2011 Chevrolet Traverse Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 79about this part
- Share
- 13%of 608 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 79 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, 13% of the 608 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The engine time chain is bad. If the time chain finishes braking it will kill off all the engine making the repair over $5,000 it seems like is a very common problem on these cars with the 3.6 vvt v6 engine, as I have seen people go thru this also online many people were talking about how unrelaible these cars are on that way. I have different quotes from different mechanic shops the lowest been $2,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11279076, filed 2019-11, 109,000 miles“I got my car 6 months ago, so far the brakes went out, rotors went out, all struts had to be reolaced, heater broke, air conditioner leakes, and now timing chains need to be replaved. I found an inspection completed 2 weeks before I bought my car done at another dealership. The list of issues is scary.”
NHTSA complaint #11109502, filed 2018-07, 65,000 miles“I was driving on a highway and my car lost power, it showed traction control off and then service stabilatrack I was able to coast off the side of the road and the engine shut off and it will not restart. Had to have it towed to a repair shop and waiting to hesr from them.”
NHTSA complaint #11123185, filed 2018-08, 146,000 miles“Without warning, I get an alert on my information panel that stabilitrak is off and traction control needs servicing. At the same time, the vehicle downshifts hard and rapidly decelerates. Several months ago, the check engine light started coming on at random times resulting in an emission error code. The catalytic converter was replaced. A month later, same error code. This current problem happens frequently at various speeds while in motion only.”
NHTSA complaint #11104126, filed 2018-06, 128,000 miles“Even on the slightest of inclines, after stopping while in drive, the vehicle rolls backward. A few times it almost rolled backward into the car behind me. It's an accident waiting to happen. Other Traverse owners have told me the same thing happens in theirs.”
NHTSA complaint #10917614, filed 2016-10, 94,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 12% |
| 2025 | 13 | 7% |
| 2024 | 19 | 13% |
| 2023 | 32 | 34% |
| 2022 | 45 | 45% |
| 2021 | 16 | 17% |
| 2020 | 40 | 17% |
| 2019 | 170 | 41% |
| 2018 | 196 | 42% |
| 2017 | 18 | 5% |
| 2016 | 37 | 13% |
| 2015 | 23 | 7% |
| 2014 | 36 | 7% |
| 2013 | 28 | 17% |
| 2012 | 46 | 13% |
| 2011 | 79 | 13% |
| 2010 | 66 | 10% |
| 2009 | 58 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
204 complaintsSteering
165 complaintsElectronic stability control
103 complaintsElectrical system
67 complaintsVehicle speed control
58 complaintsOther or unknown
57 complaintsAir bags
43 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsFuel system
26 complaintsSeat belts
21 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology