A traction control message is telling you that the computer sees a malfunction somewhere in the traction control system; so it turned off the system & informs the driver that the system needs repair to resume working
The traction control system utilizes many sensors to work, the VSS the ABS wheel speed sensors, the ABS control module, the steering wheel position sensor & others
The specific condition that caused the traction control system to turn off is sometimes a component that is individually monitored by the ECM as it serves other functions in addition to the traction control system; in those cases the traction control message will come on simultaneously with a check engine light or the ABS light depending on the component that is preventing the traction control from working
In all cases your dash information is telling you that a system is not functioning as designed, all of the vehicles systems have multiple failure points so seeing the same message on 10 different cars doesn't mean all 10 had the same component failure; it only means all 10 have a problem in the same system
Think of like the plumbing in your house, if you and your neighbor both have a leak flood your house it doesn't mean you both had the same pipe or faucet fail in the same way; his could be in the utility room & yours in the bathroom, you both have an issue in the plumbing system that presents in the same result of a flooded house but you both don't need the same repair to get the system working right again
