Print this page

2.0

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
78,606 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 electrical problems

electrical 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 1 of 3)

problem #42

Oct 142023

Traverse

  • miles

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

The head front left head light has had to be replaced 3 times in 3 months same for the left turn signal. Another issue I have is each time I put gas in, the car gets stuck trying to turn over Until I pump the gas.

- Blue Springs, MO, USA

problem #41

Oct 232022

Traverse

  • miles
I have not had any accidents.

- Shelbyville, TN, USA

problem #40

May 152022

Traverse

  • miles
First I already had to rebuild the transmission which is showing the beginning signs of failing again. Then around the same time I started having another issue that I find a lot scarier as the driver. It started giving me severely Reduced engine power, traction control off and stabilitrak messages with the ABS warning light lit up like a Christmas tree. This is by far the most dangerous of any issue I've ever experienced with all of my vehicles I've ever owned. It starts with a huge jump I cant stop or control to a car behind me it seems like I'm really getting on it and speeding up. But in a split second too quick for any human to process what is happening it just drops out big time. It then wont go above roughly 30 mph and the engine is revving very high to even get it to that. All the while it is heavily shuddering and jumping back and forth at a very fast rate and it does this with a high force to it. I have no control over it either. Before I could hit traction control off and it would all stop. However today it did this again for the first time in a long time and man was it 20 times worse than anything I had ever seen before. By the time I decided to turn back and go home (which I wasn't any further than a half mile into my drive to begin with) I made it maybe another quarter block and that is when the bottom fell out. It stopped moving at all at that point. Nothing we did to correct it that had totally controlled it in the past would help for the first time. In the end my husband hooked an o2 sensor to it and reset the codes and now it's back to driving beautifully. The reason I feel this needs recalled is it's a huge danger to myself and anyone else around me. When this starts you have no prior warning what so ever and then bam your all the sudden in a car that is jumping back and forth and its visible to other drivers then its starting like it's going to really go but it malfunctions so fast no one behind you would have time to react to such a sudden drop.

- High Point, NC, USA

problem #39

May 132020

Traverse

  • miles

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

UNKNOWN, I first bought my Chevy Traverse Ltz in April of 2020, and about 2 weeks of driving it, I noticed that all(4)of my wheels/brakes instantly locked up while driving in traffic, almost causing a pile-up collision. The rotors and brakes releases alot of smoke as the wheels scrub and the suv doesn't move forward nor backward. I reported it to the car lot/dealership where i purchased it from and was told to take it to a certain auto shop. I arrived there, just to be told that he doesn't fix those type of problems. The dealership where i bought it from didn't look at it either. So, from that time til now in 2021, I have been dealing with the same exact problems being terrified with my children in the car, not knowing if/when the next time the wheels lock up for no reason, if it will be fatal for me and my children or other drivers. I've contacted GM about it, taken it to Chevy dealership a few times, even a couple of auto shops, and no one seems to know what the problem is. I recently had the transmission serviced to see if that was the issue and turns out, it wasn't. I don't know what to do, I am still financing it and the warranty only covers the transmission and engine, half the cost of the repair and the other half is my responsibility it states. I've been trying to prevent any fatal accidents best I can, sometimes by not driving it at all and having to ride with family members and friends. I was recently told by my warranty company that there is pretty much nothing they can do about it.

- Brown Deer, WI, USA

problem #38

Apr 302021

Traverse

  • 165 miles
Dash is throwing different codes such as service and check traction control, stabilitrack, air bag, and at times while driving it will say reduced engine power and my foot would be on gas not wanting to barely move. One time I almost got hit. Other several times I was able to pull over and we would have to disconnect battery wait a little and car would be ok again. I have been experiencing problems with this car that it makes me not want to drive it and thank god we have another car. I am also experiencing catalytic converter issues for the 4th time. Car feels at times like it is bogging when on gas peddle as if something had a clog in it and starts pulsating. Check engine light is also on.

- Springhill, FL, USA

problem #37

Apr 222021

Traverse

  • 129,000 miles
This car keeps shutting off due to a faulty engine switch it is unsafe as the car will just shut off while on the highway or just driving

- Coralville, IA, USA

problem #36

Apr 042021

Traverse

  • 133,000 miles

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

The traction control goes on and off. Stability trak error message. Engine power reduced. The car would not accellerate which couldve resulted in an accident. This is the 4th time this has happened since January 23, 2021. This issue on the truck needs to be recalled and resolved.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #35

Nov 012019

Traverse

  • 110,000 miles
While driving the vehicle will shudder and lose power, occasionally the vehicle will stall almost like it is attempting to grab gears while down shifting and it will cause the whole vehicle to shake, it has happened so hard I have had to exit the interstate for worry of mine and my passengers safety. The vehicle upon entering will slam into gear and when driving in rural areas the transmission even feels like it is slipping and the car will jerk back and fourth until it grabs a higher gear. I purchased the vehicle in 2018 with just over 100,000 miles and even now the vehicle is only sitting at roughly 132,000 miles and has has regular services to maintain the vehicle. Upon further investigation, the Traverse has several complaints of this same issue including older and newer vehicles, and most have resulted in torque converter/transmission replacement. The vehicle has stalled completely in the middle of intersections while attempting to downshift for take off and has also done so while attempting to merge onto the interstate. The issue was originally noticed towards the end of 2019- to early 2020 and has proceeded to get so bad we no longer trust the integrity of the vehicle for family trips or even to routine doctor appointments for fear of the vehicle stalling in heavy traffic.

- Zeigler, IL, USA

problem #34

Feb 272021

Traverse

  • 130,000 miles
After replacing every code thrown at me on my 2012 Traverse, it continues to sit in my driveway un-working. Last time I had it "repaired", while driving home from the mechanic, the check engine light came on, the vehicle started losing power with lights visibly dimming. I pulled off the freeway and pulled over and checked the battery cables. It was working fine. I get back in the vehicle to drive the rest of the way home and the traction control started toggling on and off and a check air back message came up. Just then I started feeling like I was being shocked by my driver seat!!! since the dealership or privateechamics can not figure out what is wrong with it, I had a friend get me all the information on this vehicle. There is zero recalls on my vehicle but I found a recall for the wire harness under the driver and passenger seats and also under the dash, calling to replace and splice those wires. My vehicle has the yellow harness that was recalled buy the dealership says my VIN is not included. It's been 2 yearssince all this has begun and that I have been without a reliable vehicle. (my ex who co-signed but did noy pay for it, refuses to sign the title over). Just save yourself the headache and buy non GM. You would think they would be willing to fix something that is so unsafe to it's customers. Electrical faults, engine faults causing failure while driving full speed (with my daughter in the vehicle), and fuel pressure issues leaving me stranded on multiple occasions which even helped lead to a job loss. This vehicle has put our safety and livelihood in jeopardy one too many times.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #33

Aug 222019

Traverse

  • 100,000 miles
I have been having issues with this car cutting out/stalling for 2 years now. I keep taking it in to mechanics to get it fixed and it seems to work then randomly leaves me and my daughter stranded. Sometimes it will stall once and keep going... other times it has taken me 3-4 hours to get home. I've had a major tune up done, replaced the fule pump, fuel pressure sensor, map sensor, purge valve canister, cleaned the throttle body, and replaced relays. It has stalled on freeways, and middle of rush hour traffic leaving me stuck in unsafe locations. Similar models have recalls but not mine. Guessing they pick and choose how many of their vehicles they are willing to fix.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #32

Apr 242020

Traverse

  • 113,906 miles

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

I noticed the last few days the engine of my 2012 Chevrolet Traverse was slow to start. I thought it was the battery, but it was still holding a good charge. The check engine light was not on. I was driving it at 35 mph on a rural road when the engine shut off without warning. First time it ever happened. I started the vehicle and it was slow to start. When it did, I attempted to drive it and it would shut off again immediately. Happened 3 times in a row. Every electrical component inside the vehicle was still working. I let it sit for about 2 minutes and restarted the vehicle again. I then drove it to a parking spot about 30 yds away. While doing some research, I found this to be a common problem with GMC / Chevy with the ignition switch, yet no recall.

- York, PA, USA

problem #31

Nov 032019

Traverse

  • 189,000 miles
My husband and I went to the store with our two kids just to grab some groceries. We live less than 5 miles from the grocery store. On our way home the car started shaking while idling and acted like it was going to stall out on us. We were in the middle of the intersection when the car decided to start sputtering, shaking violently and then shut off. Thankfully enough we were able to pull into a parking lot to try and figure out what happened. After multiple attempts the car finally started back up. We were not able to go above 20 mph. We found out that the fuel pump went out so we spent the $300 to replace that. Once that was replaced we thought we were in the clear. About two days later the same thing happened again except I was on the expressway doing about 70-80 mph. Same thing, was able to start it up again after multiple attempts, couldn't go above 40 mph this time. About two months ago we started having P0017, P0018, P0019 trouble codes pop up. We tried to replace the sensors and they were still popping up. We cleared them, about 5-10 minutes later they would pop back up again. Thursday the car was working fine. It was running great, no shaking, wasn't acting like it was going to stall out. The engine light was still on but we are now to the point that there is some sort of electrical issue going on. This is our only vehicle, and we have two kids and jobs to get to. We are tired of putting money into this trying to figure out what's wrong with it. My parents owned this car before we did. We are the second owners. I find it pretty convenient that everything starts to go downhill after warranty dates are up or after you hit a certain mileage. And with the strike that just happened, GM isn't wanting to take any responsibility for the fear of losing money yet again. Issue a recall or you will end up with lawsuits. Either way you will lose money. Save some lives.

- Swartz Creek, MI, USA

problem #30

Nov 062019

Traverse

  • 100,000 miles
I was driving down the road going 45 miles an hour when the engine of the Traverse just shut off while driving. I was extremely lucky that I was able to coast to a safe spot but there was no power steering. I was on a 2 lane road that gets a lot of fast traffic and was barely able to get to safety.car would not start up again but electrical was still on.traction control light lit up briefly a week before the incident. At the time of engine shut off-there were no warning lights or any indication. This is a manufacturing defect that has been well documented-so many people have complained about the exact same thing happening. I can't believe that no one is taking these vehicles off of the road! this is so crazy dangerous-someone has to do something to get these vehicles off of the road. Someone is going to get killed.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #29

Sep 272018

Traverse

  • 159,000 miles
The electric in the vehicle has shorted out and made the headlights stop working in the middle of driving home in dark. The next day the passenger side wiper stop working and you have to turn wiper on high to even get driver side wiper to work. The door locks with not unlock or lock doors as well as windows won't go up and down.

- Collinsville, OK, USA

problem #28

Apr 042014

Traverse

  • miles
I am on my 3rd engine since purchasing this vehicle. Since day 1 I have had issues with the traction control and stabilitrac. Randomly service lights come on for those as well as reduced engine power while driving. The engine has locked up on me twice. I have had numerous electrical issues with the vehicle. When the car idles or I'm stopped at a light my service lights come on. My transmission is now an issue. I have spent over 15K on repairs for a vehicle I bought for 17K..I was lied to when I purchased the vehicle being told I was the 2nd owner instead of the 5th. The passenger air bag has a code. The ac doesn't work, the heat would blow all the time even if off and on cool, now the blower doesn't work at all. The windows don't open.

- Kaiser, MO, USA

problem #27

Sep 052019

Traverse

  • 120,000 miles
While driving my computer system shuts down. First the light on my dash saying 'traction control activated' comes on, the check engine light comes on, then the computer reboots. This has happened 3 times so far and while I am driving around 70 mph down the highway. I called Chevy and they said this is normal.

- Peculiar, MO, USA

problem #26

Jun 252019

Traverse

  • miles
Flashing engine light, stabilitrack light, traction control light, all of the different codes flashing, then air conditioner blows hot, vehicle won't go forward, it just stops right there, and there is nothing you can do. It generally happens when you're driving on city streets stopping or starting.

- Acworth, GA, USA

problem #25

Jun 272019

Traverse

  • 180,000 miles
While moving the vehicle jerks as if something is going on with transmission. It has been checked and all is ok. Check engine gives codes and then they disappear. The lights flicker inside and out. These symptoms come and go. Several mechanics have checked out this vehicle and cant find anything wrong with vehicle. Also took vehicle back to Chevrolet. Also the vehicle is being illegally monitored and tracked. This could be causing all issues with vehicle.

- Loganville, GA, USA

problem #24

Feb 142019

Traverse

  • 158,000 miles
When I turn my air on and my speed limit hits 25 miles per hr my car shakes at a neighborhood street and it was really scary on the freeway cause I swerved to the right cause it was shaking so bad. Then when I let go of my gas for 5 seconds to stop the shaking it stalls and I have to push the gas pump at least 3 times to make it drive. It also smells like my gas is leaking and it is worse when I turn left or right. I'm afraid it might catch on fire. My headlights would go off for a couple of days sometimes for a week but would turn on all of a sudden and they are brand new headlights. My airbag light would go off and on every other week. Its just frustrating having this car cause there is always something different on the dash board saying something is wrong with the car.

- Glendale, AZ, USA

problem #23

Jan 232019

Traverse

  • 100,000 miles
In December of 2018 I took my car to diane sauer in Warren Ohio because the stabilizer traction control light came on and the car was driving very rough. I took it to diane sauer and service manager keith said nothing was wrong with it and didn't charge me for the diagnostic report. I took my car back in January 2019 with same problem but worse. So bad I got off the by-pass and had it towed. Diane sauer had my car for two weeks and never called about the car. I had to repeatedly call them. After two weeks they say the engine was gone. Keith told GM it was due to lack of maintenance. I provided GM and diane sauer with all receipts of my oil change. I bought that car from diane sauer brand new!!! I took care of the car and after seven years they say the engine is gone!!!! no way!!! I took great care of that car!!! diane sauer needs to stand behind their products!!!! diane sauer would not be in business without your customers who support your business!!!! stand behind your products!!!! be honest!!! the trust is gone!!!!!!

- Warren, OH, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?