2012 Chevrolet Traverse 2LT
VIN: 1GNKVJEDXCJ172991 | 2012 | General Motors LLC | LANSING - DELTA TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA)
2012 Chevrolet Traverse 2LT — 3.6L 6 Cyl, AWD, Automatic. Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV].
C
61/100
Safety & Recall Score: Fair
This score reflects NHTSA safety data only — recalls, complaints, and crash ratings. It does not include title status, accident history, or odometer records. Verify hidden history with VIN Pro Plus →
Composite rating based on recalls, complaints, crash ratings, and vehicle age.
⚠ 5 open recalls
⚠ 354 owner complaints (high)
✓ VIN fully verified
VIN Decoded
VIN Verified- Official VIN decode record located
- Type: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Body: Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Plant: LANSING - DELTA TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA)
NHTSA Recalls
5 Open Recalls- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year...
- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick...
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year...
Owner Complaints
354 filed with NHTSA- It sways left to right really bad.. but when...
- The car feels like it’s bouncing everywhere on any...
Fuel Economy
22 MPG Combined- City: 18 MPG
- Hwy: 28 MPG
- Combined: 22 MPG
- Fuel: Gasoline
Technical Specifications
Vehicle Overview
VIN
1GNKVJEDXCJ172991
Model Year
2012
Make
Chevrolet
Model
Traverse
Trim
2LT
Series
Not available
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Doors
4
Seats
5-7
Seat Rows
2-3
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Engine
3.6L 6 Cyl
Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
Plant Location
LANSING - DELTA TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA)
Country of Origin
UNITED STATES (USA)
VIN Breakdown
Position 1 — Country
1 → United States
Position 2 — Manufacturer
G → General Motors LLC
Position 3 — Vehicle Type
N → MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Positions 4–8 — Descriptor
KVJED → Traverse 2LT
Position 9 — Check Digit
X → ✓ Valid
Position 10 — Model Year
C → 2012
Position 11 — Plant Code
J → LANSING - DELTA TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA)
Positions 12–17 — Serial
172991 → Production sequence
Engine & Powertrain
Engine Model
LLT
Engine Manufacturer
GM
Cylinders
6 Cyl
Displacement
3.6 L
Displacement CC
3600.0
Displacement CI
219.68547874103
Engine Config
V-Shaped
Engine Cycles
Not available
Horsepower
Not available
Torque
Not available
Valve Train
Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Fuel Injection
Stoichiometric Gasoline Direct Injection (SGDI)
Cooling System
Not available
Engine Brake HP
Not available
Turbocharger
Not available
Supercharger
Not available
Transmission Style
Not available
Transmission Speeds
Not available
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Electrification
Not available
Fuel Type Primary
Gasoline
Fuel Type Secondary
Not available
Battery Type
Not available
EV Drive Unit
Not available
Fuel Economy & Environmental Impact
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Secondary Fuel
Not available
Combined MPG
22 MPG
Combined MPGe
Not available
City MPG
18 MPG
Hwy MPG
28 MPG
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,800
5-Yr Fuel Cost
$14,000
GHG Score
Not available
Smog Rating
Not available
CO₂ Emissions
404 g/mi
Barrels/Year
13.52
Safety & Driver Assistance
ABS
Not available
ESC
Not available
Traction Control
Not available
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Forward Collision Warn
Not available
Lane Departure Warning
Not available
Lane Keep System
Not available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not available
Blind Spot Intervention
Not available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not available
Parking Assist
Not available
Dynamic Brake Support
Not available
Pedestrian AEB
Not available
Rear Auto Braking
Not available
Auto Reverse System
Not available
Daytime Running Lights
Not available
Adaptive Driving Beam
Not available
Keyless Ignition
Not available
Auto High Beams
Not available
Front Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Side Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Curtain Airbags
All Rows
Knee Airbags
Unknown
Seat Belt Type
Manual
Pretensioner
Not available
Brake System
Hydraulic
Steering Location
Not available
Vehicle Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase
Not available
Ground Clearance
Not available
Vehicle Length
Not available
Vehicle Width
Not available
Vehicle Height
Not available
Curb Weight
Not available
Track Width Front
Not available
Track Width Rear
Not available
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Doors
4
Bed Length
Not available
Cab Type
Not available
Fuel Tank
Not available
0–60 mph
Not available
Towing & Utility
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Trailer Type
Not Applicable
Axles
Not available
Axle Config
Not available
Trailer Body
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Wheels & Tires
Front Tire Type
Not available
Rear Tire Type
Not available
Front Wheel Size
Not available
Rear Wheel Size
Not available
Spare Tire Type
Not available
Spare Tire Size
Not available
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Wheel Material
Not available
Manufacturing & Identity
Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
Manufacturer ID
984
Make ID
467
Model ID
1853
Plant Company
GMNA
Plant City
LANSING - DELTA TOWNSHIP
Plant State
MICHIGAN
Plant Country
UNITED STATES (USA)
Plant ZIP
Not available
Dest. Market
Not available
Vehicle Descriptor
1GNKVJED*CJ
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Recall & Safety Summary
Total Recalls
5
Recall Status
Active recalls found
Overall Risk Level
High Risk
ABS
Not available
ESC
Not available
Traction Control
Not available
✅ Pre-Purchase Checklist
📋
Get a Vehicle History ReportUnlock accident history, title status & odometer records with VIN Pro Plus for $4.99 — scroll down to get it.
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Negotiate Using This ReportUse the 5 open recall(s) as leverage for a lower price.
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Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Market estimate
$5,600–$8,800
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
💡 This is a general estimate, not real data for this specific vehicle. Get the real, transaction-based Verified Market Value with VIN Pro Plus — $4.99 →
📚 Helpful Vehicle Resources
Safety Ratings
Overall Rating
5 Stars
Front Crash Rating
4 Stars
Side Crash Rating
5 Stars
Rollover Risk
4 Stars
Safety Recalls
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15,...
Risk: If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent...
SEAT BELTS
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May...
Risk: If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in...
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not...
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air...
Risk: Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16,...
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, AND GMC ACADIA VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW...
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM NUTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2012.
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
Risk: Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were...
TSBs are manufacturer repair instructions issued to dealerships. They are not safety recalls. If you're experiencing an issue, ask your dealer if a TSB applies.
No bulletins found
No technical service bulletin records returned for this vehicle.
Finance & Cost Estimates
🔧 Service & Parts for this 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
$1,500/yr
Estimated Annual Insurance (national avg — varies by driver, location & coverage)
5-Year Cost of Ownership (estimate)
Insurance (5yr)
$7,500
Maintenance (5yr)
$7,500
5-Yr Fuel Cost (EPA)
$14,000
Depreciation (5yr est.)
$3,960
⛽ Fuel Cost Calculator
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Get this VIN's recalls resolved, service appointments, and CPO program details from an authorized Chevrolet dealer.
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OBD-II Check Engine Code Lookup
🔧 Check Engine Light Code Lookup
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Common:
Owner Complaints
It sways left to right really bad.. but when...
It sways left to right really bad.. but when it rains or even even the car detected that it's going to rain.. as soon as the car senses...
The car feels like it’s bouncing everywhere on any...
The car feels like it’s bouncing everywhere on any kind of surface and now there is a loud very loud rattling noise coming from underneath the car and...
White smoke was coming out the car and my...
White smoke was coming out the car and my car eventually sat on fire. I had to call the fire department.. fire department stated that it was a...
Shift Interlock Malfunction. Put the shifter in park. Car...
Shift Interlock Malfunction. Put the shifter in park. Car did not register in park but locked gear shifter. Car would not restart or return to park. Emergency Brake...
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact...
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle stopped abruptly. The check engine, traction control, stability control, and air conditioner...
After sliding into a ditch, my drivers side, curtain...
After sliding into a ditch, my drivers side, curtain airbag deployed but, instead of covering the drivers side door window, it came out and went across my face,...
When driving the vehicle it will lose power and...
When driving the vehicle it will lose power and flash service stabilitrack and low engine mode enabled without warning. This has happened many times since 2016. When the...
The air conditioning stopped working after working amazing, Traction...
The air conditioning stopped working after working amazing, Traction Control Disabled light keeps coming on, The RPM's would rev up seems like it gets stuck then drops to...
Showing 8 of 354 complaints. View all on NHTSA →
Maintenance Schedule
Current
Oil & Filter Change
Every 7,500 mi
Chevrolet recommended interval
Due Now
Air Filter (Engine)
Every 15,000–30,000 mi
Dirty filter reduces fuel economy by up to 10%
Due Now
Cabin Air Filter
Every 15,000–25,000 mi
Affects AC, heat, and air quality
Current
Tire Rotation
Every 5,000–7,500 mi
Extends tire life by 25–40%
Due Soon
Brake Inspection
Every 12 months or 15,000 mi
Brake pads typically last 30,000–70,000 mi depending on driving
Due Now
Spark Plugs
Every 30,000–100,000 mi
Copper plugs every 30k; iridium/platinum every 60–100k
Due Now
Coolant Flush
Every 30,000 mi or 5 years
Old coolant becomes acidic and damages the cooling system
Due Now
Transmission Fluid
Every 30,000–60,000 mi
Neglected fluid leads to expensive transmission repairs
Due Now
Brake Fluid Flush
Every 2 years
Brake fluid absorbs moisture, lowering boiling point
Due Now
Battery Test
Every 3–5 years
12V batteries typically last 3–5 years
Due Now
Drive Belt Inspection
Every 60,000–100,000 mi
Serpentine belt failure leaves you stranded
This schedule is a general reference based on make, model year, and powertrain. Always follow your owner's manual for exact intervals.
Additional Tools & Information
Estimated depreciation for this 2012 CHEVROLET Traverse based on vehicle class and age. Verify with KBB or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
2012
$7,200
2013
$6,300
-12%
2014
$5,600
-22%
2015
$4,900
-32%
Estimates based on vehicle class averages. Actual values vary by mileage, condition, and location.
Estimated annual cost to own this vehicle at average U.S. driving conditions.
Insurance
$1,500/yr
22%
Maintenance
$1,500/yr
22%
Fuel/Energy
$2,800/yr
41%
Depreciation
$792/yr
12%
Registration
$250/yr
4%
Estimated Total Annual Cost
$6,842/yr
National averages. Registration varies by state. Does not include parking, tolls, or loan interest.
6.9
/ 10
Rank #12 overall
41 issues / 100 vehicles
Chevrolet Reliability
Chevrolet trucks rank well; some car-based models and early EV platforms have had more issues. Strong dealer network.
Use this checklist to track which recalls have been resolved. All recall repairs are free at authorized dealerships.
30/06/2015
20/05/2014
17/03/2014
09/04/2012
08/04/2021
Vehicles in a similar class and price range to the 2012 CHEVROLET Traverse:
Private Party
$4,900–$8,100
No warranty · Lower price · Inspect first
Dealer (Used)
$5,900–$9,700
Some warranty · Financing available
CPO / Certified
$6,000–$10,100
Full warranty · Inspected · Best protection
Negotiation tip:
This vehicle has 5 open recall(s). Use this as leverage — ask the seller to confirm all recalls are resolved or reduce the price accordingly. Unresolved recalls cost dealers time and money to fix.
Automated checks against common VIN fraud indicators. Always verify with a paid history report and independent inspection.
✓
Check digit (position 9) validates
✓
VIN is exactly 17 characters
✓
No invalid characters (I, O, Q not present)
✓
Year position (pos 10) matches decoded model year
✓
Manufacturer decodes to a known brand
✓
Not a repeated-character test/placeholder VIN
Manual checks to do in person: Compare the VIN on the dashboard (visible through windshield), driver door jamb sticker, engine block, and title — all must match exactly. A cloned or re-VINed vehicle will show inconsistencies.
⚠ Always check the tire placard on the driver door jamb for the exact manufacturer-specified PSI for your vehicle.
Front Tires
33 PSI
See door jamb
Rear Tires
33 PSI
See door jamb
Spare Tire
60 PSI
Check monthly
Rotation Pattern Guide
FWD: Front to rear straight, rear cross to front
RWD: Rear to front straight, front cross to rear
AWD/4WD: Full X-pattern every 5,000–7,500 mi
Staggered: Side-to-side only if non-directional tires
Recommended rotation interval: every 5,000–7,500 miles. Rotate with every other oil change for best results.
❄ Winter Prep
✓ Check antifreeze concentration (minimum -34°F protection)
✓ Test battery — cold temps reduce capacity 30–60%
✓ Verify tire tread depth (4/32" minimum for snow traction)
✓ Service AWD/4WD differential and transfer case fluids
✓ Replace wiper blades and refill washer fluid (-20°F rated)
✓ Test heater, front/rear defroster, and heated seats if equipped
✓ Inspect fuel lines and check for water in fuel system
☀ Summer Prep
✓ Check coolant level and test radiator cap pressure seal
✓ Inspect serpentine belt for cracking or glazing
✓ Test A/C system output and replace cabin air filter if needed
✓ Check tire pressure — heat increases PSI (recheck cold in a.m.)
✓ Inspect brake pads and rotors before summer road trips
✓ Check transmission fluid color and level
✓ Top off all fluids: brake, power steering, coolant, washer
Original Chevrolet Factory Warranty
Basic / Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36k
Powertrain
5yr/60k
Corrosion / Rust
6yr/100k
⚠ At 14 years old, factory warranty coverage has likely expired on this vehicle. A third-party extended warranty may be worth considering.
Third-Party Extended Warranty Options
CARCHEX
Get Quote →
A+ BBB-rated. 6 plan tiers, up to 500k miles.
Endurance
Get Quote →
Direct-pay at any ASE-certified mechanic.
AUTOPOM!
Get Quote →
Month-to-month plans, high-mileage coverage.
Estimate total fuel cost and stops for any road trip in this 2012 CHEVROLET Traverse.
Steps to get the best price when selling this 2012 CHEVROLET Traverse:
📄 Service records
Buyers pay more for documented maintenance history. Even basic oil change receipts add value.
🔍 Resolve all recalls
Unresolved recalls suppress resale value and are easy objections for buyers. Fix them free at any dealership.
🚗 Professional detail
A full detail ($150–$300) typically returns $500–$1,500 in perceived value, especially on dark-colored vehicles.
📷 Photograph in good light
Listings with 20+ high-quality daylight photos get 3x more inquiries than listings with poor photos.
🗂 Vehicle history report link
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🔍 Price using real comps
Search AutoTrader and CarGurus for same year/make/model/trim within 100 miles. Price within 5% of the median.
⚠ Fix open recalls first
This vehicle has 5 open recall(s). Resolving them before listing typically increases sale price by more than the time spent.
No model-specific issue notes in our database for this year. The 354 NHTSA complaints filed provide the best available signal — review them in the Owner Complaints section above.
NHTSA offers free recall alerts by VIN. Sign up to be notified the moment a new recall is issued for this vehicle.
🔔 NHTSA SaferCar Alerts
Official government recall notifications. Free, direct from NHTSA. Covers safety recalls, investigations, and bulletins.
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VIN 1GNKVJEDXCJ172991:
5 open recall(s) currently on file. Sign up to track when they are resolved.
Get competing insurance quotes for this exact vehicle. Rates vary by 30–60% between carriers for the same driver profile — comparing saves real money.
Estimated national average for this vehicle: $1,500/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, location, age, and coverage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN 1GNKVJEDXCJ172991 decode to?
VIN 1GNKVJEDXCJ172991 decodes to a 2012 CHEVROLET Traverse 2LT, assembled in LANSING - DELTA TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA).
How many recalls does this 2012 CHEVROLET Traverse have?
This 2012 CHEVROLET Traverse has 5 open recalls on record with NHTSA. Recalls are safety-related and should be resolved by a dealership at no charge to the owner.
Is it safe to buy a 2012 CHEVROLET Traverse with open recalls?
Open recalls don't necessarily mean the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but they should be addressed promptly. Contact a CHEVROLET dealer with this VIN to confirm which recalls have been completed and schedule any outstanding repairs — they are always free of charge.
What is the estimated value of this 2012 CHEVROLET Traverse?
Based on vehicle age, body type, trim level, and U.S. market data, this 2012 CHEVROLET Traverse 2LT is estimated at $5,600–$8,800. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a precise appraisal based on mileage and condition.
Is this VIN check really free?
Yes — the core VIN check on VinForFree is free with no signup required. All data is sourced from public records including NHTSA, the EPA, and official government databases.
What fuel economy does a 2012 CHEVROLET Traverse get?
According to EPA data, the 2012 CHEVROLET Traverse gets approximately 22 MPG combined (18 city / 28 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $2,800.
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