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 ↗2019 Chevrolet Traverse steering problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse have filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Traverse | 27 |
| 2016 Traverse | 24 |
| 2017 Traverse | 11 |
| 2018 Traverse | 14 |
| 2019 Traverse (this page) | 16 |
| 2020 Traverse | 7 |
| 2021 Traverse | 4 |
1crash
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 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 ↗This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe multiple distinct steering failures in 2019 Traverses. Some report complete loss of steering control while driving, with the vehicle becoming difficult or impossible to maneuver—one owner lost steering twice in a parking lot and again on exit, triggering dashboard warnings and spontaneous shutdowns. Another experienced sudden steering failure on a highway with no warning. A third reports the steering wheel locking up repeatedly (every 5+ minutes of driving), diagnosed by a mechanic as ABS control module failure, with the dealer unable to source the part due to national backorder.
One owner was told by the dealer that rear toe link replacement is "common" in 2019 models—at roughly 41,500 miles—yet no recall exists, while other GM models do carry suspension recalls. Power steering malfunctions have also been reported, including one case where a rack-and-pinion was replaced for an electrical issue. A sway bar broke in half during low-speed driving with no impact reported. One owner heard a loud pop, found the sway bar fractured, with estimated repair at $2,000+. Another discovered a broken sway bar and control arm during routine tire service with no prior warning signs. A steering column produces a low whining noise during turns; the dealer claims it's normal, but owners dispute this. One narrative describes an ABS-related steering lock-up with the 2018 model under recall but the 2019 not recalled despite being a known issue.
Same Chevrolet Traverse steering reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Complete steering loss with spontaneous shutdown
Steering control fails completely while driving. Vehicle simultaneously loses motive power and shuts down independently, sometimes multiple times in succession. Dashboard warnings and alerts appear before each failure. Vehicle may be immobile for hours before restarting.
When: Mileage not stated; occurred during low-speed parking lot driving and at least once on roadway
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of steering control; Vehicle unable to be steered; Simultaneous loss of motive power; Spontaneous engine shutdown; Multiple dashboard warnings and alerts; Vehicle alarm triggering; Wipers activating on their own; Door locks cycling spontaneously
Codes mentioned: Engine and Transmission System issue (per OnStar diagnostic)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement attempted at dealership but did not resolve root cause; dealership unable to identify source of problem
Steering wheel lock-up (ABS control module failure)
Steering wheel locks up repeatedly during normal driving. Mechanic diagnostic identified ABS control system module as cause. Part is on national backorder with months-long wait; dealership cannot provide replacement. 2018 model Traverse carries recall for this identical issue, but 2019 model does not despite known widespread occurrence.
When: Occurred every time vehicle driven for more than 5 minutes
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locking up repeatedly; Loss of steering control; Vehicle undrivable
Codes mentioned: ABS control system module failure
Repairs/costs cited: Requires ABS control system module replacement; part unavailable due to national backorder
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2018 model Traverse recalled for same issue; 2019 model has no recall despite known issue
Sudden loss of power steering during highway driving
Power steering fails suddenly while vehicle is in motion on a highway. Vehicle becomes difficult to maneuver. Dashboard alerts and warnings appear. Vehicle was brought to dealer and diagnosed as electrical issue in steering rack-and-pinion assembly.
When: July 11, 2019; highway driving at undisclosed speed
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden power steering malfunction; Difficult vehicle maneuvering; Dashboard error message: 'Power Steering Malfunction'
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Malfunction alert
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replaced due to electrical issue
Steering failure with engine stall and brake lock-up
Vehicle stalls at traffic light. Steering locks and brakes lock simultaneously. Lights and radio remain functional but engine will not turn over or restart. Dashboard fully illuminated with warning lights.
When: While stopped at red light; failure mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at traffic light; Steering locks; Brakes lock; Engine will not turn over; Engine will not start; Dashboard fully illuminated with warning lights; Lights and radio still functional
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed as starter and flywheel issue
Steering loss with partial recovery during test drive
While driving at undisclosed speed, steering wheel fails to function. Vehicle loses motive power and independently restarts. Vehicle taken to dealer multiple times; technician identified failure during test drives on several occasions but cause was not documented and failure was not duplicated during initial visit. No diagnosis or repair completed.
When: Mileage unknown; occurred during multiple test drives at dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel fails to function as intended; Loss of motive power; Spontaneous vehicle restart
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; failure not duplicated on initial dealer visit
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but provided no assistance
Rear toe link premature wear and failure
Rear toe link requires replacement at relatively low mileage. Dealer reports this is 'common' in 2019 Traverse models and are replacing quite a few. Multiple online forums document same issue among owners. Other GM models carry recalls for similar rear suspension issues, but 2019 Traverse does not despite apparent widespread occurrence.
When: 41,500 miles; discovered during annual state inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Rear toe link failure; Vehicle fails state inspection due to suspension defect
Repairs/costs cited: Rear toe link replacement; cost approximately $600
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall exists despite similar issues on other GM models; dealer states issue is common but vehicle not recalled
Sway bar fracture without impact
Sway bar breaks in half during low-speed parking lot driving with no collision or impact reported. Owner heard loud pop, initially thought object had been run over, but found nothing. Estimated repair cost $2,000+. Another owner discovered broken sway bar and control arm during routine tire service with no prior warning signs and normal driving reported by operator.
When: Low mileage not specified; discovered at tire service appointment
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop heard while driving; Sway bar fractured in half; Sway bar and control arm broken; No prior warning signs
Repairs/costs cited: Sway bar replacement; estimated cost $2,000+
Steering column whining noise during turning
Steering column produces a low whining sound when steering wheel is turned. Dealer claims this is 'normal.' Owner disputes this, noting steering column should not make noise and such sounds typically indicate trouble.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Low whining sound from steering column during turns
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer states condition is normal; no repair performed
Steering assist reduction warning with no known mechanism
Dashboard warning appears stating steering assist reduced, with instruction to drive carefully. Owner unaware of having this feature or how it was reduced. Occurred shortly after erroneous Chevy app notification about starter engine issues (while vehicle was running and drivable). Subsequently, backup camera showed clear path but did not detect pole, resulting in collision during parking.
When: November 1, 2022; low-speed backing into parking
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard warning: steering assist reduced; Instruction to drive carefully; Backup camera display failure (failed to detect obstacle)
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 16 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 19,160 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/2019/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.