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Model-year record

2012 Chevrolet Traverse
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2012 Chevrolet Traverse

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

354

Reports to NHTSA, 2012

Safety recalls

5

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

19

EPA estimate

Known issues

Steering issues lead owner complaints (18% of 354 reports), followed by engine (15%).

Steering18% · 62 reports
Engine15% · 53 reports
Power Train12% · 43 reports
Air Bags11% · 39 reports
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)9% · 32 reports
Electrical System8% · 30 reports
Vehicle Speed Control6% · 22 reports
Unknown Or Other6% · 21 reports

+ 14 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 354 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11484533, ODI 11121743, ODI 10788181, ODI 11682785, ODI 11698713.

Individual complaint reports(354)

Showing the 50 most recent reports
SteeringNov 2025 · ODI 11698713Details +

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 two back tires because they seemed like they were being forced and drug that all u seen was wires coming out of the tread

Reported
Nov 2025
Incident date
Jun 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11698713 at NHTSA →
SuspensionOct 2025 · ODI 11692458Details +

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

Reported
Oct 2025
Incident date
Oct 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11692458 at NHTSA →
SteeringAug 2025 · ODI 11682785 · fireDetails +

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

Reported
Aug 2025
Incident date
Aug 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11682785 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMar 2025 · ODI 11648273Details +

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.

Reported
Mar 2025
Incident date
Mar 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11648273 at NHTSA →
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Feb 2025 · ODI 11640608Details +

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 unintendedly decelerated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined the failure was due to the throttle body. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The throttle body was previously replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Reported
Feb 2025
Incident date
Feb 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11640608 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJan 2025 · ODI 11638369 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

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 airbag and the window glass, obviously putting my safety at risk. I am currently being treated for neck injuries as a result of this airbag malfunction. The problem has not been reproduced/confirmed by dealer/independent service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone. Photos of the vehicle including the airbags have been sent to my insurance company (Allstate). There were no warnings or symptoms of the problem prior to the collision and no other vehicles were involved. Upon visual inspection, both the driver and passenger side curtain airbags are twisted around itself 4 or 5 times at the anchor point, located at the front of the door frame. The vehicle is currently in our shop at our residence.

Reported
Jan 2025
Incident date
Jan 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11638369 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2024 · ODI 11627098Details +

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 replaced ECM due to warranty conditions. Issue with emissions and electrical modules continued to cause intermittent power loss. Corrosion was found in the internal fuse box due to poor sun roof drainage emptying into glovebox and onto internal fuse box. GM and Chevrolet describes this as a known issue but insists my VIN is not affected. The issues continued to persist leading to frequent battery replacement that was ultimately due to contamination of electrical components. Fuel system parts were all assumed faulty only to find it was ultimately the fuel control module, another electronic component listed faulty but GM/ Chevrolet assumes my VIN is not affected. This car was purchased to be a family vehicle, but had proven to be an unreliable death trap. The first incident that caused concern was 2/14/2017 on the highway with speeds up to 70mph. Thankfully, that day was full of heavy traffic that did not allow drivers to reach high speeds. If I had been going that fast when the engine lost power I can only imagine what that would have meant for me and my family. I know I am not the only owner of a Chevrolet traverse with these concerning issues. I find it irresponsible for GM/Chevrolet/Buick to mass produce vehicles with these issues and fail to acknowledge the hazard they represent. Knowing they have produced a lemon that cost the sticker price, repair cost, and potentially human lives and failing to remedy the issue astounds me. I urge you to please investigate this concern.

Reported
Nov 2024
Incident date
Feb 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11627098 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2024 · ODI 11614537Details +

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 (at the worse times pulling out in traffic) It’s on issue after the other. Once I get one fixed another goes, then we’re back to the first one that was replaced that is now not working again. I still have a car payment so I’m without my car more than I’m driving it. I have to save up to get it fixed, and I won’t drive it until I know for sure it’s good. I was almost killed way to many times in it so to all the issues that GM knows about.

Reported
Sep 2024
Incident date
Sep 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11614537 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2024 · ODI 11603381Details +

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 with other lines/hoses (power steering), and other components under the hood. No rubbing should occur. The rubbing and friction cause holes to form causing not only for it to leak out but also potentially leak on other components under the hood which could cause other issues such as breakdown of the vehicle or fire. It has affected us not only by not providing a/c under extreme heat, but also has caused hissing sounds and for white smoke vapors that has omitted from the vents inside the vehicle. It has also caused us to breathe in the vapors which are toxic. There was cold a/c felt through the vents and we were not aware of any issues until now (7/19/2024). This is a very costly repair, over $1500 and up for the average consumer to pay out. 2)Park assist & sound that are unable to hear & works intermittently. The radio display & speakers work intermittently. The park assist is connected to the speakers. When the speakers and radio/radio display do not work properly; it causes the park assist to not function correctly when backing up. This is a safety issue due to blind spots and areas one cannot see and depending on the park assist to aide them; something can get hit or run over. There is an issue with Engine fuse box wiring & terminals GM knows of. 3)Driver seat belt lap anchor pretentioner. Only special coverage adjustment which states dealers are to inspect & replace. They failed to send out the notice to me. I was told I have to pay the dealership a diagnostic fee to inspect it then fix from there. I shouldn’t have to pay the fee to have it replaced like it states in the documents. Nor worry about safety of seatbelt & components going to fail to protect in the event of a crash.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11603381 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJun 2024 · ODI 11595918Details +

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, then turn off car and turn on again and car worked normally for about 100 miles and it did it again.

Reported
Jun 2024
Incident date
Apr 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11595918 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperMay 2024 · ODI 11591066Details +

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 ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
May 2024
Incident date
May 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11591066 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherApr 2024 · ODI 11581925Details +

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 function is connected to the speakers. When the radio display works; most of the speakers work and then one can hear the "beep" sounds the park assist makes. And when the speakers and radio display do not work then the park assist does not work. This can put others at risk since the park assist function does not work. A person might hit someone or something due to this issue.

Reported
Apr 2024
Incident date
Mar 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11581925 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJan 2024 · ODI 11564142Details +

The liftgate goes half up then back down multiple times I have gotten hit in the head because it does that

Reported
Jan 2024
Incident date
Dec 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11564142 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2023 · ODI 11549979Details +

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.

Reported
Oct 2023
Incident date
Oct 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11549979 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherSep 2023 · ODI 11543300Details +

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 and we’ve had enough and want to take this further. As you can clearly see in the photo the flanges of the old catalytic converter were cut out and they welded in a straight pipe and it even has holes in it already. This is a huge problem. Also, I read that it’s a 25,000$ fine for a dealership selling a car in this condition and id like if that was enforced in this situation because they’ve done similar to others in the past. + our money back rightfully so…

Reported
Sep 2023
Incident date
Sep 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11543300 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2023 · ODI 11541921Details +

Airbags deployed unexpectedly while I was driving on the freeway.

Reported
Aug 2023
Incident date
Aug 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11541921 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMay 2023 · ODI 11521019 · crash · 2 injuriesDetails +

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.

Reported
May 2023
Incident date
May 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 2 injuries
Open ODI 11521019 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsDec 2022 · ODI 11495607Details +

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.

Reported
Dec 2022
Incident date
Nov 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11495607 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2022 · ODI 11490456Details +

I have not had any accidents.

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Oct 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11490456 at NHTSA →
EngineSep 2022 · ODI 11486308Details +

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

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Sep 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11486308 at NHTSA →
SteeringSep 2022 · ODI 11484533 · crashDetails +

I was driving down the freeway at about 67 MPH when the message "Traction Control Disabled" came on my display & the car immediately went into "limp mode"! By some miracle I was able to muscle the car out of the slow lane, onto the shoulder as I lost my power steering once in limp mode. I waited a few minutes, car started up just fine, so I shrugged it off. Fast forward 1 week later & the same thing happened to me on my way home on a curvy mountain road. The power steering was again non-existent & luckily, there was no one behind me, nor did anyone come around the corner & hit my disabled car. Once again, it started up, no problem; however, this is when the harsh forward thrust started happening, & the transmission seemed to be slipping gears. The RPM's would rev to the 6000 range & immediately fall down to 1500. I took it to the dealer & sadly paid $3,400 for a new tranny on a 5-year-old car. (No warranty, of course). I started having the same issues about 2 years later, only this time the driver was not so lucky as they were mid-curve on the mountain road. Right as the roadway came out of the bend, the car went into limp mode, power steering lost & wheels stuck in a right turn position, car went off the roadway & into a telephone pole, broke that in half due to the angle of the pole in the mountainside & down the steep embankment about 40-50 feet. All airbags deployed & driver was able to walk away (hike away) but the car was a total loss. Driver was traveling 40-45 mph. There was no indication, no warning, just from travel to nothing.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
May 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11484533 at NHTSA →
SteeringJun 2022 · ODI 11467460Details +

crus traction control problem raking pinion. problems

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11467460 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2022 · ODI 11464738Details +

First I already had to rebuild the transmission which is showing the beginning signs of failing again. Then around the same time I started having another issue that I find a lot scarier as the driver. It started giving me severely Reduced engine power, traction control off and stabilitrak messages with the ABS warning light lit up like a Christmas tree. This is by far the most dangerous of any issue I've ever experienced with all of my vehicles I've ever owned. It starts with a huge jump I cant stop or control to a car behind me it seems like I'm really getting on it and speeding up. But in a split second too quick for any human to process what is happening it just drops out big time. It then wont go above roughly 30 mph and the engine is revving very high to even get it to that. All the while it is heavily shuddering and jumping back and forth at a very fast rate and it does this with a high force to it. I have no control over it either. Before I could hit traction control off and it would all stop. However today it did this again for the first time in a long time and man was it 20 times worse than anything I had ever seen before. By the time I decided to turn back and go home (which I wasn't any further than a half mile into my drive to begin with) I made it maybe another quarter block and that is when the bottom fell out. It stopped moving at all at that point. Nothing we did to correct it that had totally controlled it in the past would help for the first time. In the end my husband hooked an o2 sensor to it and reset the codes and now it's back to driving beautifully. The reason I feel this needs recalled is it's a huge danger to myself and anyone else around me. When this starts you have no prior warning what so ever and then bam your all the sudden in a car that is jumping back and forth and its visible to other drivers then its starting like it's going to really go but it malfunctions so fast no one behind you would have time to react to such a sudden drop.

Reported
May 2022
Incident date
May 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11464738 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMay 2022 · ODI 11464741Details +

I looked up 2012 Chevy Traverse recalls and 4 things came up. I was very happy to see that because I have all 4 problems recalled. So the next day I called Chevy to schedule the work. They informed me my car has no recalls. I told them I knew it did I looked it up and there are 4 in total. Then I said luckily for me it is recalled because I am experiencing exactly the same issues with same effects from the issues that was posted with the recall. Then the lady explained to me that you recalled 2012 chevy traverse on 4 items yes but none included my model. That is absolutely INSANE because my car is doing all the same things that was considered too dangerous to continue in all the other trims the car was made in but for some reason I'll never understand my trim was excluded.... Plz fix this the LS trim needs all the same recalls. I have every one of the 4 issues and I've been all over the 2012 LS Traverse forum to see I'm far from alone here.

Reported
May 2022
Incident date
May 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11464741 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMar 2022 · ODI 11458663Details +

The airbag light is on for the passenger seat and the clips under the seat are loose

Reported
Mar 2022
Incident date
Jan 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11458663 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJan 2022 · ODI 11448536Details +

2012 chevy traverse. Feb 20 2020. Milage 127691 My valve cover gaskets failed causing the cabin to fill with smoke. Sept 11 2020 right front axel seal failed causing ptu to lose all the transfer case fluid and bearings. Transfer case replaced. Feb 22 2021 milage 141464 transmission slipping had new one installed. Jan 5 2022 milage 153350 had timing chains replaced. Check engine light came on. Back on june 29 2012 Chevrolet issued a bulletin No. 11340B special coverage adjustment timing chain wear. It is for 2007-2009 traverse acadia outlook enclave equipped with the same 3.6L Engine as my 2012 and other years. they extended warranty coverage for 10 years 120k miles. seeing this problem existed in 07-09 models this should be looked at and to include other years as well. I am a member of 2 facebook traverse groups and there are a lot of others with the same issue. The owners manual says to change engine oil every 5000 miles I have done that. Please look into adding additional years to this recall. Timing chains should not fail stretch or need replacing as much as I have seen others needing to. A vehicle should go well over 200k miles before needing replacing.

Reported
Jan 2022
Incident date
Jan 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11448536 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2021 · ODI 11440011Details +

UNKNOWN, I first bought my Chevy Traverse Ltz in April of 2020, and about 2 weeks of driving it, I noticed that all(4)of my wheels/brakes instantly locked up while driving in traffic, almost causing a pile-up collision. The rotors and brakes releases alot of smoke as the wheels scrub and the suv doesn't move forward nor backward. I reported it to the car lot/dealership where i purchased it from and was told to take it to a certain auto shop. I arrived there, just to be told that he doesn't fix those type of problems. The dealership where i bought it from didn't look at it either. So, from that time til now in 2021, I have been dealing with the same exact problems being terrified with my children in the car, not knowing if/when the next time the wheels lock up for no reason, if it will be fatal for me and my children or other drivers. I've contacted GM about it, taken it to Chevy dealership a few times, even a couple of auto shops, and no one seems to know what the problem is. I recently had the transmission serviced to see if that was the issue and turns out, it wasn't. I don't know what to do, I am still financing it and the warranty only covers the transmission and engine, half the cost of the repair and the other half is my responsibility it states. I've been trying to prevent any fatal accidents best I can, sometimes by not driving it at all and having to ride with family members and friends. I was recently told by my warranty company that there is pretty much nothing they can do about it.

Reported
Nov 2021
Incident date
May 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11440011 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesAug 2021 · ODI 11430335Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle took a long time to start-up. While driving approximately 20-40 MPH, the vehicle would not accelerate then shifted into limp mode. The ABS, check engine, traction control, and service air bags warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the wheel bearings were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,655.

Reported
Aug 2021
Incident date
May 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11430335 at NHTSA →
EngineAug 2021 · ODI 11430066Details +

I was driving to the store and my car dinged and a message saying something like service stabilitrack flashed. The car slowed and I pulled over and turned off the car. Eventually I turned the car on and it was back to normal speed but then it sputtered like it was out of gas. That was 2 months ago. I've had it in the shop 2 times and my husband has been trying to replace every part suggested by gm and any other mechanic. The car continues to misfire and turn of at times during driving. This feature makes this vehicle completely unsafe. Any vehicle that simply cuts power should not be on the road as it poses unnecessary risk. Please do something.

Reported
Aug 2021
Incident date
May 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11430066 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingAug 2021 · ODI 11427399Details +

2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN WITH NO WARNING. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR COSTS.

Reported
Aug 2021
Incident date
Aug 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11427399 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2021 · ODI 11422025Details +

THE HATCH DOOR SLAMMED DOWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHEN I WAS UNLOADING GROCERY. AFTER THAT HAPPENED THE HATCH DOOR WILL NOT GO UP ALL THE WAY, BUT ASCENDS HALF WAY AN GOES BACK DOWN. I HAVE A VIDEO ON MY PHONE. BEFORE THIS INCIDENT, WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE HATCH GOING UP BUT COMING RIGHT BACK DOWN WITHOUT WARNING.

Reported
Jun 2021
Incident date
Jun 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11422025 at NHTSA →
SeatsJun 2021 · ODI 11419847 · crashDetails +

In an accident yesterday where the car was rear ended on the back passenger side while on the highway. The drivers seat reclined back during the crash. Pictures to be attached

Reported
Jun 2021
Incident date
Jun 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11419847 at NHTSA →
SteeringJun 2021 · ODI 11419645Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the power steering pump was leaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the power steering pump and the rack and pinion needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 127,305.

Reported
Jun 2021
Incident date
Mar 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11419645 at NHTSA →
SteeringJun 2021 · ODI 11419250Details +

Power steering intermittently fails at low speed we have had near collisions and as a result my wife cannot drive the car she’s not strong enough to turn the wheel at low speeds I’m afraid somebody’s gonna get in a wreck with this or another car like it I’ve heard other complaints from traverse owners about the same thing

Reported
Jun 2021
Incident date
Jun 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11419250 at NHTSA →
EngineMay 2021 · ODI 11418664Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to three different independent mechanics and on all three occasions, it was diagnosed that the timing chain failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.

Reported
May 2021
Incident date
Jan 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11418664 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemApr 2021 · ODI 11414663Details +

DASH IS THROWING DIFFERENT CODES SUCH AS SERVICE AND CHECK TRACTION CONTROL, STABILITRACK, AIR BAG, AND AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING IT WILL SAY REDUCED ENGINE POWER AND MY FOOT WOULD BE ON GAS NOT WANTING TO BARELY MOVE. ONE TIME I ALMOST GOT HIT. OTHER SEVERAL TIMES I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND WE WOULD HAVE TO DISCONNECT BATTERY WAIT A LITTLE AND CAR WOULD BE OK AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR THAT IT MAKES ME NOT WANT TO DRIVE IT AND THANK GOD WE HAVE ANOTHER CAR. I AM ALSO EXPERIENCING CATALYTIC CONVERTER ISSUES FOR THE 4TH TIME. CAR FEELS AT TIMES LIKE IT IS BOGGING WHEN ON GAS PEDDLE AS IF SOMETHING HAD A CLOG IN IT AND STARTS PULSATING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALSO ON.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Apr 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11414663 at NHTSA →
EngineApr 2021 · ODI 11414540Details +

MY MECHANIC REPLACED MY A/C REFRIGERANT HOSE DUE TO A LEAK AND MY A/C CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. HE SAID THAT HE HAS REPLACED THE SAME PARTS ON A NUMBER OF OTHER VEHICLES SIMILAR TO MY 2012 CHEVY TRAVERSE. HE SAID THE DAMAGE TO THE A/C REFRIGERANT HOSE WAS DUE TO A BAD DESIGN WHERE A BRACKET IS LOCATED TOO CLOSE TO THE A/C REFRIGERANT HOSE.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Apr 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11414540 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemApr 2021 · ODI 11414054Details +

THIS CAR KEEPS SHUTTING OFF DUE TO A FAULTY ENGINE SWITCH IT IS UNSAFE AS THE CAR WILL JUST SHUT OFF WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY OR JUST DRIVING

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Apr 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11414054 at NHTSA →
Air BagsApr 2021 · ODI 11408320Details +

THE AIRBAG CONNECTOR PIECE UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT COMES APART TRIGGERING. AIRBAG LIGHT ON. DEALER CHARGES OVER $100 FOR A PROBLEM THAT KEEPS HAPPENING. THIS ISSUE IS ALSO LISTED ON EVERY FORUM SO T'S A COMMON ISSUE. WIPER FLUID DOESN'T EXTRACT CLOGGED NOZZLES.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Apr 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11408320 at NHTSA →
EngineApr 2021 · ODI 11407749Details +

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON HAD THE CODES CHECKED AND I HAD THE ENGINE TAKEN APART TWICE BECAUSE THE TIMING CHAIN HAD JUMPED CAUSING IT TO RUN ROUGH AND LIGHT CAME BACK HAD TO DO AGAIN AND IT WAS FINE FOR A FEW MONTHS BUT MECHANIC SAID THE ENGINE IS THE SAME AS THE ENCLAVE AND ACADIA WHICH BOTH HAVE HAD RECALLS ON THIS ISSUE. THIS HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Jun 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11407749 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2021 · ODI 11406348Details +

THE TRACTION CONTROL GOES ON AND OFF. STABILITY TRAK ERROR MESSAGE. ENGINE POWER REDUCED. THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELLERATE WHICH COULDVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS THE 4TH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE JANUARY 23, 2021. THIS ISSUE ON THE TRUCK NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND RESOLVED.

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Apr 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11406348 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2021 · ODI 11399730Details +

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL SHUDDER AND LOSE POWER, OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE WILL STALL ALMOST LIKE IT IS ATTEMPTING TO GRAB GEARS WHILE DOWN SHIFTING AND IT WILL CAUSE THE WHOLE VEHICLE TO SHAKE, IT HAS HAPPENED SO HARD I HAVE HAD TO EXIT THE INTERSTATE FOR WORRY OF MINE AND MY PASSENGERS SAFETY. THE VEHICLE UPON ENTERING WILL SLAM INTO GEAR AND WHEN DRIVING IN RURAL AREAS THE TRANSMISSION EVEN FEELS LIKE IT IS SLIPPING AND THE CAR WILL JERK BACK AND FOURTH UNTIL IT GRABS A HIGHER GEAR. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2018 WITH JUST OVER 100,000 MILES AND EVEN NOW THE VEHICLE IS ONLY SITTING AT ROUGHLY 132,000 MILES AND HAS HAS REGULAR SERVICES TO MAINTAIN THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE TRAVERSE HAS SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE INCLUDING OLDER AND NEWER VEHICLES, AND MOST HAVE RESULTED IN TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DOWNSHIFT FOR TAKE OFF AND HAS ALSO DONE SO WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO THE INTERSTATE. THE ISSUE WAS ORIGINALLY NOTICED TOWARDS THE END OF 2019- TO EARLY 2020 AND HAS PROCEEDED TO GET SO BAD WE NO LONGER TRUST THE INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE FOR FAMILY TRIPS OR EVEN TO ROUTINE DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS FOR FEAR OF THE VEHICLE STALLING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.

Reported
Mar 2021
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11399730 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMar 2021 · ODI 11399114Details +

AFTER REPLACING EVERY CODE THROWN AT ME ON MY 2012 TRAVERSE, IT CONTINUES TO SIT IN MY DRIVEWAY UN-WORKING. LAST TIME I HAD IT "REPAIRED", WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE MECHANIC, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE VEHICLE STARTED LOSING POWER WITH LIGHTS VISIBLY DIMMING. I PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE BATTERY CABLES. IT WAS WORKING FINE. I GET BACK IN THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME AND THE TRACTION CONTROL STARTED TOGGLING ON AND OFF AND A CHECK AIR BACK MESSAGE CAME UP. JUST THEN I STARTED FEELING LIKE I WAS BEING SHOCKED BY MY DRIVER SEAT!!! SINCE THE DEALERSHIP OR PRIVATEECHAMICS CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT, I HAD A FRIEND GET ME ALL THE INFORMATION ON THIS VEHICLE. THERE IS ZERO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE BUT I FOUND A RECALL FOR THE WIRE HARNESS UNDER THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS AND ALSO UNDER THE DASH, CALLING TO REPLACE AND SPLICE THOSE WIRES. MY VEHICLE HAS THE YELLOW HARNESS THAT WAS RECALLED BUY THE DEALERSHIP SAYS MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. IT'S BEEN 2 YEARSSINCE ALL THIS HAS BEGUN AND THAT I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A RELIABLE VEHICLE. (MY EX WHO CO-SIGNED BUT DID NOY PAY FOR IT, REFUSES TO SIGN THE TITLE OVER). JUST SAVE YOURSELF THE HEADACHE AND BUY NON GM. YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD BE WILLING TO FIX SOMETHING THAT IS SO UNSAFE TO IT'S CUSTOMERS. ELECTRICAL FAULTS, ENGINE FAULTS CAUSING FAILURE WHILE DRIVING FULL SPEED (WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE VEHICLE), AND FUEL PRESSURE ISSUES LEAVING ME STRANDED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHICH EVEN HELPED LEAD TO A JOB LOSS. THIS VEHICLE HAS PUT OUR SAFETY AND LIVELIHOOD IN JEOPARDY ONE TOO MANY TIMES.

Reported
Mar 2021
Incident date
Feb 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11399114 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlMar 2021 · ODI 11398461Details +

I WAS DRIVING ON ST [XXX] AND IT WAS RAINING I ALMOST HYDROPLANE AND MY TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR STARTED ACCELERATING ON IT'S OWN I HAD TO PASS TWO CARS SO I WOULDN'T HIT THEM AND LUCKILY NO ONE WAS COMING TOWARDS ME MY CAR KEPT ACCELERATING FASTER UP TO 100 MPH I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES BUT MY CAR WOULDN'T SLOW DOWN IT TOOK 5MINS TO SLOW.DOWN TO 20 MPH I HAD SMOKE ALL AROUND ME MY CAR WAS REVVING UP THE RPMS AND MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS HOTI SEEN A ROAD [XXX] AND I TURNED AND I PUT MY VEHICLE IN PARK AND TRIED TO SHUT IT OFF AND IT WOULDN'T SO I THREW IT BACK INTO DRIVE AND THEN PARK AND SHUT MY IGNITION OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND IT WOULDN'T START AFTER 10 MINS OF IT OFF I TRIED THE IGNITION AND IT STARTED BUT MY BRAKES HAD A AIR SOUND WHEN I PUSHED ON BRAKE PADS AND MY BF DROVE MY CAR BACK HOME THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS I LOOKED ONLINE AND SEEN IT HAPPENED TO OTHER VEHICLES AND I'M SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR NOW I'M LUCKY I DIDNT DIE OR KILL SOMEONE ELSE PLEASE ASSIST ME BC I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO THE VEHICLE IT'S NOT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE SINCE THAT HAPPENED PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Reported
Mar 2021
Incident date
Feb 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11398461 at NHTSA →
SteeringFeb 2021 · ODI 11395440Details +

KNOCKING ENGINE, RUNNING LIKE A OLD TRACTOR. ENGINE STALLED!! HAD TO REPLACE MOTOR. NO POWER FOUND TRANNY WENT BAD ON THE MIDDLE OF BUSY INTERSECTION. HAD TO REPLACE TRANNY. NOW POWER STEERING PUMP WENT COULDN'T TURN THE WHEELS ON THE HIGHWAY. HAD TO REPLACE. ALL REPAIRS PAID OUT OF MY POCKET. WHERES THE RECALLS?? SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME YEAR VEHICLE SAME PROBLEMS. ALL OF THESE HAVE COSTED ME SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OUT OF MY POCKET. ALSO HAD TO PAY DEALERSHIP FOR THE BRAKES THAT WERE BAD. 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020 ALL THE YEARS HAPPENED. WIPERS WERE THE 1ST TO FALL OFF GOT REPLACED.

Reported
Feb 2021
Incident date
Apr 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11395440 at NHTSA →
EngineJan 2021 · ODI 11386647Details +

I WAS DRIVING 65 MILES PER HOUR DOWN THE FREEWAY. OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT FLASHED, HEARD KNOCKING IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WARNING SHUT OFF MOMENTARILY, THEN, OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT APPEARED AGAIN, ALONG WITH KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AT THAT POINT THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN ON ITS OWN, AND I HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY, TO AVOID A COLLISION. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, OR THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS A SKIPPED TIMING CHAIN AND I WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE MOTOR. TOTAL COST ESTIMATED AT $8,800

Reported
Jan 2021
Incident date
Dec 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11386647 at NHTSA →
EngineJan 2021 · ODI 11386484Details +

WE PURCHASED A 2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE FROM RAY CHEVROLET IN FOX LAKE, ILLINOIS IN LATE FEBRUARY. WE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A VERY HIGH REPAIR COST THAT WE INQUIRED ABOUT GETTING REIMBURSED FOR ON CASE NUMBER [XXX]. WE ASKED FOR REIMBURSEMENT DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE REPAIR IS COMMON TO THIS VEHICLE MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR AND THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN # SB-10052863-8590 (12-06-01-009D DATED AUG/2013) SUBSTANTIATING THIS. WE WERE DENIED COVERAGE FROM GMC STATING THAT OUR VEHICLE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED ON THE BULLETIN. OUR VEHICLE HAS THE SAME TIMING CHAIN PROBLEM AS THOSE VEHICLES THAT ARE COVERED, YET OUR VIN WAS EXCLUDED. WE BELIEVE THAT EITHER YOUR CONTAINMENT OF THE ISSUE WAS CONDUCTED IN ERROR LEAVING SOME VEHICLES LIKE OURS OUT OF THE SCOPE OF CONTAINMENT OR THAT VEHICLES ARE PURPOSELY LEFT OUT OF THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM TO CREATE A FALSE REPORTING AND AVOID RECALL OF ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. OUR CLAIM WAS ESCALATED TO A SENIOR ADVISOR AT GMC WHO AFTER A SHORT INVESTIGATION STATED THAT OUR VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT ALL OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ARE COVERED WITH. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS AND IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! WE HAVE BEEN GMC CUSTOMERS FOR OVER 40 YEARS. WE ARE ASKING AGAIN FOR A REFUND OF THE REPAIR COSTS AS OUR VEHICLE HAS THE SAME TIMING CHAIN PROBLEM. IF WE DO NOT RECEIVE AN EQUITABLE SOLUTION FOR THIS, WE WILL BE SURE TO PUBLICIZE THE ACTUAL HAPPENINGS TO THE PUBLIC FOR ALL TO KNOW AND BE AWARE OF HOW GMC TREATS LONG TERM CUSTOMER LOYALTY.*DT SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

Reported
Jan 2021
Incident date
Dec 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11386484 at NHTSA →
SteeringDec 2020 · ODI 11382888Details +

POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK AT LOW SPEEDS 90% OF THE TIME, MY WIFE CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR ( VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION ). PARKING HAS NO POWER STEERING AT ALL, AT 10 MPH STEERING CONTROL COMES BACK.

Reported
Dec 2020
Incident date
Dec 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11382888 at NHTSA →
EngineNov 2020 · ODI 11377194Details +

WHILE RETURNING FROM WORK THE ENGINE JUST SHUT DOWN. IT WOULD NOT START. I THOUGHT IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE BATTERY. IT WOULD BARELY TURN OVER PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY AND INSTALLED IT .THIS ALL TOOK ABOUT A HOUR AND A HALF. STARTED THE CAR AND IT KNOCKED RATTLED AND AND SQUEALED. I SHUT IT DOWN AND HAD IT TOWED HOME. I HAVE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR CODES ON THE DASH WHAT SOEVER THE MOTOR SOUNDS LIKE TRASH

Reported
Nov 2020
Incident date
Nov 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11377194 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2020 · ODI 11373006Details +

P0019, P0018 STABILITY TRACK ISSUES AND REDUCE ENGIN POWER AND I WAS DRIVING WHEN HAPPEN AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT WON'T GO OFF

Reported
Nov 2020
Incident date
Nov 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11373006 at NHTSA →

This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.

Recalls(5)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Air BagsAug 2021 · 21V246000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
VisibilitySep 2012 · 12V151000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Air Bags · 14V118000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Seat Belts · 14V266000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Structure · 15V415000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

2 NHTSA investigations on record

Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.

Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure

On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) EA20002, as an upgrade of Recall Query (RQ) RQ19003. This investigation, related to recall 14V-266, was opened to investigate instances of detachment of the flexible steel seat belt anchor cable attached to the outboard side of the front seats in vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The subject vehicles included model year (MY) 2009 through 2014 GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Traverse SUVs as well as MY 2009 through 2010 Saturn Outlook SUVs. These vehicles were previously repaired for this defect under recall 14V-266. The subject vehicle population is approximately 1.3 million vehicles. Special Coverage N192219480, issued in June 2019, addressed the subject defect in vehicles that previously received the recall remedy repair for subject recall 14V-266. The Special Coverage allows for component replacement for 12 years or 180,000 miles from the initial sale date, whichever comes first. Special Coverage N192219480 instructed service technicians to inspect the driver’s seat belt anchor cable for any damage to the protective sleeve and if damage was observed, the cable was replaced with a new sleeve as well as a new closeout piece that relocated the cable to mitigate the subject condition. In view of the Special Coverage conducted by General Motors, the high detectability of the subject failure, and the low rate of occurrence, this Engineering Analysis is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov. Please see the attached document “EA20-002 Detailed Closing Summary” for more a detailed closing resume summary.

Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure

On May 19, 2014, General Motors LLC (GM) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct Safety Recall 14V266 to address fatigue and separation of the flexible steel cable that connects the front outboard seat belts to the seat-mounted belt pre-tensioner in 1.4 million model year (MY) 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook, 2009-2014 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse (Lambda Platform) vehicles.The remedy was to inspect for signs of damage and replace pre-tensioner anchor cables as needed. Re-work was conducted to relocate the pre-tensioner anchor cable out of the occupant entry path. ODI has subsequently received four (4) Vehicle Owners Questionnaires (VOQ) reporting anchor cable separations with no apparent warning in covered vehicles after the Recall 14V266 remedy had been applied.ODI opened RQ19-003 to assess the effectiveness of the actions GM took in Recall 14V266 and review the full warranty and complaint data related to seat belt anchor cable separations and replacements. ODI continues to receive occasional cable failure complaints both for the subject vehicles and other GM models and model years that have also been previously recalled addressing this condition.Although the cable separation complaint rate is very low, over the past three years ODI has received two (2) additional VOQ?s citing belt cable separations for Lambda platform vehicles outside the scope of recall 14V266, (11217092, 11118075) and complaints for other GM models covered in a number of similar Safety Recalls:* 15V269, 2011-12 Chevrolet Malibu (11181115, 11288168); * 16V209, 2014-15 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500 (11254364, 10935183, 10953851, 11025376, 11282043, 11288701, 11309884); and * 16V518 2014-16 Caprice Police Pursuit, SS (10905644, 10990669, 11340893).ODI's review of GM's data confirms the low potential failure rate for the vehicles covered by recall 14V266. However, ODI believes that complainants may not recognize accumulating cable fatigue damage from the visual cues available in routine vehicle use.ODI is upgrading RQ19-003 to an Engineering Analysis to more closely assess seat belt conditions and strength levels in the field. This work will include the collection of seat belt samples from a wider range of recalled and peer vehicles for detailed analysis and testing.The ODI reports (VOQs) associated with this RQ19-003 can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following reference numbers: 11144704, 11076704, 11185619, 11151922, 11164011, 10967518, 11113486, 11115648

Crash-test ratings

2012 Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2012 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Traverse FWD3.6L 6-cylFront-Wheel Drive172419
Traverse AWD3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive162319

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2012 Chevrolet Traverse: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?

Owners filed 354 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?

The most-reported problem areas are Steering (18% of complaints) and engine (15%).

How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse have?

5 recalls have been issued that affect the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, covering components such as air bags. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse at 19 mpg combined.