2012 Chevrolet Traverse: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2012 Chevrolet Traverse? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 354 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2012 Chevrolet Traverse Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2012 Chevrolet Traverse trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2012 Chevrolet Traverse Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2012 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse has 354 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Traverse
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 354
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2012 Chevrolet Traverse Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Steering Defects
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electronic Stability Control (Esc), Steering Defects. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for reported issues such as stalling or power loss.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electronic stability control and steering components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported problem areas.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine for reported issues such as stalling or power loss.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electronic stability control and steering components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported problem areas.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse are concentrated in engine problems and electronic stability control, with steering defects also notable. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 10, but the overall confidence level is low due to the single model year analyzed.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints at 117.
- Electronic stability control issues are the second most reported concern with 84 complaints.
- Steering defects are reported in 62 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
- Steering Defects
All 2012 Chevrolet Traverse Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2012 Chevrolet Traverse Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2012 Chevrolet Traverse Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 354 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 354 total complaints. 14 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?▾
The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.