This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Power steering ceases to function at low speeds, as in no power steering at all. Has caused near collision several times during slow speed turns as power steering ceases to function mid-turn without warning. This causes manual steering mode on a large car in a tight space. Has also happened at moderate speeds. Manual steering on this car is difficult for an adult male. Nearly impossible for my lady drivers. Again, significant safety hazard as it occurs with no warning.
I was driving and the vehicle starting losing power then it wouldn't start. After a while of sitting it started then lost power again now it won't stay started.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. While operating the vehicle at various speeds, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.
I noticed when I went from park to drive leaving a spot and turned by steering wheel to the left it was a little tight. As time has gone, it has gotten extremely worse. On April 26, 2015, I was leaving a driveway and tried to turn the steering wheel to the right and could hardly turn it. This is happening every day now when I start off and it happens more when I turn left than when I turn right. I am afraid that if I am at a crossover on a multi-lane highway, I will not be able to turn my steering wheel in time to get out of the way of on-coming traffic. What is being done about this. My vehicle has been in the shop for 5 recalls already. This was a lemon from get go.
The steering gear in my 2009 Chevy Traverse has failed prematurely for a second time. The problem was diagnosed during a routine oil change at my local dealership. The original steering gear was replaced at 46,000 miles in 2011 and my vehicle requires a new unit approximately 43,000 miles later. Failure to replace the componant will result in steering difficulty that can lead to a crash. To put this in perspective, I am replacing the steering gear at the same frequency one would normally buy new tires for vehicle. There are several indications there is a problem with General Motors' lamda platform. Via a 2012 service bulletin, GM modified the steering gear part number and made changes to the replacement process to prevent steering gear seal failures. Secondly, a service manager at an independant Chevy dealership confirmed that he has seen a significant increase in steering gear failures at his facililty. Lastly, there are hundreds of documented complaints on the NHTSA site and Chevy internet forums describing this exact problem. Despite the evidence above, GM will not replace the steering gear and cover the cost 100%. the corporation is not standing behind their Chevy product but, more importantly, I believe their complaint resolution processes are masking a clear quality and safety issue. I hope the NHTSA can effect some change.
- Naperville, IL, USA
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When driving at slow speeds and then making a turn the wheel locks up. It is almost impossible to turn. It is very dangerous and hard to keep from turning into the cars in the other lane. It happens at spontaneous times. The problem is happening more and more frequently as time goes on. I looked it up to see if other Chevy Traverse 2009 owners where having the same problem and there are several with the exact same complaint on www.carcomplaints.com I do not have the money to fix it and if it is a manufacturing problem I shouldn't have too. I will never buy another Chevrolet and will spread the word via facebook and by word of mouth if Chevrolet refuses to admit that this is a recall and have it repaired.
Brought vehicle in for oil change, tech noted steering gear was leaking fluid and quoted $2000 to replace. After reading the tsb, several forums online and these complaints it has become apparent that rack failure is common place on these vehicles.
My power steering pump failed and the rack and pinion system is leaking on my 2009 Chevy Traverse. After some research this is a very common issue the GM is not addressing properly. They will replace the pump but the cost of replacing the rack and pinion will not be covered. There have been no recalls and this issue. This can occur while driving and could cause an accident and even death. GM needs to address this situation before that happens.
Chevy Traverse has had a funny noise when making sharp turns since purchase. Took back to dealer and they said power steering fluid low. This has happened for 5 years. Finally when out of manufacturer warranty I am told it needs new power steering pump. I found recall to get it paid for, but power steering fluid still leaking. They now say I need new rack and pinion assembly. Cost of at least $1200 for something that has been a problem since I have owned the vehicle. Why will Chevrolet fix part of the problem, but not all of it. What happens if I wait to fix and power steering goes out and someone gets hurt? sounds like a quick lawsuit for Chevrolet. I think its time to pay for your mistake!!!!
I originally took vehicle to dealer to replace the timing chain. When I got the vehicle back the power steering was making a loud noise. The dealer said the power steering was fine. Approximately 6 months later I take the vehicle back to the dealer for recalls and leaking coolant. Power steering still loud. Tech found leak from rack and pinion. I am glad that my steering did not fail like other complaints. I was lucky that my vehicle had a coolant leak and the tech found the leaking rack and pinion while fixing the coolant leak. My wife drives this vehicle each day with my 3 kids and having the steering fail while in traffic could have been horrible. It is obvious this is an issue in the 2009 Traverse and is a safety issue.
My 2009 Traverse lost its power steering while we were driving it. We didn't get into an accident but almost did. That same day I received a letter from GM stating that my 2009 Traverse may or may not have powersteering issues. After bringing it to the dealer they informed me that the rack and pinion was also leaking and the cost of the fix was 900 bucks with tax. Why was the rack and pinion not covered, it seems like it the cause of the powersteering issues.
I just purchased my 0 9 Traverse and I have started hearing a squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel when turning as well as a squeaking noise coming from the brake pedal. I have taken the vehicle back to the dealership and they have told me that GM has not issued a fix for that problem and that it is common for the Traverses. I contacted GM and they just says that there is no fix for it. I have seen on line that they have changed some parts in the newer vehicles due to a manufacturer defect. They say that it is not a safety issue, but people are losing power steering and I don't want to one day not have ability to control the vehicle. This issue needs to be addressed and fixed!!
The rack pinion on this vehicle is broken and had to be replaced. My mechanic told me that he has had to replace the rack pinion on several Chevrolet Traverse and GMC acadia. I have been reading forums online and this seems to be a common problem that GM refuses to admit. The rack pinion is vital to the vehicles steering and this is a serious safety issue that needs to be addressed.
Power steering loss at low speeds. While turning corners at low speed, the power steering assist cuts out unexpectedly. When this happens unexpectedly, turning the steering wheel is very difficult and the turn is not as tight as needed. On many occasions I have almost collided into other vehicles.
Power steering loss at low speeds. While turning corners at low speed, the power steering assist cuts out unexpectedly. When this happens unexpectedly, turning the steering wheel is very difficult and the turn is not as tight as needed. On many occasions I have almost collided into other vehicles.
We have been living with intermittent power steering failure in our 2009 Chevy Traverse for over two years. We brought it in to be looked at when it first became an issue. The vehicle had 60K miles on it at the time. The dealer charged us a fee to diagnose the problem, but wasn't able to find anything wrong. This problem has been getting worse every day since. We've had it looked at by a number of repair centers, including the Chevy dealer again and it has been determined to be the power steering gear that has failed or also known as the power steering rack and pinion. We have an estimate of $1200 to replace the steering gear and pump that has also now failed as a result of the gear failure. We feel this is a safety issue that Chevrolet should be addressing a recall, especially since they had already identified this issue with published warranty service bulletin. Since they consider power steering an optional item, it's not covered under the powertrain warranty. Having your power steering fail without warning while on a highway cloverleaf exit ramp is a major safety hazard that needs to be addressed without cost to the consumer who spent thousands on a vehicle NHTSA has given a high safety rating.
2009 Chevrolet Traverse steering will lock up at low speeds especially in parking lots and turning in town. Took to dealership and said it would need a power steering pump at a cost of $1200. Seems to be a very common occurrence and I think GM should pay for some of this repair. Not very impressed with how they are avoiding not to share in some of the cost of this costly repair.
While turning to the left or right the steering seems to lockup like the power steering is not working and you have to try to muscle the steering wheel to make the turn.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Vandalia, OH, USA