2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 284 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 19 Silverado 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 16 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 14 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 5, 2021
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 recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Campaign 21V054000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 5, 2021
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 Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Campaign 21V051000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: structure
49 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2025
Rusted Frame and body
Structure, May 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was significantly rusted, and the contact did not feel safe driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the frame was inspected. The dealer informed the contact that the frame needed to be replaced; however, the repair fee would supersede the value of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered monetary assistance towards the purchase of a new vehicle. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 19-NA-255. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, May 7, 2025
I have been shopping for a truck for a little over a year now specifically a 2012 Chevy Silverado. To date everyone I found has frame and body rust but the frame rust is so bad that most aren’t safe to drive.
Structure, Aug 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the Walmart Tire Center for tire replacement, the contact was informed that the tires could not be replaced. The contact was informed that the front driver's side frame was corroded and had holes. The contact was advised to stop driving the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to bring the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was offered a 1-10 percent discount on the purchase of another vehicle. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her husband observed corrosion and holes in front of the gas tank and the frame of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the ABS, traction control, and steering stabilizer warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Structure, May 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware that the front and rear sub frame were extremely rusted. The contact also stated the shock tube had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front and rear sub frame needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2024
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup truck has very extensive frame damage for 115k miles which has caused it to be unsafe to drive and basically scrap. I am the 2nd owner of the truck. When I bought it at 70k miles it definitely had rust on the frame, but no major holes. It has now rusted through in multiple spots. Is there anything that I can do or am I pretty much out of luck?
Structure, Jan 30, 2024
The body and frame are rusted so bad they wouldn't inspect it unless the y would weld on the frame only has 73000 miles
Suspension, Structure, Dec 5, 2023
THE FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. LEFT TIRE IS ALMOST SNAPPED AND YOU CAN PUT YOUR HAND THROUGH THE RUST IN FRAME. HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY 2 MECHANICS. I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND HAVE BABIED THIS TRUCK SINCE THE FIRST DAY I GOT IT IN 2014. ADDITIONAL DEFECT IS THE TAILGATE WONT STATE SHUT, MUST CLOSE 3-4 TIMES FOR IT TO REMAIN CLOSED.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 12, 2023
Frame and suspension components are complete rusted and rotting off of frame. I am afraid to drive the truck in fear of it falling apart on me while on the road.
Structure, Feb 17, 2023
1. Serious frame rust found (holes punched on the inside frame rails, middle of truck). We have yet to check the rest of the truck. The truck was originally coated by ziebart ~3 times, coated with rust protective paint for maintenance (myself). The rust could not be slowed. 2. Myself including passengers could be hurt if this frame fails. Could cause accident if the failure occurs in traffic. 3. Issue confirmed by frame inspection by independent service center (Motor City Rustproofing). The application was not applied since the frame rust was discovered. 4 Not yet 5. No warning lamps, messages or other systems as of yet. 6. This vehicle is used for general cargo in the bed and hauling a 28ft. travel trailer and I'm concerned the frame will fail and cause health and safety issues. 7. Rust will occur in general, but this scenario is much more severe for an 11 year old truck and was most likely present a few years before today's inspection. 8. The truck is passed the corrosion warranty of 100K miles & May of 2018, but the severity of the rust is highly out range for this vehicle. 9. Can this be looked into as I'm now reading these trucks are severely affected for year 2009-2014. Most cases I read with sever rust are mostly parted out of junked if they cannot be safely repaired. 10. The rest of the truck is in great condition and has many more years of life and I'll like to keep it. 11. Some sample pics will be attached for has been found so far.
Structure, May 18, 2022
The frame of my truck is very badly rusted. Parts such as shock, body and engine mounts are very rusted and can't be as strong as necessary. Pieces of rust 1/16th thick are coming off in many places. I have not taken it to a dealership yet to see it because i have only just recently really looked at it because i was working on the trailer hitch and was under the truck for a while.
Structure, Nov 2, 2021
vehicle has extreme rust rot to both frame rails and cross member near the gas tank. vehicle has 88000 miles
Structure, Jul 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after the dealer performed the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V051000 (Air Bag) recall repair, the dashboard was cracked on the corner of the passenger’s side air bag compartment. The contact was concerned that the air bag might deploy due to the crack. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that he was responsible for the cost to replace the dashboard. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that due to the age and mileage of the vehicle; the manufacturer was not responsible for the damage to the dashboard. The contact had also signed a waiver prior to the recall repair. The failure mileage was 101,194.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 26, 2021
THE DASHBOARD ON MY 2012 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500 IS CRACKED IN TWO PLACES. THE CRACK NEXT TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HAS BEEN THERE SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BUT THE CRACK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DASHBOARD JUST APPEARED FROM NORMAL CITY STREET AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. I AM CONCERNED IT COULD BE A PROBLEM IF I AM INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.
Other or unspecified, Structure, Apr 23, 2021
THE DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES AND IS NOISY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. IT IS A DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER.
Structure, Mar 27, 2021
SEVERELY CRACKED DASH. COULD SHATTER IN A CRASH AND SEND SHROUDS OF PLASTIC THROUGH OUT THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Structure, Mar 22, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE ROCKER PANEL WAS CORRODED AND RUSTED THROUGH. THE CONTACT CALLED FRIENDLY CHEVROLET (7501 HWY 65 NE, FRIDLEY, MN 55432, (612)276-2955) WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND THAT THE ROCKER PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Air bags, Structure, Mar 20, 2021
MY PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL N202324210 BY PRIORITY CHEVROLET OF CHESAPEAKE VA. I WAS REQUIRED BY THE DEALERSHIP TO SIGN ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE GM OR THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR DASHBOARD CRACKING AS PART OF THE REPAIR. MY TRUCK IS LOW MILEAGE AND IN GREAT CONDITION SO I EXPECTED NO PROBLEMS. HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN DID CRACK MY DASHBOARD AND PREDICTABLY THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO TAKE ANY ACTION. I THINK IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT THE MANUFACTURER AND THEIR AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEPARTMENTS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DAMAGE CUSTOMER VEHICLES DURING RECALL REPAIRS. ALSO, WHILE MY CRACKS ARE FAIRLY SMALL, I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT INVISIBLE DAMAGE MIGHT HAVE OCCURRED. HOW CAN I BE CONFIDENT THAT THE RECALL REPAIR DID NOT CREATE MISSILE HAZARDS? IT IS COMMON TO VIEW THE DASHBOARD AS MERELY DECORATIVE BUT I AM NOW FORCED TO CONSIDER WHAT NEW HAZARDS ARE PRESENTED BY THE DASHBOARD, BOTH FROM UNSECURED MATERIAL IN A CRASH AND MISSILE HAZARDS IN THE AREA OF THE AIRBAG, THAT WERE DIRECTLY CAUSED BY A GOVERNMENT ORDERED RECALL. I BELIEVE THAT NHTSA SHOULD ORDER REPAIR OF ALL MOUNTING EQUIPMENT AND DASHBOARD COMPONENTS AS PART OF THIS AND FUTURE AIR BAG RECALLS. THANK YOU.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Mar 4, 2021, crash
TTHIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN 3 SEPARATE ACCIDENTS, 1ST ANOTHER DRIVER PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF THE TRUCK CAUSING THE ACCIDENT; 2ND A DRIVER FELL ASLEEP WITH HIS FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AND REAR ENDED ME AT ABOUT 90 MPH; 3RD AN OUT STATE DRIVER REAR ENDED MY SON'S CAR WHICH WAS FORCED INTO THE REAR OF MY TRUCK. THE 3 ACCIDENTS WERE SEVERE ENOUGH THAT THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOME TYPE OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT BUT THERE WAS NOT. I NOTIFIED GM IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE 1ST ACCIDENT ABOUT THE FAILURE OF THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. I SHOULD MENTIONED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BROKE DUE THE HARSHNESS OF THE ACCIDENT. ALL THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL YEARS AGO BUT GM NEVER ANSWERED ME NOR TOOK ANY ACTION TO INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE OF THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. TODAY, 4 MARCH, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE BECAUSE AFTER ALL THESE YEARS TAKATA HAS ADMITTED THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BAGS, EXCEPT THEY SAY IT IS ONLY THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH I DIDN'T EVEN THINK I HAD AIR BAGS BECAUSE THEY NEVER WORKED. THE ID NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS 21V051. I AM HOPEFUL THAT EVEN THOUGH THESE ACCIDENTS TOOK PLACE YEARS AGO, I DON'T HAVE ACTUAL DATES BECAUSE I DIDN'T THEY WERE IMPORTANT, THAT YOU, AS THE FEDERAL AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSEEING THE SAFETY OF CARS USING OUR HIGHWAYS, WILL INQUIRE AS TO WHY GM FAILED TO INVESTIGATE A SAFETY COMPLAINT SUBMITTED TO THEIR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER. HAVING SOME ADMINISTRATION KNOWLEDGE I AM SURE THERE HAS TO BE A FILE FOLDER WITH MY COMPLAINT IN IT. THANK YOU AND PLEASE HELP ME? * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
Structure, Feb 3, 2021
IN FEBRUARY 2020 THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST TO ME OF $163.73. NOW THE EXTERIOR HANDLE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR IS BROKEN AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. IN BOTH CASES THE HANDLE BECAME DETACHED ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR FRAME.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Aug 9, 2020
I BOUGHT MY 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO TEXAS EDITION ON, MAY 26, 2012, FROM CLASSIC CHEVROLET OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS. I PAID $31,622.80 FOR THE TRUCK. I FEEL THAT A NEW VEHICLE SOLD IN AMERICA SHOULD HAVE AN IMPLIED WARRANTY ATTACHED TO IT THAT GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND EXPRESS WARRANTIES WHEN IT COMES TO THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY. AFTER TWO YEARS AS AN OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE I NOTICED A STAIN ON MY REAR CARPET. THE MORE I RUBBED IT THE MORE IT SPREAD. I FIGURED THAT ONE OF MY GRAND CHILDREN PROBABLY SPILLED SOMETHING AND SO I JUST DECIDED TO TRY TO LIVE WITH IT. IN LATE 2019 I NOTICED THAT MY CARPET BEHIND MY DRIVER'S SEAT WAS WET AFTER A HEAVY RAIN. SO I TOWEL DRIED IT AND TOOK A PAPER RECEIPT FROM MY CONSOLE AND ATTEMPTED TO ADJUST THE HEADER PRESSURE ON THE REAR DOOR BY STRIKING THE ROCKER PANEL STRIKER. THIS YEAR I TOOK A TRIP TO KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI IN FEBRUARY. I FOUND MYSELF HAVING TO DRIVE UNDER RAINY, MISTING, WINDSHIELD, FREEZING AND FOGGING, UP. MY DEFROSTER WAS NO MATCH FOR IT BECAUSE IT NEVER WAS ABLE TO CLEAR MY WINDSHIELD SUFFICIENTLY. ON THE WAY BACK TO TEXAS I LEFT K.C. AT 4:00 AM. THE HAZARDOUS WEATHER WAS STILL PERSISTING. MY BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEARTBEAT RACED A FEW TIMES WHEN I TRIED TO MOVE AHEAD OF TRUCKS TO AVOID THE SPLASHING FROM THEIR WAKE. IN JUNE I DISCOVERED POOLING OF WATER BEHIND MY DRIVER'S SEAT. IT WAS SO RIDICULOUS I HAD TO TAKE IT TO CLASSIC. AFTER 3 HOURS IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THE SERVICE MANAGER RETURNED TO ME AND ESCORTED ME TO THE TECHNICIAN. THE TECH SHOWED ME THAT THE WATER WAS COMING FROM AN UNSEALED OVERLAP AT MY FIREWALL. HE EXPLAINED THAT THE LEAK'S BEEN GOING ON FOR SOME TIME. THIS AREA AT THE TOP OF YOUR FENDER IS WHERE THE WATER IS ENTERING AND IT FILLS UP AN AREA INSIDE YOUR FINDER AND THEN IT LEAKS THROUGH YOUR FIREWALL AND RUNS DOWN YOUR ROCKER AND SETTLES AT THE BACK SEAT WELL. THAT REPORT COST ME $145.00.*DT*JB*JB
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2020
DASH IS CRACKING. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Apr 29, 2020
MY 2012 CHEVY SILVERADO HAS STARTED CRACKING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NEARBY THE AIR BAG AREA. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY PARKING LOT WHEN I REALIZED THIS CRACKING ISSUE STARTED. I AM JUST WORRIED THAT IT WILL CRACK MORE AND BE A SAFETY ISSUE IN THE FUTURE.
Structure, Dec 22, 2019
THE DASHBOARD CRACKED AROUND THE AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND BEHIND THE STEERING WHILE. I'M GUESSING IT HAPPENED OVER NIGHT I DONT KNOW EXACTLY. ONE MORNING I GOT IN MY TRUCK NOTICED THE CRACK AROUND AIRBAG AND WEEKS LATER THE ONE BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL.