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
284 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Feb 22, 2024
dealer told me that they will replace the passenger airbag but i need to sign a paper saying that if the dash board breaks while they work on it then they are not responsible and i need to pay to repair whatever damage there may be, they also said GM or Tekada would not pay to damage to dashboard because its old.....i did not let them replace airbag. my name is [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Rydell Chevrolet in Northridge CA. 818-832-1616 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2024
Rotted frame after 9 years old truck
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
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2024
I bought this truck new and the frame is rotted. I have 93000 miles and it is garaged year round. I also purchased a rust preventive electronic device with the vehicle. I have noticed wax coating that has come off in the past and sprayed with fluid film. I just found a hole yesterday and looked further and believe after doing some research that this is a constant problem with the Silverado and GM has not been held accountable for inferior frame rails. My truck body is in excellent shape for the year. I understand I live in a state that teats their roads unnescessarily, but this is absolutely absurd. Toyota had the same issue and took care of their customers Gm should do the same.Thank you
Power train, Dec 15, 2023
While driving down interstate my transmission just went out down shifted almost causing someone to hit me from behind after some research I learned gmc vehicles have been having this problem for the last 10 years but yet keep using the same transmissions it's not right the money they selling these vehicles for and we the little people have to pay for them knowing the problem but not caring just one man's opinion guess that how the rich get richer
Other or unspecified, Dec 15, 2023
Rear frame by the gas tank. The truck could break while hauling a load putting myself and any other motorists in danger. Widricks auto inspected the vehicle truck failed inspection due to multiple holes in the frame. No symptoms seemed present. I bought the vehicle on 3/10/20
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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 23, 2023
Rotten frame. Trucks body and other components are in very good to fair condition. Found out after I bought it GMC is having major issues with frame failure and have not yet remedied the issue. I think they should be required to fix these frames or buy back the vehicles at a fair price to both parties. This is a major safety issue especially if either the owner is not aware or does not have the means to simply eat the cost of a truck that cost anywhere form 15,000 to the mid 20,000s. It is not right to the consumer to sell vehicles that can't structurally make it past 100,000 mile mark. Also I would like to report that dealers (at least the one I bought it off of) are not notifying customers of these issues and also in my case undercoating over the rotten frame to pass a basic consumers inspection. Not good for road safety and not good for the consumer.
Other or unspecified, Oct 11, 2023
2012 Chevy Silverado rotted frame. The contact stated that the sway bar was so rusted that it broke in half and was replaced. The front struts were also super rusted. The contact does not feel comfortable driving the vehicle until the issues are addressed.
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2023
Had an inspection done and was told that the frame is partially rusted through. We took it to our dealership to be fixed and was told there was nothing they could do because Chevy does not want the liability of fixing rusted frames for its 2010-2013 models. I also found this to be true with local body shops in my area so basically our 11,000.00 vehicle is junk. After my research, this seems to be a common problem with Chevy and should be investigated. They should be ashamed of their business tactics by putting people's lives in jeopardy
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2023
truck frame on both sides of vehicle is rusting through, requiring structural repair. Truck has been carefully maintained and the body is generally rust free. I am the original owner and am nowhere near salt water. Truck has been garage-kept since purchase. If left undetected, structural collapse could have caused injury or death. Damage was confirmed by tire shop[Discount Tire in Gaylord,MI.] on 9/7/23. No prior indication of excessive rust.
Tires, Jul 25, 2023
275/55R20XL Sidewall bulge, garage inspected and confirmed sidewall separation
Suspension, Jul 2, 2023
The main chassis frame rusted through on both sides in the rear just ahead of the rear axle
Service brakes, Jun 9, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated he purchased the vehicle at a used dealer on March 13, 2023, and the anti-lock braking systems (ABS), the traction control sensor, and the brake warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the used dealer on 3 different occasions and had the anti-lock braking systems (ABS) sensor replaced and inspected the brakes. The dealer stated no failure was found when inspecting the vehicle. The contact stated while approaching an intersection another vehicle made a left turn and intercepted in his lane on the right side, he depressed the brake pedal but failed to stop or slow down the vehicle, causing it to crash into the other vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle continued moving forward while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle jumped a curb and crashed into a building and stopped the vehicle. The contact states the front driver side air bag deployed. The contact sustained leisure on his back muscles, had whiplash and leisure on the left side of his head and arm due to the air bag deployment. The contact stated he was taken to the hospital by ambulance to seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 192,000.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Apr 27, 2023
THE FRAME IS RUSTING OUT. THE REAR SHOCK MOUNT IS RUSTED ON BOTHE SHOCKS. THE MAIN FRAME RAIL IS RUSTED AND HAS HOLES IN THE FRAME. BEFORE LONG THIS WILL CAUSE A PROBLEM IF THE FRAME GIVES WAY. THE REAR WHEEL WELLS ARE ALSO RUSTED ABOVE THE TIRES ON BOTH SIDE. IT WAS INSPECTED BY A BODY REPAIR AND SAID FRAME WILL NEED REPLACED ALONG WITH TWO BED PANELS
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 29, 2023
December 2022, General Motors-Onstar system was deactivated in million of vehicles across America. This system was sold as a MAIN SAFETY and SECURITY system, integrated in millions of General Motor products was advertised as next generation Safety. This system allowed active subscribers the peace of mind that in the event of an emergency, they had us covered. motor vehicle collision detection for the event that you crashed, they could send first responders. If the vehicle was stolen, they had safe methods to locate and disable the vehicle. If you locked your keys in the vehicle with your child or pet, they could unlock it for you. In 2015 Canada "sunsetted" their 2G network which in turn would have disable Onstar for millions of Canadian vehicle owners across Canada. General Motors-Onstar offered FREE HARDWARE UPGRADES to keep Onstar active for whomever wanted and chose to keep the Onstar system working for them. Please refer to https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/SB-10089229-2280.pdf and https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10166666-9999.pdf. What about the vehicles sold in America? What about the people who purchased General Motor products for the specific reason of Onstar peace of mind? The people who want the system to function as it should? What if I do not have my cell phone with me in a remote location and I crash my truck at 70 mph? No Onstar to alert first responders. What if I accidentally lock my grandchild and keys in my car? Must i now break a window instead of calling Onstar and asking for an emergency unlock? And a very important one for me as many others. What if my vehicle gets stolen. Now there is no way to locate it. There is no way for Onstar to SAFELY shut it down so it could be recovered. I paid yearly for Onstar services for that exact peace of mind as did MANY OTHERS. There is even a petition where people are saying that if given the choice, they, like myself, would gladly pay to have the system upgraded like they did for Canada.
Child seat, Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a Safety-First car seat, Model Type: Onboard 35 LT, Model Number: IC354GAJ, Manufactured Date: March 23, 2022. The car seat was being utilized in a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that the car seat failed to fit securely into the stroller and car seat base. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The car seat was not repaired or replaced.
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.
Suspension, Jan 10, 2023
extensive frame corrosion, on the box frame, all the way through the frame. The Box frame corroded from the inside out.
Air bags, Nov 16, 2022
airbag reCall VIN#: [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Suspension, Oct 13, 2022
EXCESSIVE CORROSION TO CHASSIS FRAME. INTERNET LINKS STATE THERE WAS A FRAME RECALL FOR THE 2012 CHEVY SILVERADO PICKUP BECAUSE GM DID NOT TREAT THE CHASSIS FRAME DURING MANUFACTURING.
Engine, Sep 29, 2022
Oil consumption on 2011 to 2014 Chevy Silverado engine related issues on the 5.3 liter v8 flex fuel engine. Vehicle produced a service engine soon light on 9/27/2022 so I took it to the local Chevy dealer mechanic. They inspect it and determine that it was a misfire in cylinder 7. They went to run it through my warranty that I purchased when I baught the vehicle 2 years ago. They advised that it would not be covered so to it being an oil consumption issue. They advised that to fix the issue permanently it would cost $3,600 to fix. Being that this is a known issue GM should be issuing a recall to correct this. I only have 60000 miles on the vehicle and the engine is basically junk without the fix. I do not have the repair invoice at the this time as it is currently in the shop with the local Chevy dealer The mechanic advised that this is a known issue with all Silverado’s between 2011 and 2014 and that GM knew this was an issue and that eventually the engine will sieze if you don’t have the pistons and rings replaced. This is a country wide problem and appears there is a possible class action lawsuit due to GM knowing this was an issue and in 2014 GM re-engineered the 5.3 vortec to correct this issue. In addition it is a known issue another problem is the rear wheel wells rusting on all Silverado’s. This should also be looked into Thank you for your time and consideration!
Air bags, Sep 12, 2022
Crash Impact Sensor in the drivers side front door has lost communication with the vehicle's airbag computer. Vehicle information display reports the fault and illuminates the red dashboard airbag light. This condition caused by wire harness / conductor fatigue between drivers side door and vehicle body. Observed that if driver's side door moved to certain positions while open the fault would clear. Eventually these wires in the door harness failed due to normal open / close cycles with the door upon entry / exit and now have completely failed so that the dashboard airbag lamp stays illuminated at all times. I have a 2010 Toyota Venza that has a recall on the same type of issue. Why is GM not recalling vehicles for this issue? My dealer has acknowledged that they have seen this issue, but no recall has been issued so they are not able to address it as such.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 1, 2022
Fuel line at fuel pump corroded causing fuel to leak under pressure from fuel pump. Fire hazard. Mechanic also stated during repair the truck frame cross member was rusted through in a large section approximately 2”x 24”. No warning indicated by vehicle. Chevrolet trucks should be recalled for this issue