This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Chevrolet Traverse steering problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Chevrolet Traverse have filed 27 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 60,000 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
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Traverse | 165 |
| 2012 Traverse | 62 |
| 2013 Traverse | 18 |
| 2014 Traverse | 27 |
| 2015 Traverse (this page) | 27 |
| 2016 Traverse | 24 |
| 2017 Traverse | 11 |
| 2018 Traverse | 14 |
| 2019 Traverse | 16 |
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 27 steering complaints filed for the 2015 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
Owners have filed 27 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.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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 procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
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 ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2015 Chevrolet Traverses report power steering system failures as the dominant complaint. The power steering pump is the most common failure point, leaking fluid or losing pressure entirely between 31,000 and 115,000 miles. Many notice whining or grinding noise for thousands of miles before complete failure—one owner heard noise starting at 37,000 miles but dealership initially dismissed it. When the pump fails, steering becomes extremely hard to turn, particularly dangerous at low speeds like parking. Several owners lost all steering assist on highways, creating serious safety risks.
Rack-and-pinion and high-pressure hose failures accompany pump issues. Racks develop leaks and require replacement ($2,900 reported). Hoses crack or fail, requiring replacement. Some owners went through multiple pump replacements; one was told he'd need 6–8 pumps to resolve his issue.
Power steering assist also fails intermittently in several cases: the steering suddenly becomes impossible to turn without warning light, then regains function when the accelerator is depressed. This pattern repeats unpredictably, mostly during low-speed maneuvers.
One owner reported the steering column itself became detached, improperly secured with hose clamps instead of manufacturer fasteners. GM offers a Special Service Coverage extension for 2009–2011 models (100,000 miles), but refuses to extend it to 2012–2015 Traverses despite identical part numbers. Warranty denial is common, leaving owners with repair bills exceeding $3,000.
Same Chevrolet Traverse steering reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Pump Failure
Power steering pump leaks fluid, loses pressure, or stops functioning entirely. Owners report whining and grinding noises preceding failure. Pump may work intermittently, regaining function briefly when accelerator is depressed. Fluid loss ranges from small leaks to complete drainage.
When: 31,000 to 115,000 miles; reported as early as 37,000 miles (noise onset)
Symptoms owners cite: Whining or grinding noise during turns or acceleration; Loss of power steering assist, requiring extreme force to turn wheel; Steering wheel becomes very hard to maneuver; Fluid leaks beneath vehicle; Power steering may fail intermittently then return when accelerator depressed; No warning lights in many cases
Repairs/costs cited: Pump replacement cited at $3,051.85 (including hoses and flush); some owners report needing 6–8 pump replacements; rack-and-pinion replacement also required in some cases at $2,900; GM has manufactured replacement pumps described as superior to originals
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special Service Coverage Extension noted for 2009–2011 models via GM TSB (covering 100K miles), but coverage reportedly limited to specific production locations/VIN ranges and not extended to 2012–2015 models despite identical part numbers; 2014 recall reference mentioned for some production batches; some owners denied warranty coverage
Rack and Pinion Failure
Steering rack and pinion develops leaks or internal failure, reducing steering response and requiring complete replacement. Often occurs in conjunction with pump failure.
When: 40,000 to 81,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering assist; Steering wheel becomes very hard to turn or seizes; Fluid leaks from rack housing; Difficulty turning at low speeds (parking); Possible grinding or whining noise
Repairs/costs cited: Rack-and-pinion replacement cost $2,900; described as occurring on vehicles with low mileage for their age
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or coverage mentioned for rack failure; one owner notes GM manufactured a superior replacement pump, suggesting awareness of defect
Power Steering Hose Failure
High-pressure hoses in the power steering system develop cracks, leaks, or other defects, compromising fluid circulation and steering control.
When: 37,000 to 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Whining noise when turning, especially to the right; Fluid leaks from hose connections; Loss of power steering pressure; Hard steering
Repairs/costs cited: Defective hose replacement; one owner initially had dealership dismiss the issue as imagination before diagnosis at 47,000 miles; multiple high-pressure hoses require replacement in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty coverage mentioned; dealership initially denied problem existed
Steering Wheel Intermittent Power Loss
Power steering assist fails intermittently during normal driving, particularly at low speeds when parking. Assist may return spontaneously or when engine load changes (accelerator depressed). No warning lights illuminate before loss.
When: 50,000 to 115,000 miles; can occur within weeks of initial complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist suddenly stops with no warning light; Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn; Assist returns when accelerator pedal is depressed; Assist lost again when accelerator released; Failure most common during low-speed maneuvers (parking, turning)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed in several complaints; one case remained undiagnosed after being taken to dealership; independent mechanics unable to diagnose before dealership appointment delays
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM case number opened (8-4636845588) in one instance; manufacturer made aware but provided no resolution; electrical steering system replacement advised but not performed
Steering Column Detachment
Steering column separates from mounting bracket due to improper fastening. Column reportedly secured only with hose clamps instead of proper manufacturer components.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Steering column becomes detached or loose; Complete loss of steering control; Immediate and severe safety hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Improper fastening with hose clamps noted instead of manufacturer components
Hard Steering (Non-Pump/Hose)
Steering wheel becomes excessively stiff or impossible to turn without mechanical failure of pump, hose, or fluid leaks. May be related to electrical steering assist or rack friction.
When: Under 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes very hard to turn or nearly impossible to maneuver; Loud grinding or whining noise from steering area during acceleration and turns; No detected pump leaks or pressure loss; Ongoing intermittent problem
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Loud noise coming from the power steering area when I accelerated and turned the steering wheel . This happens when I wanted to park my car. I just changed water sensors , and now it has the evape error . That not really good for under 60000 mile car, its not normal
Power steering pump and rack and pinion need to be replaced. $1500. This should be a recall as many people have this complaint.
Had steering trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a meaningful issue. 27 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 48,000 and 74,500 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,000; a quarter make it past 74,500. 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/2015/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.