2012 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 25, 2025VAFireElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11682785 · source
2. Filed Feb 4, 2025120,000 miPATowedDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11640608 · source
3. Filed Sep 13, 2024PAEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11614537 · source
4. Filed Jun 22, 2024FLElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11595918 · source
5. Filed Oct 14, 2023MOElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11549979 · source
6. Filed Sep 25, 2022NHEngine

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11486308 · source
7. Filed Sep 14, 2022CACrashTowedEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11484533 · source
8. Filed Jan 23, 2022MNEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11448536 · source
9. Filed Aug 24, 202199,655 miPAAirbagsBrakesEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11430335 · source
10. Filed Aug 23, 2021TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11430066 · source
11. Filed Aug 2, 2021PAEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11427399 · source
12. Filed May 26, 202195,000 miILEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11418664 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology