2012 Chevrolet Traverse Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 62about this part
- Share
- 18%of 354 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 62 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, 18% of the 354 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Our 2012 Traverse with ~57,000 miles on it had a power steering pump and rack and pinion failure. The vehicle became hard to turn and the two components needed to be replaced. I am told there is a recall on some of the model/years for this issue but not ours. I would like GM to investigate and include our year/model in the recall as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11011946, filed 2017-08, 56,500 miles“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 when trying to turn right for the first time after getting in the car. It has happened to me twice, and both times it was raining. It happens out of nowhere. No warnings/lights come on. It's scary to be driving with my kids and slide past my turn because my steering when won't turn.”
NHTSA complaint #11097106, filed 2018-05, 50,000 miles“While driving during wet conditions, the power steering stopped working, nearly causing the vehicle to impact a curb and tree. The dealer is looking into the reasoning for this, there seem to be numerous counts of 2009-2013 GM crossover vehicles having the same issue, without recalls. I feel this is a major safety issue, as I was driving with my 4 year old son.”
NHTSA complaint #10703330, filed 2015-04, 54,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017868Apr 11, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low…
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10235561Apr 4, 2023This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 10233331Mar 8, 2023This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% |
| 2025 | 4 | 2% |
| 2024 | 5 | 4% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 4 | 4% |
| 2020 | 7 | 3% |
| 2019 | 19 | 5% |
| 2018 | 14 | 3% |
| 2017 | 11 | 3% |
| 2016 | 24 | 8% |
| 2015 | 27 | 9% |
| 2014 | 27 | 5% |
| 2013 | 18 | 11% |
| 2012 | 62 | 18% |
| 2011 | 165 | 27% |
| 2010 | 331 | 49% |
| 2009 | 231 | 52% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
115 complaintsElectronic stability control
84 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 28, 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