2011 Chevrolet Traverse
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 608
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2011
Opened by NHTSA
34% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 608 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 448 |
| 2010 | 668 |
| 2011 | 608 |
| 2012 | 354 |
| 2013 | 162 |
| 2014 | 547 |
| 2015 | 313 |
| 2016 | 292 |
| 2017 | 361 |
| 2018 | 462 |
| 2019 | 409 |
| 2020 | 230 |
| 2021 | 89 |
| 2022 | 98 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 139 |
| 2025 | 176 |
| 2026 | 24 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
34% · 204 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-28
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-30
Also filed under Electrical system
Unknown
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-14
Steering
27% · 165 reportsMost commonly citing rack and electric power assist system.
Electronic stability control (esc)
17% · 103 reportsPower train
13% · 79 reportsMost commonly citing floor shift and automatic transmission.
Electrical system
11% · 67 reportsMost commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator.
Show complaint excerpts
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 ODI report, 2017-11-04
Also filed under Exterior lighting
This vehicle is notorious for multiple electrical failures. The alternator fried the battery fried, both of which were replaced. This vehicle still wouldn't start. The wiring harness to the PCM is notorious for having shorts.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-10
Also filed under Air bags
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2011Complaint volume 608 complaints filed for this model year.
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2012-04-27Visibility12V151000 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…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 20, 2012.
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2014-06-16Air bags14V118000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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2014-07-11Seat belts14V266000 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...
Remedy: 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.
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2016-11-15Structure15V415000 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...
Remedy: 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.
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2019-05-28Recall queryClosed 2020-08-31 Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
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2020-08-31Engineering analysisClosed 2024-08-30 Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
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2021-05-24Air bags21V246000 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.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Chevrolet Traverse — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 204 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 165 reports on file for this year.
- Electronic stability control (esc): 103 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V151000 · Visibility
- Recall 14V118000 · Air bags
- Recall 14V266000 · Seat belts
- Recall 15V415000 · Structure
- Recall 21V246000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.