2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 216 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 119,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 5% of the 216 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 119,000 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.
“At 170208 miles the cam went out while driving it on a city street it started tapping lifters, I took it directly to repair shop for inspection and a new motor has to be put in. I bought this vehicle one year ago at 139171 miles with powertrain assurance with apg corp. But no one wants to cover it now that it has issues. Even with regular maintenance.”
NHTSA complaint #10893471, filed 2016-08, 170,000 miles“My truck has been having issue after issue with sensors going bad and check enginge light always coming on. Now I have a transmission issue with a solenoid going bad. The transmission has had the clunk as people discribe it since I purchased it. Nothing was wrong with it so I was told and that was normal. There are so many complaints on this year and make silverado its pretty sad that nothing has been done. Now my truck sits and still paying the note because of this transmission issue that a ton of people have reported. …”
NHTSA complaint #11203225, filed 2019-04, 130,000 miles“Transmission---truck has never been abused. Will not go forward went put into drive. Has fluid. Will go into reverse. Pulled out of drive-way to go to the store . Went to a stop sign and it would not move . Had to push it back home. The consumer stated the transmission needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11051186, filed 2017-11, 66,000 miles“Traction goes off. Steering wheel locks up and engine shuts off after all the warning lights come on. Your no longer able to pick up speed or steer the truck.”
NHTSA complaint #11398801, filed 2021-03, 159,000 miles“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”
NHTSA complaint #11560369, filed 2023-12Related service bulletins
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This 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…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM 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…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 20% |
| 2025 | 21 | 19% |
| 2024 | 96 | 30% |
| 2023 | 108 | 28% |
| 2022 | 190 | 29% |
| 2021 | 243 | 28% |
| 2020 | 235 | 31% |
| 2019 | 330 | 30% |
| 2018 | 171 | 33% |
| 2017 | 191 | 27% |
| 2016 | 194 | 24% |
| 2015 | 138 | 12% |
| 2014 | 154 | 11% |
| 2013 | 13 | 4% |
| 2012 | 10 | 5% |
| 2011 | 18 | 3% |
| 2010 | 24 | 7% |
| 2009 | 12 | 3% |
| 2008 | 25 | 3% |
| 2007 | 35 | 4% |
| 2006 | 28 | 8% |
| 2005 | 36 | 7% |
| 2004 | 27 | 3% |
| 2003 | 26 | 3% |
| 2002 | 26 | 5% |
| 2001 | 19 | 4% |
| 2000 | 16 | 3% |
| 1999 | 26 | 4% |
| 1998 | 26 | 7% |
| 1997 | 57 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
74 complaintsAir bags
59 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsEngine
25 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsVehicle 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