BELIEVE GM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. TOOK MY 2011 TRAVERSE TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT SAME DAY. LIGHTS STILL ON, AND BY THE TIME I GOT IT THERE THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING TERRIBLY, THEY DIAGNOSE IT AS THROTTLE BODY CODES PO221-PO121 & PO300. THEY FIXED THAT PROBLEM, BUT TOOK NO RESPONSIBILITY GM…”
NHTSA complaint #10821831, 2016 · crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11422443, 2021

Visibility/Wiper 15 1 crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11475813, 2022 · crash

“MAIN WINDOW SWITCHES HAVE FAILED AND THE WIPERS DO NOT WORK ON THE HIGHEST SETTING.”
NHTSA complaint #11387543, 2020

“THE REAR SUPPORT FOR LIFT OF DOOR FAILED- VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY THE DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILED - VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY A/C BLOWS FREON THROUGH VENTS- STATIONARY, IN MOTION- HAS BEEN IN SHOP 3 TIMES CONDENSER, A/C LINES HAVE BEEN REPLACED- STILL DOES NOT HOLD FREON FOR LONG”
NHTSA complaint #11233788, 2019

Suspension 14 1 crash 1 injury

“WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN MY TRAVERSE WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY THE TIRE AND FENDER. THE SIDE AIR BAG OR FRONT AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT MY TRAVERSE HAD AIRBAGS THAT DEPLOYED. MY WIFE WAS 4 MONTHS PREGNANT AND DIDN'T HAVE PROPER PROTECTION OF THE MULTIPLE AIRBAGS THIS VEHICLE HAS. SHE INJURED HER KNEE FROM BANGING INTO THE DASH BOARD AND CAUSED GREAT CONCERN ABOUT THE HEALTH OF OUR UNBORN CHILD. THE SAD PART IS NOW WE RECEIVE A LETTER THAT OUR CAR IS PART OF THE RECENT SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG RECALL ON THE CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE REASON WHY IT DIDN'T DEPLOY IN THE ACCIDE…”
NHTSA complaint #10609870, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11403208, 2021

“THE STABILITRAK LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON POWER OF VEHICLE GOES DOWN..WHILE DRIVING”
NHTSA complaint #11398851, 2021

Engine And Engine Cooling 9

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED COOLANT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHOTTENKIRK CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 755 HICKMAN RD, WAUKEE, IA 50263) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11010586, 2017

“LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN GOSAR ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2011 CHEVY TRAVERSE MULTIPLE RECALLS (ATTN: STEPHEN BRIGGS). *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HER VEHICLE HAD THREE MAJOR SAFETY RECALLS REGARDING THE AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS AND WATER PUMP. RECENTLY, WHILE DRIVING THE STABILTRAK SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED, FOLLOWED BY THE ENGINE POWERING DOWN AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AT WHICH POINT THE VEHICLE DECELERATED FROM 65 MPH TO LESS THAN 5 MPH. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10714847, 2015

“WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY HEADING TO THE AIRPORT, WE WERE GOING APPROXIMATELY 60MPH.THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND TRUCK BEGAN TO POWER DOWN. THE TRACTION CONTROL/STABILI TRACK LIGHT ALSO CAME ON AND WE WERE LOSING SPEED AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE. WITH OTHER VEHICLES AROUND US WERE GOING 60MPH OR MORE WE HAD TO TRY AND GET OFF HIGHWAY TO SIDE OF ROAD BEFORE OUR TRUCK LOST POWER ALL TOGETHER. WE THEN SHUT OFF THE TRUCK LET IT SIT FOR FEW MINUTES AND THEN TURNED TRUCK BACK ON. WE WERE THEN ABLE TO PULL BACK ON TO HIGHWAY AT FULL SPEED. IT HAPPENED A TWO MORE TIMES BEFORE WE WERE ABLE TO REACH…”
NHTSA complaint #10565509, 2014

Exterior Lighting 7 1 crash 1 fire

“THE HEADLIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE WIRING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED BUT RUNNING IN A DRIVEWAY. THIS CAUSED ABOUT 2000 IN DAMAGES TO THE VEHICHLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11043215, 2017 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS AND ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE BACK HOME ONLY WITH THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (RYDELL CHEVROLET, 18600 DEVONSHIRE ST, NORTHRIDGE, CA 91324) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING ON A RAINY DAY AT 15 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF AN…”
NHTSA complaint #11040519, 2016 · crash

“MY 2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE JUST STARTED TO HAVE THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD GO ON AND STAY ON. THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OF ANY KIND. ''TIS VEHICLE CURRENTLY ONLY HAS 32,000 MILES. HARDLY DRIVEN. WELL TAKEN CARED FOR.”
NHTSA complaint #11162875, 2018

Fuel System 7 1 crash 1 fire 3 injury 1 death

“VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING EAST ON I-64 IN NORFOLK, VA. OCCUPANTS SMELT FUEL AND PULLED OVER. WITNESSES ADVISED THAT IMMEDIATELY PULLING OVER THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND WITHIN 60 SECONDS THE FIRE WAS OBSERVED IN THE FRONT DRIVER PASSENGER SEAT AREA. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER HAD MOVED TO THE BACK SEAT AREA TO TRY AND FREE A 4 YEAR OLD CHILD FROM THE CAR SEAT. THE FEMALE PASSENGER THEN EXITED THE REAR DRIVER WINDOW SUFFERING CRITICAL BURNS IN THE FIRE. THE MALE DRIVER EXPIRED IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLE. BYSTANDERS REMOVED THE CHILD. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10411488, 2011 · fire · 1 death(s)

“HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION .INCIDENT REPORTED TO COX CHEVY 08/23/11,MAHER CHEVY 11/02/12,04/16/14 AND AN ACCIDENT 06/07/14 WITH BODILY INJURY HITTING A CONCRETE WALL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10598650, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“2011 CHEVY TRAVERSE IS HAVING FUEL GAUGE ISSUES. GM HAS A RECALL OUT ON 2014 MODELS, HOWEVER MY 2011 IS EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM BUT NO RECALL FOR THAT YEAR. PER GM THIS CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY RUNNING OUT OF FUEL AND STALLING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10667850, 2014

Wheels 7

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11615149, 2024

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11383229, 2020

“I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JANUARY 2017 WITH ONE OWNER HAVING HAD IT. HERE IT IS NOW 2 YEARS LATER AND I HAVE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE. SOME OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD BUT IT STILL ISN'T PART OF A RECALL. THE PAST YEAR I HAVE ALREADY SPENT OVER $1000 TO FIX IT. ITEMS ALREADY REPLACED INCLUDE SEVERAL SENSORS, WHEEL BEARING, POWER STEERIG PUMP AND A BATTERY. WHAT STILL NEEDS REPLACING: RACK AND PINYON, SHOCKS AND STRUTS, AND I HAVE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. CURRENTLY, MY WINDOWS GO DOWN BUT WON'T GO UP BECAUSE THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND MY RADIO CUTS IN AND OUT. I AM STIL…”
NHTSA complaint #11164948, 2019

Visibility 6

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE IDLING, THE REAR TAILGATE WINDOW GLASS POPPED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10703217, 2015

“THE HEAT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS STOPPED WORKING. THE AIR CONTINUES TO BLOW WITHOUT RAISING THE TEMPERATURE TO THE DEGREE SHOWN ON THE DASH. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10655055, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE FUEL GAUGE DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AND DISPLAYED AN INCORRECT READING, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL WAS HALF. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW WIPER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10668741, 2013

Seats 5

“TAKATA RECALL, AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHEN ITS COLD OUTSIDE, RECALL NUMBER 14V266, FUEL GAUGE STOPS WORKING WHEN ITS COLD OUTSIDE, PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW DOES NOT ROLE UP WITH THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROLS.”
NHTSA complaint #11161812, 2015

“PASENGER AIRBAG KEEPS TURNING ON AND OFF, BRING IN TO GET FIXED AND KEEP GETTING THE RUN AROUND....HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE 32000 MILES OVER A YEAR AND STILL NOT FIXED!!!! NOT HAPPY”
NHTSA complaint #10810134, 2014

“THE SEAT FRAME THAT SECURES THE THIRD ROW PASSENGER SEAT AND BOLTS THE SEAT TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE HAS BEGUN TO RUST. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10627434, 2014

Tires 3

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11691695, 2025

“THESE ARE MY SECOND SET OF GOODYEAR FORTERA TIRES. THEY ARE RATED FOR 60 THOUSAND MILES AND I HAVE GOTTEN 20,000 TO 25,000 WHEN THEY BECAME SEVERELY CRACKED .”
NHTSA complaint #11160739, 2018

“TWO THINGS #1-TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 95. RIGHT REAR TIRE BLOW. THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE RIP ALL AROUND. I HAVE A PICTURE OF THE TIRE IN TWO PIECES.IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SEEING THE PICTURE EMAIL ME AND I WILL SEND IT TO YOU. #2-ALSO EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER 2010 THE BRAKES SQUEAKS. ITS BEEN LOOKED AT MULTIPLE TIME BY TWO DEALERS. TO THIS DAY THE BRAKES STILL SQUEAK. VERY ANNOYING. THE WARRANTY IS OUT NOW BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF THE BRAKE ISSUE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10533445, 2013

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11384412, 2020

Lane Departure 1

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11605410, 2024

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse draws about 38.0 complaints per year on the road, ranking 6 of 15 among the Chevrolet Traverse model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

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