2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. This model year has 354 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2012 Chevrolet Traverse Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Steering Defects
Considering a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 117 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 84 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 62 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 48 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 48 | 4 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 46 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 37 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 35 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 354 most recent complaints
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 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
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
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.
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 unintende…
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…
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…
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 …
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 wit…
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, the…
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…
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 func…
The liftgate goes half up then back down multiple times I have gotten hit in the head because it does that
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.
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…
Airbags deployed unexpectedly while I was driving on the freeway.
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.
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.
I have not had any accidents.
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
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse.
Recalls for 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2012 Chevrolet Traverse — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?▾
Notable Issues. The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse has 354 NHTSA owner complaints, 10 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (117 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
#1: Engine Problems (117 complaints). #2: Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (84 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (62 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse has 10 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 354 total NHTSA complaints. 14 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?▾
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. The largest issue: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse has notable issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Traverse reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.