2012 Chevrolet Traverse Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 46about this part
- Share
- 13%of 354 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 46 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, 13% of the 354 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“Used my auto start on 12/24/2017 parked at a hotel visiting family, when got in vehicle engine light on. Had it checked on 12/26/2017 and informed timing chain issue. Estimate given of $3400 at a certified chevy dealership. Notified GM customer care after back and forth e-mails notified me they wouldn't do any cost assistance as warranty is up.”
NHTSA complaint #11067152, filed 2018-02, 97,000 miles“During regular scheduled maintenance, was told that the power steering great needs replacement because it is leaking ($1500). Not covered under warranty. Strangely enough, my 2010 Chevrolet tahoe had the same problem at 32,000 miles but was covered under bumper to bumper warranty. This is not a coincidence in my opinion.”
NHTSA complaint #10631860, filed 2014-09, 45,000 miles“My vehicle has 99,000 miles on it and is outside of the 5 year warranty period. My timing chain and actuators are being replaced. I have read that this is an on going issue with my specific motor. I have always had the oil changed at the dealership in the time and mileage that is recommended. The timing chain problem caused my vehicle to not drive correctly and bog down and not get power when applying the gas. When driving home on the highway I applied the gas and the Traverse sputtered and would not get up to speed to keep up with traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #11315774, filed 2020-03, 99,000 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
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 12% |
| 2025 | 13 | 7% |
| 2024 | 19 | 13% |
| 2023 | 32 | 34% |
| 2022 | 45 | 45% |
| 2021 | 16 | 17% |
| 2020 | 40 | 17% |
| 2019 | 170 | 41% |
| 2018 | 196 | 42% |
| 2017 | 18 | 5% |
| 2016 | 37 | 13% |
| 2015 | 23 | 7% |
| 2014 | 36 | 7% |
| 2013 | 28 | 17% |
| 2012 | 46 | 13% |
| 2011 | 79 | 13% |
| 2010 | 66 | 10% |
| 2009 | 58 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
115 complaintsElectronic stability control
84 complaintsSteering
62 complaintsAir bags
48 complaintsElectrical system
48 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 30, 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