2012 Chevrolet Traverse
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 354
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 354 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 448 |
| 2010 | 668 |
| 2011 | 608 |
| 2012 | 354 |
| 2013 | 162 |
| 2014 | 547 |
| 2015 | 313 |
| 2016 | 292 |
| 2017 | 361 |
| 2018 | 462 |
| 2019 | 409 |
| 2020 | 230 |
| 2021 | 89 |
| 2022 | 98 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 139 |
| 2025 | 176 |
| 2026 | 24 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
32% · 115 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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…
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-08-25
Also filed under Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving 20 MPH, the brake pedal was difficult to depress and failed to respond. In addition, the steering wheel failed to move left or right and the vehicle lost power.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-22
Also filed under Steering and service brakes
Electronic stability control (esc)
24% · 84 reportsSteering
18% · 62 reportsElectrical system
14% · 48 reportsMost commonly citing wiring.
Air bags
14% · 48 reportsMost commonly citing status indicator lamp/light.
Show complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-01-24
Traveling approximately 55MPH we were hit on the rear passenger side damage to the rear passenger tire well and rear right side on the body with extensive damage underneath. No airbags deployed at anytime in the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-15
Also filed under Suspension
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2012-04-27Visibility12V151000 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…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 20, 2012.
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R
2014-06-16Air bags14V118000 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.
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.
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R
2014-07-11Seat belts14V266000 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...
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.
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R
2016-11-15Structure15V415000 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...
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.
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I
2019-05-28Recall queryClosed 2020-08-31 Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
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I
2020-08-31Engineering analysisClosed 2024-08-30 Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
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2021-05-24Air bags21V246000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Chevrolet Traverse — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 115 reports on file for this year.
- Electronic stability control (esc): 84 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 62 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V151000 · Visibility
- Recall 14V118000 · Air bags
- Recall 14V266000 · Seat belts
- Recall 15V415000 · Structure
- Recall 21V246000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.