2012 GMC Sierra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2012 GMC Sierra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2012 GMC Sierra. 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
29 complaints4 involved a crash2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
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.
- Power train
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.
- Unknown or other
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.
- Unknown or other
Dashboard cracking above instrument panel.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
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.
- Structure › Body
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…
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
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Unknown or other
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.
- Air bags
Dash cracked around airbag module
- Air bags
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.
- Structure › Body
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.
- Power train · Service brakes · Suspension
I purchased a 2012 GMC sierra denali from stahl motors in monterey, ca in february of 2015. They are not willing to pay for the damages to my truck even though they sold me a completely dangerous vehicle, which I will explain. my truck didn't feel right as I was driving so I decided to take it to…
I purchased a 2012 GMC sierra denali from stahl motors in monterey, ca in february of 2015. They are not willing to pay for the damages to my truck even though they sold me a completely dangerous vehicle, which I will explain. my truck didn't feel right as I was driving so I decided to take it to a shop to get looked at. There IS a long list of things that IS wrong with the vehicle, but I will mention just the main ones. The truck was sold to me without the rear brakes hooked up. The brake lines for the rear calipers were capped off by the rear differential. when the mechanic shop discovered that, they also discovered the master cylinder was completely dry, which caused damage to my front brakes. there was no cross member underneath the vehicle from frame to frame. it was torched out, therefor leaving zero support for the frame of the truck as well as the front differential. which needed to be rebuilt caused from excessive movement left to right. front differential needed to be rebuilt caused from the damage of no cross member in place. ball joints were also affected (about to pop out of control arms) due to wrong parts installed in front suspension of vehicle.
- Electrical system
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.
- Structure › Body
Frame coating IS peeling off the back of the frame and in other areas. excessive rust for a vehicle that IS 3 years old in a temperate climate. only appears to be affecting frame covered with waxy undercoat. very little rust and no peeling on areas that have other paints/coatings.
- Electrical system
Check engine light illuminated. took truck to local chevrolet dealer for repair and they discovered the wires had been chewed through. I read that gm uses peanut oil on wires in order to install them easier. looks like this attracted a mouse, squirrel, chipmunk, or other creature and it chewed…
Check engine light illuminated. took truck to local chevrolet dealer for repair and they discovered the wires had been chewed through. I read that gm uses peanut oil on wires in order to install them easier. looks like this attracted a mouse, squirrel, chipmunk, or other creature and it chewed the wires. luckily it did not affect the operation of the truck but it could have led to a short circuit that could have caused a fire. I feel this needs to be thoroughly investigated. and gm needs to create some kind of animal repellant to spray on the wires after vehicle assembly.
- Engine · Service brakes · Steering
The fuel injection pump CP4 had a catastrophic failure as I was driving on a heavily traveled four lane highway, us RT.20. I lost power steering and brakes. I felt fortunate that I was not towing a 16,000 lb. Fifth wheel camper down a mountain road.i say this because it was extremely difficult to…
The fuel injection pump CP4 had a catastrophic failure as I was driving on a heavily traveled four lane highway, us RT.20. I lost power steering and brakes. I felt fortunate that I was not towing a 16,000 lb. Fifth wheel camper down a mountain road.i say this because it was extremely difficult to maintain control over the truck steering it and bringing it to a controlled stop. I have read about these pumps failing on numerous diesel ford and gm trucks. I also feel if a woman or small person had this happen to them the outcome could end in loss of control resulting in injuries even deaths. The only one that knows the actual number of pumps that have failed IS the manufacturers, who will not share that information willingly. *js
- Engine
Engine will increase idle from 700 to 900 at any time. One can be sitting at a traffic light and it might increase or decrease. I pull a 5TH wheel (35 feet) and it IS very difficult to stop with the engine trying to keep going. Also it IS very scary to stop on slippery roads. This did not start…
Engine will increase idle from 700 to 900 at any time. One can be sitting at a traffic light and it might increase or decrease. I pull a 5TH wheel (35 feet) and it IS very difficult to stop with the engine trying to keep going. Also it IS very scary to stop on slippery roads. This did not start until the vehicle had approx. 35,000 miles on it. The dealer tells me it IS normal, but I have talked to owners of the gm diesel from model year 2008 through 2015 and none of them have this condition. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
Pulling into a parking spot in a parking garage going no more than 3 miles per hour, or however fast this vehicle can go while foot IS resting on brake, getting ready to fully brake. As I pressed down on brake to stop, the vehicle continued as if the anti-lock brake system slipped, causing the…
Pulling into a parking spot in a parking garage going no more than 3 miles per hour, or however fast this vehicle can go while foot IS resting on brake, getting ready to fully brake. As I pressed down on brake to stop, the vehicle continued as if the anti-lock brake system slipped, causing the truck to drive forward crashing through the sheetrock wall and finally stopping after hitting the glass windows. two weeks later, after all cosmetic repairs were done, the vehicle did the same thing in another parking lot, but luckily broke before hitting the curb and light post. I did feel under my foot on the brake peddle, as I pressed down to stop, a slip of some sort which at the same time caused the vehicle to push forward right before stopping. this IS definitely a malfunction of some sort with the anti-lock brake system. *tr
- Electrical system · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2012 GMC sierra 1500. the contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the right and left turn signal and safety belt chime stopped working. Also, the radio malfunctioned and the vehicle veered to the right. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not diagnosed.…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 GMC sierra 1500. the contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the right and left turn signal and safety belt chime stopped working. Also, the radio malfunctioned and the vehicle veered to the right. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 65,274. updated 10/2/14*cn the consumer stated that the interior lights also went out. the vehicle was repaired under recall. updated 3/9/15 *js
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Passanger front door handle failure. loud noise was heard upon closing of the door. door handle pull clear from the door. window cannot be rolled down and internal door handle IS inoperable. *js
- Engine · Structure › Body · Wheels
While the vehicle was being driven, it just went dead, no engine, no electric, no nothing. The vehicle was left in place and at some point, caught fire and burned. A total loss. To date, the insurance company has not paid me for my loss but rather has gone to great lengths to investigate me…
While the vehicle was being driven, it just went dead, no engine, no electric, no nothing. The vehicle was left in place and at some point, caught fire and burned. A total loss. To date, the insurance company has not paid me for my loss but rather has gone to great lengths to investigate me personally, looking for any reason to not pay. So, I've been making two vehicle payments for the last 8 months. As a result, I am struggling financially. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2012 GMC sierra k-1500. The contact stated that while driving 75 mph, the vehicle began to decelerate as the warning lights in the instrument panel illuminated. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond 35 mph. the failure was resolved momentarily after the vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 GMC sierra k-1500. The contact stated that while driving 75 mph, the vehicle began to decelerate as the warning lights in the instrument panel illuminated. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond 35 mph. the failure was resolved momentarily after the vehicle was restarted but soon recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they where unable to duplicate the failure. The failure was not reported to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 7,000. The current mileage was 20,000. kmj
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2012 GMC sierra. The contact stated that while making a right turn, the driver front air bag erroneously deployed and caused the contact to crash into a pole. The vehicle was destroyed but there were no injuries. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 6,700. The vin was unavailable.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Structure
Apparently gm uses peanut oil to lubricate wiring so they can more easily insulate, etc (accorging to the gm dealer). this attracts rats and mice which chew up the wiring - potentially impacting sensors and other items controlling cruise, stability/traction control, and any number of electrical…
Apparently gm uses peanut oil to lubricate wiring so they can more easily insulate, etc (accorging to the gm dealer). this attracts rats and mice which chew up the wiring - potentially impacting sensors and other items controlling cruise, stability/traction control, and any number of electrical systems that the driver may be relying upon for safety. I actually had map sensor wires chewed up that disabled my stability/traction systems and inhibited engine performance. luckily for me it happened in my driveway rather than on the highway. dealer claims it IS not warranty item even though caused by a process that gm elects to use in building the vehicle. this could impact any/every vehicle that gm builds with use of peanut oil (may indeed be all of their models). *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2012 GMC sierra. the contact stated that while driving uphill and attempting to decelerate. The vehicle accelerated abnormally. In order to stop the vehicle, the contact abruptly applied the brakes as the engine exhibited a loud thump. The contact took the vehicle to the…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 GMC sierra. the contact stated that while driving uphill and attempting to decelerate. The vehicle accelerated abnormally. In order to stop the vehicle, the contact abruptly applied the brakes as the engine exhibited a loud thump. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer but they were unable to duplicate the failure. the failure and the current mileages were 5,545. updated 13/13/12 *cn
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.
- 10114431This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone. Technician should work with the customer to insure the phone contacts to not have any Emojis loaded to any contact.
- 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.
- 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).
- 10113722This informational bulletin provides information on communication with OnStar module after Canadian cellular upgrade.
- 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.
Every GMC Sierra model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.