2012 Chevrolet Traverse Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 48about this part
- Share
- 14%of 354 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,250miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 48 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, 14% of the 354 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,250 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving my computer system shuts down. First the light on my dash saying 'traction control activated' comes on, the check engine light comes on, then the computer reboots. This has happened 3 times so far and while I am driving around 70 MPH down the highway. I called chevy and they said this is normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11254078, filed 2019-09, 120,000 miles“While driving my children to school a warning light came on to check power charging system but then it went off. A few minutes later my air conditioning shut off and the power saving mode light came on followed a few minutes by the battery warning light. Later that evening I had my husband follow me to a nearby auto shop to have the car checked out. The air would not even come on and I drove less than 2 miles to the shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #10629392, filed 2014-08, 47,687 miles“Dash is throwing different codes such as service and check traction control, stabilitrack, air bag, and at times while driving it will say reduced engine power and my foot would be on gas not wanting to barely move. One time I almost got hit. Other several times I was able to pull over and we would have to disconnect battery wait a little and car would be ok again. I have been experiencing problems with this car that it makes me not want to drive it and thank god we have another car. I am also experiencing catalytic converter issues for the 4th time. …”
NHTSA complaint #11414663, filed 2021-04, 165 miles“I was putting groceries away in the back of my parked Traverse whenthe lift gate suddenly slammed down and hit me on the back of the head. Lift gate opens then slams shut, won't remain open.”
NHTSA complaint #10982983, filed 2017-05, 73,000 miles“I was driving my car on I-75. The door locks started locking and unlocking, the vehicle lost power and went from 65 MPH down too 25 MPH, and the traction control off and on kept switching. The vehicle would not gain speed, even while depressing the accelerator. No check engine lights or any other lights were on except for the traction control off/on lights. I was almost hit by a semi. I pulled over, shut the vehicle off for 5-10 minutes, and restarted it. No lights were on, and I attempted to drive home. …”
NHTSA complaint #11011939, filed 2017-08, 87,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017031Mar 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011805Dec 6, 2024This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11010421Oct 3, 2024This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11007196Sep 6, 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11006293Aug 13, 2024This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer an issue where the vehicle's engine may crank over unprompted and not start afterward. This is the result of hooking up…
- 11007116Aug 6, 2024This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 27% |
| 2025 | 48 | 26% |
| 2024 | 26 | 18% |
| 2023 | 20 | 21% |
| 2022 | 18 | 18% |
| 2021 | 22 | 24% |
| 2020 | 28 | 12% |
| 2019 | 114 | 28% |
| 2018 | 102 | 22% |
| 2017 | 22 | 6% |
| 2016 | 26 | 9% |
| 2015 | 28 | 9% |
| 2014 | 127 | 23% |
| 2013 | 53 | 33% |
| 2012 | 48 | 14% |
| 2011 | 67 | 11% |
| 2010 | 60 | 9% |
| 2009 | 36 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
115 complaintsElectronic stability control
84 complaintsSteering
62 complaintsAir bags
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
46 complaintsOther or unknown
38 complaintsVehicle speed control
37 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology