2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe cracks in the dashboard near the passenger airbag, and some say the cracks grow over time. Fuel pump failures that send metal debris through the fuel system are also frequent, and where mileage is given they were mostly reported between about 117,000 and 130,000 miles. Other common themes are glow plug and NOx sensor faults, transmission control module failures that leave the truck in limp mode, and airbag recall repairs delayed by parts availability.

1. 1
   Body and structure

   Cracked dashboard near passenger airbag

   • 10 complaints (19%)
   • median 72,000 mi at 4.6 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2016–2022

   Owners describe cracks across the top of the dashboard, most often on the passenger side near the airbag. Some say the cracks have grown over time, and some worry a cracked dash could affect airbag deployment or add sharp edges in a crash. Owners report the cracks appearing without a known trigger, and some say they found similar reports online. Where mileage is given, the cracks were reported between about 40,000 and 130,000 miles.

   What to check: Inspect the top of the dashboard, especially above the passenger airbag, for cracks, and ask the seller whether any dashboard repair has been done. Ask whether any airbag warning light or message is on and request any repair records.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I noticed a crack in my dashboard on the passenger side at the front left corner of where my airbag is in my 2012 silverado 2500hd ltz. I did research on this problem only to find out there are thousands of others with this issue! It's not from using any cleaning products. It's a manufacturer defect. Wish this could be addressed. I had no idea about reporting on here until recently, hopefully enough will report to maybe get this felt with!”

   NHTSA complaint #11004185, filed 2017-07, 46,000 miles

   “Passenger side dash, on left engine compartment side has cracked from the airbag compartment to the defrost air duct. The concerns are 1) impaired/failure of passenger airbag in crash, 2) exposure to sharp dash cracks which could increase injury in a crash, 3) safety of occupants inadvertently being injured by sharp edges of dash crack, 4) resale value.”

   NHTSA complaint #10905643, filed 2016-09, 72,000 miles
2. 2
   Fuel system

   Fuel pump failure with metal debris in fuel system

   • 9 complaints (17%)
   • median 118,821 mi at 4.9 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2014–2023

   Owners describe the engine stalling or losing power while driving, sometimes at highway speed, and often needing a tow. According to complaints, dealers found metal fragments or low fuel-rail pressure, and several say the contamination led to replacing the pump along with the rails, injectors or lines. Some complaints name a CP4 high-pressure pump, and others say the vehicle was left unrepaired after diagnosis. Where mileage is given, most cases were reported between about 117,000 and 130,000 miles, with the full range about 47,000 to 218,000 miles.

   What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump, fuel rails and injectors were inspected or replaced after any stalling, and request the repair invoice. A mechanic can check the fuel system for metal debris before purchase, which owners associate with these failures.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “In 2017 my bosch cp4 fuel pumped failed, mark christopher replaced due to recall. While driving 70 MPH on the freeway on september 1, 2020 my truck completely shut down, had a complete loss of power, and power steering was lost. Had to make my way to side of freeway and call for a tow. This was the second failure of the bosch cp4 fuel pump, which was installed three years prior. Mark christopher Chevrolet and GM will not replace under recall. Knowing that this is recalled product they are fusing to replace it.”

   NHTSA complaint #11354771, filed 2020-09, 218,000 miles

   “I was driving down a highway road when my vehicle abruptly lost power, I received a warning from my dashboard saying fuel filter needs replacing and subsequently lost engine power which resulted in no power steering and no brakes. I was able to keep the vehicle under control and got it to the side of the road before it became dead. After getting the vehicle towed to a garage it was determined that the cp4 fuel injection pump had failed resulting in fuel being starved from the engine and the result was the engine shutting off. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10873931, filed 2016-06, 117,000 miles
3. 3
   Engine

   Glow plug and NOx sensor failures

   • 5 complaints (9%)
   • median 40,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2015–2018

   Owners describe glow plugs failing one after another, often at initial start in cold weather, with check engine lights tied to NOx sensor and DEF system faults. Some say repeated dealer visits did not stop the failures, and one complaint describes the engine starting and then stopping after a remote start. One complaint says the manufacturer replaces glow plugs only as they fail. Where mileage is given, these were reported between about 12,000 and 50,000 miles, and several describe starting trouble in cold weather.

   What to check: Ask whether the glow plugs and NOx sensors have been replaced and request service records for the repeat repairs. During a test drive, watch for check engine lights and confirm the engine starts normally when cold.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I have been having multiple glow plug failures on my vehicle. One right after another. It has gone to the dealer every single time for the repairs I even asked the dealer mechanic if I was the only one and he stated that there are many others with my issue with failing glow plugs. The dealer has a full record of all the issues iv had and every time my vehicle has been in their shop. Something has got to be done! …”

   NHTSA complaint #10894288, filed 2016-08, 50,000 miles

   “When temperatures drop below 30 degrees the tire pressure warning light and the low coolant light comes on. Took to dealership and they advised that both warning lights do that below 28 degrees. This has occurred since 2013 winter. Glow plugs going out one at time GM will only replace as they go out up to 120000 not enough being done with this.”

   NHTSA complaint #10785791, filed 2015-10, 23,000 miles
4. 4
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Transmission control module failure with limp mode

   • 6 complaints (11%)
   • typically at 11.9 yrs old
   • filed 2023–2025

   Owners describe the transmission control module failing while driving, with the truck entering limp mode and losing power. One complaint describes hard shifting, a missing gear indicator, and very slow acceleration before the module failed, and says the problem had not been reproduced at a service center. Another owner reports that the manufacturer had no replacement module available and no date for one, so the owner turned to a third-party repair service. Mileage is not stated in these complaints, and some describe the failure happening while towing or on the highway.

   What to check: Ask whether the transmission control module has been replaced and request any repair invoices. A scan for stored fault codes and a test drive at varied speeds can show whether limp mode or shifting warnings appear.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The Transmission Control Module failed causing the vehicle to loose power and operate only in limp mode . General Motors does not have a replacement module available, leaving the vehicle inoperable. GM has no reliable information as to when a module will be available. I had to use a third party service to try and repair the module for a cost of over $1,200. This seems to be a common problem with the 2008-20015 GM Duramax with the Allison transmission.”

   NHTSA complaint #11516029, filed 2023-04

   “The vehicle's TCM has apparently failed as evidenced by CEL code U0101 , low power ( limp mode ), hard shifting, no gear selection indicator, and extremely slow acceleration. Vehicle is currently available for inspection, but will be receiving a replacement TCM soon. Myself and others' safety was put at risk due to my the vehicle's inability to continue through an intersection at a reasonable rate. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer/service center, nor has it been inspected by anyone since the incident. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11654876, filed 2025-04
5. 5
   Air bags

   Airbag recall repair delays and post-repair warnings

   • 7 complaints (13%)
   • median 59,592 mi at 7.5 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2016–2022

   Owners describe airbag recall notices where the dealer said replacement parts were not yet available, in some cases for months. Some say they called the dealer repeatedly without a repair date and kept driving the vehicle while they waited. After a recall repair, an owner reports the airbag warning light and a service message appeared, and was told the airbag had already been replaced. Mileage is missing from most of these complaints, and the one that lists it shows about 79,000 miles; filing dates range from 2016 to 2022.

   Recall 21V051000Recall 21V054000

   What to check: Check whether the airbag recall repair is still open for the vehicle, using its VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA, and ask the dealer for the parts status in writing. If a repair was already completed, ask whether any airbag warning light or message has appeared since.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Takata recall, over year ago have called anchorage car dealer 3 times to fix but they keep telling me they don't have parts and don't know when they will receive. We live 200 miles from a dealer the diag. Module also has recall would like both fixed at same time so when will parts be in for airbags. Truck is in use so I need fixed please.”

   NHTSA complaint #10862001, filed 2016-04

   “Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V051000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”

   NHTSA complaint #11435924, filed 2021-10

Buying note. Buyers considering this model year may want to look closely at the top of the dashboard, ask for fuel system and transmission module repair records, and confirm whether any airbag recall repair has been completed. Where mileage is given, most fuel system complaints were reported at higher mileage, so the service history is worth reviewing.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 47 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.