Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
88,572 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2012 Chevrolet Traverse Owner Comments (Page 5 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #32

Mar 232018

Traverse

  • 128,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car loses power and will not start. Advance auto diagnostic timing chain

- Clear Fork, WV, USA

problem #31

Mar 232018

Traverse

  • 53,000 miles
While driving on a 50 mph road in my 2012 Traverse the car suddenly slowed. The messages "traction control off", "engine power is reduced", "service traction control", and "service stabilitrak" came on. The sudden deceleration for apparently no reason was incredibly dangerous as well. I started the car and drove it 10 minutes later, with the same issue occurring.

- Eagan, MN, USA

problem #30

Jan 262018

Traverse

  • 87,752 miles
While driving up an incline the car suddenly was unable to maintain speed. It couldn't maintain speed above 40-45 mph. This occurred on a freeway with no place to pull over. I was able to bring it to my local mechanic who diagnosed several engine codes (poo18 & poo19) and recommended taking it to the dealer as this repair was beyond their capabilities. Car was towed to dealer where is was diagnosed with stretched timing chains, timing off by 2 teeth, shoes & guides worn out, & 2 actuators will not park. Invoice for repairs were for $4461.57. The vehicle is 6 years old and had approximately 87K miles when the incident occurred. Due to car being purchased used, expired warranty, manufacturer refused reimbursement for repairs despite hundreds of similar complaints for this engine model.

- El Granada, CA, USA

problem #29

Mar 112018

Traverse

  • 62,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

"takata recall" when I was driving home I had my check engine light come on and the traction control disengaged and the same time. It also reduced engine power (it also said it was on the dash board) however with no warning started to slow too quickly while I was dribing down street which speed limit is 50 mph. As I had another vehicle behind me who had to switch quickly to next lane. Once I made it home I did some research on this issue and their hundreds of complaints of the same problem... I never seen so many of the same issue with the same manufacturer... I have 3 children and are mostly with me when I'm on the road. Luckily I left them home this time. And no one got hurt. However, this is a major safety concern...I strongly believe if this would have happen on my way to work during rush hour on the highway. I would have had a different outcome. Please look in to this a.S.a.P.

- Lorain, OH, USA

problem #28

Feb 282018

Traverse

  • 86,000 miles
The vehicle has 86K miles and is 6 years old. Over the past few weeks we have noticed a similar issue as others I have read about. The traction control light goes on....the doors lock/unlock....and the engine essentially decelerates from 60+ down to 30-40 mph quickly. I have heard that the throttle body may need to be replaced. We are going to try that and if that works, great. If it doesn't, not going to get another Chevy. This is dangerous...and could eventually cause serious injury or death.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #27

Jun 202016

Traverse

  • 48,500 miles
Problem started at 48,000 miles engine misfires, drops power when traveling at high rate of speed, service airbag, service stabilizer warning messages come up on dashboard along with all warning lights. Extremely dangerous when traveling and reduced power occurs. Chevrolet and service dealership are not standing behind vehicle and cannot find issue to repair the vehicle. I feel as though there needs to be a recall as this could cause a deadly accident when dropping to two engine cylinders while driving

- Barto, PA, USA

problem #26

Nov 302017

Traverse

  • 107,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving approximately 55 mph, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain was stretched and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal noise coming from the engine while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000. The VIN was not available.

- Oak Creek, WI, USA

problem #25

Oct 312017

Traverse

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer john paul's Buick GMC located at 3615 S 108th St greenfield wi 53228 where it was diagnosed that the timing belt was stretched and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 140,000.

- South Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #24

Sep 252017

Traverse

  • 90,000 miles
Our 2012 Chevy Traverse 5 year, 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty expires 11/15/2017. Our 2012 Chevy Traverse had an engine failure. Also brake failure. I was told by the service dept from the dealer that the issue was a part fell into the piston. Manufacturers warranty is 5 year 100,000 miles, we have 90,000 miles and our 5 year isn't up unitl Nov 15, 2017. Dealer service made us provide 3 receipts from the maintenance shop, then required receipts up til 2015 when we last used the dealer service. Because the receipts all did not list the VIN # or license plate they will not honor the warranty. I told the service manager you are more than welcome to contact the maintenance shop yourself to confirm the car that was serviced was the car in question. They refused and refuse to honor the 5 year, 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty. Please help, we need this car for transporting our children to and from school, etc

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #23

Oct 172017

Traverse

  • 72,200 miles
My 2012 Chevrolet Traverse with 72,000 miles is experiencing the same issue as many other Chevrolet vehicles regarding V6 timing chain. Check engine light comes on with code P0016 P0017. Since I purchased my vehicle in December of 2011, I'm over the 5 year portion of the warranty and the 2012 Traverse is not included in the customer service program extending the warranty on vehicles with the same engine to 10 years / 120,000 miles. Chevrolet needs to be made to recall vehicles they made with this issue.

- Morristown, NJ, USA

problem #22

Jun 152017

Traverse

  • 112,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought the car 12/2015. When the engine stopped on me on 1-95 with my children and I, we were terrified. During a service in 2/2016, I found out there was a 20,000 mile discrepancy. They supposedly fixed the engine but the A/C was not covered in the standard warranty. Since then, I bought my car to autonation in aprox. 12 times. Last time, I bought the car over in may, I dropped in off because my car was shaking, gas was coming out the pipe and then it stopped and received my car back over 24 hours later. When I picked my car back, I received a estimate of atleast $3,000 and was told if I were to get the certain repairs done to the car, it does not mean that, my car would stop having the problem, when the car stops. Again, this month, my car did the same thing and the trunk door would not stay open, I have to hold the door up with my hands. Then I took it somewhere else, that repair center, stated that my computer has problems, I need a new condenser and compressor.

- Boynton Beach, FL, USA

problem #21

Jun 062017

Traverse

  • 133,000 miles
2012 Chevrolet Traverse engine knocking noise. Thought is was rod knocking but know believe it to be timing chain. Vehicle is out of warranty and does not run. Chevrolet need to recall these engines and fix these timing chains.

- New Athens, IL, USA

problem #20

May 272017

Traverse

  • 80,000 miles
Experienced an issue with reduced engine power/stabilitrak/traction off. This happened suddenly without warning while I was headed home work.engine reving unable to move at normal speed I took it to the dealership & was told it was 3 broken wires on the tcm. Got the truck back and all seemed ok, then less than 1 week later after pulling out of my driveway chmes started dinging, check engine light started flashing, traction contol light came on, dic showed "service stibilitrack" and "service traction control" it is at the dealership now...

- Great Valley, NY, USA

problem #19

Feb 232016

Traverse

  • 100,750 miles
Engine issues appeared around 80K miles. Started as a pinging sound when driving one day, within 20 minutes and without warning, check engine light was on and power was very limited. Was driving on a two lane road and was able to immediately pull over, could have been a much different situation if this occurred on the highway or in a high traffic area. Had the car towed to the dealer who reported engine failure and "replaced 2 rods." Covered under power train warranty. Not even 1 year later, at 100,750 miles, the engine failed again. Same sound when pulling out of the driveway. Immediately parked and had car towed again. Dealer stated that it is no longer within the 100,000 power train mile warranty and will cost upwards of $5,900 to repair. Vehicle was serviced in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

- Johnstown, PA, USA

problem #18

Apr 222017

Traverse

  • 138,000 miles
Vehicle was traveling apx 25 mph and slowing for a right turn. Car died in busy traffic at intersection on a city street. No warning lights, no oil light and no engine light. Restarted vehicle and it sounded horrible and had no power. Took it into a shop to find the engine had failed due to improper oil pressure. Spun rod bearing, and timing chain failure. Car ran perfect before this incident and I adhered to oil change schedule. I still owe $20,000 on it! GM and Chevy will not help, even tho I bought from a Chevy dealership. Also had to replace power steering pump twice in a year. Blower motor quit working and wiper motor. After researching online, I find to these to be extremely common issues. There was a recall for timing chain and engine failure in 2009 to 2011, then again in 2013 but not 2012" why Chevy"! cost to fix: $9,926. Almost half of what I owe on a vehicle ive had a year.

- Cedar Rapids, IA, USA

problem #17

Nov 282016

Traverse

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 mph, the oil pressure low indicator illuminated then the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic that diagnosed the vehicle as having an engine failure due to oil not transferring from the reservoirs to the engine and metal being present. The vehicle was taken to two other independent mechanics and the dealer. The diagnostic testing results were all the same. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

- Butler, IN, USA

problem #16

Mar 042017

Traverse

  • 96,000 miles
We were driving the vehicle with two small infants in the car going 70 mph on the highway when suddenly the vehicle went into limp mode and rapidly lost speed, causing us to swerve into the ditch and other cars behind us slamming on their brakes. The check engine light, traction control light, and stability control light went on. Engine was running rough and needed to be shut off and turned back on in order to restart the vehicle to normal function. The vehicle was brought into a Chevrolet dealership where it was determined that the vehicle needs a new throttle body. After contacting General Motors, we were told this is a known issue with the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, and in some cases an extended warranty has been given. We were then told that our vehicle does not fit that description because the throttle body was made in a different facility as the others. This is the exact same error as the known issue but General Motors is refusing to take any action. This is an extremely dangerous issue that needs to be rectified immediately in order to prevent serious injury.

- Big Lake, MN, USA

problem #15

Jan 262017

Traverse

  • 113,000 miles
I am second owner I got it with 60K miles on it, I stil have to paid 10K to the bank for my Traverse and now the timing chain why me!!! car has 113K miles on it. My Traverse looks brand new I take good care of it. This is my family car please help!😢

- Farmington Hills, MI, USA

problem #14

Dec 302016

Traverse

  • 71,103 miles
I was driving 70mph on the interstate (with my 4 children in tow) my cel, service stabilitrac and reduced engine power lights came on. My speed was reduced to around 45mph. I had two semis behind me, the one directly behind me had to get over very quickly to avoid rear ending me. I put on my hazards and took the next exit approximately 7 miles ahead. Once off the interstate I shut off my vehicle, waited two minutes then restarted, lights and messages still on. I proceeded to drive but could only go around 45mph while my vehicle was not wanting to go. I parked it at work then at lunch I drove it on city streets at 35mph. I parked it again at my work. When I got off I started the car and started driving, no lights or messages. I proceeded to drive to the interstate on my way home. When my vehicle hit 60mph the same thing happened, luckily no vehicles behind me. I got off the interstate and drive 45mph the rest of the way home. My vehicle was parked for a few days. After starting again the same lights and messages appeared. I contacted my dealer and was told my vehicle was not part of the special coverage for this exact issue. I contacted Chevy customer service and was told my VIN/year was not part of the issue and there was nothing they could do knowing this is a known issue and was one of the scariest moments of my life.

- Glenwood, IA, USA

problem #13

Mar 152015

Traverse

  • 82,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving various speeds, the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the faulty sensors were replaced; however, the failure recurred and the headlights stopped working. The contact had to drive with the high beams activated. The manufacturer did not offer any assistance, except to refer the contact back to the dealer and NHTSA. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was 82,000. The VIN was not provided.

- Acme, PA, USA

Read the next 12 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?