2012 GMC Sierra: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 29 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
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 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“2012 gmc sierra. Consumer writes in regards to passenger side airbag safety recall. The consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2021
“While driving at normal highway speed, truck shut off except for the lights. Lost powers steering, brakes etc. Once I got the truck pulled over and stopped, attempted to restart. Was unable to do so until the 4th attempt during a 5 minutes time span. Once started, appeared to be running fine except for the mil on the dashboard which was lit.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard near the passenger side air bag 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 22,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc sierra. The contact stated that the dashboard near the passenger side air bag was fractured. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The contact informed the manufacturer of the failure. The manufacturer stated that the dashboard would be able to be replaced at a discounted price. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000. Updated 09/28/16*lj *tr”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2015
“Dashboard is cracked near the passenger side airbag close to the windshield. Vehicle has never been in an accident or had the airbags deployed. Crack occurred just before 50,000 miles.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc sierra. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of power which resulted in a front end collision with a guardrail. When the failure occurred, all the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was able to be operated after the crash. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2015
“The dash that supports the air bag on the passenger side is cracking and could possibly puncture the air bag or send parts of the dash flying a occupants during a collision. Because of the cracks the air bag is not properly secured in the vehicle.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc sierra. The contact stated that the passenger side dashboard was cracked above the air bag housing. 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2015
“Dash is cracking around my passenger airbag. The crack is in front of the passenger airbag closer to the windshield. Vehicle only has 32,000 miles but is just out of the 3 year bumper to bumper warranty.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2015
“While moving with transmission in drive, the ignition switch can be switched off. By doing so, the power steering and brakes fail to function properly. The steering wheel will lock, not allowing to steer. There have been a safety concerns with other gm products, why not this model? This is a safety concern.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sierra 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 GMC Sierra reliable?
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 GMC Sierra. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2012 GMC Sierra 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.