2012 Chevrolet Traverse Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 5%of 354 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the visibility of the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, 5% of the 354 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle is registered in montana, one of the states listed in recall #12v151000, re: windshield wipers becoming inoperable in cold weather. Check shows my vehicle is not subject to this recall, but my problem matches it exactly. Conditions, -12deg and light snow. Vehicle has been idling about 10 min with defroster on. I brushed off windshield and cleared come ice that had collected on the wiper blades and at the base of the wiper arms. When I got in the vehicle and turned on the wipers, the arms would not move. …”
NHTSA complaint #11057502, filed 2017-12, 105,000 miles“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. My windshield wiper fluid will not disperse as well wiper arm hand was replaced lines were checked and fluid in the reservoir and still no fluid available which affects visibility when anything splashing on the windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11243859, filed 2019-08, 126,000 miles“The electric in the vehicle has shorted out and made the headlights stop working in the middle of driving home in dark. The next day the passenger side wiper stop working and you have to turn wiper on high to even get driver side wiper to work. The door locks with not unlock or lock doors as well as windows won't go up and down.”
NHTSA complaint #11270597, filed 2019-10, 159,000 miles“The airbag connector piece under the passenger seat comes apart triggering. Airbag light on. Dealer charges over $100 for a problem that keeps happening. This issue is also listed on every forum so t's a common issue. Wiper fluid doesn't extract clogged nozzles.”
NHTSA complaint #11408320, filed 2021-04, 153,000 miles“2012 Chevrolet Traverse, mileage 57,993. While driving during a snow storm I went to turn the front wipers on. The wipers activated, but immediately stopped half way up the window. The front wipers became totally inoperable at this time and now no longer function. Took the vehicle to its place of purchase and mechanic stated both the front wiper motor and transmission needed replacement. …”
NHTSA complaint #10837763, filed 2016-02, 57,950 milesRelated recalls
- 12V151000Apr 9, 2012General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 chevrolet traverse, buick enclave, and gmc acadia vehicles currently registered in alaska…Covers: Chevrolet Traverse 2011–2012, GMC Acadia 2011–2012, Buick Enclave 2011–2012
Related service bulletins
- 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.
- 11006511Jul 31, 2024This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 10247780Sep 26, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General…
- 10232283Feb 17, 2023This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 10230697Dec 15, 2022This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 8% |
| 2025 | 4 | 2% |
| 2024 | 2 | 1% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 3 | 1% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 2% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 18 | 5% |
| 2011 | 21 | 3% |
| 2010 | 9 | 1% |
| 2009 | 9 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
115 complaintsElectronic stability control
84 complaintsSteering
62 complaintsAir bags
48 complaintsElectrical system
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
46 complaintsOther or unknown
38 complaintsVehicle speed control
37 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