Chevrolet Traverse Steering Problems

Owners have filed 955 complaints about steering problems with the Chevrolet Traverse — 17% of all Traverse complaints. The worst model years are 2010 (331), 2009 (231) and 2011 (165). Problems typically start around 68,000 miles. No steering recall has been issued for the Traverse.

955complaints
2010worst year
68ktypical miles
0related recalls
22crashes
3fires

Steering complaints by model year

’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’2623133116562182727241114197423541
Steering complaints per model year, Chevrolet Traverse.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
202614%—
202542%1,000 miles
202454%—
202333%—
202222%—
202144%—
202073%2,000 miles
2019195%1,000 miles
2018143%5,000 miles
2017113%42,000 miles
2016248%55,000 miles
2015279%59,000 miles
2014275%50,000 miles
20131811%71,000 miles
20126218%70,000 miles
201116527%67,000 miles
201033149%70,000 miles
200923152%76,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Hydraulic power assist › Pump
    4
  • Rack and pinion
    3
  • Electric power assist system
    2
  • Column
    1
  • Rack and pinion › Rack
    1
  • Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid
    1

Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    638%
  • 25k–50k
    12716%
  • 50k–75k
    26834%
  • 75k–100k
    21427%
  • 100k–150k
    9712%
  • 150k+
    304%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH during a road trip, the ABS warning light illuminated upon depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the messages "Control Module Performance Warning" and "Forward Collision Alert System" were displayed. The contact continued driving, and the brake pedal and steering wheel became stiff. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted. The message "Do Not Drive the Vehicle over 62 MPH" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was partially diagnosed that the brake plunger motor temperature was too high, and there was a braking performance failure. The dealer reset unknown sensors, and the contact and his family drove to the destination. …

2025 Traverse · 1,000 miles · May 2025

While using self driving on a decided highway I came up on a slower moving vehicle. I was at a 65 mph speed. The turn signal for a left turn came on. My vehicle changed lanes to pass. As I got along side the other vehicle it increased speed. We were then side by side at the same speed. I waited to see what my vehicle was going to do. It then turned on the right turn signal. I believe if I didn't grab the steering wheel my vehicle would have turned into the other vehicle. Clearly the sensors didn't detect the car next to me. Thank you for considering this.

2025 Traverse · Jun 2025

Bought it back in July. Had it taken back that first month for the 3rd row headrest issue. Then the check engine light kept coming on, 1st time they said it was a cylinder misfire code, they rest it and said try getting gas from a different station.. light came on 3 more times, but by the time we took it in, they "can't replicate the issues". Then the tire sensors went out, took it in and they had to order a new sensor. Then this past weekend we lost total power steering while driving 40+mph. Then it happened again the next day, but this time we lost complete control, entire car shut down, screens off, no breaks, no power steering, no nothing. We let it coast to a stop then put it in park. Took it to the dealership the following morning. They read a bunch of codes. Said they'd call with an update later that day. …

2024 Traverse · Mar 2025

I was driving down the road and plactic trim piece where super cruise is at top of steering cracked popped off itself with that piece off its hard to steer properly without hitting inside of your hand I have to be careful not to get cut where plastic broke because its sharp. I had around 59900 miles when this happened 2 weeks ago. Cheverolet only sales the whole steering wheel and doesnt offer the 20.00 piece of plastic so the cost is closer to 2000 to get installed and new steering wheel. Ive had vehicle 2 years and 3 mos. Online there are lots of complaints on this and its common evidently. I reached out to cheverolet but they didnt help! I reached out to place where vehicle was purchased and even have there platinum extended warranty hendrix auto guard and said they dont cover trim only things that affect driving vehicle mechanical stuff etc. …

2024 Traverse · Sep 2026

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.

2023 Traverse · May 2026

My car the steering gets hard to turn I have to turn car off and bk on also at light it lose power and roll and come back on sometimes things work and some times it don't I have to shut off car and restart for things to work correctly and sometimes it work for a little bit while then start doing it again also feel funny when driving

2023 Traverse · Sep 2026

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. …

2021 Traverse · Nov 2025

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.

2021 Traverse · Apr 2026

Frequently asked questions

Which Chevrolet Traverse years have steering problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (331), 2009 (231), 2011 (165), 2012 (62) and 2014 (27) model years. Steering complaints make up 49% of all complaints for the 2010.

Is there a recall for Chevrolet Traverse steering problems?

No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Chevrolet Traverse model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.

At what mileage do Chevrolet Traverse steering problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 24% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist › pump (4 mentions), followed by the rack and pinion (3).

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.