2011 Chevrolet Traverse Engine Problems

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, I managed to cross 2 lanes of highway traffic and stopped on the shoulder. I turned off my vehicle and waited several minutes, hoping it would help reset or cool off a component or something. I had to try a couple of times before it started, and I attempted to drive as safely as I could, made it to 60 mph before it stopped running completely. I had to pull hard on the steering wheel to get to the shoulder again, only this time, the shoulder was pinched off in front of us and around a small blind spot behind us. I had my daughter move to the side closer to the cement barrier while waiting for a tow truck. She became very nervous about how close some of the other vehicles got. Afterwards, the error codes indicated several components pointing to a timing chain problem. I had the timing chain repaired around April or May of 2023 by a certified mechanic. I watched the oil life percentage and oil temperature gauge consistently. Everything indicated as normal, but I had difficulty pulling out the dipstick to check the oil level. Since it was hard to get a good reading, I tried to add some oil and recheck. The oil cap was nearly impossible to open, so I decided to wait for an oil tech to do it. Around 40-50% oil life, I had planned to have the oil changed. In spite of my efforts to maintain proper oil quality, the oil cap had to be opened with a wrench. Smoke rose out and dried out oil residue lined the inner walls. It was about a quart low. I don’t drive hard on it and it had only been around 3,000 miles between oil changes. It had been one year since the timing chain was replaced. Error codes remain and the vehicle runs rough if it stays on long enough after much effort to start it.

NHTSA ID

11618746

Incident

Apr 27, 2023

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

NHTSA ID

11605410

Incident

Jan 16, 2024

Unknown

NHTSA ID

11565436

Incident

Jan 14, 2024

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 vehicle was towed to the local mechanic. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11529391

Incident

Jun 28, 2023

Mileage

125,000 mi

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 they pulled the dip stick it read that it was full. However when they opened the motor up, it appeared to be bone dry.

NHTSA ID

11501052

Incident

Dec 24, 2022

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 due to significantly reduced vehicle control. Vehicle would not re-start (or attempt to turn over) after failure. Towed to local shop. Local, trusted auto service center reported engine had “locked up” potentially due to low oil pressure. Again, no indication lights and routine, full oil service completed just 2500 miles prior. Engine was replaced after cost-benefit analysis of current car market prices and availability and the well-maintained condition of the vehicle overall. Concerns: Loss of control. Disappointments: One of many reliability issues with this vehicle that was purchased new in January 2011.

NHTSA ID

11483853

Incident

Nov 10, 2021

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 diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the timing chain was out of position. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

NHTSA ID

11470662

Incident

May 23, 2022

Mileage

145,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11451899

Incident

Feb 14, 2022

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 vehicle was not repaired, and the vehicle would not start. The contact called his son and towed the vehicle to his home. The contact then called the dealer where he arranged to have the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The dealer informed him that the failure was due to a defective timing chain; however, while repairing the vehicle, the dealer informed him that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact also mentioned that the middle rear seat belt would become stuck and would not unlatch as needed. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was referred to NHTSA for further assistance. The contact replaced the engine himself. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000

NHTSA ID

11433833

Incident

Mar 6, 2021

Mileage

131,000 mi

Vehicle stalls due to transmission issue at 40 mph, yes it is available for inspection. When vehicle stalls at 40 mph at that point you have no steering support and the vehicle is just coasting until you can stop. You could crash with no steering support at 40 mph into stationary object, another vehicle or pedestrians. I have had it inspected by GM dealership No warning lamps or messages or other symptoms and it is repeatable started to appear on June 9, 2021

NHTSA ID

11423924

Incident

Jun 9, 2021

vehicle stalls at 40mph when slowing down and you have no power steering or any other engine running support. This is very dangerous it is hard to steer and stop, you coast till you you hopefully can find a safe area to stop and restart vehicle and drives normal until the next time you are above 40mph. no codes or mil lights. repeatable every time. Everyone in the vehicles safety is at risk and so is anyone else driving in our area, can't stop or steer fast with no engine support. has not been diagnosed by dealer yet. we are trying to get it in for diagnosis.

NHTSA ID

11422443

Incident

Jun 9, 2021

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud banging sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The front of the vehicle started shaking and vibrating before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was damaged and needed to be replaced, due to a faulty oil pump seal which caused the engine rod to malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000.

NHTSA ID

11420101

Incident

Mar 10, 2021

Mileage

139,000 mi

AT 90,000 MILES I WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE JUST SHUT DOWN. LOSS OF POWER STEERING, BRAKES LOCKED UP, ENGINE DIED. BROUGHT IT HOME REPLACED BATTERY AND SERPENTINE BELT. ATTEMPTED TO START, AND TOOK SEVERAL TRIES. ONCE RUNNING THERE WAS A HORRIFIC LOUD KNOCK COMING FROM THE ENGINE. TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO REPORTED THE ENGINE WOULD "THROW A ROD ANY TIME NOW" AND THAT HAVING LOOKED THE VEHICLE OVER IT WAS NO FAULT OF MY OWN. FLUIDS WERE ALL FRESH AND FULL, NO DEBRIS IN OIL, NO REASON FOR FAILURE. I'M NOW STUCK WITH A LOAN ON A CAR THAT FAILED WAY BEFORE INDUSTRY STANDARDS. DO YOUR JOB GM AND HELP OUT YOUR CUSTOMERS! I HAVE HEARD OF MANY OTHER TRAVERSE MODELS IN THIS YEAR RANGE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE!

NHTSA ID

11403660

Incident

Mar 1, 2019

Mileage

90,000 mi

THE WHOLE VEHICLE SHAKES WHILE DRIVING IT SEEMS LIKE THE BATTERY IS GOING DEAD OR IT DOESN'T WANT O TO GO ANYWHERE. TIMING CHANGE THE GAS GUAGE NOT READING RIGHT IT HORRIBLE GAS MILEAGE

NHTSA ID

11403208

Incident

Jan 4, 2021

IT HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WHERE THE STABILITRACK GOES HAYWIRE WHILE DRIVING AND LOCKS THE VEHICLE UP ALLOWING TO ONLY TRAVEL A FEW MILES PER HOUR SUPER UNSAFE WHEN ON HIGHWAY. HAVE HAD A CHEVY DEALERSHIP REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY SND LESS THAN 10,000 MILES LATER SAME PROBLEM. IN RESEARCHING ONLINE SEEMS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON ALL CHEVYS THAT IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE WHEN IT HAPPENS AND YOUR DRIVING.

NHTSA ID

11396192

Incident

Feb 5, 2021

Mileage

110,000 mi

ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE LOUD NOISE KNOCKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. CHECKED ALL FLUIDS AND THEY WERE ALL IN GOOD CONDITION. HAD A MECHANIC CHECK, THEY SAID ENGINE WAS SHOT AND THAT THEY HAVE SEEN A LOT OF THE TRAVERSE VEHICLES HAVE ENGINE FAILURE.

NHTSA ID

11390921

Incident

Dec 3, 2019

I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE CAR STARTED MAKING LOUD NOISES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HAD THREE DIFFERENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE. ALL POINTING TOWARDS THE TIMING CHAIN OR POSSIBLE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THE CAR HAS HAD MAINTENANCE REGULARLY AND WELL TAKEN CARE OF. MECHANIC SAID THAT THE TRAVERSE HAS A LOT OF ISSUES REGARDING THE TIMING CHAIN ON A HUGE SCALE. I AM AT A LOSS ROAD AS TO WHAT CAN BE DONE. I HOOE THAT THETEIS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE CAUSE AFTER READING SO MANY PEOPLE ISSUES WITH THEIR CARS, IT IS WRONG TO JUST LEAVE PEOPLE STRANDED AND HOPELESS TO GET BACK ON THE RAOD. STEP UP TO THE PLATE GM.

NHTSA ID

11389793

Incident

Nov 1, 2020

Mileage

150,000 mi

WE WERE DRIVING ABOUT 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE A KNOCKING SOUND AND LOSING POWER. WE PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START. WE GOT A JUMP AND HAD TO BUY A NEW BATTERY DUE TO IT BEING DRAINED. GOT A NEW BATTERY AND PULLED UP THE CODE FOR THE KNOCK SENSOR. WE REPLACED IT AND NEW CODES PULLED UP. THE ENGINE THRU A ROD WITH NO WARNING OF ANYTHING BEING WRONG WITH THE TRAVERSE. IT WAS WELL MAINTAINED WITH ONLY 140,000 MILES. THE NEW BATTERY WE BOUGHT WAS DRAINED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AND NEEDS TO BE CHARGED FOR THE TRAVERSE TO EVEN START WHEN THE MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT.

NHTSA ID

11389137

Incident

Dec 19, 2020

Mileage

140,000 mi

MY ENGINE WENT OUT ON MY 2011 CHEVY TRAVERSE AND THIS IS PART OF OF THE RECALL THE DEALER DIDN'T DO NOTHING ABOUT IT AND NOW I AM WITHOUT A CAR

NHTSA ID

11384412

Incident

Dec 12, 2020

I PURCHASED THIS CAR A MONTH AGO, DIDN'T SEE ANY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, BUT I NOW IT IS AND IT IS A CODE RELATED TO THE TIMING BELTS, IT SEEMS THE CAR STILL WORK OK BUT SOMETIMES STARTS SHAKING A LITLE. SO I SEE THERE IS A LOT OF COMPLAINS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, I HOPE CHEVROLET HAS A RECALL TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE, BECOUSE THIS IS A VERY HIGH COST REPAIR.

NHTSA ID

11366577

Incident

Sep 9, 2020

PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AT THE END OF JULY AND A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER STARTED NOTICING POWER FLUCTUATION WHILE DRIVING AND A KNOCKING ON THE TOP PART OF THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING, SPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY AND DECIDED TO PARK IT AND WAIT FOR OUR SHOP TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT. APPARENTLY THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDS REPLACED AGAIN DESPITE OF "ISSUES ALREADY BEING CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER'. THIS VEHICLE IS AROUND 98K-99K MILES RANGE AND IT MIGHT NEED THE HOLE ENGINE BLOCK REPLACED DUE TO A SLOPPY RECALL REPAIR. SPENDING 5K ON A NEW ENGINE THAT DOESN'T HAVE EVEN 100K SEEMS RIDICULOUS, BUT HAVING PEOPLE DRIVING WITH THE CHANCE OF MALFUNCTION A HIGH SPEEDS IS VERY CONCERNING.

NHTSA ID

11365879

Incident

Oct 1, 2020

I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED WITH 80,000 MILES ON IT. A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING IT I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO A BURNING OIL SMELL AND WAS TOLD IT WAS "NORMAL TRAVERSE SMELL". THE SMELL KEPT GETTING WORSE BUT EVERYWHERE I TOOK IT THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR TWO YEARS NOW AND AFTER TAKING IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, NOT A GM OR CHEVY MECHANIC, WE WERE TOLD IT NEEDS THE TIMING BELT REPLACED SO WE HAD THAT DONE. THE BURNING OIL SMELL NEVER WENT AWAY SO I TOOK IT BACK AND HE FOUND THAT THE TIMING BELT NEEDS REPLACED AFTER TWO MONTHS BECAUSE A BRASS RING THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED WASN'T. THIS BRASS RING WAS NEVER ON THE RECALL LIST SO THE PREVIOUS OWNERS KNEW NOTHING ABOUT IT. CHEVY KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE BUT THEY WON'T REPLACE THEM. I AM NOT STUCK WITH A PILE OF JUNK THAT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE ALL BECAUSE CHEVY WON'T OWN UP TO THEIR FAILURE. WHY NOT RECALL THE BRASS RING INSTEAD OF EXPECTING PEOPLE TO FORK OUT $6,000 FOR A NEW ENGINE?

NHTSA ID

11360883

Incident

Jul 1, 2020

Mileage

116,000 mi

TIMING CHAIN CAN COME OFF AT RANDOM AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO LAST YEARS, BUT DON'T.

NHTSA ID

11352444

Incident

Sep 1, 2020

Mileage

211,434 mi

DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN THE ROAD IT STARTS MAKING A NOISE. I PULL THE VEHICLE OVER OFF THE STREET. THERE IS NO POWER, THE VEHICLE STILL STARTS BUT DOES NOTHING BUT MAKES A LOUD NOISE. THE TIMING CHAIN IS THE ISSUE. I HAVE SAW MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TIMING CHAINS IN THESE VEHICLES BEING DEFECTED. PLEASE MAKE THIS RIGHT!

NHTSA ID

11343902

Incident

May 30, 2020

Mileage

11,500 mi

DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING HORRIBLE NOISES, OVERHEATING LOSING POWER AND BUCKING. ONCE IT WAS TOWED HOME, LEARNED THE ENGINE JUMPED TIME AND THE CAR WOULDN'T RUN AND BARELY STARTS. BOUGHT A TIMING CHAIN KIT AS WELL AS PREVIOUSLY CHANGING THE CAM SENSORS TO NO AVAIL. NEED A WHOLE NEW MOTOR NOW. I CANT AFFORD TO CHANGE IT AND NOW HAVE AN EXPENSIVE YARD ORNAMENT I'M STILL PAYING ON. CHEVROLET KNEW OF THESE ISSUES AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO RECOUP THOSE OF US WHO HAVE LOST OUT ON A VEHICLE WE PURCHASED ANDCANNOT DRIVE. CHEVROLET SHOULD HAVE DONE A MASSIVE RECALL TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND SAVING ALL OF US THIS FINANCIAL BURDEN.

NHTSA ID

11342417

Incident

May 9, 2020

Mileage

114,078 mi