I was driving home from work one evening. I just came off of the highway, then there was chimes coming from the 2011 Chevy traverse. Then on the dash read traction control off stability control off service traction control service stability control engine power reduced. I went form 40 MPH to 20mph in less than a second. Contacted the dealership was told to stop driving immediately and have it…
2011 Chevrolet Traverse powertrain problems
moderate 70 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
70
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 70 powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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
Owners have filed 70 powertrain 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.
Among the 17 model years of Chevrolet Traverse in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2011 Traverse has widespread, serious powertrain problems: sudden highway power loss that can cause accidents, unwanted rollback on hills, timing chain failures requiring engine replacement around 100k miles, and transmission issues. Multiple attempted dealer repairs often fail to fix recurring problems. Do not buy this model without a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic and strong budget for powertrain work.
The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse powertrain complaints cluster around five major failure modes. First, unwanted rollback on inclines—owners repeatedly describe the vehicle rolling backward when stopped uphill in drive, or rolling forward when stopped downhill in reverse, until the accelerator is pressed hard. Dealerships claim it's normal design for fuel economy; owners call it a safety hazard. Second, sudden loss of engine power and severe deceleration, often accompanied by warning lights ("traction control off," "service stabilitrak," "engine power reduced"). The vehicle drops from highway speed to 10–20 mph in seconds with no warning, creating rear-end collision risks. Owners cite multiple failed repair attempts by dealers—throttle body cleaning, throttle body replacement, sensor work, transmission module replacement—yet the problem recurs. Third, timing chain failure starting around 100k–120k miles, producing diagnostic codes P0008 and P0017. Engine seizure has been reported. Some owners found GM extended the warranty to 120k miles on certain VINs, but others claim their VIN wasn't covered. Fourth, transmission issues including failure to engage properly, slipping out of gear with the key out of the ignition, and rough shifting. Fifth, a gear shifter that can be manually popped out of gear without the key or brake engaged, allowing the parked vehicle to roll. One owner's vehicle rolled away at a gas station with three children inside. These failures occur across a wide mileage range—some as low as 8,000 miles, others at 100k+. Repair costs cited include $230–$600 for throttle service, $2,300–$3,800 for timing chain work, and full engine replacement for seized engines.
Same Chevrolet Traverse powertrain reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Rollback on Inclines (Hill Hold Failure)
Vehicle rolls backward when stopped uphill in Drive with brake released, or rolls forward when stopped downhill in Reverse, requiring aggressive acceleration or holding brake and gas simultaneously to prevent rolling. Dealerships report this is designed behavior for fuel economy compliance.
When: Occurs on any incline 2% grade or greater; reported from low mileage to higher miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward when foot removed from brake to accelerator on uphill grade; Vehicle rolls forward when placed in Reverse on downhill grade; Requires high RPM or simultaneous brake and throttle application to overcome rolling; Reported as unsafe, especially in snow/ice or on busy inclines
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers state no fix available; some suggest this is transmission design (6-speed for fuel economy); no ECM reprogramming or idle adjustment offered
Sudden Power Loss and Limp Mode (Stabilitrak/Throttle Body)
Engine loses power suddenly while driving, vehicle drops to 10–20 mph limp mode with warning lights (traction control off, service stabilitrak, engine power reduced). Occurs on highways and city streets. Multiple attempted repairs at dealerships—throttle body cleaning, throttle body replacement, sensor replacement, transmission module replacement—but problem recurs.
When: Reported from 8,000 miles to 110,000+ miles; can happen within weeks or months of prior repair
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden drop in speed from highway speeds (55–70 mph) to 10–20 mph; Warning lights: 'Traction Control Off,' 'Service Stabilitrak,' 'Engine Power Reduced'; Engine power limited to safe mode; accelerator depression does not increase speed; Hard downshift; vehicle becomes sluggish; Vehicle may stall or require restart to reset limp mode; Can recur within days or weeks after repair
Codes mentioned: P0008, P0017, Check Engine Light (emission codes also reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed: throttle body cleaning ($150–$230); throttle body replacement ($500–$600); sensor cleaning; transmission module replacement; wheel hub assembly replacement; camshaft bank sensor replacement. Despite repairs, symptoms return.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2010 model had recall for similar issue, but no recall issued for 2011 despite widespread complaints
Timing Chain Failure
Engine timing chain or tensioner fails, detected by diagnostic codes P0008/P0017 indicating timing out of sync. Engine can seize, requiring replacement. Occurs typically around 100k–120k miles but reported as early as 91k and as late as 111k+. Some owners cite GM extended the warranty to 120k miles on certain VINs.
When: 91,000–120,000+ miles; one case at 30,000 miles with metal in oil
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light illuminates; Codes P0008 and P0017 (camshaft timing issues); Loss of engine power while driving; Engine knocking or machine-gun noise; Engine will not start or starts and shuts off immediately; Engine seizure with metal debris in oil
Codes mentioned: P0008, P0017
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of timing chains and actuators quoted at $2,300–$3,800; full engine replacement $3,800–$5,000+; one owner had engine replaced at 30k miles due to metal in oil (no oil neglect noted)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM extended warranty to 120k miles on some 2011 models per owner reports; other VINs not covered; no recall issued despite owner claims of 'hundreds' of online complaints
Transmission Failure and Gear Slippage
Transmission slips out of gear or fails to stay engaged, especially with key out of ignition or without brake depressed. Gear shifter can be manually popped out of gear without key. In one case, parked vehicle with children inside rolled away at gas station.
When: Low mileage to higher mileage; one incident at gas station with parked vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter can be popped out of gear manually without key or brake; Vehicle rolls out of park while parked (with key out); Transmission will not properly engage or stay in gear; Vehicle 'broncos' (jerks/bucks) when placed in Drive; Speed limited to 30 mph when placed in Drive after reverse engagement
Repairs/costs cited: One case attributed to liquid spilled on shifter causing electrical short (repaired); other cases diagnosed as transmission issues but repair details sparse
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case: GM investigation conducted; vehicle repaired under warranty after liquid on shifter identified
Water Pump and Cooling System Failure
Water pump fails, causing coolant leaks, overheating, engine smoking, and loss of power. Some failures occur shortly after recall 13079 (water pump shaft leak) work was performed, raising questions about recall workmanship.
When: One case at time of highway driving; another case at 91k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leaks onto driveway; Temperature gauge spikes to 260°F; Engine smoking; Loss of power while driving; Fan continues running after engine shut off; Check Engine Light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Required new water pump, thermostat, coolant fluid exchange, transmission fluid exchange; one case was defective recall work (customer had to pay $600+ for re-repair)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 13079 for water pump shaft leak exists; one owner reported GM refused to reimburse or issue new recall, stating prior work was 'customer satisfaction program' not a recall
Brake Failure (Pedal to Floor)
Brake pedal travels to floor without stopping vehicle. Occurred once while approaching red light at 25 mph, causing rear-end collision; failure recurred multiple times afterward.
When: Reported at 90,622 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal travels fully to floor; No braking force; vehicle does not stop; Failure recurring multiple times
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnostic found no failure; no repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no documented response
Synthesized from 70 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I purchased this 2011 traverse used in 2013 with approximately 28,000 miles on it in aurora, co. It now has about 118,000 miles. I have had warning lights on the ABS and stability control systems come on, along with error messages indicating stability control and AWD are deactivated for about a week that do not reset upon restarting the car. Today, I experienced numerous losses of engine…
I have been in small and big inclines and my car rolls back. I have to keep my foot on brake and give at same time I release the gas or it rolls back. I have come close to hitting the car in back of me.
I keep getting codes for emission and timings chain. My back up safety sensor and wheel sensor doesn't work.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 70 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 57 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 51,928 and 109,000 miles, with the median around 72,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 51,928; a quarter make it past 109,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.