NHTSA has 608 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse[1]. The engine group is the biggest, with 213 complaints[2].
Most reported problems
Owners filed complaints across several parts of the car, and these groups are the biggest.
- Engine. 213 complaints[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe shaking at stoplights, sudden stalling, misfire warnings from the dealer, and coolant lines that sit exposed to road debris.
- Steering. 165 complaints[6]. Owners describe whining and squealing when turning, a wheel that stiffens or locks up, and power steering that quits while driving.
- Electronic Stability Control. 103 complaints[7]. Owners describe stability and traction warnings that appear out of nowhere, followed by a message that engine power is reduced. Some also mention odd brake pedal feel.
- Power Train. 79 complaints[8]. Owners describe the SUV rolling backward on hills when they lift off the brake.
- Electrical System. 67 complaints[9].
- Speed Control. 58 complaints[10].
- Air Bags. 43 complaints[11]. This group has 8 crashes and 21 injuries among its reports[11].
- Unknown or other. 36 complaints[12].
These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.
Recalls
Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2011 Traverse is necessarily included.
- Air Bags › Critical Fasteners (21V246), April 2021. About 108 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[13]
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate (15V415), June 2015. About 691,144 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[14]
- Seat Belts (14V266), May 2014. About 1,339,355 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, parts separating. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[15]
- Air Bags › Side/Window (14V118), March 2014. About 1,176,407 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[16]
- Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages (12V151), April 2012. About 47,846 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced visibility. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[17]
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
Safety ratings
Engine and size
Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.
| Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 2011 Chevrolet Traverse with 3.6L 6-cylinder[20] | 288 hp |
How 2011 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 448 | 8 |
| 2010 | 669 | 5 |
| 2011 | 608 | 5 |
| 2012 | 354 | 5 |
| 2013 | 162 | 4 |
| 2014 | 548 | 7 |
| 2015 | 313 | 5 |
| 2016 | 292 | 5 |
| 2017 | 361 | 3 |
| 2018 | 464 | 2 |
| 2019 | 412 | 3 |
| 2020 | 234 | 8 |
| 2021 | 92 | 3 |
| 2022 | 100 | 1 |
| 2023 | 93 | 2 |
| 2024 | 141 | 0 |
| 2025 | 185 | 0 |
| 2026 | 25 | 1 |
| 2027 | 1 | 0 |
NHTSA's counts for the Traverse show 608 complaints and 5 recalls for 2011[3]. Among the 19 model years listed, 17 have fewer complaints than 2011 and 1 have more[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2027 (1) and the most are for 2010 (669)[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2011 Traverse?
The 2011 Traverse has a long complaint list, with 608 reports on file[1]. Engine and steering together account for the largest share, with 213 and 165 complaints[2][6]. The air bag group is smaller at 43 complaints, but it stands out for 21 injuries in its reports[11]. The model also has 5 recalls on file for this year[3]. If you are shopping for one, check that every recall was done and ask about the engine and steering history.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?
- Engine complaints lead with 213[2], then steering with 165[6] and electronic stability control with 103[7]. See the problems section for what owners describe.
- Does the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse have recalls?
- Yes, there are 5 recalls on file for this year[3]. They are listed in the recalls section of this page.
- Is the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
- Owners filed 608 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Those counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a list of what owners report, and check the problems and recalls sections.
- How many miles does the 2011 Traverse get per gallon?
- The fuel section of this page has the EPA figures and the yearly fuel cost.
- What is the best year for the Chevrolet Traverse?
- The year comparison section of this page lines up complaints and recalls by model year, so you can compare them there.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Chevrolet Traverse
Compare all model years of the Chevrolet Traverse
Other Chevrolet models from 2011
- 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
- 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
- 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2011 Chevrolet HHR
- 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
Similar cars from 2011: suvs
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 608 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse (16 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 30 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 213 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Traverse model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Traverse FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 165 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 103 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 81,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 79 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 67 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 58 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,279). NHTSA vehicle records
- 43 complaints name the air bags component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 21 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,510). NHTSA vehicle records
- 36 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,770). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 21V246, filed April 8, 2021: Air Bags › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V415, filed June 30, 2015: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V266, filed May 20, 2014: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V118, filed March 17, 2014: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V151, filed April 9, 2012: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Linkages. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Traverse AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2011 Chevrolet Traverse with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 288 hp. www.epa.gov