2011 Chevrolet Traverse: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2011 Chevrolet Traverse? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 608 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2011 Chevrolet Traverse Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2011 Chevrolet Traverse trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2011 Chevrolet Traverse Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2011 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse has 608 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Traverse
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 608
- Crash-related complaints
- 16
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2011 Chevrolet Traverse Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Steering Defects, Electronic Stability Control (Esc). Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?
The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and steering system before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, steering, and ESC repairs.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or steering play.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and steering system before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, steering, and ESC repairs.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or steering play.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse are concentrated in engine problems and steering defects, with a notable number of electronic stability control issues. Crash-related complaints are relatively low compared to total complaints, but the data is consumer-submitted and may not reflect all incidents.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints at 213.
- Steering defects are the second most reported issue with 165 complaints.
- Electronic stability control complaints total 103, indicating a potential trend.
- Engine Problems
- Steering Defects
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
All 2011 Chevrolet Traverse Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 213 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 165 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 103 | 3 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 79 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 67 | — | 2 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 58 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 43 | 8 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 36 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 31 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 21 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 21 | 1 | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 19 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 7 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 7 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
In summary, a business is selling unsafe "sidewall patched" used tire. On Sep 20, 2025 I purchased four used tires for my 2011 Chevy Traverse in this business. Mike's Tires Plano [XXX] ) [XXX] [XXX] Ten days later, one of the tires started to have a slow leak. On Oct 5, 202…
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. At 65 mph,…
As i am driving down the road the service stable trak light and abs lights pop on and the brakes sieze up so bad you cant get the car to stop and brake pedal to unlock as well as when you try to turn the steering wheel locks
My timing and my energy is going bad..I don’t know the problem.Im new on having my own car..And when I got it everything was great at first but Two trips going too Chicago it started going bad
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. The pcm itself is notorious for going out really early…
Unknown
The contact's friend owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the liftgate failed to function as designed. The contact stated that the liftgate would spontaneously slam shut. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V415000 (Structure). The vehic…
side curtain airbags deployed driving 70 mph on I94 outside of Monticello, MN after drifting onto the rumble strip. Upon turning back there was a loud bang from the side airbags deploying. The drivers side came down and hit my daughter in the side of the head, the passenger side …
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 45 MPH, the RPM became elevated, and the check engine warning light illuminated before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle could not be restarted. The v…
Care loses connection shuts off while driving and unable to accelerate. Loses steering control
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 but as I was told by …
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. Service for airbag repair on 12/18/2020 and on 12/10/2…
12/24/2022 while driving the car made a popping sound then started to slow down while I was driving. I went to make a left turn and the car stalled in mid turn. No warning or anything. Had it towed to a shop and was told that the motor had no oil in it. Which wasn’t true, when th…
Engine failed at 182,000 miles. No warning. No indicator lights. Speed was 45+ miles per hour on 2-lane highway. Loss of engine power resulted in loss of steering control. Very hard to maneuver as vehicle coasted to stop at side of road. Put all occupants in a dangerous situation…
The driver's side mirror is cracked, in addition to the catalytic converters - bank 1 and 2, they sold me this car like this and reset the engine light.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact noticed that the air conditioning system was blowing warm air. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone for diagnosti…
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the weight of the vehicle placed on the suspension caused the steering wheel and four wheels to not align. Due to the failure, the contact stated that the steering wheel would align 50% percent to the right causi…
2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURE BUT, WAS CONCERNED OF THE POSSIBILLTY DUE TO MILEAGE. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MILES.
While driving home smoke began to fill up my vehicle. I noticed it was coming up out of the floorboard where the battery is located as well smoke was billowing from the arm rest. I rushed home before anything else could have went wrong while in traffic barely able to see through …
The contact's wife owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, an abnormal knocking noise would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they replaced the idler pulley however, the vehic…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse.
2011 Chevrolet Traverse Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2011 Chevrolet Traverse Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 608 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
#1: Engine Problems (213 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (165 complaints). #3: Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (103 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, NHTSA complaints include 16 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 608 total complaints. 30 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Traverse reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.