CarModelProblems.com

2011 Chevrolet Traverse Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 2.7× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
608Complaints
5Recalls
16Crashes
4Fires
30Injured
1Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (33.6% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.

Engine complaints here are 2.7× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine204 · 33.6%No official action
Steering163 · 26.8%No official action
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)103 · 16.9%No official action
Power Train77 · 12.7%No official action
Electrical System66 · 10.9%No official action
Vehicle Speed Control58 · 9.5%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE204 · 33.6%
STEERING163 · 26.8%
POWER TRAIN77 · 12.7%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL58 · 9.5%
AIR BAGS43 · 7.1%
Unspecified / other36 · 5.9%
SERVICE BRAKES28 · 4.6%
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM21 · 3.5%

Percentages are the share of the 608 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 5 campaigns

Air Bags:critical Fasteners

NHTSA campaign 21V246000 · 2021 · reported 04/08/2021

Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts

NHTSA campaign 14V266000 · 2014 · reported 05/20/2014

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

NHTSA campaign 15V415000 · 2015 · reported 06/30/2015

If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:side/window

NHTSA campaign 14V118000 · 2014 · reported 03/17/2014

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

NHTSA campaign 12V151000 · 2012 · reported 04/09/2012

IF THIS OCCURS, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“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…”NHTSA complaint 10585341 — filed 04/28/2014 · ENGINE
“CONDENSER AND ALL BELTS HAD MAJOR LEAKS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. LOST ALL REFRIGERANT IN LESS THAT 24 HOURS.”NHTSA complaint 10578233 — filed 04/08/2014 · ENGINE
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MULTIPLE WARNINGS AND LIGHTS CAME ON AND SPEED WAS REDUCED BY THE ENGINE TO 20 MPH FROM 65MPH. IF THERE…”NHTSA complaint 10577416 — filed 04/04/2014 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

192011255020131641992015848820171101172019283420216820231112025

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 204 of 608 NHTSA complaints (33.6%), followed by steering (163), electronic stability control (esc) (103), power train (77). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse have?

608 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 16 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, and 30 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?

Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V246000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse's reported problems?

0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.