2012 Chevrolet Suburban
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2012 Chevrolet Suburban. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban. Newest first.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328770.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
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 (gm) IS recalling certain model year 2012 chevrolet express and suburban vehicles, and GMC savana and yukon XL heavy duty vehicles. the steering gear pitman shaft may not have been adequately hardened and could fracture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this condition occurs, a loss of steering could result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering gear and, if necessary, replace the steering gear pitman shaft. this service will be performed free of charge. the safety recall IS expected to begin on april 4, 2012.
Owner complaints
101 complaints3 involved a crash2 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
My auto gear shift disingaged from the transmission the car started moving as I was trying to get into the driver seat with driver door catching the tree limbs and opening the door and me holding onto the inside door handle brooke and I fell onto the ground when the car stopped by backing over…
My auto gear shift disingaged from the transmission the car started moving as I was trying to get into the driver seat with driver door catching the tree limbs and opening the door and me holding onto the inside door handle brooke and I fell onto the ground when the car stopped by backing over the curb and hitting another tree. there IS a bushing holding the cable to transmission lever and my auto transmission shop and local chevy dealer have both told me the faulty cable connector gets brittle and breaks. no way to safely drive as I cannot move.
- Air bags
This is a recall took my 2012 Surburban to dealership in leavenworth, KS they had vehicle for two weeks did not fix the airbag that is under recall they stated could not get parts for it. So what is the problem with our government system in place to fix these problems but the GM dealership is not fixing the air bag nor do they call and state they have the parts in stock now???
- Structure › Body
My dash on my 2012 Suburban cracked within 4 years of its manufactured date and it just keeps getting worse. If there were an accident it is so dry and cracked it will through hard plastic into the driver and passengers. I know of many other same and similar year models that have the same issue. Now that there is a passenger-side airbag recall would be the perfect time for GM to step up and fix this obvious flaw.
- Structure › Body
Dashboard is cracking. I understand the class action was dismissed. But this is so unfair that the customers have to pay to fix for problem caused by material problem.
- Air bags
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V051000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V051000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
I was sent a safety recall form & still haven't been notified that parts are available. I am worried because we use our family car a lot. Thank you!
- Structure › Body · Structure › Interior panels › Dashboard
Cracked dashboard in several areas
- Structure › Body
Severely cracked dash
- Air bags · Structure › Body · Unknown or other
We received an important safety recall to replace the airbag inflator (nhtsa recall number 21v051). after taking our vehicle to the dealer, we were told that if we want the recall then we have to pay to replace our dashboard (over $1,000). the dashboard has a crack which IS a common and…
We received an important safety recall to replace the airbag inflator (nhtsa recall number 21v051). after taking our vehicle to the dealer, we were told that if we want the recall then we have to pay to replace our dashboard (over $1,000). the dashboard has a crack which IS a common and well-known defect of gm chevrolet trucks from 07-14, but it IS not part of the airbag recall. and now, gm hides behind a so-called "cosmetic" issue in our dashboard to avoid compliance with the recall. gm IS not acting in good faith to remedy the defective airbag in our vehicle. we feel very unnerved to drive a vehicle with a bad airbag that gm refuses to fix without great expense. others are likely facing the same issue for this recall.
- Engine · Power train · Unknown or other
Transmission failure< 150,000 miles!! Well maintained. left us stranded on off ramp I-78.!!! cracked dash electrical problem. Check engine light.
- Air bags
The airbag error indicator on the dash activates frequently, especially after driving several hundred miles in one day. When the error message IS activated, the backup camera image IS pixilated. It does not do it when the vehicle IS in park. Chevrolet service technicians have been unable to recover the error code or replicate the error message. This IS a continuing problem.
- Structure › Body
There are 2 large cracks on the dashboard one running longitudinally on axis of steering column and another spreading forward toward driver side on forward driver corner of passenger airbag cutout radiused corner. I was warned after I purchased vehicle that it was a safety hazard in event of airbag…
There are 2 large cracks on the dashboard one running longitudinally on axis of steering column and another spreading forward toward driver side on forward driver corner of passenger airbag cutout radiused corner. I was warned after I purchased vehicle that it was a safety hazard in event of airbag deployment. I am reporting the date as the date I purchased vehical but crack was present prior to that date for an undetermined period of time.
- Unknown or other
Dashboard has slowly started cracking. Car IS garage kept and not driven in extreme conditions to warrant such distress on the dashboard
- Structure · Unknown or other
Dashboard started cracking
- Unknown or other
The dash IS cracked on the both windshield-edge corners of the passenger-side airbag cover and broken over the driver-side instrument cluster. The driver-side breakage has spread from the windshield inside edge to up and over the instrument cluster. It has been glued and patched but has continued…
The dash IS cracked on the both windshield-edge corners of the passenger-side airbag cover and broken over the driver-side instrument cluster. The driver-side breakage has spread from the windshield inside edge to up and over the instrument cluster. It has been glued and patched but has continued to disintegrate and IS now completely broken. This vehicle has been driven on road and highway. The dash has been cracking and breaking over a period of 5 years.
- Air bags · Air bags › Side/window
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated that while standing outside of the vehicle, the side curtain air bags deployed independently without warning, while the vehicle was idle. The contact manually deflated the airbags and the vehicle was driven to mcelveen buick GMC…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated that while standing outside of the vehicle, the side curtain air bags deployed independently without warning, while the vehicle was idle. The contact manually deflated the airbags and the vehicle was driven to mcelveen buick GMC (117 farmington rd, summerville, sc 29483) where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 124,400.
- Unknown or other
Cracking dashboard needs replacement, I have replaced our cracking dashboard and would like to receive some type of compensation for my expense. This IS an issue that IS ongoing with all of these types of vehicles.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Over the last 6 months my dashboard has developed numerous cracks in the dashboard. There are 2 cracks at the passenger air bag cover on the top corners and a long crack on the drivers side dash above the gauge cluster going towards the windshield. I have no specific date when this has happened. I…
Over the last 6 months my dashboard has developed numerous cracks in the dashboard. There are 2 cracks at the passenger air bag cover on the top corners and a long crack on the drivers side dash above the gauge cluster going towards the windshield. I have no specific date when this has happened. I am putting in this complaint as I have seen this on multiple vehicles of the same age and looking online of all the complaints of the same.
- Structure › Body
3 large cracks on dash. Going from windshield to dash. If I ever need to have work done under dash, dash will fall apart. 3 cracks appeared for no know reason.
- Unknown or other
Several crackes have appeared in the top section of dashboard
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Cracked dashboard.
- Structure › Body
Dashboard has crack above gauge cluster on driver side and also cracked on passenger side at corner of airbag area. With dashboard crack near airbag I believe it could send shards of sharp plastic at passenger if airbag were to go off.
- Service brakes · Unknown or other
2012 ltz 4WD suburban, noticed a faint hot smell, thought it was the engine, took it in for an oil change on new years eve 2018 ( we had lost an engine in previous suburban not taking chance) told by mechanic alloy wheels are hot, took to gm dealer, front wheel hub needed replaced, took to local…
2012 ltz 4WD suburban, noticed a faint hot smell, thought it was the engine, took it in for an oil change on new years eve 2018 ( we had lost an engine in previous suburban not taking chance) told by mechanic alloy wheels are hot, took to gm dealer, front wheel hub needed replaced, took to local garage for repair, garage told us brakes, caliphers, rotors be replaced due to caliphers being closed. They had hard time bleeding the lines, also replaced master cylinder, drove for few days short distance when front brakes caught fire, without warning, towed back to garage, they could not find cause, replaced brakes and rotors, drove for a week happened again, towed back to garage, they took to gm garage who replaced brake sensor, drove for few days locked up again kids in car, had towed to another gm dealer, told brake system tested normal to replace ABS computer module, drove 2 weeks locked up again with kids in car, towed back to gm dealer, we were told by gm it was at risk of loss of life or catastrophic injury and they were sending tech, till we did not put gm brake pads, possible replacement of brake system could fix but not guaranteed. Gm dealer had suburban 2/19-9/9/19 and it still IS locking up without defined cause. I have been without vehicle this whole time & still owe on the vehicle. It was taken back to chevy dealer 10/26/19 after locking up again. There are no warning lights, the brakes lock up. There have been 2 major gm recalls regarding 2014+ suburbans my issues are very similar regarding the braking system and even more severe. Had we been on busier roads we would have had an accident. We went to gm corp. / gm dealer lied to gm corp. We have vms to prove. Over $3K put into the vehicle and it still IS not fixed, the brake system IS $4K & that has not been proven to be the diagnosis. Vehicle not drivable. Pics from 1/27/19 incident, fire / smoke visable,
- Unknown or other
The dash of my vehicle cracked when it was only 3 years old and now the crack IS even larger.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Went to buy a new suburban, found a good used one without the cracked dash. Well within 2 months we now have a crack in our dash. Were told this IS a common problem and was told $1500 to fix this issue. I find it unacceptable that chevy would not take care of such a major issue with their vehicles.…
Went to buy a new suburban, found a good used one without the cracked dash. Well within 2 months we now have a crack in our dash. Were told this IS a common problem and was told $1500 to fix this issue. I find it unacceptable that chevy would not take care of such a major issue with their vehicles. How are there tons of other brand vehicles without this issue? Always have a sunshade on the vehicle and was it once a week. I now want to trade this for something that doesn't have such a problem. Crack looks like it could interfere with the airbag operation. Or send shards of plastic when airbag IS deployed. It happened parked in our garage over night.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011444This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
- 11011408This Preliminary information communicates direction to find information at www.gmupfitter.com for Police and Special Service Vehicles.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010566This service bulletin provides frame coating repair information to correct a customer concern of wax coating on frame peeling, metal shows corrosion/rusting (U.S. and Canada Only).
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This 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.
- 11007196This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007115This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006670This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
- 11006644This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006511This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11006282This service bulletin provides information on Chemical Staining, Pitting, Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of Chromed Aluminum Wheels.
Every Chevrolet Suburban model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.