This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Chevrolet Traverse steering problems
moderate 231 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
231
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
5crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 231 steering complaints filed for the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Steering accounts for 52% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 231 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse has a systemic steering system problem centered on premature failure of the power steering gear, pump, and rack-and-pinion assembly. Owners report power steering loss or severe stiffening at low speeds—most commonly during parking, U-turns, and driveway maneuvers—starting anywhere from 35,000 to 60,000 miles. The failure is often intermittent and unpredictable; steering may feel normal one week and lock up hard the next. In some cases, the wheel abruptly seizes mid-turn for several seconds before releasing suddenly, creating dangerous rebound. Multiple owners describe having to "man-handle" the wheel with excessive force or brake hard to avoid collision.
Dealers diagnose the root cause as steering gear seal failure (internal binding and leakage), leading to pump contamination and secondary pump or solenoid failure. Repair involves steering gear replacement ($1,200–$2,100), pump replacement ($650–$1,200), or both. GM issued a 2012 service bulletin acknowledging steering gear seal problems and modified the part number, indicating internal awareness of a design flaw. However, GM refuses to issue a recall. Critically, multiple owners report the problem recurs weeks or months after repair, and replacing components does not guarantee resolution. One owner replaced the steering gear twice within 40,000 miles. Dealership service bulletins and online forums confirm this is widespread across 2009–2011 Traverse, Acadia, and Enclave models (Lambda platform vehicles).
Same Chevrolet Traverse steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering gear binding/failure — internal seal leakage
Steering gear develops internal leaks and binding, causing loss of power assist or complete steering lock-up. Often diagnosed as 'steering gear leaking' or 'internal steering gear failure (binding).' Owners report the wheel becomes difficult or impossible to turn, especially at low speeds or parking. The gear may fail multiple times even after replacement.
When: Typically emerges between 35,000–60,000 miles, though can occur earlier or later. One owner reported initial failure at 21,129 miles (October 2010); another at 36,379 miles; another at 40,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Wheel seizes or becomes very hard to turn during low-speed maneuvers (parking, driveway entry/exit, turning at stop signs/lights, U-turns); Power steering loss or severe stiffening during turns, especially left or right turns from stopped or slow speeds; Intermittent failures — may happen one week daily, then disappear for two weeks, then recur; Steering feels like it completely disengages, leaving driver with manual steering only; Wheel lock-up without warning mid-turn, forcing driver to brake hard or maneuver around vehicle; Recurrence of problem shortly after replacement (confirmed by multiple owners)
Codes mentioned: C1100 (control board-related, per one complaint), P00008 (timing chain related, per one complaint)
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear replacement typically costs $1,200–$2,100. One owner paid $456 (pro-rated goodwill after prior failed repair). Multiple owners report rack-and-pinion replacement did NOT resolve the underlying issue. One owner replaced the steering gear twice within ~40,000 miles. Power steering pump replacement also frequently required ($750–$1,100), though replacing pump alone does not fix gear failure. Some owners reported power steering fluid replacement or 'flush' had no effect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Service Bulletin 12M061 (2012) modifying steering gear part number to prevent seal failures, suggesting GM acknowledged a design flaw. Some dealers offered 'special coverage' or pro-rated warranty assistance but refused full coverage. GM consistently refuses to issue a recall despite documented widespread complaints. One owner noted GM redesigned steering systems on newer Traverse/Acadia/Enclave models, indicating GM recognizes the problem.
Power steering pump failure
Power steering pump loses function suddenly or gradually, often triggered by contaminated or low fluid, bearing failure, or pressure-relief valve malfunction. Pump failure often cascades from steering gear leakage contaminating the fluid.
When: Occurs across wide mileage range; one owner at 46,860 miles; another at 75,000 miles with pump bearing failure; another at 82,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whining noise from steering column or pump area when turning wheel; Power steering suddenly stops working, wheel becomes very hard to turn (sometimes impossible); Steering becomes stiff and unresponsive, especially at low speeds or parking; Pump reservoir found dry or at improper level; Power steering loses assist intermittently or progressively worsens; Steering works at higher engine RPMs but fails at low idle
Repairs/costs cited: Pump replacement typically costs $650–$1,200. Dealers often replace pump alone; system flush and bleeding typically included. However, replacing pump does not fix underlying gear seal failure, so problem recurs. One owner had pump replaced twice and still had steering difficulty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM offers 'special coverage' (coverage code 14329) for power steering pump replacement on certain 2009 Traverse models, but refuses to extend coverage to the steering gear/rack-and-pinion that caused the pump failure. One owner was denied reimbursement despite special coverage applying to the pump.
Steering rack and pinion (rack/pinion) failure — leaking/binding
Rack-and-pinion steering unit develops leaks and internal wear, causing loss of power assist, grinding/clunking noises, and difficulty turning. Often coexists with gear/pump failures. Multiple owners found clunking sounds when turning steering wheel.
When: One owner at ~60,000 miles (6 years old); another at 46,000 miles, then again at 89,000 miles; another on vehicle with only 41,000 miles at 3 years old.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking noise when making directional turns, especially during low-speed parking maneuvers; Steering wheel feels very hard to turn, steering gets progressively stiffer; Power steering loss or severe stiffness during low-speed turns; Wheel lock-up during slow parking or U-turns; Intermittent loss of power steering assist
Repairs/costs cited: Rack-and-pinion replacement typically costs $1,400–$2,100. Several owners report the repair does NOT resolve the problem and steering difficulty persists afterward. One owner paid $1,552 for replacement and still experienced steering issues. Another replaced rack twice and problem recurred. Labor is expensive because engine removal is sometimes required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealers will not cover under warranty if outside coverage period. One dealer refused to pass a state inspection until rack was replaced, implicitly acknowledging a safety defect.
Steering solenoid valve contamination/failure
Steering solenoid (pressure control solenoid in power steering gear) becomes clogged with dirty fluid, restricting flow and causing loss of power assist. Solenoid is particularly susceptible to contamination from internal steering gear failures.
When: High-mileage vehicle (100,000+ miles); one owner at ~100,000 miles with history of highway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes stiff and difficult to turn, especially at low speeds and when parking; Power steering assist loss without warning; Intermittent steering difficulty that progressively worsens
Repairs/costs cited: Solenoid replacement typically part of larger steering system repair; cost varies. One owner spent $1,200 total on solenoid replacement (along with pump replacement) and problem still persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not addressed by GM; no recall or coverage offered.
Low/contaminated power steering fluid
Steering fluid levels run consistently low or become contaminated with debris from internal component failures. Contamination is often secondary to steering gear or pump seal failure.
When: Develops over time as steering components degrade; one owner noted coolant level staying consistently low at time of steering gear failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid reservoir at improper level; Dirty or discolored fluid in reservoir; Power steering loss or severe stiffness after fluid depletion; Steering difficulty correlates with low fluid levels
Repairs/costs cited: Fluid refill is cheap (~$20–50), but does not address root cause if steering gear or pump is failing. Multiple owners had fluid topped off or system flushed with no lasting improvement. One shop performed a power flush for unknown cost; problem persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers often recommend fluid check/refill as first step; however, GM has issued a service bulletin (2012) indicating awareness of seal failure issues that require gear replacement, not just fluid service.
Steering wheel lock-up during turns — sudden and intermittent
Steering wheel abruptly locks or becomes immovable mid-turn for several seconds, then releases suddenly, sometimes with violent rebound. Described as unpredictable and dangerous, occurring at low and highway speeds.
When: Intermittent failures; one owner experienced it repeatedly over several weeks in summer/spring; another at 55+ mph on highway; another during low-speed parking maneuvers.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly locks in place during left or right turns, blocking further rotation; No warning before lock-up occurs; Lock-up may last seconds before releasing suddenly, causing violent steering rebound; Occurs both at low parking speeds and at highway speeds (55–70 mph); Intermittent nature makes it difficult to diagnose or reproduce in shop
Repairs/costs cited: Root cause typically diagnosed as steering gear/pump/rack failure. Repairs as noted above (gear $1,200–$2,100, pump $650–$1,200) do not always resolve lock-up episodes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refuses to acknowledge as defect. Dealers often cannot duplicate problem and deny warranty coverage once out of warranty.
Synthesized from 231 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Turning corners at low rate of speed, steering locks up and then can finally turn the wheel, but with great difficulty. Huge safety concern. *js
I have a 2009 Chevy traverse, bought brand new. When backing out and turning out of my driveway, my steering was beyond stiff. I had to use excessive force to turn and there was a loud clunking noise when I did. This steering problem occurred at lower speeds up to about 20 MPH or so. It occurred whether I was turning right or left, moving forward or backwards. When turning left and/or right,…
During 15mph turn power steering failed and it was extremely difficult to manage the turn. I narrowly avoided hitting another vehicle which was waiting to enter the intersection. Took vehicle to dealer on 11/5/13 who replaced the water pump because the coolant leaking on belt caused the belt to slip, which is turn caused the power steering to fail. 12/27/13 brought car back to dealer because…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet traverse. The contact was driving approximately 5 MPH when the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The contact indicated the defect was only present when driving the vehicle at low speeds. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was…
I've been reading numerous complaints about the steering problem with the 2009 Chevy traverse and I don't understand why gm has yet to issue a recall on the steering issues. There have been times when I try to turn either left or right where the steering starts to stiffen up making it difficult to turn. Or if I'm pulling out of a parking space, trying to turn is an issue. This is a serious…
Steering was making a whining sound when turning the wheel. This happened within 3 months of purchase of the vehicle. Since it was under warranty, Chevy "fixed" the problem. 2 years later after the "fix" the steering is again making the whining sound when turning the wheel. The vehicle is no longer under warranty. We haven't yet had Chevy look at the problem again, but judging by the other…
It's very hard to turn the wheel. When trying to turn in or back up it's extremely hard to turn.
Had steering trouble with your 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 231 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 213 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 58,900 and 97,000 miles, with the median around 76,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 58,900; a quarter make it past 97,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Chevrolet/Traverse.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.