Skip to content
SuspensionPart report

2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Suspension Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
4%of 216 total for the year
Median mileage
112,800miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 4% of the 216 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,800 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The steel in the rear leaf springs suddenly broke in half (under no load). It happened twice - in the left rear leaf springs in ~2016 (~3 years of age), and again in the right rear leaf springs last week (2018). This is not even a mechanical device - just a passive heavy gauge piece of steel. The vehicle is very light use, and in both cases there was no payload in the flatbed. Gm appears to be using a substandard grade of steel in critical areas of the vehicle. The rear of the vehicle dropped when the springs broke, and I consider this a safety problem if driving at high speed. …”

NHTSA complaint #11071617, filed 2018-02, 100,000 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11659405, filed 2025-05

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11544108, filed 2023-09

“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”

NHTSA complaint #11519324, filed 2023-04

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11489207, filed 2022-10

Related service bulletins

Suspension: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202611%
202511%
202431%
202331%
202261%
2021182%
2020203%
2019222%
2018326%
2017152%
2016304%
2015222%
2014473%
2013217%
201294%
2011183%
201092%
200982%
2008182%
2007162%
2006298%
2005214%
2004132%
2003142%
2002133%
2001102%
2000234%
1999295%
1998175%
1997346%

Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Other or unknown
74 complaints
Air bags
59 complaints
Body and structure
35 complaints
Engine
25 complaints
Electrical system
21 complaints
Electronic stability control
10 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
10 complaints
Brakes
9 complaints
Fuel system
6 complaints
Exterior lighting
5 complaints
Steering
4 complaints
Vehicle speed control
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology