2012 GMC Sierra 2500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Sierra 2500 › 2012
These records cover every 2012 GMC Sierra 2500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2012 GMC Sierra 2500. 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 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.
Owner complaints
31 complaints1 involved a crash5 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires › Sidewall
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 2500 equipped with Armstrong Tires, Tire Line: Tru Trac HT, Tire Size: 245/75/17, DOT Number: 1E6DAE022625. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a routine tire rotation but was informed there were massive bubbles on the…
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 2500 equipped with Armstrong Tires, Tire Line: Tru Trac HT, Tire Size: 245/75/17, DOT Number: 1E6DAE022625. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a routine tire rotation but was informed there were massive bubbles on the tires, and on one tire, there was a bulge the size of an apple on the sidewall of the tire. The contact replaced the tires. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and declined to accept the mileage claim and requested photos of the tires. The tire failure mileage was approximately 27,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 146,500.
- Unknown or other
I'm following up on tracking number 11642264 that was submitted on Feb 12th for my 2012 GMC Sierra 2500 HD ignition lock issue that fits the profile for a current recall . I haven't heard anything and am checking on the current status. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Unknown or other
My 2012 GMC Sierra falls under recall number 14V827000 Ignition lock activator by year, make and model, but not by the VIN number. I called the GMC 800 number and they indicated that the NHTSA issues the recalls not the manufacturer. I then called the NHTSA and they indicated that the manufacturer…
My 2012 GMC Sierra falls under recall number 14V827000 Ignition lock activator by year, make and model, but not by the VIN number. I called the GMC 800 number and they indicated that the NHTSA issues the recalls not the manufacturer. I then called the NHTSA and they indicated that the manufacturer issues the recalls. I just need to have VIN number [XXX] added to recall number 14V827000. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V051000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and an unknown dealer were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a…
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V051000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and an unknown dealer were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. .
- Electrical system · Power train
Driving on the expressway around 60 mph when the truck went into limp mode slowing me down to 40 and then would not shift gears Tcm went out gm told me that there is a big problem
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Truck is a diesel. Fuel pump blew up and died in the middle of the street. Now I'm being told the Fuel system needs completely re done and will cost me 10g. I also found a lawsuit for this issue as well.
- Electrical system · Power train · Vehicle speed control
Failed TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (24256861). While driving in the early morning hours (darkness) taking my child to school, I was navigating through a busy intersection when the vehicle surged and then made a loud metal on metal sound, feeling as if someone had struck me from behind. At that…
Failed TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (24256861). While driving in the early morning hours (darkness) taking my child to school, I was navigating through a busy intersection when the vehicle surged and then made a loud metal on metal sound, feeling as if someone had struck me from behind. At that point the power train became inoperable, stranding us and coming very close to being first, struck from behind and then from cross traffic. The vehicle was/has been inspected by a GM technician at Starling Chevrolet, St Cloud, FL and the TCM was found to have failed (trouble code U0101, lost communication with TCM). It has been at the dealership for going on four months awaiting the production of a replacement part(TCM). There was no prior indication that the TCM was about to fail. Upon failure, all lights on the vehicle display flashed and the indicator for the vehicle drive position was lost (P, R, N, D), no longer visible.
- Power train
Transmission Control Module Failed
- Air bags
I received notice of a defective front airbag in February, 2021. As of now (about 7 months later) no action by GM to repair.
- Air bags
None
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
While traveling on the interstate at speed and passing slower traffic; engine power fell off, change fuel filter now, engine derate, and check engine lite, occured. I had to maneuver with no power through the traffic to get out of the travel lanes. I was then stranded on the interstate as the truck…
While traveling on the interstate at speed and passing slower traffic; engine power fell off, change fuel filter now, engine derate, and check engine lite, occured. I had to maneuver with no power through the traffic to get out of the travel lanes. I was then stranded on the interstate as the truck would not start. I was able to get a mechanic to come and change the fuel filter on the side of the highway, but the truck would not start. The truck was eventually towed to a shop where it was diagnosed with a catastrophic failure of the fuel pump (diesel motor driven pump).
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel filter housing contains a primer pump. Needed for a diesel. Seals within that pump failed allowing air into the system. vehicle IS 8 years old and only has 67K miles on it. this caused the motor to quit while in motion. In yellowstone park.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Dash IS cracked near passenger side air bag, if deployment were to happen shrapnel will fly throughout the cab. Ive seen the same issue on numerous other vehicles of the same generation.
- Air bags · Suspension
Well I keep driving my truck. And my airbag light IS on. So there for if I get hit they not going to come out and protect me. And I'm having bad issues with my ball joints. On my 2012 GMC 2500 HD. I've put 2 sets on them. And I've only had it a year. You gotta do something about that.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Driving east bound on I70 coming into denver. truck shut off with no warning at 80mph on steep downhill grade causing loss of all power facilities in the truck. no brakes, no power steering. I endangered the lives of every single person on the road thanks to this failed fuel pump. further…
Driving east bound on I70 coming into denver. truck shut off with no warning at 80mph on steep downhill grade causing loss of all power facilities in the truck. no brakes, no power steering. I endangered the lives of every single person on the road thanks to this failed fuel pump. further investigation shows bosch (the pump manufacturer) had instructed gm to use a lift pump on this item and they have disregarded that recommendation leaving people in danger of serious injury or death. this item needs a recall and gm IS refusing to do so because this occurrence renders the truck in need of 13K+ I'm repairs. shame on gm and shame on nhtsa for not doing their job.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2012 GMC sierra 2500. While driving approximately 35 mph, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The following day, while driving approximately 35 mph, the "service exhaust fluid system", "see owners manual now", and "97 miles before 65 mph nax speed" messages…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 GMC sierra 2500. While driving approximately 35 mph, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The following day, while driving approximately 35 mph, the "service exhaust fluid system", "see owners manual now", and "97 miles before 65 mph nax speed" messages appeared. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer (trice hughs gm in princeton, kentucky) where it was diagnosed that the in tank fuel sensor, three glow plugs, and the nox sensor had shorted and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2012 GMC sierra 2500. While driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle jerked, stalled, and lost power. The transmission warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to courtesy buick GMC lafayette (4750 johnston st, lafayette, la 70506 (337) 504-7342) where it was…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 GMC sierra 2500. While driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle jerked, stalled, and lost power. The transmission warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to courtesy buick GMC lafayette (4750 johnston st, lafayette, la 70506 (337) 504-7342) where it was diagnosed that the torque converter blew apart and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that no warranty or recall was associated with the vin. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
- Unknown or other
Two rear tires have belt separation. tires are 2 years old.
- Engine
Emissions failure. Nox sensor, def system. Driving, display states, poor def quality. Took in for repair, still def quality. Truck has slowed to 55mph, will slow to 4 mph in 39 miles. They are trowing parts at it at my expense. Can't properly diagnose. This problem IS from 2010- current models of these diesels.
- Structure › Body
Multiple cracks in dashboard which could potentially fly off during airbag deployment
- Air bags · Structure › Body
1 day got in truck and noticed the dash was cracked on driver side behind the gauge cluster and as I looked I noticed it was also cracked at the 2 upper corners of the passenger air bag. The truck only has 25000 mile on it. Gm will not pay to have it fixed and I'm worried that it can affect the safety of the air bags
- Structure · Unknown or other
Crack in dashboard passenger side near corner of airbag and drivers side. cracked while driving. *tr
- Unknown or other
The dashboard cracked at the passenger side airbag @ 34,000 miles I had the dashboard replaced. Now the replaced dash has cracked once again this time on the driver side 70,000 miles.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2012 GMC sierra 2500. When using the snow plow, the headlights dimmed and the heat decreased as if it were turned off. The contact mentioned that the volts decreased when using the plow, which may have caused the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 GMC sierra 2500. When using the snow plow, the headlights dimmed and the heat decreased as if it were turned off. The contact mentioned that the volts decreased when using the plow, which may have caused the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent an investigator to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 18,500.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2012 GMC sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the air bag warning indicator illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the front passenger's side air bag module. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.
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.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 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.
- 11009118This Preliminary information communicates information on adding RPO UF3 Fast Idle to a vehicle.
- 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.
- 11006278This service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process.
Every GMC Sierra 2500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.