2012 Chevrolet Silverado: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 68 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle the air bag warning indicator light illuminated The contact called OnStar who completed diagnostic testing. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 126,625.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2021
“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V054000(AIR BAGS); however, the parts for the repair were unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that the passenger side of the dashboard was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dash cracked at corner dash above left side of passenger side airbag only 35k on vehicle 3.5 years old with use of sunshade half the time”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2016
“"takata recall", I have a crack in my dash that is located right next to passenger side airbag. This is a safety hazard because my dash will continue to crack that will cause my passenger side airbag to fail when it will be needed to protect passengers that ride in my vehicle. I have done a lot of research on this topic and general motors knows that this is happening and they won't do nothing to fix it. My vehicle was stationary in my driveway when I heard a loud pop noise which I notice that my dash had cracked.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
“At 34,162 miles the steering gear was binding, creating a safety problem. A steering gear should last longer than 34,162 miles.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bag impact sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that when the vehicle drove over rough patches in road, the service air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag sensor needed to be clean off and reinstalled. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000. Updated 05/20/16*lj *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2015
“Cooper zeon ltz 275/60r20 m + s dot # utw0 cn9 tires developed cracks where tread meets sidewall and leaks air tire is not listed in the available names section on this website”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet silverado. While driving at 70 mph, the gear shifted independently and various warning lights illuminated prior to the transmission failing. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,361.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, equipped with 6.6L diesel engines and dual fuel tanks. In the affected vehicles, the transfer pump which moves fuel from the rear tank to the front tank could malfunction and cause the fuel gauge to indicate an inaccurate reading.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel transfer pump, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 13420.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact Silverado by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
NHTSA has 68 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. The most complained-about area is air bags (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Silverado problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 28,500 miles or less.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.