VehicleVerdict

2012 Chevrolet Traverse problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse sits mid-pack among Traverse years: 587 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 402, with 5 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (136), engine (117), and steering (62), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

587

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

2

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

20

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Traverse years?

See all Traverse years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Traverse problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System13623%
Engine11720%
Steering6211%
Airbags488%
Transmission468%
Other376%
Speed Control376%
Visibility & Wipers183%
Fuel System163%
Brakes163%
Seat Belts153%
Body & Structure122%
Suspension92%
Seats81%
Tires & Wheels51%
Lighting20%
Driver Assistance20%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V246000AirbagsApril 8, 2021 · 108 units

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.

Consequence

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.

15V415000Body & StructureJune 30, 2015 · 691,144 units

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.

Consequence

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.

14V266000Seat BeltsMay 20, 2014 · 1,339,355 units

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.

Consequence

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.

14V118000AirbagsMarch 17, 2014 · 1,176,407 units

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.

Consequence

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.

12V151000Visibility & WipersApril 9, 2012 · 47,846 units

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 12, 2025 · fire

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 12, 2025 · fire

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 12, 2025 · fire

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.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 6, 2023 · crash

VEHICLE WITH AUTO TRANSMISSION WAS SWITCHED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE POSITION ON FLAT SURFACE. WHEN DRIVER MOVED FOOT FROM BRAKE TO GAS PEDAL VEHICLE LURCHED BACKWARD STRIKING POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO OBSERVED LURCHING FORWARD WHEN REVERSE LIGHTS WERE ON. DEALERSHIP REPLACED TCM CONTROL SOLENOID…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 13, 2015 · crash

2012 Chevrolet Traverse — common questions

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?

It is close to typical for the Traverse: 587 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2012 Traverse problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (136 complaints), engine (117 complaints), steering (62 complaints).

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Traverse years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Traverse years to avoid are 2011, 2010, 2014, 2018. The cleanest record among Traverse years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.