2012 Chevrolet Traverse: common problems and reliability

The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse has 354 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electronic stability control (esc). Owners most often flag transmission failures and problems — includes complete failure, fluid leaks, rough shifting, stalling, and speed sensor issues. affects multiple generations. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2012 model year

354
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
10
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
115
electronic stability control (esc)
84
steering
62
electrical system
48
air bags
48

Recalls affecting the 2012 Traverse

structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Campaign 15V415000

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, 20…

seat belts

Campaign 14V266000

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 Acad…

air bags:side/window

Campaign 14V118000

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…

visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkages

Campaign 12V151000

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, MA…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and generation. For the 2018-2023 generation, owner feedback is mixed, with many reporting trouble-free, spacious, and practical family vehicles, while others report significant and recurring mec

  • Transmission failures and problems — includes complete failure, fluid leaks, rough shifting, stalling, and speed sensor issues. Affects multiple generations. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Electrical and infotainment system failures — encompasses "Service Driver Assist System" errors disabling all ADAS features, complete failure of the myChevrolet app and connected services (remote start, lock/unlock), screen freezes, and Bluetooth connectivity problems with high latency. Particularly severe in 2024-2025 models. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine timing chain issues — a known concern for the 3.6L V6 engine in older models (2009-2012 mentioned), requiring costly repair. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Poor build quality and dealership service — reports of vehicles delivered with defects (exploding wiper blades, cut steering wheels), repeated failed repair attempts for simple issues like parking sensors, and poor customer service from both dealers and manufacturer support. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Turbo four-cylinder performance (2024+) — criticized for being slower (7.3 seconds 0-60 mph) and noisier than the previous V6, with sluggish throttle response. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Traverse.

Typical used price

Used Traverse listings typically run $20,631–$46,865 across 2009 to 2026 model years.

Other Traverse model years

2024 Traverse2021 Traverse2018 Traverse2009 Traverse
Full Chevrolet Traverse owner reportCompare against another car