2011 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. This model year has 608 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2011 Chevrolet Traverse Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Considering a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 608 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
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.
Recalls for 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2011 Chevrolet Traverse — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?▾
Notable Issues. The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse has 608 NHTSA owner complaints, 16 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (213 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse has 16 crash-related complaints and 4 fire reports out of 608 total NHTSA complaints. 30 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?▾
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The largest issue: AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse has notable issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.