FaultScore

Chevrolet Traverse steering problems

954 of the 7,917 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Traverse are about the steering — 12% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2010.

954

Complaints

12%

Share of all complaints

21

Crashes

3

Fires

Steering complaints by model year

2009 Traverse 232 24.3%

Median failure at 75,725 miles

2010 Traverse 334 35.0%

Median failure at 69,460 miles

2011 Traverse 165 17.3%

Median failure at 66,500 miles

2012 Traverse 62 6.5%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

2013 Traverse 18 1.9%

Median failure at 71,000 miles

2014 Traverse 27 2.8%

Median failure at 45,342 miles

2015 Traverse 27 2.8%

Median failure at 59,000 miles

2016 Traverse 24 2.5%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

2017 Traverse 11 1.2%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

2018 Traverse 14 1.5%

Median failure at 4,631 miles

2019 Traverse 16 1.7%

Median failure at 1,319 miles

2020 Traverse 7 0.7%

Median failure at 2,000 miles

2021 Traverse 4 0.4%
2022 Traverse 2 0.2%
2023 Traverse 2 0.2%
2024 Traverse 4 0.4%
2025 Traverse 4 0.4%

Median failure at 913 miles

2026 Traverse 1 0.1%

What owners said

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Colorado Springs, CO

STEERING

While driving the stereo went off, the ac, the car stopped in middle of the road and I lost all electrical. I tried turning back on and the emergency brake light was on and the dash said "Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care.” I was able to put it in neutral and get it out of the way. Battery is good Fuses were all checked 350 replaced Car isn’t starting or Turing over, but some of the lights have turned on.

NHTSA complaint #11740496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Traverse Howell, NJ

STEERING

We experienced power steering failure. Our steering wheel control was taken over while backing out of our driveway and while driving on a highway. When this happens, you can’t turn the wheel. It becomes locked and then you become stuck. It is extremely unsafe and put our whole family at risk of getting in an accident. It is currently sitting at the dealership and has been there for weeks. We have documents confirming the problem. The dealer even had a problem pulling it into the garage for the diagnostics. We have been out of a car for weeks because the steering rack part is impossible to get and is in very high demand which leads us to believe we are not the only ones experiencing this. Again I stress, this was very scary for our family and it really puts people at risk. It is a new car and we should not have experienced this.

NHTSA complaint #11738153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Chevrolet Traverse Mantua, OH

STEERING

While driving the steering wheel will intermittently lock up or make it where you cannot turn the steering wheel at all. The collision sensors will go off and cause vehicle to lock the brakes up when you’re not even close to anything. Also, random messages will appear in dash as shift to neutral while driving ect. See pictures.

NHTSA complaint #11736899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Los Lunas, NM

STEERING

While driving, the steering wheel became very hard to control. A system warning came up on the dashboard screen stating that the steering wheel was not working. With an 18-wheeler coming up behind me the decision to pull over was made. The left hand turn into an auto part store was made with much difficulty and so was trying to park. Gentleman inside inspected the vehicle and highly recommended NOT driving the vehicle since it was a safety issue not only for myself but others as well.

NHTSA complaint #11735181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Traverse Snellville, GA

STEERING

Our 2019 traverse transmission around 130,000 miles started shuddering when slowly accelerating or driving. Not sure what causes this but I do know that it should be doing this as well as getting the Shift to Park message. I looked online and found that it's supposed to be the torque converter. I then contacted a transmission repair specialist and he stated that changing the fluid may make it worse or make it possibly fail altogether. Then I found a video about Shudder Fix and I added one of those packets to the transmission and it stopped the shudder but it now seems to be trying to creep back. This is a known issue with most people not being able to afford the $9000+ repair costs. The Shift to park issue is another issue that shouldn't be happening and the dealership will charge an arm and a leg for the repairs on this as well. Pressing the gear shift button about 5 to 10 times after shifting to park is a short term solution because that issue is tied to a spring action underneath the shifter to tell the car I'm in park. I found a bypass piece that is required to resolve the issue but I shouldn't have to do that to get this vehicle to work properly. Chevy needs to do a recall on this or they run the risk of having a bunch of them on the market where we all got rid of them and won't buy anymore Chevrolet vehicles. This is the second newer model vehicle I had from them. The first one was an Impala and the dealership didn't know why the screen would go black and cause the car to start hesitating horribly. So I left it with the dealership, they can have it back.

NHTSA complaint #11734489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Traverse Orlando, FL

STEERING

The car started locking up my steering wheel. I took it to the mechanic and they ran the codes and said it is the ABS control system module. I called the dealer to get the part and they said it is on back order nationally and it may be months before they can get the part. The 2018 model for Chevrolet traverse has been recalled for this exact thing but my model has not even though this is a known issue. My car is currently not drive able and GM can’t even provide the piece to make it driveable. This is a big issue and I am not receiving any help. If it is on back order it is obvious that it is a big issue nationally yet they have not submitted a recall. The wheel keeps locking up every time I drive it for more than 5 minutes

NHTSA complaint #11732054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Chevrolet Traverse Deland, FL

STEERING

While operating the vehicle, the steering column became detached, creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. Upon inspection, the column appeared to be improperly secured using hose clamps instead of proper manufacturer components.

NHTSA complaint #11731990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Traverse Coatesville pa 19320, PA

STEERING

i have a 2019 chevy traverse i bouth it 2020 /9/11 2020 i have had problems scense then i right now havb to buy a transmission GMC had me to take it to a chevy dealer and ask for some coast asistant they would not so they baclk out now i am about to sue

NHTSA complaint #11728062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Chevrolet Traverse Topeka, KS

STEERING

The 2024 Chevy Traverse has super cruise. It is basically an auto drive feature. It has sensors in the top part of the steering wheel. This plastic area is known for cracking and the dealership said there is nothing they can do. This is absurd. They know there is an issue with the wheels cracking and they are not fixing them under the warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11725979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Traverse Douglasville, GA

STEERING

Recall number N192211320 ( Left Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Not Seated ) Chevrolet is refusing to fix this issue, saying that it's not a safety recall. This issue can effect the steering control and its very evident thats its a safety issue. They're saying this recall expires with the base warranty. This is a clear attempt to circumvent the law, by not classifying this as a safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11722669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse Deming, NM

STEERING

While driving going home to Deming,NM together with my daughter and son on [XXX] . I was driving over a bridge over path on [XXX] and without warning my electrical power steering gave out on the traverse I could not turn my steering wheel left or right I thought I was going to be in an accident because there was semi trucks going 80 miles an hour behind me we almost got hit by semi’s. Thank God I forced my steering wheel to the right with all my strength. I had to call the towing company we waited 3 hours until he got there even he said we could of had an accident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11721577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Chevrolet Traverse Sacramento, CA

STEERING

Had the whole ECM replaced as well as all wire harnesses inspected. Fuse box inspection and retighned. All fuses and relays checked. Ignition switch replacement as well. The code for P1682 went away months but has now returned. Also have replaced battery and few other minor items. The car will go into limp mode randomly on freeway or roads. Almost caused an accident since the power steering stops working as well.

NHTSA complaint #11712762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Maurice, LA

STEERING

UNKNOWN Steering assist reduced has been issued to the vehicle. Upon inspection we are being told that the steering rack needs to be replaced to resolve the issue.

NHTSA complaint #11709412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Traverse North Miami Beach, FL

STEERING

Vehicle: 2023 Chevrolet Traverse The vehicle has a recurring safety-critical defect. The steering assist becomes reduced while driving and the dashboard displays the warning message “Steering Assist Reduced – Drive with Care.” At the same time, multiple safety systems such as collision-avoidance functions become disabled. This failure is persistent and creates unsafe driving conditions. The vehicle has previously experienced electrical and fuel-system related issues, including fault codes such as P2635, P0E32 and P0E37. There have been multiple warranty repair attempts, but the defect continues. The warning remains active while driving and the vehicle may lose steering assist, causing unpredictable steering effort. This presents a serious safety concern for the driver and public. The vehicle is still under manufacturer warranty. I am requesting review of this recurring safety defect affecting steering assist and active safety systems. While driving, the vehicle repeatedly displays the warning “Steering Assist Reduced – Drive with Care,” and multiple safety systems become disabled, including collision-avoidance functions. The steering effort changes and the vehicle becomes unpredictable. This is a recurring safety-critical defect. The vehicle has also experienced electrical and fuel-system related faults, including codes P2635, P0E32 and P0E37. Warranty repairs have been attempted several times, but the defect continues to occur. This failure places the driver and others at risk because steering assist may be reduced while the vehicle is moving, and safety systems deactivate unexpectedly. The vehicle is still under manufacturer warranty and remains available for inspection. I am requesting review of this recurring safety defect affecting steering assist, electrical stability, and active safety systems.

NHTSA complaint #11708457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 Chevrolet Traverse Hanford, CA

STEERING

The car is equipped with a supercruise feature, which should ideally enhance the driving experience. However, I've encountered a significant issue: even when this feature is not activated, the vehicle tends to oscillate between the lane markers. This problem becomes particularly pronounced under poor road conditions, such as when it's raining. The moisture on the pavement obscures the lane markings, and in these instances, the car automatically drifts toward the right side of the road. As a result, I find myself constantly struggling to maintain control of the steering wheel in an effort to keep the car centered within the lane. When it veers off to the right, I must exert extra effort to correct its direction, which can lead to a hazardous driving situation, regardless of the weather conditions or time of day. The need for constant corrections not only creates frustration but also increases the risk of losing control, making this a serious concern for both my safety and that of other road users.

NHTSA complaint #11704756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Chevrolet Traverse Kansas City, MO

STEERING

It sways left to right really bad.. but when it rains or even even the car detected that it's going to rain.. as soon as the car senses it is going to rain u can't even drive it.. it like hydro plains even before it starts to officially rain.. very dangerous plus I had to replace the two back tires because they seemed like they were being forced and drug that all u seen was wires coming out of the tread

NHTSA complaint #11698713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Traverse North Platte, NE

STEERING

The electronic stability control (ESC) system and power steering system malfunctioned. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The power steering warning indicated a potential loss or reduction of steering assist, which could have made it difficult to steer and control the vehicle—especially at higher speeds or in traffic. This posed a potential safety risk to me and others on the road. Yes. The issue was confirmed by my local Chevrolet dealership. They determined that a software update was required to correct the malfunction. The vehicle was inspected and serviced by my local Chevrolet dealership. It has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or others. Yes. Immediately after shifting from reverse into drive while backing down a driveway (at approximately 5–10 mph), two warning messages appeared: “Service ESC” and “Service Power Steering, Drive with Care.” There were no prior warning lights or symptoms before this occurred.

NHTSA complaint #11698587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Lakeland, FL

STEERING

A few months ago I was driving and without any warning the steering wheel would lock up and I couldn’t turn it at all. I had to use my strength to wiggle it to unlock it. It happened several times on busy roads and highways. It’s currently at the dealership for the past 2 months because there is a short and the steering gear box needs to be replaced but the part is on back order with no date of when it’ll become available. I obviously can’t drive it due to the steering locking up and that it’s a danger to not only myself and my family but other drivers on the road. Anyone could have been seriously injured or killed had it locked up and caused an accident. It would happen no matter what speed I was going.

NHTSA complaint #11692055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Chevrolet Traverse Delray Beach, FL

STEERING

Warning light ‘Service Electronic Stability Control’ appeared 2 days ago. Vehicle feels unbalanced, steering wheel has excessive play (like driving a boat), and control is compromised. Mileage over 10,000. Safety concern due to difficulty handling.”

NHTSA complaint #11691450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Chevrolet Traverse Detroit, MI

STEERING

The vehicle stalls while driving at any speed. It has left me on the highway or the middle of an intersection with myself & my kids in danger. The check engine light comes on before the vehicle shuts off completely & loses power & steering. The traction control & stability warning also come on. The vehicle has rolled backwards while in park numerous times so I have to use the parking brake on a regular basis as a safety precaution. The power steering is also an issue. The driver seat belt & air bags make this car a rolling death TRAP. There are past recalls or safety concerns for the traverse that are the exact same issue that I’m having but they are not specific to my vin number so the dealership refuses to address them! Is 7 recalls & they all apply to this vehicle! I’ve attempted to have the vehicle repaired multiple times & they have failed & the same problem returns. I just want my vehicle to be safe & not put myself or my family in danger of being injured or killed.

NHTSA complaint #11685461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Chevrolet Traverse problems