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2012 Chevrolet Traverse: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 354 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, and engine complaints are the largest group[1][2]. It earned 5 stars overall from NHTSA and the EPA rates it at 19 MPG combined[3][4][5][6].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 354 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Ten mention a crash, 2 mention a fire and 14 mention injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components. Counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.
The largest groups are below.
| Component group | Complaints | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Engine[2] | 117 | 95,500 |
| Electronic stability control[8] | 84 | 96,000 |
| Steering[9] | 62 | 70,000 |
| Air bags[10] | 48 | 86,552 |
| Electrical system[11] | 48 | 99,250 |
| Power train[12] | 46 | 87,000 |
| Speed control[13] | 37 | 94,369 |
We also read a small sample of 12 complaints for the engine, stability control, steering and air bag groups. It is too small to say how common any problem is, but it shows what owners describe.
- Engine. In 9 of the 12 engine complaints we read, owners describe the engine losing power or stalling while driving, often with check engine and traction control warnings[2]. Engine complaints include 2 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries[2].
- Stability control. In 9 of the 12 complaints we read, owners describe stability and traction control warnings together with reduced power[8]. They say the car slowed to low speeds, including on highways[8]. The stability control group has no crashes or injuries on file[8].
- Steering. In 11 of the 12 complaints we read, owners describe steering that turns hard or locks up[9]. Some also mention power steering fluid leaks and repairs to the steering rack or pump[9]. The steering group has 3 crashes and 3 injuries, and its median failure mileage is 70,000, the lowest of the groups above[9].
- Air bags. In 10 of the 12 complaints we read, owners describe a service air bag warning light[10]. Some say it came back after dealer visits or recall repairs[10]. The air bag group has 4 crashes and 4 injuries[10].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year[7]. Newest first:
- Side curtain air bags (21V246). The side curtain air bags may be fastened badly, so they might not work as intended and could raise the risk of injury. Dealers inspect and, if needed, realign or replace the weld nuts for free[14].
- Power liftgate (15V415). On vehicles with the power liftgate option, the gas struts that hold it up can wear early. An open liftgate could suddenly fall and strike someone. Dealers update the software for the liftgate motor control unit so the motor prevents rapid closing, for free[15].
- Remedy pending
Front seat belts (14V266). The steel cable connecting the seat belt to the front outboard seats can fatigue and separate over time. A belt might then fail to restrain the occupant in a crash. The fix is an inspection and, if needed, a new lap pretensioner. The record says parts were not currently available at that time and owners would get an interim notice and a second notice when parts arrive. Remedy not yet available in that record[16]. - Side air bag wiring (14V118). Extra resistance in the wiring harnesses of the driver and passenger seat side air bags can keep the side air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash. Dealers replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, for free[17].
- Wiper arms (12V151). In certain 2011 and 2012 vehicles registered in 28 listed states and Washington, D.C., snow or ice can loosen the wiper arm and stop the wiper from working. That could reduce visibility. Dealers tighten the wiper arm nuts, for free[18].
Several of these recalls cover other models too and some are limited by build dates, so check the car's VIN for open recalls[14][15][16][17]. Ask Chevrolet customer service or a dealer to check the vehicle's VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive Traverse at 17 MPG city, 24 highway and 19 combined[3]. The all-wheel-drive version is rated 16 city, 23 highway and 19 combined[4]. Both use regular gas and a 3.6L 6-cylinder engine with an automatic 6-speed[3][4].
The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,550 for both versions[3][4]. That figure uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the all-wheel-drive Traverse 5 stars overall, 4 for frontal crash, 5 for side crash and 4 for rollover[5]. Its rollover risk is 15.5%[5]. The front-wheel-drive version has the same star ratings, with a rollover risk of 16.9%[6].
Engine and size
The EPA test car list shows a 3.6L 6-cylinder engine rated at 288 hp[19]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.
How 2012 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 448 | 8 |
| 2010 | 669 | 5 |
| 2011 | 608 | 5 |
| 2012 | 354 | 5 |
| 2013 | 162 | 4 |
| 2014 | 548 | 7 |
| 2015 | 313 | 5 |
| 2016 | 292 | 5 |
| 2017 | 361 | 3 |
| 2018 | 464 | 2 |
| 2019 | 412 | 3 |
| 2020 | 234 | 8 |
| 2021 | 92 | 3 |
| 2022 | 100 | 1 |
| 2023 | 93 | 2 |
| 2024 | 141 | 0 |
| 2025 | 185 | 0 |
| 2026 | 25 | 1 |
| 2027 | 1 | 0 |
The 2012 Traverse has 354 complaints and 5 recalls on file[7]. Several other years have more complaints, including 2010 with 669, 2011 with 608 and 2014 with 548[7]. The 2013 model year has fewer, with 162 complaints[7].
On recalls, 2009 and 2020 each have 8, and 2014 has 7, so 2012 is not the highest there either[7]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2012 Traverse?
The 2012 Traverse has fewer complaints than the 2010, 2011 and 2014 model years, a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and 19 MPG combined[7][5][3][4]. The owner reports we read point to power loss, stability control warnings, steering and air bag warning lights as things to check[2][8][9][10]. Those are samples from unverified reports, not a measure of how likely any problem is.
Before buying, confirm that all 5 recalls were completed, especially the seat belt recall, which listed parts as not yet available[16]. A test drive that includes highway speeds, tight turns and a check of the dashboard for warning lights is a reasonable way to look for the issues owners describe. (delete the sentence)
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
- Engine is the largest complaint group with 117 of 354 complaints, followed by stability control with 84 and steering with 62[1][2][8][9].
- Does the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5: side curtain air bags, power liftgate, front seat belts, side air bag wiring and wiper arms[14][15][16][17][18]. The seat belt recall record said parts were not yet available[16].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
- The EPA rates it at 19 MPG combined, with 17 city and 24 highway for FWD and 16 city and 23 highway for AWD[3][4].
- How safe is the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
- NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crash and rollover and 5 for side crash[5][6].
- Is the 2012 Traverse the best year?
- By complaint counts alone, 2013 has fewer complaints with 162, while 2012 has 354[7]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 354 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse (10 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 14 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 117 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 95,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Traverse FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Traverse AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Traverse model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 84 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 62 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 48 complaints name the air bags component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 86,552). NHTSA vehicle records
- 48 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 99,250). NHTSA vehicle records
- 46 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 37 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 94,369). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 21V246, filed April 8, 2021: Air Bags › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V415, filed June 30, 2015: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V266, filed May 20, 2014: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V118, filed March 17, 2014: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V151, filed April 9, 2012: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Linkages. NHTSA recall database
- EPA Test Car List, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 288 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAVERSE 4DR SUV AWD LS/LT/LTZ: length 205 in, width 78 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,925 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAVERSE 4DR SUV FWD LS/LT/LTZ: length 205 in, width 78 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,720 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov