Tl* 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…
2012 Chevrolet Traverse engine problems
moderate 55 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
55
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 55 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 55 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
My wife was driving on the highway when it lost significant power and started rattling violently. She was able to pull into a business parking lot. Stabilitrak system, traction control, check engine lights all came on. After sitting for about 10 minutes, it started back up with less violent shaking but still with reduced power, she was able to 'limp' to the pellegrino dealership in…
Tl* 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…
Had engine trouble with your 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 55 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 49 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 82,000 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 100,238. A quarter of owners report trouble before 82,000; a quarter make it past 115,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Chevrolet/Traverse.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.