VehicleVerdict

2012 Chevrolet Silverado problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado sits mid-pack among Silverado years: 91 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 111, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (15), body & structure (14), and transmission (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

91

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Silverado years?

See all Silverado years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Silverado problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1516%
Body & Structure1415%
Transmission1112%
Tires & Wheels910%
Brakes910%
Engine67%
Electrical System55%
Other55%
Suspension44%
Speed Control44%
Lighting33%
Steering22%
Seats22%
Seat Belts11%
Fuel System11%

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V827000Electrical SystemDecember 30, 2014 · 84,192 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

13V615000Fuel SystemDecember 11, 2013 · 9,733 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

WHILE DRIVING, A DRIVER CUT IN FRONT OF ME AND LITERALLY SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES. I WAS NOT AT FAULT IN THE ACCIDENT. MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND CAUSED SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO MY HEAD. THE INJURY WAS NOT CONSISTENT WITH AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH ME WEARING MY SEATBELT. I WAS DIAGNOSED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 22, 2014 · crash

PARKED FACING UPSLOPE. THE TRUCK SLIPPED OUT OF PARK GEAR AND ROLLED DOWNHILL BACKWARDS, KNOCKING OVER OWNER. FINALLY HIT A TREE AND STOPPED. INSURANCE DECLARED IT TOTALED. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 13, 2014 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND ERRONEOUSLY SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR, CRASHING INTO HIS GARAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,003.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 2, 2013 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO TWO, TWO-TON ROCKS. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A PASSENGER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 22, 2015 · crash

I HAD DRIVEN BACK HOME FROM TAHOE AROUND 6:00PM AND THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 2 HOURS WHEN WE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE SLIDE ON THE 5TH WHEEL. I FOUND THE SLIDE ON THE TRAILER WOULD NOT OPEN DUE TO A LACK OF POWER ON THE 5TH WHEEL. AT THIS TIME THE PIGTAIL WAS STILL CONNECTED TO THE TRUCK. I…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 31, 2015 · fire

2012 Chevrolet Silverado — common questions

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?

It is close to typical for the Silverado: 91 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2012 Silverado problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (15 complaints), body & structure (14 complaints), transmission (11 complaints).

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Silverado years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Silverado years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 1997, 2005, 1998, 1995, 2007, 1994, 1996, 2006, 2008, 2014. The cleanest record among Silverado years belongs to 1987.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.