YearToAvoid

2012 Chevrolet Traverse Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 62 steering complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, 18% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 70,000. Owners report sudden power steering loss or lockup, three crashes, and no related recall is on file.

Steering complaints
62
18% of 354
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
70,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Steering becomes very hard to turn or feels like it locks up at low speeds, especially while parking or making tight turns.
  • Power steering fails suddenly during a turn and the wheel seizes momentarily before the vehicle restarts and behaves normally again.
  • Owners report grinding, rubbing, or unusual noises from the steering wheel or wheel well before a failure occurs.
  • Power steering fluid leaks are found underneath the vehicle, often traced to the rack and pinion or power steering pump.
  • Steering loss or locking is reported specifically during wet driving conditions, increasing the risk of losing control.
  • One reported case involved simultaneous brake pedal failure and steering that would not move left or right, resulting in a crash.

When 2012 Chevrolet Traverse steering complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 11, 2014, latest Nov 11, 2025.

2012 Chevrolet Traverse steering complaints: complaints filed per month3Jul 2014Oct 2015May 2016Jan 2017Sep 2017Aug 2018Jan 2020Sep 2022
62 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2014 to Nov 2025; peak Oct 2015 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Traverse model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2009231 (52%)
  2. 2010331 (49%)
  3. 2011165 (27%)
  4. 201262 (18%)
  5. 201318 (11%)
  6. 201427 (5%)
  7. 201527 (9%)
  8. 201624 (8%)
  9. 201711 (3%)
  10. 201814 (3%)
  11. 201918 (4%)
  12. 20207 (3%)
  13. 20214 (4%)
  14. 20222 (2%)
  15. 20232 (2%)
  16. 20244 (3%)
  17. 20254 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
NHTSA lists 62 steering complaints for the 2012 model year, making up 18% of all 354 complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for steering issues on the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this steering issue on the 2012 Traverse.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this steering issue is 70,000 miles.
Did the steering problems cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data links 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries to steering complaints filed for the 2012 Traverse.
How does the 2012 Traverse compare to other years for steering complaints?
The 2012 model's 62 steering complaints are lower than the 2010 (331 complaints, 49% share) and 2011 (165 complaints, 27% share) model years, but higher than most years from 2013 onward.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.