“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle stopped abruptly. The check engine, traction control, stability control, and air conditioner warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 4, 2025 at 120,000 miles
“2012 chevy traverse. Feb 20 2020. Milage 127691 My valve cover gaskets failed causing the cabin to fill with smoke. Sept 11 2020 right front axel seal failed causing ptu to lose all the transfer case fluid and bearings. Transfer case replaced. Feb 22 2021 milage 141464 transmission slipping had new one installed. Jan 5 2022 milage 153350 had timing chains replaced. Check engine light came on.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 23, 2022
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2012 Traverse peaked in 2019, with 67 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 21% of the complaints. In 2025 owners filed 6 so far.
Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
Risk. Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.
Filed Jun 30, 2015691,144 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC
Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured August 17, 2006, to March 18, 2010. The affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open. These struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall.
Risk. If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. The recall began on November 15, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 15240.
Filed May 20, 20141,339,355 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC
Defect. General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.
Risk. If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.
Remedy. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014. A second notice will be mailed to owners once parts become available. The recall for the 2009-2010 model years began on July 11, 2014. The interim letter for the 2011-2014 model years were distributed on July 11, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.
Filed Mar 17, 20141,176,407 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC
Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.
Risk. Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.
Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14030. Note: Vehicles repaired as part of Customer Satisfaction Campaign 10085 and special coverage 10335 have already had the subject condition repaired and therefore are not included in the safety recall.
Defect. GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, AND GMC ACADIA VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. SNOW OR ICE BUILDUP ON THE WINDSHIELD OR ON THE WIPER MAY RESTRICT THE MOVEMENT OF THE WIPER ARM, CAUSING THE WIPER ARM TO LOOSEN AND CAUSE THE WIPER TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM NUTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2012.
All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2012 Traverse.
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable FailureEngineering analysis EA20002Closed
Opened Aug 31, 2020Closed Aug 30, 2024Led to recall 21V245seat belts
On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) EA20002, as an upgrade of Recall Query (RQ) RQ19003. This investigation, related to recall 14V-266, was opened to investigate instances of detachment of the flexible steel seat belt anchor cable attached to the outboard side of the front seats in vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The subject vehicles included model year (MY) 2009 through 2014 GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Traverse SUVs as well as MY 2009 through 2010 Saturn Outlook SUVs. These vehicles were previously …
Seat Belt Anchor Cable FailureRecall query RQ19003Closed
Opened May 28, 2019Closed Aug 31, 2020seat belts
On May 19, 2014, General Motors LLC (GM) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct Safety Recall 14V266 to address fatigue and separation of the flexible steel cable that connects the front outboard seat belts to the seat-mounted belt pre-tensioner in 1.4 million model year (MY) 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook, 2009-2014 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse (Lambda Platform) vehicles.The remedy was to inspect for signs of damage and replace pre-tensioner anchor cables as needed. Re-work was conducted to relocate the pre-tensioner anchor cable out of the …
Technical service bulletins
1,557 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2012 Traverse. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
equipment 543engine 249electrical system 232transmission 68equipment adaptive/mobility 60wheels 48fuel system 46visibility 42
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system
Vehicle 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 modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …
PIT5236GService campaignMar 31, 2016electrical system
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …
PIT5236FService campaignAug 3, 2015electrical system
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …
G-163500Service campaignApr 5, 2013engine
13079 - Customer Satisfaction Program. Vehicles may have leaks from the water pump shaft seal. These leaks are often due to vehicle operation with a low engine coolant level. Proper maintenance of the engine coolant level will increase shaft seal reliability and help ensure that the water pump operates as intended. Dealers are to check the engine coolant …
The 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 customer that it is normal for the delay.
This 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 oil in system.
This 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 amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Showing the newest 6 of 249 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version tested
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
2012 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
15.5%
2012 Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
16.9%
New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 11, 2025MO
It sways left to right really bad.. but when it rains or even even the car detected that it's going to rain.. as soon as the car senses it is going to rain u can't even drive it.. it like hydro plains even before it starts to officially rain.. very dangerous plus I had to replace the two back tires because they seemed like they were being forced and drug that all u seen was wires coming out of the tread
Suspension
Filed Oct 9, 2025MO
The car feels like it’s bouncing everywhere on any kind of surface and now there is a loud very loud rattling noise coming from underneath the car and the car starts shaking excessively if you try to accelerate
EngineFire
Filed Aug 25, 2025VA
White smoke was coming out the car and my car eventually sat on fire. I had to call the fire department.. fire department stated that it was a electrical issue
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 14, 2025MI
Shift Interlock Malfunction. Put the shifter in park. Car did not register in park but locked gear shifter. Car would not restart or return to park. Emergency Brake had to be deployed.
Engine
Filed Feb 4, 2025120,000 milesPA
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle stopped abruptly. The check engine, traction control, stability control, and air conditioner warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined the failure was due to the throttle body. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The throttle body was previously replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 24, 2025WA
After sliding into a ditch, my drivers side, curtain airbag deployed but, instead of covering the drivers side door window, it came out and went across my face, hitting me on the right side of my head, slamming my head into the drivers side window glass and pinning me between the airbag and the window glass, obviously putting my safety at risk. I am currently being treated for neck injuries as a result of this airbag malfunction. The problem has not been reproduced/confirmed by dealer/independent service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone. Photos of the vehicle including the airbags have been sent to my insurance company (Allstate). There were no warnings or symptoms of the problem prior to the collision and no other vehicles were involved. Upon visual inspection, both the driver and passenger side curtain airbags are twisted around itself 4 or 5 times at the anchor point, located at the front of the door frame. The vehicle is currently in our shop at our residence.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 24, 2024KS
When driving the vehicle it will lose power and flash service stabilitrack and low engine mode enabled without warning. This has happened many times since 2016. When the conditions cannot be replicated gm/chevrolet has not been concerned but to refer to dealership. The dealership replaced ECM due to warranty conditions. Issue with emissions and electrical modules continued to cause intermittent power loss. Corrosion was found in the internal fuse box due to poor sun roof drainage emptying into glovebox and onto internal fuse box. GM and Chevrolet describes this as a known issue but insists my VIN is not affected. The issues continued to persist leading to frequent battery replacement that was ultimately due to contamination of electrical components. Fuel system parts were all assumed faulty only to find it was ultimately the fuel control module, another electronic component listed faulty but GM/ Chevrolet assumes my VIN is not affected. This car was purchased to be a family vehicle, but had proven to be an unreliable death trap. The first incident that caused concern was 2/14/2017 on the highway with speeds up to 70mph. Thankfully, that day was full of heavy traffic that did not allow drivers to reach high speeds. If I had been going that fast when the engine lost power I can only imagine what that would have meant for me and my family. I know I am not the only owner of a Chevrolet traverse with these concerning issues. I find it irresponsible for GM/Chevrolet/Buick to mass p
Engine
Filed Sep 13, 2024PA
The air conditioning stopped working after working amazing, Traction Control Disabled light keeps coming on, The RPM's would rev up seems like it gets stuck then drops to normal. stabilitrak messages with the ABS warning light lit up, Power steering (or power control) goes limp (at the worse times pulling out in traffic) It’s on issue after the other. Once I get one fixed another goes, then we’re back to the first one that was replaced that is now not working again. I still have a car payment so I’m without my car more than I’m driving it. I have to save up to get it fixed, and I won’t drive it until I know for sure it’s good. I was almost killed way to many times in it so to all the issues that GM knows about.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 19, 2024IA
1)The air conditioning unit line has caused a leak. It was determined this line needs to be replaced by an independent service center. This a/c line is located from under the front of the hood all the way to the rear of vehicle. This line constantly rubs and there is friction with other lines/hoses (power steering), and other components under the hood. No rubbing should occur. The rubbing and friction cause holes to form causing not only for it to leak out but also potentially leak on other components under the hood which could cause other issues such as breakdown of the vehicle or fire. It has affected us not only by not providing a/c under extreme heat, but also has caused hissing sounds and for white smoke vapors that has omitted from the vents inside the vehicle. It has also caused us to breathe in the vapors which are toxic. There was cold a/c felt through the vents and we were not aware of any issues until now (7/19/2024). This is a very costly repair, over $1500 and up for the average consumer to pay out. 2)Park assist & sound that are unable to hear & works intermittently. The radio display & speakers work intermittently. The park assist is connected to the speakers. When the speakers and radio/radio display do not work properly; it causes the park assist to not function correctly when backing up. This is a safety issue due to blind spots and areas one cannot see and depending on the park assist to aide them; something can get hit or run over. There is an issue with E
Electrical System
Filed Jun 22, 2024FL
Traveling at 70 MPH on a highway Traction control/stabilitrac and engine turn on and acceleration stopped, car wont accelerate causing to cars behind me to start swirling around due to my car lost of acceleration, then pulled over to the shoulder thankfully with no accidents, then turn off car and turn on again and car worked normally for about 100 miles and it did it again.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 28, 2024TX
The rear Sun/Moon Roof on my 2012 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ (FWD) exploded while driving on the highway in Houston, Texas on [XXX]. There were no known scratches, dents or damage to the window prior to it self-destructing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Back Over Prevention › Warnings
Filed Apr 9, 2024IA
It is an ongoing daily issue. it has been occurring for over 2 years. The radio display does not work properly. It will show the display and then it won't. This display and speakers are connected via wiring. The speakers all do not work at the same intervals. The park assist function is connected to the speakers. When the radio display works; most of the speakers work and then one can hear the "beep" sounds the park assist makes. And when the speakers and radio display do not work then the park assist does not work. This can put others at risk since the park assist function does not work. A person might hit someone or something due to this issue.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 8, 2024MA
The liftgate goes half up then back down multiple times I have gotten hit in the head because it does that
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 14, 2023MO
The head front left head light has had to be replaced 3 times in 3 months same for the left turn signal. Another issue I have is each time I put gas in, the car gets stuck trying to turn over Until I pump the gas.
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 7, 2023MN
We got sold a car without a catalytic converter. We’ve been talking to the dealership responsible, and they literally admitted over the phone that they sold us the car without it on “accident” which still makes it an illegal sale. They offered us half of what they owe due to this and we’ve had enough and want to take this further. As you can clearly see in the photo the flanges of the old catalytic converter were cut out and they welded in a straight pipe and it even has holes in it already. This is a huge problem. Also, I read that it’s a 25,000$ fine for a dealership selling a car in this condition and id like if that was enforced in this situation because they’ve done similar to others in the past. + our money back rightfully so…
Air Bags
Filed Aug 31, 2023WA
Airbags deployed unexpectedly while I was driving on the freeway.
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed May 8, 2023WA
Airbags failed to deploy on drivers side and in the front after an impact of 35 MPH. My daughter and myself got severely hurt due to this malfunction. yes it has been inspected. no there were never any indicators for the airbags ever in the four years I have owned the car.
Seat Belts
Filed Dec 1, 2022OH
I got in the car to put the seatbelt on and it just snapped at the floor, the lap belt cable which runs down to the left of the drivers seat. That braided cable just snapped. Shoulder harness still works, but no lap belt.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 23, 2022TN
I have not had any accidents.
Engine
Filed Sep 25, 2022NH
Vehicle died while taking off from the intersection. Leaving us stranded on a busy highway. Engine had sized but oil has been changed every 5k miles with synthetic. No warning light just shut off and wpuld not restart. With 6 kids in the car
EngineCrash
Filed Sep 14, 2022CA
I was driving down the freeway at about 67 MPH when the message "Traction Control Disabled" came on my display & the car immediately went into "limp mode"! By some miracle I was able to muscle the car out of the slow lane, onto the shoulder as I lost my power steering once in limp mode. I waited a few minutes, car started up just fine, so I shrugged it off. Fast forward 1 week later & the same thing happened to me on my way home on a curvy mountain road. The power steering was again non-existent & luckily, there was no one behind me, nor did anyone come around the corner & hit my disabled car. Once again, it started up, no problem; however, this is when the harsh forward thrust started happening, & the transmission seemed to be slipping gears. The RPM's would rev to the 6000 range & immediately fall down to 1500. I took it to the dealer & sadly paid $3,400 for a new tranny on a 5-year-old car. (No warranty, of course). I started having the same issues about 2 years later, only this time the driver was not so lucky as they were mid-curve on the mountain road. Right as the roadway came out of the bend, the car went into limp mode, power steering lost & wheels stuck in a right turn position, car went off the roadway & into a telephone pole, broke that in half due to the angle of the pole in the mountainside & down the steep embankment about 40-50 feet. All airbags deployed & driver was able to walk away (hike away) but the car was a total loss. Driver was traveling 40-45 mph. Th
Steering
Filed Jun 4, 2022NY
Crus traction control problem raking pinion. problems
Air Bags
Filed May 15, 2022NC
First I already had to rebuild the transmission which is showing the beginning signs of failing again. Then around the same time I started having another issue that I find a lot scarier as the driver. It started giving me severely Reduced engine power, traction control off and stabilitrak messages with the ABS warning light lit up like a Christmas tree. This is by far the most dangerous of any issue I've ever experienced with all of my vehicles I've ever owned. It starts with a huge jump I cant stop or control to a car behind me it seems like I'm really getting on it and speeding up. But in a split second too quick for any human to process what is happening it just drops out big time. It then wont go above roughly 30 mph and the engine is revving very high to even get it to that. All the while it is heavily shuddering and jumping back and forth at a very fast rate and it does this with a high force to it. I have no control over it either. Before I could hit traction control off and it would all stop. However today it did this again for the first time in a long time and man was it 20 times worse than anything I had ever seen before. By the time I decided to turn back and go home (which I wasn't any further than a half mile into my drive to begin with) I made it maybe another quarter block and that is when the bottom fell out. It stopped moving at all at that point. Nothing we did to correct it that had totally controlled it in the past would help for the first time. In the end
Air Bags
Filed May 15, 2022NC
I looked up 2012 Chevy Traverse recalls and 4 things came up. I was very happy to see that because I have all 4 problems recalled. So the next day I called Chevy to schedule the work. They informed me my car has no recalls. I told them I knew it did I looked it up and there are 4 in total. Then I said luckily for me it is recalled because I am experiencing exactly the same issues with same effects from the issues that was posted with the recall. Then the lady explained to me that you recalled 2012 chevy traverse on 4 items yes but none included my model. That is absolutely INSANE because my car is doing all the same things that was considered too dangerous to continue in all the other trims the car was made in but for some reason I'll never understand my trim was excluded.... Plz fix this the LS trim needs all the same recalls. I have every one of the 4 issues and I've been all over the 2012 LS Traverse forum to see I'm far from alone here.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Status Indicator Lamp/Light
Filed Mar 28, 2022MA
The airbag light is on for the passenger seat and the clips under the seat are loose
Engine
Filed Jan 23, 2022MN
2012 chevy traverse. Feb 20 2020. Milage 127691 My valve cover gaskets failed causing the cabin to fill with smoke. Sept 11 2020 right front axel seal failed causing ptu to lose all the transfer case fluid and bearings. Transfer case replaced. Feb 22 2021 milage 141464 transmission slipping had new one installed. Jan 5 2022 milage 153350 had timing chains replaced. Check engine light came on. Back on june 29 2012 Chevrolet issued a bulletin No. 11340B special coverage adjustment timing chain wear. It is for 2007-2009 traverse acadia outlook enclave equipped with the same 3.6L Engine as my 2012 and other years. they extended warranty coverage for 10 years 120k miles. seeing this problem existed in 07-09 models this should be looked at and to include other years as well. I am a member of 2 facebook traverse groups and there are a lot of others with the same issue. The owners manual says to change engine oil every 5000 miles I have done that. Please look into adding additional years to this recall. Timing chains should not fail stretch or need replacing as much as I have seen others needing to. A vehicle should go well over 200k miles before needing replacing.
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 10, 2021WI
UNKNOWN, I first bought my Chevy Traverse Ltz in April of 2020, and about 2 weeks of driving it, I noticed that all(4)of my wheels/brakes instantly locked up while driving in traffic, almost causing a pile-up collision. The rotors and brakes releases alot of smoke as the wheels scrub and the suv doesn't move forward nor backward. I reported it to the car lot/dealership where i purchased it from and was told to take it to a certain auto shop. I arrived there, just to be told that he doesn't fix those type of problems. The dealership where i bought it from didn't look at it either. So, from that time til now in 2021, I have been dealing with the same exact problems being terrified with my children in the car, not knowing if/when the next time the wheels lock up for no reason, if it will be fatal for me and my children or other drivers. I've contacted GM about it, taken it to Chevy dealership a few times, even a couple of auto shops, and no one seems to know what the problem is. I recently had the transmission serviced to see if that was the issue and turns out, it wasn't. I don't know what to do, I am still financing it and the warranty only covers the transmission and engine, half the cost of the repair and the other half is my responsibility it states. I've been trying to prevent any fatal accidents best I can, sometimes by not driving it at all and having to ride with family members and friends. I was recently told by my warranty company that there is pretty much nothing the
Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light
Filed Aug 24, 202199,655 milesPA
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle took a long time to start-up. While driving approximately 20-40 MPH, the vehicle would not accelerate then shifted into limp mode. The ABS, check engine, traction control, and service air bags warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the wheel bearings were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,655.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 23, 2021TX
I was driving to the store and my car dinged and a message saying something like service stabilitrack flashed. The car slowed and I pulled over and turned off the car. Eventually I turned the car on and it was back to normal speed but then it sputtered like it was out of gas. That was 2 months ago. I've had it in the shop 2 times and my husband has been trying to replace every part suggested by gm and any other mechanic. The car continues to misfire and turn of at times during driving. This feature makes this vehicle completely unsafe. Any vehicle that simply cuts power should not be on the road as it poses unnecessary risk. Please do something.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Aug 2, 2021PA
2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN WITH NO WARNING. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR COSTS.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 23, 2021SC
THE HATCH DOOR SLAMMED DOWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHEN I WAS UNLOADING GROCERY. AFTER THAT HAPPENED THE HATCH DOOR WILL NOT GO UP ALL THE WAY, BUT ASCENDS HALF WAY AN GOES BACK DOWN. I HAVE A VIDEO ON MY PHONE. BEFORE THIS INCIDENT, WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE HATCH GOING UP BUT COMING RIGHT BACK DOWN WITHOUT WARNING.
SeatsCrash
Filed Jun 6, 2021MI
In an accident yesterday where the car was rear ended on the back passenger side while on the highway. The drivers seat reclined back during the crash. Pictures to be attached
Steering
Filed Jun 4, 2021127,305 milesIN
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the power steering pump was leaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the power steering pump and the rack and pinion needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 127,305.
Steering
Filed Jun 1, 2021IA
Power steering intermittently fails at low speed we have had near collisions and as a result my wife cannot drive the car she’s not strong enough to turn the wheel at low speeds I’m afraid somebody’s gonna get in a wreck with this or another car like it I’ve heard other complaints from traverse owners about the same thing
Engine
Filed May 26, 202195,000 milesIL
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to three different independent mechanics and on all three occasions, it was diagnosed that the timing chain failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 30, 2021165 milesFL
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. CAR FEELS AT TIMES LIKE IT IS BOGGING WHEN ON GAS PEDDLE AS IF SOMETHING HAD A CLOG IN IT AND STARTS PULSATING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALSO ON.
Engine
Filed Apr 29, 202182,675 milesIL
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.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 26, 2021129,000 milesIA
THIS CAR KEEPS SHUTTING OFF DUE TO A FAULTY ENGINE SWITCH IT IS UNSAFE AS THE CAR WILL JUST SHUT OFF WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY OR JUST DRIVING
Air Bags
Filed Apr 15, 2021153,000 milesVA
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.
Engine
Filed Apr 12, 2021165,000 milesIL
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON HAD THE CODES CHECKED AND I HAD THE ENGINE TAKEN APART TWICE BECAUSE THE TIMING CHAIN HAD JUMPED CAUSING IT TO RUN ROUGH AND LIGHT CAME BACK HAD TO DO AGAIN AND IT WAS FINE FOR A FEW MONTHS BUT MECHANIC SAID THE ENGINE IS THE SAME AS THE ENCLAVE AND ACADIA WHICH BOTH HAVE HAD RECALLS ON THIS ISSUE. THIS HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 4, 2021133,000 milesTN
THE TRACTION CONTROL GOES ON AND OFF. STABILITY TRAK ERROR MESSAGE. ENGINE POWER REDUCED. THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELLERATE WHICH COULDVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS THE 4TH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE JANUARY 23, 2021. THIS ISSUE ON THE TRUCK NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND RESOLVED.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 8, 2021110,000 milesIL
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL SHUDDER AND LOSE POWER, OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE WILL STALL ALMOST LIKE IT IS ATTEMPTING TO GRAB GEARS WHILE DOWN SHIFTING AND IT WILL CAUSE THE WHOLE VEHICLE TO SHAKE, IT HAS HAPPENED SO HARD I HAVE HAD TO EXIT THE INTERSTATE FOR WORRY OF MINE AND MY PASSENGERS SAFETY. THE VEHICLE UPON ENTERING WILL SLAM INTO GEAR AND WHEN DRIVING IN RURAL AREAS THE TRANSMISSION EVEN FEELS LIKE IT IS SLIPPING AND THE CAR WILL JERK BACK AND FOURTH UNTIL IT GRABS A HIGHER GEAR. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2018 WITH JUST OVER 100,000 MILES AND EVEN NOW THE VEHICLE IS ONLY SITTING AT ROUGHLY 132,000 MILES AND HAS HAS REGULAR SERVICES TO MAINTAIN THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE TRAVERSE HAS SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE INCLUDING OLDER AND NEWER VEHICLES, AND MOST HAVE RESULTED IN TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DOWNSHIFT FOR TAKE OFF AND HAS ALSO DONE SO WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO THE INTERSTATE. THE ISSUE WAS ORIGINALLY NOTICED TOWARDS THE END OF 2019- TO EARLY 2020 AND HAS PROCEEDED TO GET SO BAD WE NO LONGER TRUST THE INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE FOR FAMILY TRIPS OR EVEN TO ROUTINE DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS FOR FEAR OF THE VEHICLE STALLING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 4, 2021130,000 milesNM
AFTER REPLACING EVERY CODE THROWN AT ME ON MY 2012 TRAVERSE, IT CONTINUES TO SIT IN MY DRIVEWAY UN-WORKING. LAST TIME I HAD IT "REPAIRED", WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE MECHANIC, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE VEHICLE STARTED LOSING POWER WITH LIGHTS VISIBLY DIMMING. I PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE BATTERY CABLES. IT WAS WORKING FINE. I GET BACK IN THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME AND THE TRACTION CONTROL STARTED TOGGLING ON AND OFF AND A CHECK AIR BACK MESSAGE CAME UP. JUST THEN I STARTED FEELING LIKE I WAS BEING SHOCKED BY MY DRIVER SEAT!!! SINCE THE DEALERSHIP OR PRIVATEECHAMICS CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT, I HAD A FRIEND GET ME ALL THE INFORMATION ON THIS VEHICLE. THERE IS ZERO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE BUT I FOUND A RECALL FOR THE WIRE HARNESS UNDER THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS AND ALSO UNDER THE DASH, CALLING TO REPLACE AND SPLICE THOSE WIRES. MY VEHICLE HAS THE YELLOW HARNESS THAT WAS RECALLED BUY THE DEALERSHIP SAYS MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. IT'S BEEN 2 YEARSSINCE ALL THIS HAS BEGUN AND THAT I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A RELIABLE VEHICLE. (MY EX WHO CO-SIGNED BUT DID NOY PAY FOR IT, REFUSES TO SIGN THE TITLE OVER). JUST SAVE YOURSELF THE HEADACHE AND BUY NON GM. YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD BE WILLING TO FIX SOMETHING THAT IS SO UNSAFE TO IT'S CUSTOMERS. ELECTRICAL FAULTS, ENGINE FAULTS CAUSING FAILURE WHILE DRIVING FULL SPEED (WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE VEHICLE), AND FUEL PRESSURE ISSUES LEAVING ME STRANDED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS W
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 1, 202110,700 milesOH
I WAS DRIVING ON ST [XXX] AND IT WAS RAINING I ALMOST HYDROPLANE AND MY TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR STARTED ACCELERATING ON IT'S OWN I HAD TO PASS TWO CARS SO I WOULDN'T HIT THEM AND LUCKILY NO ONE WAS COMING TOWARDS ME MY CAR KEPT ACCELERATING FASTER UP TO 100 MPH I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES BUT MY CAR WOULDN'T SLOW DOWN IT TOOK 5MINS TO SLOW.DOWN TO 20 MPH I HAD SMOKE ALL AROUND ME MY CAR WAS REVVING UP THE RPMS AND MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS HOTI SEEN A ROAD [XXX] AND I TURNED AND I PUT MY VEHICLE IN PARK AND TRIED TO SHUT IT OFF AND IT WOULDN'T SO I THREW IT BACK INTO DRIVE AND THEN PARK AND SHUT MY IGNITION OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT WOULDN'T START AFTER 10 MINS OF IT OFF I TRIED THE IGNITION AND IT STARTED BUT MY BRAKES HAD A AIR SOUND WHEN I PUSHED ON BRAKE PADS AND MY BF DROVE MY CAR BACK HOME THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS I LOOKED ONLINE AND SEEN IT HAPPENED TO OTHER VEHICLES AND I'M SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR NOW I'M LUCKY I DIDNT DIE OR KILL SOMEONE ELSE PLEASE ASSIST ME BC I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO THE VEHICLE IT'S NOT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE SINCE THAT HAPPENED PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine
Filed Feb 9, 202180,000 milesWI
KNOCKING ENGINE, RUNNING LIKE A OLD TRACTOR. ENGINE STALLED!! HAD TO REPLACE MOTOR. NO POWER FOUND TRANNY WENT BAD ON THE MIDDLE OF BUSY INTERSECTION. HAD TO REPLACE TRANNY. NOW POWER STEERING PUMP WENT COULDN'T TURN THE WHEELS ON THE HIGHWAY. HAD TO REPLACE. ALL REPAIRS PAID OUT OF MY POCKET. WHERES THE RECALLS?? SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME YEAR VEHICLE SAME PROBLEMS. ALL OF THESE HAVE COSTED ME SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OUT OF MY POCKET. ALSO HAD TO PAY DEALERSHIP FOR THE BRAKES THAT WERE BAD. 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020 ALL THE YEARS HAPPENED. WIPERS WERE THE 1ST TO FALL OFF GOT REPLACED.
Engine
Filed Jan 5, 2021148,000 milesOR
I WAS DRIVING 65 MILES PER HOUR DOWN THE FREEWAY. OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT FLASHED, HEARD KNOCKING IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WARNING SHUT OFF MOMENTARILY, THEN, OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT APPEARED AGAIN, ALONG WITH KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AT THAT POINT THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN ON ITS OWN, AND I HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY, TO AVOID A COLLISION. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, OR THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS A SKIPPED TIMING CHAIN AND I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE MOTOR. TOTAL COST ESTIMATED AT $8,800
Engine
Filed Jan 4, 2021106,067 milesWI
WE PURCHASED A 2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE FROM RAY CHEVROLET IN FOX LAKE, ILLINOIS IN LATE FEBRUARY. WE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A VERY HIGH REPAIR COST THAT WE INQUIRED ABOUT GETTING REIMBURSED FOR ON CASE NUMBER [XXX]. WE ASKED FOR REIMBURSEMENT DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE REPAIR IS COMMON TO THIS VEHICLE MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR AND THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN # SB-10052863-8590 (12-06-01-009D DATED AUG/2013) SUBSTANTIATING THIS. WE WERE DENIED COVERAGE FROM GMC STATING THAT OUR VEHICLE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED ON THE BULLETIN. OUR VEHICLE HAS THE SAME TIMING CHAIN PROBLEM AS THOSE VEHICLES THAT ARE COVERED, YET OUR VIN WAS EXCLUDED. WE BELIEVE THAT EITHER YOUR CONTAINMENT OF THE ISSUE WAS CONDUCTED IN ERROR LEAVING SOME VEHICLES LIKE OURS OUT OF THE SCOPE OF CONTAINMENT OR THAT VEHICLES ARE PURPOSELY LEFT OUT OF THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM TO CREATE A FALSE REPORTING AND AVOID RECALL OF ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. OUR CLAIM WAS ESCALATED TO A SENIOR ADVISOR AT GMC WHO AFTER A SHORT INVESTIGATION STATED THAT OUR VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT ALL OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ARE COVERED WITH. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS AND IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! WE HAVE BEEN GMC CUSTOMERS FOR OVER 40 YEARS. WE ARE ASKING AGAIN FOR A REFUND OF THE REPAIR COSTS AS OUR VEHICLE HAS THE SAME TIMING CHAIN PROBLEM. IF WE DO NOT RECEIVE AN EQUITABLE SOLUTION FOR THIS, WE WILL BE SURE TO PUBLICIZE THE ACTUAL HAPPENINGS TO THE PUBLIC FOR ALL TO KNOW AND BE AWARE OF HOW GMC TREATS LONG TERM CUSTOME
Steering
Filed Dec 10, 202060,454 milesIA
POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK AT LOW SPEEDS 90% OF THE TIME, MY WIFE CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR ( VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION ). PARKING HAS NO POWER STEERING AT ALL, AT 10 MPH STEERING CONTROL COMES BACK.
Engine
Filed Nov 30, 2020107,000 milesPA
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
Engine
Filed Nov 4, 2020164,160 milesOH
P0019, P0018 STABILITY TRACK ISSUES AND REDUCE ENGIN POWER AND I WAS DRIVING WHEN HAPPEN AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT WON'T GO OFF
Complaints 1-50 of 354, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Traverse years to avoid. Owners filed 354 complaints, against about 334 for a typical Traverse year. The most common complaint is about the engine (21%). In NHTSA crash tests it scored 5 stars overall.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
The engine: 74 of the 354 complaints (21%) are about it. Owners most often say it turns on the check engine light (36%), sets off warning lights on the dash (34%) and loses power (22%). The typical report comes at 95,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse have?
5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Apr 8, 2021. The largest, 14V266000, covered 1,339,355 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Traverse problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 85,000 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 95,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
Yes, 2 times. The latest, EA20002 ("Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure"), was opened Aug 31, 2020 and closed Aug 30, 2024.
Are there service bulletins for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
The manufacturer filed 1,557 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (249), the electrical system (232) and the transmission (68). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Apr 8, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.