2012 Chevrolet Silverado
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Silverado › 2012
These records cover every 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
68 complaints9 involved a crash4 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
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 systems (ABS), the traction control sensor, and the brake warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the used dealer on 3…
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 systems (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 systems (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 into the other vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle continued moving forward while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle jumped a curb and crashed into a building and stopped the vehicle. The contact states the front driver side air bag deployed. The contact sustained leisure on his back muscles, had whiplash and leisure on the left side of his head and arm due to the air bag deployment. The contact stated he was taken to the hospital by ambulance to seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 192,000.
- 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…
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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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…
"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.
- Steering
At 34,162 miles the steering gear was binding, creating a safety problem. a steering gear should last longer than 34,162 miles.
- Air bags
Front side airbag sensor went bad
- Structure › Body · Suspension
My 2012 silverado LS has 22,000 miles. It IS a shame because it IS a beautiful truck, but the frame looks terrible. It IS not a little rust here and there. The rust IS literally all over the frame. There IS more of the frame with rust than without. the frame IS very easy to see. Unfortunately for gm, my truck IS a rolling billboard and the rust IS getting worst every year.
- Air bags
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.…
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
- Air bags
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.
- Air bags
Dash IS cracked around the air bag area concerned this might affect the air bag deployment. Even though gm states it will not affect it, the crack IS in a corner of the deployment zone. The dash IS also cracked in a area above the gauges. Everyone I know that has this make and model has the same problem. A person I know has about 20,000 miles on the vehicle and IS already cracked as well.
- Air bags
There's cracks surrounding my passenger airbag in my 2012 silverado. These cracks are not only a manufacturer defect in design but are also a safety concern regarding the air bag deployment. Research has shown this IS an issue that many others are having too with this model truck/suv.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
The dash IS cracked by the air bag housing the door handles are discolored and the exhaust system IS also discolored.
- Structure › Body
Door handle comes off on driver and passenger door, makes it impossible to open the doors of the vehicle
- Structure
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that the dashboard in the vehicle was severely cracked on the driver side from the base of the windshield all the way to the top of the instrument cluster. The contact also stated that the passenger side dashboard had a crack from…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that the dashboard in the vehicle was severely cracked on the driver side from the base of the windshield all the way to the top of the instrument cluster. The contact also stated that the passenger side dashboard had a crack from the base of the windshield to the air bag cover. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was out of warranty and nothing could be done. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 27,000.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Cracks in the dash at the airbag may become projectiles.
- Tires
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
- Structure
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that the frame was covered with rust. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be repainted. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,580. updated 1/15/16 *cn the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. Updated 01/25/16..*jb
- Air bags · Seat belts
Recently I was involved in an accident that was a direct impact. At the time of this accident the seat belt did not lock nor did the air bags deploy. the speed from this accident was between 50-55 mph on the highway. At the rate of speed I was going before the accident and the fact that I had to…
Recently I was involved in an accident that was a direct impact. At the time of this accident the seat belt did not lock nor did the air bags deploy. the speed from this accident was between 50-55 mph on the highway. At the rate of speed I was going before the accident and the fact that I had to slam on the breaks to begin slowing down one would have thought the seat belt would have locked but it did not and at the point of impact I was very surprised that the airbags did not deploy but yet the system indicated that it did and needed to be reset. however now that the vehicle IS in process of being repaired I am being told that the entire airbag system has to be replaced along with the driver seat belt.
- Power train
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.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet silverado. While driving at 40 mph, the air bags deployed inadvertently. The contact was injured due to the force of the air bag deployment and required medical attention. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where an investigation was…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet silverado. While driving at 40 mph, the air bags deployed inadvertently. The contact was injured due to the force of the air bag deployment and required medical attention. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where an investigation was opened by general motors, which indicated that the vehicle was in a roll over crash but the contact mentioned that the vehicle was not involved in a crash and the investigation was not consistent with what was experienced. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
- Service brakes
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…
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 suffered injuries to the lower back which required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.
- Service brakes · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet silverado. While driving at a low speed and making a right turn, the steering wheel seized. the vehicle was taken to a dealer on numerous occasions who diagnosed that the power steering pump and brake boost pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,000.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body · Suspension
Here IS a brief history of the issues involving the 1012 chevrolet silverado LT texas edition after the purchase date of september 3, 2012. first, I noticed that it has increasingly become more difficult to open the front passenger window from the driver side master control unit around 2014. now…
Here IS a brief history of the issues involving the 1012 chevrolet silverado LT texas edition after the purchase date of september 3, 2012. first, I noticed that it has increasingly become more difficult to open the front passenger window from the driver side master control unit around 2014. now, I have to press hard several times to open the window. second, the outside moldings of the door panels are falling off starting in mid-2014. third, I have started to hear popping noises coming from the ball joints when the steering wheel IS turned to the left or right at a very low speed starting the beginning of 2014. these issues were reported to the chevrolet customer service at the gm headquarters in august 2015. on september 4, 2015, the truck was finally diagnosed by the chevrolet dealership service department that sold the pickup. the invoice dated september 4, 2015 indicates the lower ball joints worn with play, door moldings falling off, and the driver's master switch shorted.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10114597This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician of an engine power reduced message on the driver information center after performing the Canada Onstar 4G upgrade. If the concern is present park the vehicle outside and call General Motors Technical Assistance Center.
- 10114470This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center with the scan tool data from the OnStar system.
- 10114408This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are travelling from Canada to the United States. While in the United States they are unable to receive Turn-by-Turn directions. Due to the existing cellular provider not having roaming agreements in areas outside of Canada to support transmitting of the packet data required for Turn-By-Turn feature to operate. The customer has 3 options while traveling through the United Sates. First if the vehicle is equipped with a navigation radio they can request a "Destination Download" to the vehicle. Second if the customer uses the OnStar RemoteLink app they can send the directions to the vehicle. The third option would be to have the vehicle loaded with a "500 phone number" The customer will no longer be able to use their Hands Free Calling minutes when the new 500 phone number is loaded. If a customer chooses to restore Hands Free Calling in the future a new phone number will be assigned to the vehicle; previous phone numbers are not available.
- 10114354This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some vehicles may have a Service Engine Soon lamp, engine misfire on cylinder 1, 4, 6, or 7 and/or tick noise. Technician will follow service information diagnosis first. If service information diagnosis does not isolate the cause of this concern perform a cylinder deactivation active fuel management system compression test in service information. If the running compression of the misfiring cylinder stays below 25 Pounds per Square Inch regardless of the active fuel management solenoid being commanded on or off, an active fuel management lifter is mechanically collapsed/stuck or unlocking as soon as the engine is started. Replace all active fuel management lifters, and all plastic lifter guides. Also perform the cylinder deactivation active fuel management Valve Lifter Oil Manifold Diagnosis and Testing in Service Information. If it isolates a concern with the Valve Lifter Oil Manifold, replace it and reevaluate the concern. The active fuel management lifters can also be monitored for proper operation by carefully inspecting the cylinder 1, 4, 6, and 7 rockers and valves while cranking or briefly and safely running the engine with the valve covers removed. If the valve or valves of an active fuel management cylinder stop moving while doing this test, the active fuel management lifter is causing the concern. For 2008-2009 Full Size Truck/SUV or a 2007-2009 Chevrolet Tahoe with the Police Package reprogram the Engine Control Module. On the 2008-2009 Pontiac G8, 2010-2011 Camaro, and 2007-2010 Full Size Trucks with active fuel management, also determine if the active fuel management pressure relief valve shield that is listed in the latest version of 10-06-01-008 has ever been installed. On passenger cars with the LS4 engine, determine if the updated oil pan gasket that is listed in the latest version of 11-06-01-007 has been installed.
- 10114352This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 10114343This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming Bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad is faulty the OnStar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The OnStar module could have an internal fault and produce a "Phone Unavailable" audio message also it may have a Diagnostic Trouble Code U1500 or B1000. Refer to diagnostics for the Diagnostic Trouble Code making sure to follow any applicable Bulletins or Preliminary Information sheets. A "Ready" or "OnStar ready" audio message heard while driving. In some cases it has been found that the customer is inadvertently pressing the ?push to talk? button on the steering wheel controls. On rare occasions, other issues in the steering column or Steering Wheel Control system may induce this concern.
- 10114342This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center with the scan tool data from the OnStar system.
- 10114328This information for Warranty administration - Changes the Service Policy and Procedures Section 1.6.2.11 and now is refered to Article 3.2.9 of the 1st addition manual for details of Technician Identification and Accounting of Labor Time
- 10114309This informational bulletin explains how to care for wiper blades.
- 10114299This informational bulletin provides a quick guide to updating which model vehicle after replacing the IPC.
- 10114296This warranty administration bulletin provide policy information of the JOB CARD, for a repair on vehicles and what is acceptable - customer authorization; Service manager approvals and transaction authorization; Details of concern, cause and correction; Labor Time; Technician ID and acoutablity of labor time; Proper documentation and retension of warranty parts; Accurate sublet charges and receipts; Add on concerns after the Job Card has been written.
- 10114292This preliminary bulletin provides a procedure on how to cold crank test a battery in a vehicle.
- 10114281This informational bulletin states that it no longer valid and refers to a new bulletin.
- 10114280This informational bulletin provides information on Inappropriate Warranty Claims Submitted for Damaged Radios and IPCs
- 10113889This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with a list of modules to check for communication with the scan tool, if the navigation radio does not display the current Hybrid mode. Dealer will use a scan tool to check communication with Accessory Direct current Power Control Module, Air Condition control module, Drive Motor Generator Power Inverter Module, Engine Control Module, Battery Energy Control Module, and Transfer Case Control Module. Repair the loss of communication with the affected module and the power flow should return to the radio display.
- 10113888This Preliminary Information communication provides steps the technician will uses to diagnose and repair vehicles that have low oil pressure after an oil change with the engine Regular Production Option Code L20, L77, L94, L96, L99, L9H, LC8, LC9, LH9, LMF, LMG, LY6, or LZ1. Vehicle may have Service Engine Soon lamp with Diagnostic Trouble Code P0521 or Low Oil Pressure message on the instrument panel. Dealer will need to determine if bulletin 10-06-01-008 was completed. If the bulletin was performed inspect the left rocker cover. Dealer will insure the left rocker can hold water without leaking. If leaks are found apply room temperature vulcanization silicone to the rocker cover if possible or replace the left rocker cover.
- 10113887This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the additional steps that are needed to help perform a successful brake bleed on the 2-Mode Hybrid with Regular Production Option Code HP2. With a battery maintainer installed on the vehicle use brake pressure bleeder that maintains 30 psi for the entire bleed procedure.
- 10113849This informational bulletin provides information on the proper oils to use on GM vehicles including information regarding the differences of the Dexos oils.
- 10113843This warranty administration bulletin provides information on the Clarification of Use for Dealer Empowerment Labor Operations and Customer Enthusiasm
- 10113837This informational bulletin provides a list off all the issues revolving around new vehicles for a one stop place to find growing concerns around them.
- 10113831This preliminary information bulletin provides a descritption of operation of the echo control and noise cancellation settings for concernc regarding noice drop outs during calls and muffled sound.
- 10113810This warranty administration bulletin provides dealership personnel with policy and procedure requirements for essential tools that include consumable parts (U.S. Only).
- 10113796This informational bulletin provides information on the proper use of GM floor mats.
- 10113792This informational bulletin provides information to technicians regarding intake manifold inspection/replacement after severe internal engine damage.
- 10113788This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10113787This informational bulletin provides information to advise dealers about seat belt buckles not operating and/or seat belt warning light illumination, as well as difficulty latching and unlatching the buckle or the buckle release button sticking.
- 10113785This informational bulletin adds the 2014 and 2015 model years to information of a language change for OnStar System (U.S. and Canada only).
- 10113775This informational bulletin provides information on the Product Quality Center (PQC) assembly replacement process for Service Agents not required to contact PQC prior to assembly replacement.
- 10113773The intent of this technical bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 10113770This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
- 10113753This preliminary informational bulletin provides technicians with diagnostic tips for a customer concern of odor emanating from HVAC system.
- 10113752This informational bulletin communicates GM wiring repair strategy information.
- 10113745This warranty administration bulletin communicates GM required operating procedures (U.S. only) for service operations.
- 10113741This warranty administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies and the warranty claims submission procedures that support Labor Operation 0600014 - Suspected Tampering or Vehicle Modifications.
- 10113740This informational bulletin provides dealership personnel information on unscheduled supplemental services (including flushing services and additives) and proper use of GM simplified maintenance schedules (Canada only).
- 10113738This informational bulletin provides technicians with diagnostic tips for preventing oil leaks after changing oil and filter.
- 10113731This informational bulletin provides information on the PQC assembly replacement process - for dealers required to contact PQC prior to replacing an assembly (U.S. and Canada only).
- 10113720This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar cellular communication upgrade.
- 10113703This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with Reduced Engine Power displayed and DTC P2138 set.
- 10113701This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on when and how to submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only).
Every Chevrolet Silverado model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.