2012 Chevrolet Traverse Problems: 8 Known Issues
2012 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse has 8 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Front outer seat belt anchor cable can fatigue and separate — recall 14V266, High-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing reduced power or a stall (owner reports), Steering rack fluid leakage — owner reports, Roof-rail airbag weld nuts may be damaged, out of position or missing — recall 21V246 and Timing chain stretch can set cam/crank correlation codes — bulletin 12-06-01-009F. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 8 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls9 recalls
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015. Due to a manufacturing defect, the windshield wiper motor may overheat when used.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
SEATS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured November 6, 2015, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a the third row left lower seat frame that may have welds that are not in the correction location.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Chevrolet Traverse problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse has 8 documented issues. Documented issues include: Front outer seat belt anchor cable can fatigue and separate — recall 14V266, High-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing reduced power or a stall (owner reports), Steering rack fluid leakage — owner reports. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse has 8 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Front outer seat belt anchor cable can fatigue and separate — recall 14V266 and High-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing reduced power or a stall (owner reports) and Steering rack fluid leakage — owner reports and Roof-rail airbag weld nuts may be damaged, out of position or missing — recall 21V246 and Timing chain stretch can set cam/crank correlation codes — bulletin 12-06-01-009F. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 2009-2014 Chevrolet Traverse Front outer seat belt anchor cable can fatigue and separate — recall 14V266?
The flexible steel cable that connects the safety belt to the vehicle at the outside of the front outboard seating positions can fatigue and separate over time as a result of occupant movement into the seat. In a crash, a separated cable could increase the risk of injury to the o… Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse High-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing reduced power or a stall (owner reports)?
Owners report the high-pressure fuel pump on the 3.6L V6 failing: at highway speed the engine dropped into reduced power ("limp mode"), or the vehicle stalled and would not restart. Applies to: 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse with the 3.6L V6 (owner reports here are from 2009 and 20… Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse Steering rack fluid leakage — owner reports?
Owners of first-generation Traverse vehicles report steering-fluid leaks and steering noise. Opened reports for 2010 and 2011 describe dealer findings of rack leakage and proposed or completed rack replacement. These reports do not prove the same internal fault, frequency or repa… Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse Roof-rail airbag weld nuts may be damaged, out of position or missing — recall 21V246?
One or two of the weld nuts that secure the right or left roof-rail airbag to the vehicle might be damaged, out of position, or missing, because repairs flagged during assembly may not have been performed or may have been performed improperly. If the roof-rail airbag is not prope… Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse Timing chain stretch can set cam/crank correlation codes — bulletin 12-06-01-009F?
Worn (stretched) timing chains on the 3.6L High Feature V6 can set DTCs P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018 and/or P0019, and GM released timing chain service kits for the repair. Applies to: 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse with the 3.6L LLT V6 (GM bulletin 12-06-01-009F also lists ot… Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse Power liftgate struts can wear and the liftgate can fall — recall 15V415?
The gas struts that hold the power liftgate up are oriented so dirt can get between the piston rod and the guiding bushing, which can wear them prematurely, and the liftgate's Prop Rod Recovery software may be unable to detect or stop a liftgate with worn struts from falling too… Severity: medium.
What is the 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 can use oil between changes without a visible leak (owner reports)?
Owners report the 3.6L V6 using oil between oil changes with no visible leak; one owner reports the engine running out of oil and stopping. Applies to: 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse with the 3.6L V6 (owner reports here are from 2009, 2011 and 2012 models). Summarized from the owne… Severity: medium.
What is the 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse Water pump shaft seal can leak when coolant runs low — bulletin 13079?
The water pump shaft seal on the 3.6L V6 may leak, and GM says these leaks are often due to driving with a low engine coolant level. GM says keeping the coolant at the proper level will increase shaft seal reliability. Applies to: 2009–2013 Chevrolet Traverse with the 3.6L LLT V6… Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.