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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Chevrolet Traverse powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse have filed 43 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 89,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
43
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Traverse | 46 |
| 2010 Traverse | 52 |
| 2011 Traverse | 70 |
| 2012 Traverse (this page) | 43 |
| 2013 Traverse | 24 |
| 2014 Traverse | 35 |
| 2015 Traverse | 20 |
| 2016 Traverse | 33 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 43 powertrain complaints filed for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 43 powertrain 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 powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Traverse has a sprawling set of powertrain and electrical issues that owners describe as unpredictable and unsafe. The most dangerous complaint is sudden loss of engine power without warning—the vehicle drops to 20–30 mph mid-highway or in traffic, with warning lights flashing (traction control, stabilitrak, check engine). Owners report no acceleration despite flooring the pedal, violent shuddering, and sometimes door locks unlocking randomly. A restart temporarily fixes it, but the problem recurs, sometimes getting worse. GM dealers have replaced batteries, transmission control modules, fuel control modules, throttle bodies, and ECMs—costs from $400 to $5,500—yet many owners report the issue coming back.
Transmission problems are equally common: shuddering, slipping, harsh shifts, stalling mid-intersection, and in one case a fractured 35R plate requiring full replacement. Owners also report timing chain stretch at mileages from 49k to 153k, causing rough running and power loss. GM issued a service bulletin for 2007–2009 models (10 years/120k warranty), but refuses to cover 2012 models despite identical engines and complaints.
Electrical gremlins include battery drain, internal fuse box corrosion from sunroof drainage leaking into the glove box (GM called it a known issue but denied coverage), and repeated light-bulb failures. One owner experienced brake lock-up on all four wheels without warning and multiple independent shops couldn't diagnose it. Owners describe this Traverse as a "death trap" and report feeling unsafe driving it.
Same Chevrolet Traverse powertrain reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Reduced Engine Power / Limp Mode with Stabilitrak and Traction Control Warnings
Vehicle enters reduced power mode (limp mode), limiting speed to 20–30 mph, with multiple warning lights (traction control, stabilitrak, check engine) and no acceleration response. Often requires restart to regain normal power. Occurs suddenly without warning, sometimes multiple times, and can persist or worsen over time. Some owners report the vehicle shudders, jumps, or jerks violently during these episodes.
When: Occurs at various mileages and speeds; some owners report it starting in the 40k–50k range, others at 100k+ miles. Incidents range from early vehicle life to later years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt deceleration to 20–30 mph; Check engine light, traction control light, stabilitrak warning illuminated; No acceleration despite pressing pedal; high RPM at low speed; Vehicle shudders, jumps, or jerks violently; Door locks may lock/unlock erratically; Requires restart to restore normal operation (temporary fix)
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0496, P0019, P0018, Loss of communication errors, Camshaft correlation error
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealers replacing battery ($400), TCM (transmission control module) reprogramming or replacement ($1,700–$5,500), fuel control module, accelerator pedal, accelerator sensor, crank position sensor, throttle body, and ECM. Some repairs temporary; issue often recurs. One owner reported O2 sensor reset cleared codes temporarily.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged throttle body as a known issue in some cases (extended warranty offered to some customers), but refused coverage on some vehicles citing different manufacturing facility. GM has service bulletins and extended coverage for 2007–2009 models with timing chain issues (10 years/120k miles), but has not extended to 2012 model year despite similar complaints.
Transmission Shudder, Slipping, and Harsh Shifts
Transmission shudders, slips, or jerks violently during acceleration, deceleration, or downshifting. Vehicle may be stuck in a specific gear, unable to shift properly, or fail to respond when shifting into reverse or drive. Some owners report stalling during gear engagement or merging onto highways.
When: Reported at mileages ranging from 75,500 miles to 140k+ miles. Some issues appear early in vehicle ownership (after 100k miles on used vehicles); others develop over time with regular driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shuddering or jerking during acceleration or deceleration; Transmission appears stuck in lower or higher gear; Slipping sensation; difficulty maintaining speed; Stalling during downshift or at intersections; Hard, slamming engagement when shifting into gear; No response when shifting into reverse
Codes mentioned: TCM communication errors, Loss of communication errors
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite transmission rebuild, torque converter replacement, new transmission installation ($4,400–full replacement costs not always stated), clutch plate and valve replacement ($4,400 quoted), 35R plate fracture requiring full transmission replacement, and TCM solenoid replacement. One owner noted $4,400 quote for clutch plates and valves.
Timing Chain Wear and Stretch
Timing chain stretches or fails, causing engine to run rough, lose power, and hesitate on acceleration. Check engine light illuminates. GM issued service bulletin 11340B for 2007–2009 models with 3.6L engine (10 years/120k mile extended warranty), but has not applied coverage to 2012 models despite identical engine and complaints.
When: Reported at mileages ranging from 49,300 miles to 153,350 miles. One owner required replacement at 141,464 miles (second timing chain replacement). Issues can recur even after replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine runs rough, especially at cold start; Check engine light illuminated; Loss of power on acceleration; sputtering; Engine bogging down; inability to maintain highway speeds; Ticking or whining noise from engine; Excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 1,000 miles)
Codes mentioned: Crank/cam shaft correlation codes
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite timing chain replacement costs of $2,000–$3,400+. One owner had timing chain and actuators replaced at 141,464 miles and again required replacement within service interval. Another owner reports GM extended coverage ended in 2017, denying warranty coverage on vehicles outside the 10-year/120k window.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued TSB 11340B for 2007–2009 models only. Refuses to extend coverage to 2012 and later model years despite identical 3.6L engine. One owner requested investigation to include additional model years, noting widespread complaints in Traverse Facebook groups.
Electrical System Faults and Corrosion
Electrical system instability, battery failures, corrosion inside fuse box (attributed to sunroof drainage leaking into glove box), and repeated component replacement. One owner reported internal fuse box corrosion from poor sunroof drainage that GM acknowledged as a known issue but claimed the specific VIN was not affected.
When: Corrosion issue identified around mileage unknown; battery replacements and electrical component failures reported multiple times across vehicle ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights flashing or cycling on/off erratically; Door locks locking and unlocking randomly; Headlights and brake lights burning out repeatedly every few months; Instruments going on/off or becoming unresponsive; Battery drain or battery failures; Corrosion visible inside fuse box
Codes mentioned: Loss of communication errors
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report battery replacement ($400), multiple light bulb replacements, ECM replacement under warranty, fuel control module replacement, and frequent component replacements due to electrical contamination. One owner replaced battery multiple times and eventually traced issue to sunroof drainage and internal fuse box corrosion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged sunroof drainage issue as a known problem but refused to cover repair on affected vehicles, claiming specific VINs were not affected despite evidence of the failure.
Throttle Body and ECM Faults
Throttle body malfunction or ECM fault causes reduced engine power and limp mode. One owner reported GM acknowledging this as a known issue in some 2012 models, with extended warranty offered to some customers, but refusing coverage on others due to different manufacturing facility.
When: Mileage at failure not consistently reported; one owner experienced failure at 70 mph on highway.
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced engine power without warning; Vehicle enters limp mode and slows to 20–30 mph; Traction control and stabilitrak warnings illuminate; Check engine light on; Inability to accelerate despite pedal input
Codes mentioned: Check engine light codes
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports throttle body replacement recommended; dealers quote and repair vary. Extended warranty coverage denied on one vehicle despite being the same error as known issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged throttle body as a known issue in some 2012 Traverse models and offered extended warranty coverage in some cases. However, coverage was denied in at least one case where owner was told the throttle body was manufactured at a different facility than others, despite the same error code and symptoms.
Transmission Lurch and Backlash
Vehicle lurches forward 4–6 inches when brakes are applied and transmission is shifted to park on any surface. Excessive backlash and drivetrain noise, sometimes described as clunking. One dealer stated GM issued service bulletin recommending no repair because noise is typical, despite not occurring in first 20,000 miles of ownership.
When: Reported at unknown mileage but referenced as occurring after 20,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lurches forward 4–6 inches when park is engaged; Loud clunk heard during gear engagement; Excessive drivetrain backlash and noise; Nearly caused front-end collisions; Occurs on all road surfaces (flat, incline, etc.)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had TCM control solenoid replaced and TCM reprogrammed. Dealer cited GM service bulletin recommending no repair for drivetrain noise, claiming it is typical.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued service bulletin stating drivetrain backlash noise is typical and recommends no repair. Owner disputes this, noting the noise did not occur in first 20,000 miles of ownership.
Stalling without Warning
Vehicle stalls suddenly while driving at various speeds, sometimes lasting a few seconds before resuming, other times requiring restart. Stalls occur at traffic lights, intersections, and during merging.
When: Reported at mileages ranging from around 75,500 miles to 139,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stall without warning; Stall lasts seconds to longer periods; Occurs at stop lights, intersections, during merging, or while driving; Engine may resume on its own or require restart
Repairs/costs cited: One owner was told stall was due to defective battery; battery replaced but failure recurred. Another owner reports transmission issue diagnosed; vehicle not repaired.
Fuel System and Emissions Issues
Raw gasoline smell in cabin, stuck-open evap purge solenoid, fuel control module faults, and low fuel volume codes. Owners report fuel smell especially during cold starts or when limp mode is active.
When: Not consistently reported; one case cited evap solenoid issue with no specific mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Strong raw gasoline smell in cabin, especially on cold start; Check engine light illuminated (P0300, P0496 codes); Fuel smell during acceleration or limp mode; Low fuel volume diagnostic codes
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0496, Low fuel volume codes
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had fuel injectors replaced (injectors 1, 3, 5 found out of spec). Owners tried premium fuel and fuel treatments without resolution. One owner cited fuel control module as likely culprit.
Engine Oil Loss and Valve Cover Gasket Failure
Engine consumes oil excessively and valve cover gaskets fail, causing cabin to fill with smoke. Oil pan gasket also leaks at low mileage.
When: Valve cover gasket failure reported at 127,691 miles; oil pan gasket leak reported under 90,000 miles. Excessive oil consumption noted at mileages with long trips.
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 1,000 miles on long trips); Cabin fills with smoke due to valve cover gasket failure; Oil pan gasket leaking; Engine runs rough
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had valve cover gaskets replaced; oil pan gasket replacement recommended but not completed at time of report.
Power Steering System Leaks
Power steering gear leaks and requires replacement, not covered under warranty. One owner notes similar issue occurred on 2010 Tahoe but was covered under bumper-to-bumper warranty, suggesting inconsistent coverage.
When: Reported at 32,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid leaking
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering gear replacement cost cited as $1,500, not covered under warranty.
Brake Lock-Up and ABS Malfunction
All four wheels and brakes lock up suddenly while driving, causing wheels to scrub, rotors to overheat, and vehicle to stop moving. No warning before onset. Dealership and independent mechanics unable to diagnose or resolve.
When: Reported approximately 2 weeks after purchase of used vehicle (April 2020); issue persisted through 2021 despite transmission service.
Symptoms owners cite: All four wheels lock simultaneously without warning; Rotors release excessive smoke from friction; Vehicle unable to move forward or backward; No control of brakes; unable to release lock; Traction control warnings may appear
Codes mentioned: ABS-related codes (not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission service performed in attempt to resolve issue; ineffective. Multiple dealerships and independent shops unable to diagnose root cause.
Synthesized from 43 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
This incident occurred twice. Driving down the freeway at freeway speeds, a loud clunk was heard, the vehicle jerked, check engine light appeared, check stabilitrax and traction control messages appeared and stabilitrax disabled, speedometer remained frozen at speed this incident occurred. While driving to safe location to stop, vehicle appeared to be stuck in a specific gear that is lower than…
The car stuttered while driving in reverse and first gear. She backed out of a parking space and the vehicle started shuttering immediately. She then put it in drive and it started shuttering violently and was only able to drive at 10 miles per hour. Even at that speed it was still shuttering. Brought it to the dealership and the quoted that the clutch plates and valves needed to be replaced at a…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 43 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 33 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 55,000 and 104,939 miles, with the median around 89,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,000; a quarter make it past 104,939. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.