This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Chevrolet Traverse airbags problems
severe 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
7crashes
20injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 33 airbags 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 airbags 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 technical bulletin provides a procedure to complete a terminal replacement or connector re connection to correct a condition of Diagnostic Information for Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System, Intermittent AIR BAG Indicator/Lamp Illuminated with DTC(s) B0012, B0013, B0015, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 or B0044 Set (Inspect and Replace Connector Position Assurance (CPA) Retainer)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides Information on Passenger Presence Sensing System (PPS or PSS) Concerns with Custom Upholstery, Accessory Seat Heaters or Other Comfort Enhancing Devices
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗15536 - SPECIAL COVERAGE. CERTAIN 2008 2013 BUICK ENCLAVE, 2008-2013 GMC ACADIA, 2008-2010 SATURN OUTLOOK, AND 2009-2013 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES WERE RECALLED TO ADDRESS CORROSION AND/OR LOOSE CRIMPS IN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER-SEAT MOUNTED SIDE-IMPACT AIRBAG (SIAB) WIRING-HARNESS CONNECTORS, WHICH COULD CAUSE AN INCREASE IN RESISTANCE THAT MAY DISABLE THE SIAB, FRONT-CENTER AIRBAG, IF EQUIPPED, AND SEAT-BELT PRETENSIONERS. GM HAS RECEIVED REPORTS THAT, IN SOME CASES, THE REQUIRED REPAIR MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY PERFORMED BY THE DEALER SERVICE TECHNICIAN. THE GM RECALL NUMBER WAS N14030 (GFPE NUMBER N-140030) NHTSA RECALL 14V118. DEALERS ARE TO REMOVE THE SECTION OF THE WIRE WITH THE
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗BUICK/GMC/SATURN/CHEVROLET: TSB CONTAINS AN OWNER'S NOTIFICATION LETTER. SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON BELOW. SOME VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING, ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG (SIAB) WIRING HARNESS CONNECTORS, LOOSE OR CORRODED CRIMPS, THAT IS CAUSING RESISTANCE THAT CAN DISABLE FRONT CENTER AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS. MODEL 2008-13 ENCLAVE, OUTLOOK, TRAVERSE, ACADIA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe persistent and recurring service airbag warning lights that cycle on and off unpredictably, sometimes triggered by bumps, sometimes appearing without warning. Many dealership repair attempts fail to fix the problem permanently. Replacement of seat presence modules runs $1,200–$1,271, and owners report the warning returning even after paid service.
Passenger seat presence sensors frequently fail to detect occupants, leaving the passenger airbag disabled when someone is sitting in that seat. One owner reported this issue ongoing for over a year despite dealership visits.
Several owners detail complete airbag deployment failures during serious collisions—head-on impacts at 40 mph, T-bone accidents, and tree crashes at 65 mph—where occupants suffered fractured bones, internal injuries, and bruises that functioning airbags would have mitigated. In at least one case, GM's engineer claimed the airbags performed correctly by not deploying during a 40 mph frontal impact.
Unintended side airbag deployments occurred at highway speeds (70 mph drifting onto rumble strip) and at 8 mph during normal driving, with deployments recurring three times on the same vehicle. These spontaneous deployments struck occupants in the head.
Owners also report that recall campaign #14030 work introduced its own problems: one technician broke a wiring connector's locking tab and left it unsecured, causing gradual disconnection over nine months and creating the very unsafe condition the recall was supposed to fix. Dealerships have refused reimbursement for this service failure, and some replacement parts ordered during recall work arrived defective, requiring multiple ordering cycles and extended delays.
Same Chevrolet Traverse airbags reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Service Airbag Warning Light - Intermittent or Persistent Illumination
Dashboard warning light comes on sporadically or stays on continuously, often triggered by minor road bumps or without clear cause. Owners report the light cycles on and off at random, sometimes disappearing when hitting a bump or after a dealer reset, only to reappear later.
When: Varies widely from 35,000 miles to 142,000 miles; some owners report issues early in ownership (5,000 miles), others much later.
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag warning light illuminates intermittently or persistently on dashboard; Light cycles on and off randomly while driving; Light disappears temporarily when hitting a bump; Light remains off even after dealer diagnostic resets
Codes mentioned: U0170 - Lost communication with restraints system sensor A, B0081 - Passenger presence system erratic
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers quote $1,200–$1,271 for passenger presence module or seat module replacement. Parts frequently backordered (5+ weeks noted). Some owners report recurring warnings even after dealer repairs (12/18/2020 and 12/10/2021 service instances documented).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall #14030 (side impact airbag wiring harness), Recall #14V118000 (airbag). Chevrolet issued two technical bulletins mentioning cell phones in front seat may interfere with sensors. Dealer service attempts often unsuccessful; resets temporary. Some owners report dealership unable to replicate or diagnose root cause.
Wiring Connector Failure Under Driver/Passenger Seats
After recall campaign #14030 work, the locking tab on the wiring connector under the right front seat was broken off during service and not secured or replaced. Over 9 months and 5,000 miles, connector housings slipped apart gradually, causing wire terminal disconnection and unsafe restraint conditions. Owner drove unaware for extended period.
When: Diagnosed approximately 9 months after recall #14030 was performed on 8-22-14; failure manifested gradually.
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag warning message appeared; Lost communication codes triggered (U0170, B0081); Passenger presence system erratic behavior
Codes mentioned: U0170 - Lost communication with restraints system sensor A, B0081 - Passenger presence system erratic
Repairs/costs cited: Owner diagnosed and repaired out-of-pocket because vehicle was out of warranty and dealership quoted $140+ just for diagnostic. Dealership refused reimbursement for their recall service error. Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center declined assistance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall #14030. Dealership and Chevrolet refused reimbursement for defective recall work.
Passenger Seat Presence Sensor Malfunction
Passenger side airbag sensors fail to detect occupancy correctly. Passenger airbag warning indicator remains off when seat is occupied, or sensor erratically loses presence detection. Some owners report the system cycles on and off unpredictably.
When: Reported from 32,000 miles through 142,000 miles; one owner reported ongoing issue for over a year starting at 32,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag warning light cycles on and off intermittently; Passenger presence sensor fails to recognize occupant in passenger seat; Passenger side airbag disabled when occupied; Service airbag warning light illuminates as secondary symptom
Codes mentioned: B0081 - Passenger presence system erratic
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer estimates $1,200–$1,271 for seat module or passenger presence module replacement. One owner reported repeated dealer service visits (12/18/2020 and 12/10/2021) with problem returning both times. Another owner reported recurring issue for over a year despite repair attempts; dealership gave 'runaround.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical bulletins issued mentioning cell phone interference. Dealer attempted repairs and resets, but fixes often temporary or unsuccessful.
Unintended Side Curtain or Impact Airbag Deployment
Side curtain airbags deploy spontaneously at highway speeds during minor road events (e.g., drifting onto rumble strip at 70 mph, or deploying at 8 mph from normal driving). One incident involved side airbags striking occupants in the head. Multiple occurrences reported on same vehicle (three separate occasions at low speed).
When: One incident at approximately 5,000 miles (recurring three times between 5,000 and 15,000 miles); highway deployment at 70 mph; low-speed deployment at 8 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Side curtain airbags deploy spontaneously without collision impact; Deployment occurs during minor road events (rumble strip contact at 70 mph, bumps at 8 mph); Loud bang reported at moment of deployment; Side airbag strikes occupants in head or neck area
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle taken to dealer; no repair noted in narrative. Another owner's case: GM denied defect and blamed minor pre-existing scrapes on vehicle exterior.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM is denying defect and insinuating non-defect causes. No recall listed for unintended deployment; manufacturer refuses to acknowledge problem.
Airbag Failure to Deploy During Frontal/Side Impact Crashes
Front and driver-side airbags fail to deploy during moderate-to-severe frontal and side-impact collisions (40–70 mph, T-bone, head-on, rear-end scenarios). Documented cases include head-on impact with $18,000 damage, T-bone at 40 mph, rear-end impact at speed, and tree impact at 65 mph. Occupants sustained injuries (chest, knee, fractured hand, whiplash, bruises, spleen removal) that airbags would typically prevent or mitigate.
When: Reported at various mileages: 35,000 miles, 45,000 miles, and unspecified mileages for several crash incidents.
Symptoms owners cite: Front driver-side airbag fails to deploy in frontal/side impacts; Front passenger-side airbag fails to deploy despite distributed front-end damage or T-bone impact; Side airbags may deploy (some cases) while front/driver bag does not; Airbag warning light illuminated prior to crash in at least one case (three times; dealer unable to replicate and reset light as temporary fix)
Repairs/costs cited: GM engineer assessed one vehicle post-crash and reported airbags 'functioned correctly' by not deploying, despite 40 mph impact and significant damage. No repairs performed in documented cases. One owner reported seat belt also failed to restrain during rear-end impact.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM engineer claimed non-deployment at 40 mph was correct functioning. Manufacturer issued recalls #14V118000 and #14030 but vehicle in one case (tree impact) was not VIN-included in recall #14V118000. Another owner reported three pre-crash warning light cycles, but dealer unable to diagnose and only reset light.
Defective Recall Parts and Delayed Service
During recall campaigns, dealerships ordered replacement parts that arrived defective, requiring second order. Significant delays in parts arrival (5+ weeks with no notification). One instance: parts arrived defective, dealer ordered new parts, both sets failed. Service appointment estimates (3 hours) took 9+ hours due to defective parts discovery mid-repair.
When: Occurrence tied to 2014–2015 safety recall processing.
Symptoms owners cite: Replacement parts received by dealership found to be defective; Extended delays (5+ weeks) in parts availability with no dealership communication; Second set of replacement parts also defective in documented case; Service airbag warning light persists or returns after recall 'repair'
Repairs/costs cited: Service was provided at no charge under recall program, but quality and timeliness issues documented. Defective parts required second ordering cycle; one repair took 9 hours instead of estimated 3 hours.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall #14030 and #14V118000 initiated but execution plagued by defective parts and communication failures. Chevrolet customer service contacted by owner regarding dealership complaint but no resolution noted in narrative.
Recall Campaign 14030 Improper Execution – Connector Damage
During recall #14030 service, technician(s) broke the locking tab on the wiring connector under the right front seat and failed to secure or replace it. This allowed connector housings to separate gradually over months, creating an unsafe disconnection in the restraint system.
When: Recall performed 8-22-14; failure diagnosed approximately 9 months later (approximately 2-28-15 or after, as warranty expired 2-28-15).
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag warning message illuminated; Codes U0170 and B0081 triggered indicating lost communication and erratic sensor; Gradual connector separation over 9 months and 5,000 miles
Codes mentioned: U0170 - Lost communication with restraints system sensor A, B0081 - Passenger presence system erratic
Repairs/costs cited: Owner diagnosed and repaired out-of-pocket. Parts involved: wiring connector under right front seat. Repair cost and nature not detailed in narrative, but owner paid when dealership quoted $140+ diagnostic fee.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall #14030. Dealership refused reimbursement; Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center refused assistance.
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had airbags trouble with your 2011 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 airbags problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a meaningful issue. 33 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 15,000 and 66,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 66,000. 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 $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags 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/2011/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.