About this problem
Most newer cars use electric power steering, where a motor on the steering column or rack helps turn the wheel. When the motor, its sensor or its control module fails, the assist switches off suddenly and the steering becomes very heavy. That usually happens while driving, often during a turn, which is why it is one of the most common serious complaints and the subject of several recalls.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Chevrolet Traverse since 2012, 174 (4.9%) describe power steering failure, the second most reported problem we track on the Traverse. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2015 and 2016 model years, and the 2012 drew the most, with 50. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 49,000 and 81,000 miles. 5 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Chevrolet has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Traverse owners report the power steering failing or whining, the wheel becoming heavy, and fluid leaks. The 2012, 2015 and 2016 cars drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
The usual repair is a new power steering pump, hoses or steering rack.
Typical cost: A pump costs about $400 to $700 and a rack about $1,000 to $1,800.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Power steering has been replaced three times (now may have to be a fourth), once prior to my ownership (was deemed certified by a Chevy dealer at time of purchase however I believe this was fraudulent)."
2012 Chevrolet Traverse, 120,000 miles
"With under 30,000 miles on our vehicle, we need a new power steering pump. The power steering will stop working a various times. All under the speed for 20 mph. This seems slightly harmless because of the lack of speed, but let me tell you the dangers."
2016 Chevrolet Traverse, 28,800 miles
"We have 2 issues. 1st was in july 2019, our power steering pump went out with on 60,000 miles on the vehicle and we were told this is a common problem with the traverses."
2015 Chevrolet Traverse, 64,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Chevrolet has sent dealers 35 bulletins that mention this problem on the Traverse. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
This service bulletin provides a procedure to correct a customer concern of Loss of Power Steering Assist, Service Power Steering and/or Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care Message Displayed on Driver Information Center ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with additional information on the functionality of Lane Keep Assist.Starting with2016 model year Lane Keep Assist Regular Production Option Code...
This Preliminary Information communicates to thetechnician that some customers may comment on the operation of their haptic seat during a Lane Keep Assist event.
This Preliminary information communicates a technician may replace a steering gear and after programming it, find communication codes set and a loss of steering assist.
This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
This Preliminary information communicates a possible power steering fluid leak above the engine harness to to the rear( Bank 1) heated Oxygen sensor and direction to replace all involved parts due to this contamination and leak.
Before you buy a Traverse
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock with the car stopped and while parking; it should feel even and light.
- Watch for a power steering warning on the dash during the drive.
- Check by VIN for open steering recalls.
Questions
Which Chevrolet Traverse years have power steering failure?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2015, 2016 model years. The 2012 drew the most, with 50 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 61,000 miles, and half reported it between 49,000 and 81,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A pump costs about $400 to $700 and a rack about $1,000 to $1,800.