Model year record

2012 Chevrolet Silverado recalls & problems

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado has 2 safety recalls and 68 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (15 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints68filed by owners

Crashes · fires9 · 4reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths8 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Electrical systemDec 30, 2014

Ignition

Recall 14V82700084,192 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Fix: 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.

Fuel system, dieselDec 11, 2013

Fuel system, diesel

Recall 13V6150009,733 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: If the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD Hybrid

21mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD Hybrid

21mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Silverado C15 XFE 2WD FFV

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Silverado C15 2WD FFV

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Silverado C15 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Silverado K15 4WD FFV

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Silverado C15 2WD FFV

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.8 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Silverado K15 4WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Silverado K15 4WD FFV

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.8 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Silverado C15 2WD FFV

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Silverado K15 4WD FFV

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Air bags	15	2	0	3	48,000 mi
StructureBody; Frame and members › Underbody shields	14	1	1	1	30,762 mi
Power train	11	4	0	2	11,000 mi
Service brakes	9	3	0	3	7,298 mi
Engine	6	1	1	1	7,748 mi
Tires	5	0	1	0	19,423 mi
Unknown or other	5	0	0	0	37,000 mi
Electrical system	4	0	1	0	20,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	4	0	0	0	1,750 mi
Suspension	4	1	0	1	20,482 mi
Wheels	4	0	2	0	17,461 mi
Exterior lighting	3	0	0	0	26,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Service brakesCrash1 injury
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated he purchased the vehicle at a used dealer on March 13, 2023, and the anti-lock braking systemsÂ (ABS), the traction control sensor, and the brake warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the used dealer on 3 different occasions and had the anti-lock braking systemsÂ (ABS) sensor replaced and inspected the brakes. The dealer stated no failure was found when inspecting the vehicle. The contact stated while approaching an intersection another vehicle made a left turn and intercepted in his lane on the right side, he depressed the brake pedal but failed to stop or slow down the vehicle, causing it to crash…
Apr 17, 2023 · 192,006 miles
Air bags
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.
Feb 1, 2021
Air bags
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.
Jun 24, 2021 · 126,625 miles
Structure › Body
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
Mar 5, 2016 · 35,000 miles
Structure › Body
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.
Apr 17, 2016 · 26,000 miles
Air bags
"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.
Feb 15, 2016 · 48,000 miles
Steering
AT 34,162 MILES THE STEERING GEAR WAS BINDING, CREATING A SAFETY PROBLEM. A STEERING GEAR SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN 34,162 MILES.
Feb 11, 2016 · 34,162 miles
Air bags
FRONT SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR WENT BAD
Mar 13, 2016 · 48,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.