Timing chain and StabiliTrak warnings
The 2012 Traverse has about 415 complaints per 100,000 sold, well above average. Engine faults with StabiliTrak warnings and reduced power lead the list.
Updated November 2026 · based on 354 owner complaints and 5 recalls
414 1.6x the Traverse average
5 free to fix at a dealer
Every Traverse year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2012 Traverse
Top problems and what they cost
Stretched timing chain
Check engine and StabiliTrak warnings with reduced power.
Fix: Timing chains $1,500 to $2,500
Engine
Power steering failure
Steering pump or rack faults make the wheel heavy.
Fix: Pump $400 to $700; rack $1,000 to $1,800
Steering
Liftgate strut recall
Recall 15V415 covers the liftgate struts.
Fix: Free under recall
Structure
Recalls
If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.
If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.
Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.
IF THIS OCCURS, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
- Ask for timing chain replacement records.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.Owners filed 79 complaints about timing chain and "Service StabiliTrak" power loss on the 2012 Traverse, one of the worst years for it.
- Confirm recalls 14V118, 14V266, 15V415 and 21V246 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2012 Traverse has 5 recalls on record, listed below.
- Watch for StabiliTrak or check engine warnings.Warning lights should come on briefly at start and then go out. One that stays on means the car has stored a fault, and a parts store can read the code for free.48 of the 354 owner complaints about the 2012 Traverse involve the electrical system (14%).
Questions
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?
Timing chain and StabiliTrak warnings. The 2012 Traverse has about 415 complaints per 100,000 sold, well above average. Engine faults with StabiliTrak warnings and reduced power lead the list.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse have?
5 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Traverse problems?
Stretched timing chain; Power steering failure; Liftgate strut recall.
Crash rating shown for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.