2012 Chevrolet Silverado Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Silverado years
Typical for this model
53/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.1× that of a typical Chevrolet Silverado year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 34 of its 68 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Cracked dashboard around passenger airbag (11 complaints, median 36,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009, 2010, 2011
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 68filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 20,482miles, 61 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid RWD · 20 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado report a wide mix of problems, most often cracked dashes around the passenger airbag, airbag warning lights, rusty frames, and harsh or clunking transmission shifts. Many complaints are filed at low mileage, and several describe transmission and braking symptoms appearing within the first few thousand miles of new ownership.
- Body and structure
Cracked dashboard around passenger airbag
- 11 complaints (16%)
- median 36,000 mi at 3.9 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2015–2016
Owners describe cracks in the dash that start near the passenger-side airbag or above the instrument cluster, sometimes noticed after a loud popping sound while the truck was parked. Several say the crack formed at low mileage and expanded over time. Some owners worry the cracking is in the airbag deployment zone; complaints say the dealer either quoted a replacement dash or advised that nothing could be done once the truck was out of warranty. Reported from about 20,000 to 58,000 miles, often in trucks a few years old.
What to check: Look closely at the dash corners around the passenger airbag and above the gauge cluster for hairline cracks; ask whether the dash has been replaced or repaired.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dash is cracked around the air bag area concerned this might affect the air bag deployment. Even though GM states it will not affect it, the crack is in a corner of the deployment zone. The dash is also cracked in a area above the gauges. Everyone I know that has this make and model has the same problem. A person I know has about 20,000 miles on the vehicle and is already cracked as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10839807, filed 2016-03, 20,000 miles“There are multiple cracks surrounding my passenger airbag in my 2012 Silverado. I believe these cracks are not only a manufacturer defect in design but are also a safety concern regarding the air bag deployment. Research has shown this is an issue that many others are having too with this model truck/SUV.”
NHTSA complaint #10712323, filed 2015-04, 40,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light and unexpected deployment
- 10 complaints (15%)
- median 49,000 mi at 3.9 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2021
Complaints describe the airbag warning light coming on, sometimes after driving over rough pavement, with an independent shop or dealer pointing to a failed or loose impact sensor. A few owners report airbags deploying without a crash or in a low-speed impact, and others say the bags failed to deploy or seat belts did not lock in a collision. Some reports describe diagnosis as inconclusive and the vehicle left unrepaired. Spread from roughly 26,000 to 85,000 miles, with later reports also at very high mileage.
What to check: Ask whether the truck has had any airbag recalls or sensor work completed, and have the airbag warning system scanned so any stored codes are visible.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving, a driver cut in front of me and literally slammed on their brakes. I was not at fault in the accident. My airbags deployed and caused significant injury to my head. The injury was not consistent with an airbag deployment in conjunction with me wearing my seatbelt. I was diagnosed with a severe concussion and many other ailments, balance dysfunction, memory loss, parasympathetic anomalies, etc. …”
NHTSA complaint #10608168, filed 2014-07, 35,000 miles“Tl-the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 37 MPH, all four side curtain air bags independently deployed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the ignition key was cycled over 5,000 times. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000. Djr”
NHTSA complaint #10672994, filed 2015-01, 37,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Harsh or clunking transmission shifts
- 7 complaints (10%)
- median 10,000 mi at 1.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2012–2015
Complaints describe hard 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, a clunk felt like being bumped from behind, and on some trucks a momentary loss of power when the transmission appears to drop out of gear. Several owners say repairs included valve body and spacer plate replacement or a transmission reset, and some report the symptoms returned. A service bulletin describes a reprogram and reset procedure for a harsh 6-4 downshift. Often reported in the first few thousand miles, with other reports up to about 100,000 miles.
What to check: Test drive at low speed and through several upshifts and downshifts from a stop; ask whether any transmission reprogram, valve body work, or reset has been performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have been having problems with my chevy Silverado truck, texas edition, it has 23,800 miles on it I purchased it with o miles, I adhere to oil changes and any repairs in timely manner. My truck has been in service department twice for the same issue, when the transmission is switching gears, it makes a clunking noise while driving it, it feels like someone is bumping the rear of truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10532238, filed 2013-07, 20,482 miles“I bought my 2012 texas edition Silverado august 4, 2012 the transmission started responding abnormal immediately after leaving the dealership it had 135 miles on it before I bought it I have 32k miles now and nothing has change all the same issues but they seem to be getting worst. My transmission has a hard time shifting no matter what, up, down, turn, forward all normal driving maneuvers. …”
NHTSA complaint #10593816, filed 2014-05, 135 miles - Body and structure
Rust on the frame and wheels
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report heavy rust coating the frame on relatively young, low-mileage trucks, with some describing it as covering most of the frame surface. Complaints say dealers scraped and recoated the frame or repainted it, and owners questioned how long the repair would last. A separate report describes rust on all four wheels. Reported from about 7,000 to 78,000 miles, including trucks only a few years old.
What to check: Inspect the frame rails and underbody for surface rust or flaking coating, especially on trucks from salt-belt states, and ask whether any frame treatment has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought my 2012 chevy octof 2013. Now after 11000 miles my frame looks like a truck out of the 80's. I took it back to the local dealer. There fix is to scrape off the rust and put the same crap back on the frame. So I know that this issue will only last a very short time.”
NHTSA complaint #10536392, filed 2013-08, 11,800 miles“My 2012 Silverado ls has 22,000 miles. It is a shame because it is a beautiful truck, but the frame looks terrible. It is not a little rust here and there. The rust is literally all over the frame. There is more of the frame with rust than without. The frame is very easy to see. Unfortunately for GM, my truck is a rolling billboard and the rust is getting worst every year.”
NHTSA complaint #10846412, filed 2016-03 - Brakes
Brake pedal feels spongy or fails to respond
- 6 complaints (9%)
- median 9,798 mi at 2.7 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2023
Owners describe a brake pedal that travels or feels soft and sometimes needs pumping, with a few reports of the pedal not responding and the truck continuing to roll. Complaints also mention vibration and chatter along with repeated replacement of pads, rotors, calipers and drums without resolving it. A service bulletin notes that the Hydro-Boost unit is not serviceable and must be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own during a full turn. Mostly reported under 50,000 miles, several within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Check pedal firmness with the engine running and ask for service records on brake hydraulics, booster or Hydro-Boost work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This truck has chattered, hopped, and had bad brakes as soon as we drove the truck off of the lot. When we went with the dealer who sold us the truck, my husband said why is it vibrating & he told us that it was in the tires from sitting . It has had 2 new wheels & numerous brakes, pads, rotors, calipers, drums. & it still vibrates. The dealership has even put another trucks tires & rims on the truck & it still vibrates. This is unacceptable for a new vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10514177, filed 2013-05, 400 miles“Brakes are spongy does not stop truck until pumped,power train clunking noise when turning and shifting,electrical at times dash lights dim at any given time, many other complaints very rough ride, trans shifts very hard, when coming to a traffic light runs rough. Has been to dealer once and last thursday got a call from GM the dealership has not responded to my problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10513436, filed 2013-05, 10,000 miles
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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.
NHTSA recorded 68 consumer complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. 61 of the complaints include a mileage, and 77% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 20,482 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 279 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 8 Chevrolet Silverado model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 53 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags15 22%
- Body and structure14 21%
- Brakes9 13%
- Engine6 8.8%
- Other or unknown5 7.3%
- Tires5 7.3%
- Electrical system4 5.9%
- Suspension4 5.9%
- Vehicle speed control4 5.9%
Also reported: Wheels (4), Exterior lighting (3), Seats (2), Steering (2), Electronic stability control (1), Fuel system (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “There's cracks surrounding my passenger airbag in my 2012 Silverado. These cracks are not only a manufacturer defect in design but are also a safety concern regarding the air bag deployment. Research has shown this is an issue that many others are having too with this model truck/SUV.”
NHTSA complaint #10825394, filed 2016-02, 50,000 milesBody and structure: “Here is a brief history of the issues involving the 1012 Chevrolet Silverado lt texas edition after the purchase date of september 3, 2012. First, I noticed that it has increasingly become more difficult to open the front passenger window from the driver side master control unit around 2014. Now, I have to press hard several times to open the window. Second, the outside moldings of the door panels are falling off starting in mid-2014. …”
NHTSA complaint #10765315, filed 2015-09, 30,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My wife parked the truck in the driveway just outside of our attached garage. She left the vehicle running because she was unloading groceries and had another errand to run. While she was inside the house the vehicle started moving. One of our children that was outside saw this occurring and started to scream that the truck was moving. My wife ran in an attempt to get in the vehicle and stop it before it hit the wall. She was unsuccessful and the truck crashed into the wall that separates the garage and the family room cause damage to the wall and door that leads into the house. …”
NHTSA complaint #10595231, filed 2014-05, 11,768 milesBrakes: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11526178, filed 2023-06, 192,006 milesMileage when problems were reported
77% of the 61 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,496 and 48,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Chevrolet Silverado version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD | 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD | 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V827000Dec 30, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 2011–2012, Tahoe 2011–2012, Cadillac Escalade ESV 2011–2012 +7 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected…
- 13V615000Dec 11, 2013Fuel system, dieselCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 2012–2013, GMC Sierra 2012–2013
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, equipped with 6.6L diesel engines and dual fuel tanks. In the affected vehicles, the transfer pump which moves fuel from the rear tank to the…
Recall details for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 279 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10108645Jul 19, 2017Tires. This informational bulletin provides information on the temporary tire flat spotting condition.
- 10108627Jul 18, 2017Engine, Equipment. This informational bulletin provides warranty policy information on revised wiring repair labor operations and required additional information.
- 10108626Jul 18, 2017Electrical system. This informational bulletin provides warranty policy information on revised wiring repair labor operations and required additional information.
- 10108625Jul 18, 2017Engine, Equipment. This informational bulletin provides warranty policy information on revised wiring repair labor operations and required additional information.
- 10108599Jul 17, 2017Suspension. This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.
- 10113404Feb 8, 2017Fuel system. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the…
- 10113364Jan 31, 2017Brakes. This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10113325Jan 12, 2017Engine, Transmission and drivetrain, Engine cooling. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on at…
- 10078601Apr 4, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. This preliminary information communication advises the technician that the part restriction for the accessory dc power control module and the seal kit has ended.
- 10113889Mar 1, 2016Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with a list of modules to check for communication with the scan tool, if the navigation radio does not display the current Hybrid…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 125 | 32,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 5 | 664 | 2 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 76 | 5,860 | 7 | — | — | 83 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 124 | 4,913 | 13 | — | — | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 64 | 10,050 | 3 | — | 21 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 68 | 20,482 | 2 | — | 21 | 53 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 75 | 53,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 32 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2010 | 62 | 43,232 | 0 | — | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2009 | 76 | 58,500 | 0 | — | 21 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 162 | 65,650 | 1 | — | — | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 183 | 56,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 182 | 59,756 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 316 | 53,737 | 8 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 622 | 46,746 | 8 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 695 | 44,000 | 6 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 710 | 46,567 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 877 | 49,008 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 1,305 | 57,604 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 1,660 | 64,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 279 | 73,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 272 | 81,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 186 | 79,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 263 | 124,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 210 | 121,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 69 | 187,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 40 | 160,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 17 | 107,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 25 | 88,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 22 | 106,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 15 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Silverado model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado?
Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado report a wide mix of problems, most often cracked dashes around the passenger airbag, airbag warning lights, rusty frames, and harsh or clunking transmission shifts. The issues reported most often: Cracked dashboard around passenger airbag; Airbag warning light and unexpected deployment; Harsh or clunking transmission shifts.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado have?
NHTSA recorded 68 consumer complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 15 complaints (22% of the total), followed by body and structure with 14.
Has the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD, 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid) at 21 mpg combined, 20 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado reported?
Among the 61 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 20,482 miles and the middle half falls between 7,496 and 48,000 miles; 77% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.