Slotted between the Chevy Equinox and Tahoe, the three-row Traverse debuted for 2009 as a replacement for the Trailblazer. Although the SUV had several things going for it, early model years, like the 2011 Traverse, have issues with engine stalls, oil consumption, and power-steering failure.
Key Points
- The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse has five recalls, one investigation, and nearly 600 complaints on file with the NHTSA.
- Recalls cover airbag malfunctions, improperly secured seatbelts, and faulty liftgate struts. While complaints focus on engine failure, steering issues, and electrical problems.
- The 2011 Chevy Traverse’s 3.6L V6 is known for timing chain issues, faulty piston rods, bearing failures, and excessive oil consumption.
- HVAC issues and power steering failure are not uncommon, as are malfunctioning window controls and water ingress.
- The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is not a very reassuring prospect. A wiser choice would be the newer model years, which have better reliability and fewer complaints.
2011 Chevrolet Traverse Has Five Recalls Covering Faulty Airbags, Unreliable Seatbelts, and Malfunctioning Power Liftgate
Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2011 Chevy Traverse midsize SUV has five recalls, addressing airbag issues, seat belt problems, and tailgate malfunctions.
Also on record with the NHTSA are numerous owner complaints specifically about troublesome airbags. GM recalled several 2011 Chevrolet Traverses over bad wiring that may prevent the side-impact airbags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash.
The automaker issued another recall in 2021 for a similar airbag problem after it was discovered that the side curtain airbags may not be properly attached and thus may not perform as intended.
Additionally, the 2011 Traverse has a recall for models equipped with the optional power liftgate, which may have faulty struts that prematurely wear, causing the gate to fall.
An investigation into seatbelt failure eventually led to another recall due to a defective steel cable that secures the seatbelt and may lead to the belt not restraining occupants in an accident.
Registered Owner Complaints Mention 3.6L V6’s Timing Chain Issues, Random Engine Stalls, and Air Conditioners that Blow Hot Air
The most common consumer complaint about the 2011 Chevy Traverse is engine failure. From the NHTSA’s nearly 600 complaints, over 250 of them concern the motor and vehicle speed control.
Some owners report the dash displaying “Service Stabilitrak” moments before the engine conks out. Others notice loud knocking sounds from the front. The end result is usually an engine stall due to a defective timing chain.
According to an owner on Traverse Forum, the exercise was costly, with a repair bill north of $5,000. However, repairing it once didn’t fix the issue. The driver experienced another engine stall not long after and needed a new engine.
In addition to timing chain issues, other engine-related concerns include snapped connecting rods, bearing failure, and excessive oil consumption. However, GM has not acknowledged any of these problems so far, and no recalls have been issued.
Another complaint about the 2011 Traverse is the air conditioner blowing warm air. Per a thread on Car Complaints, refrigerant leaks cause the air conditioning to be less effective in cooling the cabin. On top of that, the NHTSA reports owners having problems with fan speed control because of a failed blower motor.
Further 2011 Traverse Complaints Show Issues with Water Seepage, Power Steering Failure, and Faulty Window Controls
Power steering failure is another common concern with the 2011 Chevy Traverse. One-quarter of the NHTSA’s nearly 600 registered complaints are about the power steering, which may have a pump that leaks, causing difficulty when maneuvering at low speeds.
Also, drivers have noticed a strange whining sound while turning the wheel. Technicians have found the cause to be a busted rack and pinion system. Though no recalls have been made, GM has extended the warranty coverage, and eligible models can get it fixed free of charge.
Electrical problems are another concern, with the most common being faulty power windows. Owners report the rear power windows hesitating to roll up. A thread from Traverse Forum mentions that the system had no problems rolling the windows down, but when trying to close them, they only roll up two to three inches at a time.
Water ingress has been reported by a small number of owners, who say an internal short causes the speakers to start acting odd, creating a weird disturbance.
2011 Chevy Traverse: You May Want To Skip This One, Newer Models Offer Better Reassurance
The 2011 Chevy Traverse is a capable full-size utilitarian vehicle. However, the first generation wasn’t the best. Problems were aplenty, and so were recalls.
Engine issues were quite common, and not something you want to experience with a family SUV. While GM issued recalls for some of these problems, not every model was included.
So, if you’re looking for a used Traverse, aim for 2018 and newer. They are by no means the best, but reliability has gone up significantly, and complaints have come down quite a bit.
Photos: Chevrolet
