Wrench.Pro

2011 Chevrolet Traverse Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering critical fasteners and seat belts. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “StabiliTrak warning with reduced engine power.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign #21V246000 · Aug 4, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.

Risk: Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #14V266000 · May 20, 2014

Issue: General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.

Risk: If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.

Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014. A second notice will be mailed to owners once parts become available. The recall for the 2009-2010 model years began on July 11, 2014. The interim letter for the 2011-2014 model years were distributed on July 11, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Campaign #15V415000 · Jun 30, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured August 17, 2006, to March 18, 2010. The affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open. These struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall.

Risk: If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and 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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 15240.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #14V118000 · Mar 17, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk: Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14030. Note: Vehicles repaired as part of Customer Satisfaction Campaign 10085 and special coverage 10335 have already had the subject condition repaired and therefore are not included in the safety recall.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Campaign #12V151000 · Sep 4, 2012

Issue: GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, AND GMC ACADIA VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. SNOW OR ICE BUILDUP ON THE WINDSHIELD OR ON THE WIPER MAY RESTRICT THE MOVEMENT OF THE WIPER ARM, CAUSING THE WIPER ARM TO LOOSEN AND CAUSE THE WIPER TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM NUTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2012.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse.

Reported to NHTSA

StabiliTrak warning with reduced engine power

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

35 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2021-02

“MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON A DRY PAVED ROAD THEN MY DASH FLASHED TRACTION CONTROL OFF, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILITRAK, ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED, AND THEN IT JUST SLOWED DOWN TO 10MPH AND I COULD NOT GO ANY FASTER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11170431
“BOUGHT A 2011 TRAVERSE A MONTH AGO WITH 93705 MILES ON IT. ON THE DRIVE HOME THE LIGHTS OF THE DASH CAME ON AND SAID TRACTION CONTROL OFF, SERVICE STABILITRAK, REDUCED ENGINE POWER. IT WOULDN'T GO PAST 20 MPH (MIND YOU I'M ON A BUSY STREET WITH MY FOUR KIDS)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11154485
“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE CAR WILL BEGIN TO MAKE A BEEPING NOISE THREE TIMES, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON THE FOLLOWING MESSAGES APPEAR: SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILITRAK, POWER ENGINE FAILURE. AT THIS TIME, THE VEHICLE WILL DROP SPEED AT AN ALARMING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11057148

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt cable fraying and failure

SEAT BELTS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2023-05

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11524445
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11390875
“THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD AND HAS THREE (3) FAILED SEAT BELTS. I CALLED GM AND THEY SAID ONE OF THE BELTS IS ON RECALL BUT THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THE OTHERS. I AM A RECENT WIDOW WITH 4 CHILDREN UNDER 8 YEARS OLD DRIVNG THIS CAR WITH FAILED SEAT BELTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11164011

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain failure and engine seizure

ENGINE

77 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2024-10

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11618746
“AT JUST OVER 100,000 MILES I HAD TO CHANGE THE TIMING CHAINS COST ME 3500 DOLLARS.AND 3 WEEKS LATER THE MOTOR SEIZED UP . I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS I WAS TOLD IT IS A BAD DESIGN ON THESE ENGINES. PAY FOR A CAR THAT JUST SITS THERE AS I CANT AFFORD ANOTHER ENGINE FOR IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11322614
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. WITHOUT WARNING, THE TIMING CHAIN FRACTURED AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11154457

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering failure and lockup at low speed

STEERING

21 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2023-06

“POWER STEERING SEEMS TO FAIL AT LOW SPEEDS AFFECTING TURNING, AS INTO PARKING SPOTS, GARAGE, ETC. WHEEL ALMOST SEEMS TO FREEZE IN PLACE BECOMING ALL BUT IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. NOT NOTICABLE AT DRIVING SPEEDS. HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON AND OFF FOR OVER A YEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11277624
“IT WAS A RAINY DAY AND HEADING DOWN A LOCAL STREET AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING FOR A PERIOD OF 5 SECONDS. I'M 190 LB MALE, AND I COULDN'T BUDGE THE WHEEL HEADING FOR A TREE. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID THE COLLISION BUT I CAN GUARANTEE THAT IF MY WIFE WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11090228
“STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP DURING NORMAL DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AS I STARTED A TURN, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER LEAVING ME STRANDED IN TRAFFIC. HAD TO STOP, TURN OFF CAR, RESTART AND STEERING WHEEL BECAME FUNCTIONAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11151271

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service airbag warning light illumination

AIR BAGS

12 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2023-05

“SEVERAL MONTHS AGO ONSTAR NOTIFIED ME THAT I NEEDED TO TAKE MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE DUE TO A WARNING THAT STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG, I DID TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING. DURING THE LAST FEW DAYS I KEEP GETTING A WARNING THAT SAYS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11165548
“Service air bag comes on as well as it won't detect if someone is in the passenger seat. I had this issue serviced at the dealership twice. The issue has returned both times. My vehicle is continuing to have this problem”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11522314
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11162875

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system failures affecting battery and wiring

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2021-08

“LESS THEN A YEAR AGO THE BATTERY GAUGE STARTED DIPPING BELOW 14V TO 12V PERIODICALLY WHILE DRIVING. WHEN GETTING OFF THE HIGHWAY ONE DAY(BATTER GAGUE DID NOT DIP) AND COMING TO A LIGHT ON A 2 LANE SMALLER MAJOR ROAD THE LIGHTS ALL CAME ON CHECK ENGINE, STABILITRAK, BATTERY, ETC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11221666
“The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the engine was still running independently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that water was entering the hood of the vehicle causing the vehicle to have”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11427720
“DRIVING THE TRAVERSE STARTED TO SMELL WIRES BURNING IN THE CABIN DASHLIGHTS STARTED GOING CRAZY AND DINGING . WAS ABOUT A MILE TO WHERE I COULD PULL OVER SAFELY .. STARTED TO PULL OFF THE BREAKS AND STEERING SEEMED TO STOP WORKING AND THE VEHICLE DIED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11162017

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

50 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

16

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →