Recalls · problems · safety

2012 Chevrolet Traverse: recalls and problems

5 recalls and 354 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

5recalls
354complaints
10crashes reported
2fires reported
14injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine115 · 32%
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)84 · 24%
  • Steering61 · 17%
  • Power Train45 · 13%
  • Electrical System43 · 12%
  • Air Bags39 · 11%
  • Vehicle Speed Control37 · 10%
  • Unknown Or Other35 · 10%
  • Visibility/Wiper17 · 5%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System15 · 4%

What owners report

Steering,Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control

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

Suspension,Fuel/Propulsion System

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

Steering,Electrical System,Engine 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

Unknown Or Other

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.

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2012 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2012 Chevrolet Traverse SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Traverse. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.