The 2011 Traverse only lasts about 150,000 miles with powertrain and steering problems. At $8,199 – 10,601, it’s not worth buying when engine replacements cost thousands.
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse a Good Used SUV?
- No, 2011 is a bad year. Owners have a lot of complaints mentioning transmission problems, engine failures, and worn-out axles.
- Reliability ratings are poor with serious mechanical problems. Avoid models from 2010–2012, we recommend a 2013 or newer with significant engine improvements.
- Performance is weak from the underpowered V6 engine.
- The Traverse is a safe SUV earning a perfect five-star rating in government crash tests and a Top Safety Pick Award with a rearview camera integrated into the mirror.
- Fuel economy is okay at up to 19 mpg combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Traverse?
- Consumer Reports finds the Traverse to be comfortable, but has very low owner satisfaction ratings.
- Edmunds users rate the Traverse 3.5/5 and like the responsive driving experience, but the interior is subpar for the cost.
- Kelly Blue Book gives the Traverse a 3.4/5 with good fuel economy, but find it to have a low resale value.is
What Common Problems Does the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse Have?
Problems found on the Traverse are serious and include engine failures, worn-out power steering systems, and excessive battery drain.
Engine failures are the most common problem happening at around 90,000 miles. Owners report hearing a sudden knocking noise, then losing power. Replacing the engine is the only solution, costing over $6,000.
Power steering system problems are another frequent issue at around 85,000 miles. The steering pump and rack wear out and have to be replaced. New components cost about $2,200 to install.
Excessive electrical drain shows up on many vehicles with over 100,000 miles. There are accessories and computers which draw power when the vehicle is off, causing the battery to die. Diagnosing the electrical issues costs about $150, and a new battery costs about $200.
There are five recalls including windshield wipers, airbags, seat belts, and liftgate struts. Seat belts are the most serious recall since a failure can cause injury in an accident.
How Long Will the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse Last?
A properly maintained 2011 Traverse will last about 150,000 miles, which is less than long-lasting full-size SUVs like the Sequoia. Regular annual maintenance costs are very expensive, according to Repair Pal at $741 per year.
As a Traverse reaches 90,000 miles owners should prepare to replace air conditioning valves for $300, engine mounts costing $350, and the power steering hose which costs $600.
So far it has been very reliable. There have been no major problems other than the heat going out. Everything else has been normal maintenance/wear and tear.
Very reliable. We are over 100,000 miles and have only had to fix our ac. Car is still running strong for our family!
We have come across some ac/heat issues but my hubby was able to fix those. Other than that nothing else jumps out at me.
I think my Chevrolet traverse is a pretty reliable vehicle. It has been for me so far. The only problems that I have had with my Chevrolet traverse are wear and tear related issues just from the age of the vehicle.
After $5000 in repairs it runs well and is a good SUV. It drives well in all weather conditions. I love the 3rd row seating that still gives me cargo space.
Just the usual for cars if you take care of it. It has enough room for my scooter and other things I need to get around.
Yes the timing belt goes out a lot. And when that goes out other stuff goes out as well. It dumps the oil out. We have broke down in it.
Ours has been very reliable. Last summer we had an issue with the A/C but got it fixed quickly & haven't had any other issues since we bought it in 2013.
How Much is the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse Worth?
Blue book values are $8,199 – 10,601 making the Traverse more affordable than a Suburban or Expedition. When new, the price range was $29,370 to $40,250. Depreciation is worse than average, losing over 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Traverse?
There are three models of the Traverse with the LT being the best mix of features and value. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive being optional. Technology is dated since it was introduced for the 2009 model year, with the next refresh coming in 2013.
LS is the entry-level model offering:
- 17-inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Power Windows And Locks
- Six-speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX
LT is a step adding features including:
- 18-inch Alloy Wheels
- Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Parking Sensors
- 10-speaker Bose Stereo System
- Power Liftgate
LTZ is the luxury model and adds:
- 20-inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- Heated And Cooled Front Seats
- Remote Start System
- Navigation System With Bluetooth Connectivity
What Engines Come in the Traverse?
Only one relatively weak 3.6L V6 engine is available with 281 horsepower. Most full-size SUVs come with a V8, but the Traverse only has a V6. Performance is poor, taking 8.6 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour.
What Colors Does the Traverse Come In?
How Big is the Traverse?
In terms of size, Traverse is an average full-size SUV, similar to the Expedition and Durango. Passenger room is great throughout the cabin, comfortably fitting adults in all three rows. There are optional captain’s chairs available on the LT and LTZ model for the second row.
Cargo space is very good but not class-leading, with 24.4 cu. ft. of room behind the third row, 57.8 cu. ft. with the third row folded flat, and a maximum of 116.4 cu. ft. with all seats folded.
How Does the Traverse Compare to the Competition?
A full-size rival is the Dodge Durango which costs $3,000 more. Off-road performance is better in the Durango, but the Traverse handles smoother on the roads. Neither SUVs are a great choice since both have mechanical issues.
Another close competitor is the Ford Explorer costing about $1,500 more. The Explorer offers a better interior, but the Traverse has a bit more room for passengers. Overall, the Explorer is a better choice since they have fewer mechanical issues.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Traverse?
Yes. It has plenty of room to seat up to 7 people and seems to not be too bad on gas. It has plenty of storage in the back and the rear seat folds down for extra storage room.
Yes, no mechanical issues so far. Very spacious for a small family vehicle that is still good on gas!
Yes, fits a family of 6 comfortably. Can fit up to 7 people. Luxurious style and comfort. Can use Sirius for music entertainment but I upgraded my radio system where I do not have to pay for music.
Yes I think my Chevrolet traverse is a good vehicle because it is large enough to fit my family of five.
Yes and no. We spent $5000 to replace a part, after it caught fire, that should have been a recall from Chevy. As you might surmise the fire took out quite a few other parts that had to be replaced as well. There are groups of owners of the same year vehicle that have had exactly the same problem.
Yeit is my primary car. I have it equip a handicap seat and a hoist for my scooter. It is reliable in all kinds of weather, for trips.
No the belt goes out every 50 thousand miles and the vehicle is slow to start. It has more issues than it should for a 2011.
I love my Traverse. Drives well and super roomy. I have bucket seats in the second row, which I love when transporting a lot of kids.