2012 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse has 6 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch ($2,500-$4,500 repair) and Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX) ($1,500-$3,500 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6, the 1st gen Traverse (2009-2017) uses the GM 3.6L V6 with the same endemic timing chain stretch issue affecting CTS, SRX, and other GM 3.6L vehicles. Three timing chains with plastic guides wear prematurely between 80,000-120,000 miles. This is one of the highest-volume 3.6L applications, making it extremely common. The chain-driven water pump also fails at similar mileage.
Complete timing chain replacement with all three chains, guides, tensioners, and sprockets. Replace water pump simultaneously. Cloyes 9-0753S kit recommended. 10-14 hours labor.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse, the 3.6L V6 (LLT and LFX variants) in the first-generation Traverse is notorious for premature timing chain stretch. The engine uses three timing chains — one primary and two secondary chains driving the variable valve timing actuators. The chains stretch beyond the tensioner capacity, causing the engine timing to slip. Symptoms progress from a rattle on cold start to a check engine light with camshaft correlation codes. If ignored, the stretched chains can skip teeth, causing catastrophic engine damage. The issue typically manifests between 80,000-120,000 miles.
Replace all three timing chains, tensioners, guides, and VVT actuator solenoids. This is a major repair requiring 10-15 hours of labor because the engine must be partially removed or the front cover fully disassembled. Parts cost $300-$600 for a complete timing kit; labor runs $1,200-$2,500. Total cost: $1,500-$3,500. GM extended warranty coverage to 10 years/120,000 miles on some model years (Special Coverage 14311). Always replace all three chains together — replacing just one is false economy as the others will fail soon after.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2009-2023 Chevrolet Traverse, the 3.6L V6 in the Traverse consumes oil at a rate that many owners find unacceptable, particularly on 2009-2017 models with the LLT and LFX engine variants. Owners report consuming 1 quart every 2,000-3,000 miles. The oil consumption is related to piston ring design and the PCV system routing oil vapor back into the intake. The issue is not accompanied by visible external leaks. GM has acknowledged elevated oil consumption on the 3.6L but considers up to 1 quart per 2,000 miles within their acceptable range.
Check oil level at every fuel stop and top off as needed. Use the GM-specified dexos1 Gen 3 approved 5W-30 synthetic oil. An oil consumption test at the dealer involves measuring consumption over a set mileage interval — if it exceeds GM limits, warranty coverage may apply. For out-of-warranty vehicles, using a slightly heavier 5W-40 European-spec oil can reduce burn-off. Severe cases may require piston ring replacement ($2,500-$4,000) or valve stem seal replacement ($1,000-$2,000).
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse, the first-generation Traverse (2009-2017) develops A/C evaporator leaks that cause loss of refrigerant and warm air from the vents. The evaporator core, located inside the dashboard HVAC housing, corrodes internally due to moisture and acid buildup from the refrigerant-oil mixture. The leak is slow enough that the A/C may work fine early in summer but gradually loses cooling as refrigerant escapes over weeks. The evaporator is extremely labor-intensive to access, making this one of the most expensive A/C repairs.
The evaporator core must be replaced, which requires removing the entire dashboard assembly to access the HVAC housing — 8-12 hours of labor ($800-$1,500). The evaporator core itself costs $100-$300. Also replace the expansion valve and receiver/drier while the system is apart ($50-$100 additional). Total repair: $1,200-$2,500. As a temporary fix, a refrigerant recharge with UV dye ($100-$200) will restore cooling for weeks to months, but the leak will return. Always check for evaporator leaks before spending money on other A/C diagnostics.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse, the Traverse has one of the highest rates of AC compressor failure among midsize SUVs. Compressors seize or lose capacity often before 70,000 miles. When the compressor fails, it can send metal debris through the entire AC system, requiring replacement of the condenser, expansion valve, and system flush. Some owners report repeat failures within 8 months of repair.
Confirm the failure by checking static and running refrigerant pressures, verifying compressor clutch command/power and ground, and inspecting for noise, seizure, or metal contamination in the oil and lines. If the compressor has failed internally, replace the compressor, receiver/drier or condenser assembly (the drier is integrated on many GM systems), expansion valve/orifice components as applicable, thoroughly flush any reusable lines and evaporator, evacuate the system, and recharge with the exact specified refrigerant and PAG oil; also inspect cooling fan operation and high-side pressures so an overpressure condition does not destroy the replacement unit. If debris is present, a simple compressor swap often leads to repeat failure, so a full system cleanout is the correct repair. Typical cost is about $1,200-$2,500 for a complete repair depending on how many contaminated components must be replaced.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2009-2025 Chevrolet Traverse, the Traverse power liftgate struts lose gas pressure over time, causing the liftgate to drop slowly when opened or slam shut unexpectedly. On models with power liftgate, the electric motor can also fail, leaving the liftgate inoperative via the button. The struts typically fail between 5-8 years, with cold weather accelerating the failure as the gas charge loses pressure faster at low temperatures. A dropping liftgate is a safety concern, especially when loading cargo or with children nearby.
Replace both liftgate struts as a pair ($50-$120 for a pair of gas struts). This is a simple DIY repair — the struts have ball-socket ends that pop off with a small pry tool (15-minute job). For power liftgate models, if the electric motor has failed, the motor assembly costs $200-$500 and requires 1-2 hours of labor to replace. StrongArm and Sachs/Stabilus are quality aftermarket strut brands. Always replace both struts at the same time — they wear at the same rate.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place may chafe against the transmission case, possibly resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:FRONTAL IMPACT
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2012-2012 Chevrolet Traverse has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch, Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX), A/C Evaporator Core Leak. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2012-2012 Chevrolet Traverse has 6 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Traverse issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch, typically costs $2,500-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The 1st gen Traverse (2009-2017) uses the GM 3.6L V6 with the same endemic timing chain stretch issue affecting CTS, SRX, and other GM 3.6L vehicles. Three timing chains with plastic guides wear prematurely between 80,000-120,000 miles. This is one of the highest-volume 3.6L appl… Repairs typically run $2,500-$4,500. Severity: high.
The 3.6L V6 (LLT and LFX variants) in the first-generation Traverse is notorious for premature timing chain stretch. The engine uses three timing chains — one primary and two secondary chains driving the variable valve timing actuators. The chains stretch beyond the tensioner cap… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.
The first-generation Traverse (2009-2017) develops A/C evaporator leaks that cause loss of refrigerant and warm air from the vents. The evaporator core, located inside the dashboard HVAC housing, corrodes internally due to moisture and acid buildup from the refrigerant-oil mixtur… Repairs typically run $100-$2,500. Severity: medium.
The Traverse has one of the highest rates of AC compressor failure among midsize SUVs. Compressors seize or lose capacity often before 70,000 miles. When the compressor fails, it can send metal debris through the entire AC system, requiring replacement of the condenser, expansion… Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: medium.
The 3.6L V6 in the Traverse consumes oil at a rate that many owners find unacceptable, particularly on 2009-2017 models with the LLT and LFX engine variants. Owners report consuming 1 quart every 2,000-3,000 miles. The oil consumption is related to piston ring design and the PCV… Repairs typically run $0-$4,000. Severity: medium.
The Traverse power liftgate struts lose gas pressure over time, causing the liftgate to drop slowly when opened or slam shut unexpectedly. On models with power liftgate, the electric motor can also fail, leaving the liftgate inoperative via the button. The struts typically fail b… Repairs typically run $50-$600. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
