This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse have filed 107 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 92,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
107
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Traverse | 33 |
| 2010 Traverse | 102 |
| 2011 Traverse (this page) | 107 |
| 2012 Traverse | 55 |
| 2013 Traverse | 15 |
| 2014 Traverse | 33 |
| 2015 Traverse | 16 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 107 engine complaints filed for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 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 17 model years of Chevrolet Traverse we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 107.
Owners have filed 107 engine 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 engine 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.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Traverse engine complaints cluster around three primary failure categories. Timing chain failures dominate the narratives—owners describe sudden loss of power, loud knocking or ticking noises, and complete stalling, often without warning lights. Repairs require full engine replacement or extensive teardown, with costs ranging from $1,900 to $7,880. Many failures occur between 50,000 and 150,000 miles. Owners note diagnostic codes P0008 and P0017 frequently appear, and that GM issued extended warranty coverage (to 120,000 miles) on early model years but excluded later 2011 models despite identical failure patterns.
Sudden power loss events represent a safety-critical failure mode. Drivers report reduced engine power warnings accompanied by stabilitrac and traction control warnings, causing speed to drop from highway speeds (60+ mph) to 15–20 mph with no ability to accelerate. Owners cite throttle body faults in multiple cases, costing $513–$2,500 when not covered under the undisclosed extended warranty program. These events create hazardous merging and highway situations.
Cooling system failures appear less frequently but include water pump leaks (causing overheating to 260°F+), thermostat issues, and one catastrophic engine fire from oil leakage. One owner paid $745 for water pump and thermostat replacement; another reported a customer satisfaction program (not a recall) covering the water pump issue with a 12-month warranty window.
Same Chevrolet Traverse engine reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Timing chain failure
Timing chain stretches, fractures, or slips out of position, causing loss of engine synchronization, knocking noises, and complete engine seizure. Often requires full engine replacement.
When: Between 50,000–150,000 miles; some failures occur with no prior warning lights
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking, ticking, or banging noise from engine; Check engine light illuminates; Loss of engine power and stalling; Rough idle or rough running; Vehicle unable to restart or restart after cooling period; No warning lights in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement ($1,900–$7,880) or timing chain kit + metal shaving cleanup + guides/tensioners replacement ($2,924.87 reported). Some owners cite need to pull entire engine.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued extended warranty to 120,000 miles on 2008–2009 models and select 2011 VINs (coverage excludes many 2011 model VINs). No recall issued. Dealers cite warranty expiration or VIN exclusion from extended coverage. One GM case #8-4399513745 reported with no resolution.
Sudden loss of engine power (throttle body related)
Engine reduces power suddenly to 15–20 mph while driving at highway speeds, accompanied by reduced engine power, stabilitrac, and traction control warning messages. Restarts after shutdown but may recur.
When: Occurs while accelerating or maintaining highway speeds; sometimes recurs multiple times in short drive
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced engine power warning message; Service stabilitrac warning; Service traction control warning; Sudden speed reduction from 40–70 mph to 15–20 mph; Unable to accelerate; Warning lights illuminate on dashboard
Codes mentioned: <UNKNOWN>
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement ($513–$2,500). Idle reset performed. One case reports dealer covered throttle body replacement under extended warranty; others charged owner out-of-pocket.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Owners report dealer coverage under undisclosed extended warranty program for some VINs. Others denied coverage because no recall exists. One case mentions GM extended warranty program with 120,000-mile limit.
Engine overheating and water pump failure
Water pump leaks at shaft weep hole or fails, causing rapid coolant loss and engine overheating. May result in thick white or black smoke and, in one case, engine fire.
When: Occurs while driving or shortly after oil changes; one case shows failure after water pump and alternator replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge rising rapidly to 260°F+; Coolant reservoir empty or rapidly depleting; Engine overheat warning message; Reduced engine power after overheat event; Pink or clear fluid dripping from undercarriage; Sweet smell from engine; Thick white or black smoke from engine compartment; Engine fire (one case)
Codes mentioned: <UNKNOWN>
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump and thermostat replacement ($745 reported; also $101.86 diagnostic). One owner paid $400 for fuel pump repair (misdiagnosis of coolant smell). Fire extinguished by owner in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued a customer satisfaction program (not a recall) for water pump weep hole leaks (Recall 13079), covering 12 months from program enrollment date (one case: enrolled 4/19/2014, coverage expired). Case #8-3280633041 assigned for related investigation.
Internal engine damage (pistons, bearings, crankshaft, rods)
Cracked pistons, failed bearings, rod knock, or crankshaft damage diagnosed after loss of power or severe knocking. Often found during engine teardown for other suspected failures.
When: Between 63,500–182,000 miles; some failures have no warning indicators
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking sound from engine; Check engine light illuminates; Loss of power steering and engine braking; Engine seized or locked (will not turn over); Ticking sound followed by engine stall; Rough running before failure
Codes mentioned: <UNKNOWN>
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required. Costs $5,000–$7,250 reported. One case required engine removal for metal shaving cleanup and bearing assessment.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM states no recalls or TSBs apply. Dealers attribute failures to low oil (despite evidence of recent oil service and full dipsticks), declining warranty coverage. No manufacturer assistance offered in reviewed cases.
Rough idle and engine misfiring
Engine runs rough, misfires, or hesitates during acceleration, often with check engine light and diagnostic codes P0008 or P0017. May progress to more severe failure.
When: Starting around 40,000 miles; can persist for weeks or months before catastrophic failure
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on intermittently or constantly; Rough idle; Hesitation during acceleration; Engine running very rough; Front end shaking or vibration; Excessive fuel consumption
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft sensor replacement ($395 in one case) typically not sufficient; owners discover timing chain is actual root cause. Further diagnosis requires timing chain kit purchase and labor or full teardown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM extended warranty (Tech Bulletin 12-06-01-009D) covers timing chain and tensioner replacement up to 120,000 miles for qualifying VINs; many 2011 model VINs excluded. Dealers cite VIN exclusion from service bulletins.
Synthesized from 107 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
A mechanic told me my power train chain is loose and that this is common in 2011 6 engines and to report it cause it should be a recall issue. This is a common problem and needs to be addressed. My car will barely make it up a hill and the fuel mileage has gone down.
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 107 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 85 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 57,159 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 92,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 57,159; a quarter make it past 115,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.