Are there any recalls on a 2012 Traverse?

Yes. There have been recalls affecting some 2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles, but whether your specific SUV is impacted depends on its VIN. Verifying recall status requires checking the vehicle’s VIN against official recall databases.

This article explains how to confirm recall status for a 2012 Traverse, what kinds of issues have led to recalls in this model year, and what to do if a recall applies to your vehicle. You’ll learn where to look for reliable information and how to proceed with repairs at no cost to you.

Current recall status and how to verify

How to verify recalls by VIN

To confirm whether your specific vehicle is affected, use the VIN to search official recall databases from government and the manufacturer. The following steps guide you through a VIN-based check and what to expect from the results.

• Check the NHTSA VIN look-up: Visit the SaferCar.gov recall lookup, enter your 17-character VIN, and review any open recalls or campaigns tied to your vehicle. You can sign up for recall alerts and contact the dealer if a recall is listed.


• Check GM’s Owner Center: Create or sign in to your GM Owner Center account, register your Traverse, and view recall information and service campaigns tied to your vehicle’s VIN. Some recalls may require dealer service.


• Contact a Chevrolet dealer with your VIN: Provide the VIN to a local dealership; they can pull the official GM compliance data and confirm whether any recalls are active for your car and schedule repairs if needed.


• Be mindful of recall notices versus non-recall service campaigns: Distinguish official recalls from general service advisories, since only recalls qualify for free remedy under safety regulations.

Verifying recalls by VIN helps ensure you aren’t relying on outdated or third-party postings. If an open recall is found, you should act promptly to arrange the approved remedy.

What to do if a recall is identified

Once a recall is identified for your 2012 Traverse, the next steps typically involve scheduling a free repair with an authorized dealer. Here are the usual actions to take and what you can expect from the process.

• Contact the dealer to schedule service: Provide the VIN and recall campaign number to book the repair at no cost to you. Bring any recall paperwork you receive.


• Prepare for the service visit: Expect a diagnostic check related to the recall issue and a repair timeframe that varies by campaign and parts availability.


• Confirm coverage and warranty terms: Recall remedies are funded by the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s recall program, so you should not be charged for the recall repair.


• Follow up after service: If the issue persists or you notice new symptoms after a recall repair, contact the dealer again or file a follow-up with the manufacturer or NHTSA.

Acting on an open recall is important for safety and reliability. If a recall is confirmed, proceed with the official remedy as soon as possible.

Common recall topics for the 2012 Traverse

The 2012 Traverse has been part of broader recall campaigns that affected similar GM Lambda-platform vehicles. While not every vehicle experiences these issues, the most frequently reported recall categories for this era include ignition/electrical system concerns, airbag inflator recalls, and certain fuel or steering-related campaigns. Vehicle-by-vehicle results depend on the VIN and production date.

Typical recall categories that have affected Traverse models

Below are broad recall themes that have appeared in the GM recall landscape over the years for this class of vehicles. This list is intended to give context and is not a guarantee that any specific 2012 Traverse has an open campaign.

• Ignition switch and electrical system recalls, which can affect power loss or stalling and related safety concerns.


• Airbag inflator recalls (including Takata-related campaigns), connected to airbag deployment safety campaigns across multiple GM models.


• Fuel system-related recalls or fuel pump concerns that could affect engine performance or starting reliability.


• Steering and braking-related campaigns, including electronic stability and assist system components where applicable.

As with all recalls, verification by VIN is essential to determine whether any of these categories apply to your vehicle and what remedies are required.

Summary

Recalls have affected some 2012 Traverse vehicles, but the applicability is VIN-specific. To know for sure, check your VIN against official recall databases such as the NHTSA recall lookup and GM’s Owner Center, or consult a Chevrolet dealer. If an open recall is found, the remedy is typically performed free of charge. Regularly verify recall status, especially if you’ve recently purchased a used Traverse or have recently become aware of a campaign.

What is the most common problem with a 2012 Chevy Traverse?

The most common problems with the 2012 Chevy Traverse include transmission issues, timing chain failure, and engine problems like excessive oil consumption. Other frequent complaints involve power steering failure, air conditioning system malfunctions, and electrical problems, such as issues with the stability control system and alternator failure. 
Engine and drivetrain 

• Timing chain failure: A significant and well-documented problem, particularly as the vehicle approaches or surpasses 100,000 miles. This can cause the engine to make noise and lose power. 
• Engine failure: Related to timing chain issues, owners have reported sudden engine failure and stalling. 
• Excessive oil consumption: Some owners report the engine consumes an unusual amount of oil. 
• Transmission issues: Problems include slipping between gears, hard shifting, and other performance issues, potentially due to worn clutch plates or low fluid. 

This video discusses common problems with the 2012 Chevy Traverse, including timing chain failure: 58sHOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKSYouTube · Mar 31, 2021
Electrical and accessories

• Electrical system failure: Various electrical problems have been reported, including issues with the alternator, wiring harnesses, and the electronic stability control system warning lights. 
• Battery drain/stalling: Owners have experienced unexpected battery drain and intermittent stalling. 
• Air conditioning (A/C): The A/C system is a known weak point, with failures like the compressor blowing out around 100,000 miles or the system suddenly stopping working. 
• Power steering: The power steering system is prone to failure, leading to a loss of power assist and making steering difficult. 

This video demonstrates how to diagnose and fix power steering issues in a Chevy Traverse: 50sAdventure Gear TVYouTube · Jul 4, 2022
Other problems

• EVAP system: Issues with the evaporative emissions system (EVAP) purge valve are reported.
• Front struts: Some owners have experienced issues with the front struts.
• Window switch: The master window switch has been reported to malfunction.
• Tailgate: Problems with the "strong arm" or tailgate assist have been noted. 

How to check recall on Chevy Traverse?

You can check for any open recalls on your Chevrolet Traverse by entering its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or license plate number into the RepairPal Safety Recall Checker above.

What parts are being recalled on the Chevy Traverse?

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.

Is there any recall on a 2012 Chevy Traverse?

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.