This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Chevrolet Traverse steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse have filed 331 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 69,500 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
331
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Traverse | 231 |
| 2010 Traverse (this page) | 331 |
| 2011 Traverse | 165 |
| 2012 Traverse | 62 |
| 2013 Traverse | 18 |
| 2014 Traverse | 27 |
6crashes
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 331 steering complaints filed for the 2010 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
Of the 15 model years of Chevrolet Traverse we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 331.
Steering accounts for 50% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
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 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 ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2010 Traverse exhibits a chronic steering-system defect that catches drivers off guard. Power steering assist vanishes or locks up without warning at speeds below 25–35 mph—precisely when you need it most for parking, turning into traffic, or navigating curves. Owners describe needing to muscle the wheel with both hands, sometimes failing to make turns and nearly colliding with parked cars, oncoming traffic, and guardrails. Fluid levels check out normal, there's no warning light, and the problem occurs at idle or low speed but functions fine at highway speed, suggesting an electrical or control issue rather than simple fluid loss.
The most alarming pattern: the steering system behaves as if multiple parts are failing together. A power steering pump gets replaced, then the rack leaks. Dealers swap the rack, then the pump fails again. Some owners report the problem resurfaces weeks after costly repairs. Mechanics have worked with GM directly and remain stumped. Whining noises, grinding from the steering column, and a pinching sensation before the wheel locks add to the list. Though GM issued a special-coverage warranty extension for some model years and a recall covered other models, the 2010 Traverse was largely excluded. Out-of-warranty owners face $1,500–$2,500 bills with no guarantee the fix will stick.
Same Chevrolet Traverse steering reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent Power Steering Loss at Low Speeds
Power steering assist suddenly fails or becomes extremely stiff at speeds below 25–35 mph, particularly during parking, turning corners, or low-speed maneuvers. The failure is unpredictable; steering may work normally at highway speeds, then lock up when slowed. Owners report needing to apply extreme force to turn the wheel, sometimes requiring both hands. The problem often recurs even after service attempts and may persist despite adequate fluid levels and no visible leaks.
When: Occurs at low speeds (under 25–35 mph); reported from approximately 20,000 miles through 130,000+ miles; some cases emerge within months of purchase, others after years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stiffness or complete loss of power steering assist at low speeds; Difficulty turning steering wheel during parking, lane changes, or curves below 35 mph; Requirement to apply extreme physical force to turn wheels; Whining or groaning noise from steering wheel when turning; Power steering assist returns unpredictably, sometimes causing oversteering; No warning light indicator preceding failure; Problem worsens in cold weather; Multiple near-misses with oncoming traffic, parked cars, guardrails, and medians reported
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump replacement: $1,300–$2,100; rack and pinion replacement: $1,400–$2,500; steering gear replacement: $1,600–$1,700; multiple owners report pump and rack replacement required together; repairs often do not resolve the issue; dealers unable to duplicate complaint during diagnostic visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued for some model years; special coverage/warranty extension letter (dated Sept. 2014) covers power steering pump on some vehicles; recall issued for 2004–2010 Malibu, Cobalt, HHR, Ion, G6, and Aura but NOT for 2010 Traverse; GM has denied coverage for many out-of-warranty vehicles
Steering Rack Leakage
Power steering fluid leaks from the steering rack and pinion assembly or power steering pump, causing fluid loss and contributing to steering stiffness. Leaks occur at pressures that allow fluid to escape rapidly or gradually, reducing the hydraulic assist available to the driver.
When: Reported from approximately 55,000 miles onward; some leaks emerge suddenly with no prior warning
Symptoms owners cite: Reddish or pink fluid pooling under the vehicle; Low power steering fluid levels despite no warning light; Stiff steering that worsens as fluid leaks; Whining sound from steering pump or gear housing during turning
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement: $1,400–$2,500; power steering pump replacement: $1,300–$2,100; power steering gear/housing replacement: varies; some owners report secondary leaks emerge after initial repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some repairs covered under extended warranty; many out-of-warranty cases denied coverage; special coverage letter issued for some model years
Steering Column Noise and Binding
Steering column produces clunking, grinding, squealing, or zipper-like sounds, particularly when cold or during turning. Some owners report a pinching or binding sensation when initiating turns at low speeds, which then releases. Noise correlates with acceleration and turning.
When: Symptoms noted from early ownership through later years; may worsen with time and temperature changes
Symptoms owners cite: High-pitched squealing or groaning from steering wheel during turning or acceleration; Clunking or grinding noise from steering column, worse when cold; Zipper-type sound at all speeds; Pinching sensation when initiating turns; wheel then releases; Noise corresponds to steering input, acceleration, and deceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump replacement attempted; rack and pinion replacement attempted; some repairs involve seal replacement; mechanics unable to stop noise even after component replacements
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; dealers have worked with GM hotline without resolution; problem persists after multiple attempted repairs
Steering System Failure Cascade
Multiple steering components fail in sequence or simultaneously—pump fails, then rack leaks; or pump is replaced and rack subsequently fails. Suggests underlying design or assembly defect affecting the entire steering system. Some owners cite moisture or lack of proper lubrication.
When: Failures cluster at 65,000–80,000 miles; some occur earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Progressive worsening of steering stiffness over time; Multiple component failures within months of each other; Steering wheel locks up intermittently, then releases; Loss of hydraulic pressure affecting rack lubrication
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump and rack/pinion replaced together: total $2,500–$3,000+; owners report repairs do not resolve underlying problem; some mechanics believe moisture contamination or improper assembly root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers have worked with GM hotline; no comprehensive recall issued for 2010 Traverse; special coverage letters issued case-by-case
Synthesized from 331 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
Took vehicle in to get check engine light issue looked at (timing belt issue, not a recall, but covered by Chevy). While they had the engine tore down, they informed us that there was a fluid leak with the power steering gear and was going to cost $1,400 to fix as it was not covered under warranty. This was hard to believe given that the car only has 34,000 miles. Chevy subsequently reduced…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized and excessive force was required without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was uncertain if the steering pump or the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN…
Since october of 2013 I have been having issues with my power steering locking up or becoming so tight while trying to turn at slow speeds that I have to force a turn. I have take it to my dealership to have it looked at after reading the numerous complaints for the same issues. I was told that I would need a new pump and rack pinion steering, which was told it would cost me $1300 and is not…
Power steering and timing chain failed in vehicle at 74k miles. There are several complaints regarding the same issues from other owners of this vehicle. General motors has not accepted responsibility for this issue which has been widely reported. While in motion on november 4, 2017, our vehicle became difficult to maneuver eventually shutting off. Upon trying to restart the vehicle we heard a…
I was driving at approximately 30mph on a road the traction control/stability track light came on and my car lost almost all power. it went from 30 to about 5mph. thankfully i was on a slower road and close to my house so I was able to get home. If I would have been on a highway I could have been killed. i quick google search showed thousands of other complaints with the same problem, my question…
After some major maintenance work summer of 2018, car began to show more work needed. Summer of 2019 while driving on flat city road, power steering became difficult to turn & control curves and, check engine light came on. Parked the car until able to repair. Mechanic repaired power steering module car seemed ok. After about 2-3 weeks, check engine light & power steering problems again , now…
My 2010 traverse had a power steering fluid leak in july, 2014. Took it to the local dealer who replaced the power steering pump at my cost of $800. Afterwards, I received a letter from gm stating this was a known issue and they would reimburse for any repairs. I continue to have power steering problems. Replacement of the pump was only a partial fix. This has created a safety issue. Today I…
Everytime when the steering wheel is turned, it makes a grinding noise. It keeps getting worse. Even when the steering wheel is barely turned.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet traverse. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The failure was recurring and on one occasion, the contact was forced to crash into a mail box in an attempt to regain control of the vehicle. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis however, the…
Had steering trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 331 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 297 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 53,000 and 87,598 miles, with the median around 69,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 53,000; a quarter make it past 87,598. 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/2010/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.