2012 Chevrolet Traverse Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Traverse years
Typical for this model
41/100 0.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.8× that of a typical Chevrolet Traverse year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 32 of its 354 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: StabiliTrak, traction control and reduced engine power (112 complaints, median 99,827 mi).
- 5 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2013
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 354filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles, 284 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe the StabiliTrak and traction-control warnings that come with reduced engine power, and a separate pattern of timing chain and engine noise concerns, both typically appearing well past 75,000 miles. Steering complaints and airbag warning lights also recur, often with owners noting the dealer would not cover the repair. Many reports involve symptoms that appear gradually and worsen, with some sudden stalls or loss of power while driving.
- Electronic stability control
StabiliTrak, traction control and reduced engine power
- 112 complaints (32%)
- median 99,827 mi at 7.0 yrs old (98 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,400 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2014–2025
Owners describe the StabiliTrak, traction-control and check-engine lights coming on together, often with a message that engine power is reduced and the vehicle will not accelerate normally. Some say the car slows abruptly or goes into a limp mode limited to low speed, and cruise control stops working. Several complaints mention the throttle body, fuel pump or wheel bearings as the diagnosed cause, and owners report that clearing codes or restarting is only a temporary fix. Mostly reported between about 65,000 and 130,000 miles, sometimes appearing more often in cold weather.
What to check: Ask whether the throttle body has been cleaned or replaced and whether any stored codes were read before purchase. A scan tool check for pending codes and a test drive that includes a cold start can help reveal the pattern.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Was bringing my children home from school and engine light and traction control light came on, reduced my speed and I couldn't keep up with traffic so quickly got off the road. Looked at the dash and saw it said engine power reduced. Turned off the car few seconds and I was able to drive home luckily I wasn't to far.”
NHTSA complaint #11302401, filed 2020-01, 104,939 miles“The first time I was in a restaurant drive thru but sitting idle. Then several codes flashed on my dash about traction control and stabilitrak and limp mode and it started to stink. We towed it to our mechanic and he could not tell what code was causing the issue so he cleared the codes and it ran fine after that. After a couple additional trips to the mechanic, we did have a couple issues seemingly related and he ended up replacing a coil and all the spark plugs. …”
NHTSA complaint #11162778, filed 2018-12, 140,000 miles - Engine
Timing chain wear, engine noise and engine replacement
- 70 complaints (20%)
- median 95,000 mi at 6.6 yrs old (65 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $3,400 (median of 11 quotes)
- filed 2012–2025
Owners report a rattling or knocking noise from the engine, a check-engine light, and codes pointing to timing chain stretch. Many say the vehicle ran rough, bogged down or lost power on acceleration, and in several cases the engine stalled or shut down and shops said the engine needed replacement. Complaints describe the timing chain, tensioner and actuators being replaced, with some owners saying the problem returned after repair. Typically reported from about 75,000 to 165,000 miles, often noticed first as noise on start-up or during acceleration.
What to check: Listen for rattle or knock at cold start and ask for service records showing regular oil changes. A pre-purchase inspection that reads stored codes and checks oil level and condition is worthwhile.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While returning from work the engine just shut down. It would not start. I thought it may have been the battery. It would barely turn over purchased a new battery and installed it .this all took about a hour and a half. Started the car and it knocked rattled and and squealed. I shut it down and had it towed home. I have no warning lights or codes on the dash what soever the motor sounds like trash”
NHTSA complaint #11377194, filed 2020-11, 107,000 miles“At approximately 99,000 miles, the engine warning light came on while on an out of state trip. An auto store read the code as timing chain stretched. And stated that we should have the vehicle repaired soon. We returned home from our trip and shortly after received a warning engine power reduced. The car would not accelerate quickly. In attempting to take the vehicle in for repair the traction control function quit operating. …”
NHTSA complaint #11360732, filed 2020-09, 100,238 miles - Engine
Engine stalling or shutting off while driving
- 41 complaints (12%)
- median 100,132 mi at 7.3 yrs old (37 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $4,400 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2014–2023
Owners describe the engine cutting out without warning at various speeds, sometimes restarting after a short wait and sometimes not restarting at all. Complaints mention slow starting beforehand, no stored codes, and repairs tried across fuel pump, sensors, relays and throttle body cleaning. Some reports note a battery replacement that did not resolve the stall. Reported across a wide mileage range, from under 100,000 to over 160,000 miles, often with no warning light at the time.
What to check: Ask whether any stall or no-start incidents were diagnosed and what was replaced. Have a mechanic check battery and charging condition and read stored codes, since owners report the issue can leave no code behind.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have been having issues with this car cutting out/stalling for 2 years now. I keep taking it in to mechanics to get it fixed and it seems to work then randomly leaves me and my daughter stranded. Sometimes it will stall once and keep going... Other times it has taken me 3-4 hours to get home. I've had a major tune up done, replaced the fule pump, fuel pressure sensor, map sensor, purge valve canister, cleaned the throttle body, and replaced relays. …”
NHTSA complaint #11350777, filed 2020-08, 100,000 miles“While driving the vehicle will shudder and lose power, occasionally the vehicle will stall almost like it is attempting to grab gears while down shifting and it will cause the whole vehicle to shake, it has happened so hard I have had to exit the interstate for worry of mine and my passengers safety. The vehicle upon entering will slam into gear and when driving in rural areas the transmission even feels like it is slipping and the car will jerk back and fourth until it grabs a higher gear. …”
NHTSA complaint #11399730, filed 2021-03, 110,000 miles - Air bags
Service airbag warning light on
Mentioned in 7 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report a persistent service-airbag or airbag warning light, sometimes beginning after routine service such as an oil change without any crash. Several describe a connector under a seat coming loose and repeatedly triggering the light, and owners say dealers charged a diagnostic fee without resolving it. Some note that their vehicle was not included in an airbag recall covering similar vehicles. Reported from as low as about 38,000 miles up to roughly 130,000 miles, with no single pattern of conditions.
Recall 14V118000Recall 21V246000
What to check: Check that the airbag light goes out after start-up and ask whether the seat-mounted side airbag wiring recall work was completed. Ask for any repair records tied to the airbag warning light.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“One day just starting my car noticed service airbag light came on and never went off. My vehicle has not been in an accident where any airbags were deployed. I have also noticed mini complaints online about the same problem. I also noticed a recall for my model for airbag issues but dealership says my VIN number was not included. …”
NHTSA complaint #11243859, filed 2019-08, 126,000 miles“When I turn my air on and my speed limit hits 25 miles per hr my car shakes at a neighborhood street and it was really scary on the freeway cause I swerved to the right cause it was shaking so bad. Then when I let go of my gas for 5 seconds to stop the shaking it stalls and I have to push the gas pump at least 3 times to make it drive. It also smells like my gas is leaking and it is worse when I turn left or right. I'm afraid it might catch on fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #11209902, filed 2019-05, 158,000 miles - Steering
Power steering loss and rack or pump leaks
- 67 complaints (19%)
- median 69,000 mi at 5.3 yrs old (57 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,428 (median of 13 quotes)
- filed 2014–2024
Owners describe the steering becoming very heavy at low speed or while parking, and some report the assist failing entirely while driving. Complaints also mention whining noises, fluid leaks at the rack and pinion or pump, and quotes for rack and pump replacement. Several owners say the dealer declined assistance even though similar vehicles were covered under an extended warranty. Most often reported between about 60,000 and 160,000 miles, sometimes noticed first as noise or a leak before the assist weakens.
What to check: Check for whine from the pump at idle and look under the front of the vehicle for fluid at the rack ends. Confirm whether any power steering warranty extension applied to this vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased this Traverse back in october of 2019. I had it 2 months and it started winding and the power steering was making an awful noise I called the dealer I purchased it from cash for cars I'm graham, north carolina and they told me there's nothing they can do. Also the rear seat belts in the back seat fell apart within a week of having it. I paid 13,000 dollars for the SUV and I just want it safe for my children.”
NHTSA complaint #11315342, filed 2020-02, 75,000 miles“My steering locks up going at slower speeds and turning. My vehicle has the same issue with the steering as the other 2009-2013 chevy Traverse steering . It's the same part, issue and vehicle as the warranty was extended to fix the steering up to 10 years and 150,000 miles and I am being told you have not included my VIN # under this warenty and I need a valid explanation why my VIN isn't covered. It's the same issue, the same part and the correct year.”
NHTSA complaint #11081370, filed 2018-03, 75,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection that reads stored codes, listens for timing chain noise and checks steering for leaks is the most useful step on this model year. Ask for service records covering regular oil changes and any prior repairs to the throttle body, timing chain or steering system.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 354 consumer complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. 284 of the complaints include a mileage, and 20% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 85,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 14 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 1,557 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 14 Chevrolet Traverse model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 41 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine115 32%
- Steering62 18%
- Air bags48 14%
- Electrical system48 14%
- Other or unknown38 11%
- Vehicle speed control37 10%
- Brakes16 4.5%
Also reported: Fuel system (16), Seat belts (15), Body and structure (11), Suspension (9), Seats (8), Equipment (3), Wheels (3), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (2), Engine cooling (2), Exterior lighting (2), Tires (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “My mechanic replaced my A/C refrigerant hose due to a leak and my A/C conditioning compressor. He said that he has replaced the same parts on a number of other vehicles similar to my 2012 chevy Traverse. He said the damage to the A/C refrigerant hose was due to a bad design where a bracket is located too close to the A/C refrigerant hose.”
NHTSA complaint #11414540, filed 2021-04, 82,675 milesElectronic stability control: “Compre el carro hace dos meses y por tres veces me enciende service stabilitrak luego traction control off despues engine power is reduced .el carro tuvo este problema cuando iba conduciendo y se me presento como un peligro la reduccin tan abrupta ,tengo entendido que hay muchos carros con este problema deseara saber que puedo hacer”
NHTSA complaint #11112873, filed 2018-07, 131,000 milesSteering: “I was driving on a flat road in the middle of rush hour traffic. The traction control light came on, shortly after the check engine light came on, and steering wheel tightened. I pulled over, shut the car off, waited a few minutes and then restarted. No lights. When I brake car, seems to take longer and then jerks to engage brakes. Shop ran codes and nothing came back.”
NHTSA complaint #11141737, filed 2018-10, 3 milesAir bags: “I had bought the 2012 chevy Traverse in dec 2012, prior to my deployment to afghanistan. Since about 7 months that we have owned the vehicle it has been in the dealership regularly to have the safety recalls fixed for the air bags and the fastener. This vehicle has been in the shop roughly 8 times and still will come on when it decides to. In july 2015 this vehicle was in the shop 3 times for the same issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10747246, filed 2015-08, 46,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
20% of the 284 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 56,000 and 112,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traverse · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.5% risk |
| Traverse · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2011: same overall rating; 2013: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Chevrolet Traverse version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traverse AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Traverse FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V246000Apr 8, 2021Air bags › Critical fastenersCovers: Chevrolet Traverse 2010–2019, Buick Enclave 2010–2015, 2017, GMC Acadia 2011–2016
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
- 15V415000Jun 30, 2015Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgateCovers: Chevrolet Traverse 2009–2012, GMC Acadia 2007–2012, Buick Enclave 2008–2012 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles…
- 14V266000May 20, 2014Seat beltsCovers: Chevrolet Traverse 2009–2014, Buick Enclave 2009–2014, GMC Acadia 2009–2014 +1 more
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9…
- 14V118000Mar 17, 2014Air bags › Side/windowCovers: Chevrolet Traverse 2009–2013, Buick Enclave 2008–2013, GMC Acadia 2008–2013 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted…
- 12V151000Apr 9, 2012Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › LinkagesCovers: Chevrolet Traverse 2011–2012, GMC Acadia 2011–2012, Buick Enclave 2011–2012
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 chevrolet traverse, buick enclave, and gmc acadia vehicles currently registered in alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts…
Recall details for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,557 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11019693Jun 9, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Traverse
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 3,000 | 1 | 5 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 185 | 11,000 | 0 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 143 | 9,010 | 0 | 4–5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 94 | 38,500 | 2 | 4–5 | 21 | 24 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 101 | 50,150 | 1 | 4–5 | 21 | 7 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 92 | 57,500 | 3 | 5 | 21 | 11 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 234 | 52,000 | 8 | 5 | 21 | 60 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 412 | 42,000 | 3 | 5 | 22 | 58 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 464 | 32,000 | 2 | 5 | 22 | 65 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 361 | 38,000 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 40 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 292 | 47,750 | 5 | 5 | 18 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2015 | 313 | 52,000 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 45 · Typical | Rising |
| 2014 | 548 | 65,323 | 7 | 5 | 19 | 70 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 162 | 71,000 | 4 | 5 | 19 | 16 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 354 | 85,000 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 608 | 70,636 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 77 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 669 | 75,000 | 5 | — | 19 | 64 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 448 | 80,000 | 8 | — | 19 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
All Chevrolet Traverse model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
Owners of this model year most often describe the StabiliTrak and traction-control warnings that come with reduced engine power, and a separate pattern of timing chain and engine noise concerns, both typically appearing well past 75,000 miles. The issues reported most often: StabiliTrak, traction control and reduced engine power; Timing chain wear, engine noise and engine replacement; Engine stalling or shutting off while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse have?
NHTSA recorded 354 consumer complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 115 complaints (32% of the total), followed by electronic stability control with 84.
Has the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse (Traverse FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse reported?
Among the 284 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 85,000 miles and the middle half falls between 56,000 and 112,000 miles; 20% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.