2012 Chevrolet Silverado Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 9%of 68 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,748miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, 9% of the 68 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,748 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“I have had a recurring problem with my new 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 lt (5.3 liter engine) going into reduced engine power mode which also results in the disabling of stability control and traction control. This is a dangerous condition in that it results in a loss of power while operating the vehicle upon the roadway. An authorized repair facility has replaced the number one and two throttle sensors, the accelerator pedal assembly, the throttle body, the alternator, the computer, and a large ground wire behind the dash. …”
NHTSA complaint #10460912, filed 2012-06, 3,000 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. When it does try and shift the engine clatters which is extremely ridiculous I've had several Silverado's and the last one that clatter this way was a 1978 with probably over 300,000(expected). …”
NHTSA complaint #10593816, filed 2014-05, 135 miles“Driving slow on wet gravel road and a large cloud orf white smoke and flames erupted from drivers side of hood. Stopped and grabbed the fire extinguisher from behind drivers seat and attempted to open hood with hood release but hood would not open. Attempted to put out fire thru drivers side front wheel well but was unsuccessful. Called 911. Entire cab and engine compartment was consumed by the time 911 arrived.”
NHTSA complaint #10506038, filed 2013-04, 37,500 miles“Efm issue: life-time chevy Silverado owner, currently own 2003 & 2012 1500 Silverado 1/2 tons. Ever since GM started using efm chips, for some unknown reason the engine will lose several quarts of oil for no reason. Without warning the check engine light comes on. Pull-over & check the oil level. On every occasion, (several incidents now), much to my surprise the oil level barely registers on the dip stick. Where did 3-4 quarts of oil go? Yesterday the oil level was full, today the oil level is almost non-existent - without a drop of oil leaking anywhere? …”
NHTSA complaint #10566536, filed 2014-02, 8,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving 2 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and another vehicle crashed into the passenger's side of the contact's vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed and the contact sustained whiplash. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The cause of the engine failure was undetermined. The failure mileage was 12,000. Updated 05/21/2013”
NHTSA complaint #10501382, filed 2013-03, 12,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10108627Jul 18, 2017This informational bulletin provides warranty policy information on revised wiring repair labor operations and required additional information.
- 10108625Jul 18, 2017This informational bulletin provides warranty policy information on revised wiring repair labor operations and required additional information.
- 10113325Jan 12, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction…
- 10113888Mar 1, 2016This Preliminary Information communication provides steps the technician will uses to diagnose and repair vehicles that have low oil pressure after an oil change with the engine…
- 10095901Feb 9, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a cold engine tick noise for 50 seconds at start up. Technician…
- 10095683Feb 2, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician on vehicles that may have an intermittent high idle. If a technician has duplicated, or the…
- 10112272Jan 14, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly installed engines or engines during there break in period.
- 10059078Aug 1, 2015Cadillac/chevrolet/gmc: on some vehicles and/or trucks, instrument cluster will illuminate, after an oil change, indicating low oil pressure and/or ses lamp will illuminate…
- 10059076Jun 1, 2015Chevrolet/gmc: when ambient temperature reaches 103f or greater and accelerating from a stop, there is a lack of power from engine. Model 2010-14 avalanche, silverado, suburban…
- 10056354Sep 1, 2014Gmc/chevrolet: engines, with egr system, has leakage from egr cooler engine coolant into the combustion chamber. Model 2002-15 silverado, sierra, 2004-09 kodiak c4500-c5500…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 16 | 13% |
| 2015 | 15 | 20% |
| 2014 | 16 | 13% |
| 2013 | 7 | 11% |
| 2012 | 6 | 9% |
| 2011 | 7 | 9% |
| 2010 | 10 | 16% |
| 2009 | 6 | 8% |
| 2008 | 11 | 7% |
| 2007 | 12 | 7% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 0% |
| 2000 | 3 | 0% |
| 1999 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 1 | 0% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
15 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology