I had just got gas and the vehicle took longer than usual to start/turn over. I was leaving the store and sitting at the stop sign that is on a small incline. When I proceeded to go, my truck shook a few times, cut off, and I had no control of the vehicle. The brake pedal would not push down and my vehicle began rolling backwards. There was a car behind me that started honking his horn because I…
2018 Chevrolet Traverse steering problems
moderate 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2018 Traverse owners report multiple critical steering and control system failures—power steering loss, StabiliTrak malfunctions, and stalling—often at low speeds or during normal driving, with many occurring at very low mileage and persisting even after dealer repairs. Dealership responses range from computer reprogramming to $1,700+ repairs that fail to resolve the issues permanently.
Power steering failures top the list: the electric assist cuts out without warning during normal driving, rendering the steering wheel difficult or impossible to turn. These failures occur across a wide mileage range—some at 552 miles, others at 10,000–100,000 miles—and create genuine hazards when they happen crossing bridges or in traffic. Error messages include "Power Steering Assist Warning" and "Steering Assist is Reduced." Several owners describe the wheel as locked solid, forcing them to muscle the vehicle to safety with manual steering effort.
StabiliTrak system faults cluster around traffic lights: the warning light illuminates, the vehicle stalls, and steering assist vanishes simultaneously. One owner paid $1,700 at a dealership for a fix that failed within 3 miles; the dealer later claimed inability to recreate the issue despite its persistence in real-world use.
Park position detection misfires force vehicles to remain running. The shifter refuses park engagement, steering locks when the ignition cycles, and owners report being stranded with an engine that won't shut off. CV joints click under full-lock steering at very low mileage. Engine stalls paired with brake and steering loss occurred in at least one vehicle, with a second exhaust system failure reported on the same unit after $1,200 in repairs—suggesting systemic issues beyond simple component wear.
Same Chevrolet Traverse steering reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Loss
Electric power steering cuts out or severely loses assist during operation, rendering the wheel difficult or impossible to turn. Occurs without warning while driving, sometimes triggered by StabiliTrak alarm events or general operation.
When: At various mileages (as low as 552 miles, 10,000 miles, and up to near 100,000 miles); while driving or at traffic lights.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist warning light; Steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn or immobile; Error messages: 'Power Steering Assist Warning', 'Caution Power Steering', 'Steering Assist is Reduced'; Loss of control in traffic or while crossing bridges; Vehicle stalls at traffic lights coinciding with power steering failure
Codes mentioned: Power steering module trouble code, Electric power steering fault code
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement, electric power steering module replacement, computer reprogramming. One owner reported dealer took 4 months for steering rack replacement part; another paid dealership bill over $1,700 for repairs that failed to resolve the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer allegedly unresponsive; one owner claims dealer said 'no repairs available, only computer reprogramming.' No recall mentioned for this specific issue.
StabiliTrak System Malfunction
StabiliTrak light comes on intermittently, often triggering vehicle stall at traffic lights and loss of power steering. System controls traction control, stability, and related functions. Recurring issue even after dealer repair.
When: Intermittently over months of ownership; typically at traffic lights when accelerating from stop.
Symptoms owners cite: StabiliTrak warning light illuminates; Vehicle stalls at traffic lights; Steering wheel becomes hard to turn during StabiliTrak event; Service StabiliTrak alarm message
Codes mentioned: StabiliTrak system code
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership charged $1,700+ for repairs; issue recurred within 3 miles of pickup. Dealer unable to recreate problem on return visit despite persistent real-world failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Dealer denies ability to identify root cause.
Shift to Park Failure & Steering Lock
Vehicle fails to recognize park position, does not shut off completely, and steering wheel locks when ignition is off and back on. Shifter intermittently refuses to go into park, causing battery drain.
When: Multiple occurrences throughout ownership; one instance required vehicle left running to attend to sick child.
Symptoms owners cite: Shift to park indicator blinks or turns on; Vehicle will not fully shut down; Steering wheel locks after ignition restart; No power steering when steering is locked; Warning light: 'no remote is detected' (despite remote in vehicle); Shifter refuses to move to park
Codes mentioned: Park position detection fault, Shifter position sensor code
Repairs/costs cited: Owner drove vehicle with locked steering wheel ('felt like no power steering') until problem resolved on subsequent restart. No repair costs cited by complainant.
CV Joint Noise & Clicking
Clicking noise from CV joints when steering wheel is turned fully either direction. Present early in vehicle life with very low mileage.
When: Early in ownership; reported at under 5,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise when turning wheel all the way left or right; Owner states joints sound 'ready to go out'
Codes mentioned: CV joint wear code
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealer said GM told them to replace a crew (likely 'axle') to stop the noise; GM denied giving such instruction when owner called manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM allegedly denied instructing dealer on repair; conflicting information between dealer and manufacturer.
Engine Stall with Loss of Braking & Steering
Vehicle stalls suddenly during operation, causing simultaneous loss of brake pedal response and steering control. Multiple instances reported within a month.
When: At low speeds (leaving store, pulling out of subdivision); under 100,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shakes and stalls; Brake pedal becomes immovable; Steering becomes very difficult; Vehicle rolls backward; StabiliTrak alarm triggered during stall event; Recurrence within weeks
Codes mentioned: Engine stall code, Brake system fault code, StabiliTrak fault code
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosed battery and exhaust issues ($1,200 exhaust pipe repair); however, steering/stall issues persisted. Second exhaust pipe developed hole; owner reports this is a 'frequent recurring issue' with no recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall on file for this reported problem.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 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?
Based on the 14 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 16,457 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2018/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.