# Chevrolet Traverse power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 86 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (20) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 86 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Chevrolet Traverse (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (20). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. ## Chevrolet Traverse power steering warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 20 | 314 | 6% | | 2016 | 20 | 292 | 7% | | 2017 | 7 | 361 | 2% | | 2018 | 13 | 465 | 3% | | 2019 | 7 | 412 | 2% | | 2020 | 4 | 235 | 2% | | 2021 | 4 | 94 | 4% | | 2022 | 1 | 103 | 1% | | 2023 | 6 | 95 | 6% | | 2024 | 4 | 144 | 3% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Traverse power steering warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Chevrolet Traverse has 21 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Chevrolet Traverse page](/vehicles/chevrolet-traverse) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Chevrolet Traverse owners report - "Then, the vehicle had the following faults; ESC fault, traction and stability control fault, brake system fault, air conditioning failure (blowing hot air while 92 degrees out), lane assist fault, power steering fault. The vehicle almost slammed into traffic as it could not stop. The vehicle has 14872 miles." -- owner of a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, complaint filed 2026 - "ABS, TC, Service ESC, Service 4WD, Reduced Steering Assist. OBD2 Codes: C0040, U0414, U0121 populated. There is a short in the Electronic Brake Control Monitor, a part that should last way more than 3 years and 33k miles. $1300 to remove and replace EBCM." -- owner of a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse, complaint filed 2026 - "Vehicle lost all power steering control, and the engine was "revving" as if the vehicle was placed in Neutral while trying to drive. Not only was my safety placed at risk during this occurrence, but that of my 5year old daughters as well who was traveling with me, when the power steering was inoperable at +70mph...." -- owner of a 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, complaint filed 2022 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the power steering warning light means The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common) 2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common) 3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common) 4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Traverse power steering light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Chevrolet Traverse years have the most power steering light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2018 Traverse model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 20 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet Traverse with the power steering light on? Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash. ### How do I check if my Chevrolet Traverse has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Chevrolet dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Chevrolet Traverse warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-traverse): 53 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-traverse): 69 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/chevrolet-traverse): 16 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-traverse): 99 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-traverse): 249 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-traverse): 21 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints ## Power steering warning light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints - [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints ## Chevrolet Traverse - [Chevrolet Traverse specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-traverse) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-traverse Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.