2012 Chevrolet Traverse Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 115about this part
- Share
- 32%of 354 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 115 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, 32% of the 354 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“While driving on a 50 MPH road in my 2012 Traverse the car suddenly slowed. The messages traction control off , engine power is reduced , service traction control , and service stabilitrak came on. The sudden deceleration for apparently no reason was incredibly dangerous as well. I started the car and drove it 10 minutes later, with the same issue occurring.”
NHTSA complaint #11081011, filed 2018-03, 53,000 miles“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“All of a sudden the vehicle displays service stabilitrak, traction control off, engine power reduced. Then the vehicle has very little power to accelerate or navigate hills. When it first happened to me, I pulled out of our driveway and it just wasn't running smoothly and I had very little power to drive forward.”
NHTSA complaint #11175872, filed 2019-02, 114,000 miles“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 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.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This 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.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 19% |
| 2025 | 14 | 8% |
| 2024 | 33 | 23% |
| 2023 | 19 | 20% |
| 2022 | 18 | 18% |
| 2021 | 11 | 12% |
| 2020 | 70 | 30% |
| 2019 | 62 | 15% |
| 2018 | 85 | 18% |
| 2017 | 25 | 7% |
| 2016 | 31 | 11% |
| 2015 | 37 | 12% |
| 2014 | 118 | 22% |
| 2013 | 45 | 28% |
| 2012 | 115 | 32% |
| 2011 | 204 | 34% |
| 2010 | 178 | 27% |
| 2009 | 50 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
84 complaintsSteering
62 complaintsAir bags
48 complaintsElectrical system
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