2018 Traverse Steering Assist Reduced - Need Help!

Chevrolet Models Chevrolet Traverse
1

I’ve been experiencing a frustrating issue with my 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. Recently, I received a warning stating ‘Steering Assist Reduced,’ and it has made driving quite challenging. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has faced this problem and what steps they took to resolve it.

What I’ve Noticed:

  • The warning message pops up intermittently while driving.
  • Steering feels unusually heavy, especially at lower speeds.
  • I’ve also noticed some odd noises when turning the steering wheel.

Troubleshooting Steps I’ve Tried:

  1. Checked the Power Steering Fluid:
    • I checked the fluid levels, and they seem okay. No leaks visible.
  2. Looked for Error Codes:
    • I used an OBD II scanner but didn’t find any relevant codes. Not sure if it’s just a glitch.
  3. Reset the System:
    • Tried turning off the vehicle and restarting it. It temporarily resolved the issue, but it came back.

Has anyone else dealt with the ‘Steering Assist Reduced’ warning? What did you do to fix it? Are there any common solutions or, worse, does this indicate a bigger problem with the power steering system?

I’d appreciate any insights or experiences you can share. Thanks!

8 Likes
2

I’ve experienced reduced steering assist in my 2018 Traverse. It’s like the steering gets really stiff suddenly, especially during low-speed maneuvers. Sometimes, I notice a ‘Steering Assist Reduced’ warning light too.

5 Likes
3

I totally relate! My Traverse made strange popping noises when I turned sharply. Very unnerving. Anyone else hear odd noises?

4

The steering becoming stiff is a common sign, pgutierrez. For me, I felt almost like I was wrestling with the wheel at times. Did you notice any other warning lights?

5

Yes, hdixon! I had the ‘Stability Control’ warning light come on too, but it eventually went off. My steering was still acting weird, though.

6

I’ve had the ‘Steering Assist Reduced’ light flash before and then my Traverse would return to normal. It’s so frustrating! Anyone found a permanent fix for this issue?

7

I haven’t found a permanent fix yet, but a dealer reset worked for me temporarily. It’s like pressing the refresh button on my steering! Still, I’m anxious about potential underlying problems.

8

Same! I noticed a lot of weird vibrations in my steering column when this happened. Could be something more serious, right?

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9

Definitely sounds serious, ian19. I had a friend with a Traverse who experienced this, and the rack and pinion needed replacing. That’s a costly fix!

10

Ugh, I really hope it’s not that for me! At least it’s still under warranty. Has anyone complained directly to GM about this issue?

11

I did! And they said it was a common problem with the 2018 model. They offered to look into it but were vague about solutions.

12

I think it’s just a software issue! Even though it feels dangerous, a simple update might fix it. I mean, car tech these days, right? But who knows!

13

That’s true, hannahnash! I had a tech at my dealership mention that updates may not address the root cause. It’s tricky! That feeling of losing steering control is terrifying!

14

My feelings exactly! I even joked with my buddy that I needed a wrestling belt for handling my Traverse. Seriously scary stuff though.

15

Haha! Wrestling belt, that’s a good one! I felt like I was in a video game, dodging obstacles during parking! In all seriousness, I hope we can all find a solution soon.

16

Exactly, melissalittle! It’s like a video game, just without the fun power-ups! Worth noting; I also noticed a slight smell like burning rubber during these episodes. Anyone else?

17

Burning rubber smell? That sounds alarming, brianflores! I’ve had that too, but I didn’t correlate it with the steering issues until now. Maybe it’s related?

18

Has anyone checked their power steering fluid level? Low fluid could be a simple cause of the steering assist reduction in the 2018 Traverse.

19

Exactly! I’ve heard that sometimes the pump can get air in it too. It might be worth checking both fluid level and any possible leaks.

20

I just had a similar issue! In my case, it turned out to be an electrical connection that had become loose. Make sure to check all the connections around the steering column and power steering unit.