2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems
Compared with other GMC Sierra 1500 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.0× that of a typical GMC Sierra 1500 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.
- None of its 107 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Cracked dashboard around passenger airbag (47 complaints, median 51,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 107filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 60,440miles, 67 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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
- 4 / 5stars overall, 8 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 4.3L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about cracked dashes, especially around the passenger-side airbag cover and above the instrument cluster, with concern about how the cracks might affect airbag deployment. A second common theme is unanswered Takata airbag inflator recalls, where owners say parts were unavailable for long periods. Farther into ownership, some report frame and underbody corrosion found at inspection, along with driveline clunks and engine ticking.
- Air bags
Cracked dashboard around passenger airbag
- 47 complaints (44%)
- median 51,000 mi at 5.3 yrs old (33 state mileage)
- filed 2016–2024
Complaints describe cracks appearing in the upper dash, most often at the corner of the passenger airbag cover and above the instrument cluster, sometimes splitting from the windshield to the airbag seam. Owners say the cracks often show up while the truck is parked or during cold-weather heating and cooling cycles, and many note the vehicle was garaged and otherwise well kept. The stated concern is that sharp plastic pieces could be thrown into the cabin or interfere with airbag inflation; several owners say the dealer and the manufacturer declined to repair it. Reported from as low as about 11,000 miles up to roughly 95,000 miles, often on trucks several years old and in cold or sun-exposed conditions.
What to check: Inspect the top of the dash closely at the passenger airbag seam and over the gauge cluster for hairline cracks, and ask whether the dash has been replaced. Parking in shade or using a windshield sunshade may slow further cracking.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I noticed getting into my truck today that I had cracks in my dash in two spots. One crack is above my instrument panel on the drivers side and the other is on the passengers side, running to where my passenger side airbag deploys from. After doing some research online this appears to be a trend that has affected other GM owners. …”
NHTSA complaint #10889274, filed 2016-07, 51,000 miles“There is a crack on the dashboard right beside the passenger airbag on the inboard side. As the driver, I am worried that a shard of plastic could explosively tear through my skull, killing me, in the event of airbag deployment. Gmc needs to fix this potentially dangerous problem before someone gets killed!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11003916, filed 2017-07, 84,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag recall repair parts unavailable
- 14 complaints (13%)
- median 220,000 mi at 9.4 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2024
Many complaints are about the passenger-side airbag inflator recall rather than a new failure: owners say they received notice but the dealer had no parts and could not say when the repair would be done. Some describe an airbag warning light that came on and was diagnosed as needing the passenger airbag replaced, with the repair still pending. A few also mention side curtain airbags deploying without an impact. Mostly reported between 2019 and 2022, at mileages ranging from about 111,000 to over 300,000 miles, plus several filings with no mileage given.
Recall 21V051000Recall 21V054000
What to check: Check the open-recall status by VIN with a dealer before purchase and confirm whether the passenger inflator recall has actually been completed, not just scheduled.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the passenger’s side air bag to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated she later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V051000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. …”
NHTSA complaint #11420984, filed 2021-06, 220,000 miles“Tl an independent mechanic called on behalf of the owner of a 2012 Gmc SIERRA 1500. While driving 30 MPH, the front and rear driver side curtain air bags deployed on their own and the air bag warning indicator was illuminated. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop to have the air bags repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 113,067.”
NHTSA complaint #11271552, filed 2019-10, 113,067 miles - Body and structure
Frame and underbody rust-through
- 7 complaints (7%)
- median 114,590 mi at 11.5 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2023–2026
Owners report learning at state inspection or during unrelated repairs that the frame or rear subframe is rusted through, with holes or cracks, and that the truck cannot pass inspection until it is repaired or replaced. In some cases the truck was described as washed regularly and looking clean on the outside. Repairs described include welding or frame replacement, and owners say warranty coverage was declined because of age. Typically reported between roughly 100,000 and 130,000 miles, on trucks a decade or more old, often found during annual safety inspections.
What to check: Have the frame and rear spring/shock mounting areas inspected on a lift before buying, especially on trucks from salty-road states, and look for flaking wax coating or bubbling metal.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I went to get the vehicle inspected today and was told it failed due to the chassis frame in the rear being rusted thru. This could cause the suspension to collapse any time. I see on the internet that multiple others have and are experiencing the same with the Sierra and Silverado. My vehicle has unlimited washes and has been washed 40 times a year and looks new from the outside.”
NHTSA complaint #11559780, filed 2023-12“I took My 2012 GMC Sierra with 112,410 miles in for annual safety inspection and was told that my frame has a hole in it and is cracked, hence un-inspectable in the state of Vermont. I then took it to a welding shop to get an estimate on repair and the tech told me he sees this all the time on this era GM/Chevy trucks. This is clearly a widespread incident and GM should be held accountable like Toyota was years ago with its bad frames.O”
NHTSA complaint #11526416, filed 2023-06 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission clunk and harsh shifting
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe a hard clunk when pulling away from a stop or on the 1-2 shift, and in some cases the transmission surging or jerking under hard acceleration as if hunting for a gear. One owner says the dealer wanted to keep the truck for diagnosis, and another reports the dealer found no cause after a downshift and intermittent check engine light. A service bulletin notes that some bump or clunk feel at a stop is considered a normal characteristic. Reported from about 15,000 to 44,000 miles in most cases, with one filing at 20,000 miles, across normal city and highway driving.
What to check: Test drive from a stop and at light throttle to feel for a clunk or slip on the 1-2 shift, and ask whether the transmission has been serviced or reprogrammed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When vehicle starts moving foreward from a dead stop and when automatic transmission shifts from 1st gear to second gear there is a hard clunk.this has been happening since 15000 miles.when I bring to dealer ,they want to keep truck ,leaving me without vehicle.wife and I were on major hwy and had to shut vehicle down in traffic to stop the clunk.very dangerous situation.”
NHTSA complaint #11089187, filed 2018-04, 44,000 miles“Transmission surges when gas pedal is pushed hard as in trying to engage kickdown or passing gear . Speed is not a factor, it happens at low speed and higher speeds. Depending on speed, truck jerks suddenly and almost stalls out. Sometimes rear tires chirp.seems similar to the 8 speed transmission problems later years have experienced.”
NHTSA complaint #11349066, filed 2020-08, 40,000 miles - Engine
Engine tick and lifter noise
- 5 complaints (5%)
- median 126,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2025
Owners describe a ticking or tapping from the engine, with dealers attributing it to lifters or camshaft components and quoting several thousand dollars for repair. In one case the noise was traced to a cracked flywheel after a second opinion. Another owner reports repeated low oil pressure codes and oil consumption without a visible leak. Reported from roughly 80,000 to 140,000 miles, on higher-mileage trucks, typically noticed during normal driving.
What to check: Listen for ticking at cold start and after warm-up, check the oil level and condition, and ask for service records on oil changes and any lifter or camshaft work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My engine has a tick,,brought it to a shop he told me lifters and its expensive...went to dealer,,, told me I need lifters 2600.00 to fix it and apparently my lifter isn't getting oil in it , from active fuel management with I have read all over internet that its a huge problem and people have to pay to fix,,,but wont fix the issue do to the fact the afm cuts the cylinders off causing the lifter to not get the oil”
NHTSA complaint #11084825, filed 2018-04, 82,000 miles“P0521 has been addressed/replaced almost nine (9) times. “Low Oil Pressure-Stop Engine” is another one that is not completely functional. The truck is using oil but we cant find evidence of leakage. Services performed at dealership or certified shop. Troubleshooting was performed, Im told. I cant vouch for the quality of the workmanship. This should not be an issue at this mileage 100,100 ohe hundred thousand miles and oil components going bad is not good. GMC has sold me a truck that needs a new engine component. Please help. …”
NHTSA complaint #11652682, filed 2025-04
Buying note. Look past the body condition: check the dash for cracks at the airbag seam, confirm by VIN that the airbag inflator recalls were actually completed, and inspect the frame for rust-through on a lift. A test drive that includes a slow pull-away and a light-throttle 1-2 shift will show whether the driveline clunk is present.
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 107 consumer complaints for the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. 67 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,440 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 891 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 GMC Sierra 1500 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than 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 bags42 39%
- Other or unknown37 35%
- Body and structure21 20%
- Electrical system8 7.5%
- Engine6 5.6%
- Brakes5 4.7%
- Suspension4 3.7%
- Fuel system3 2.8%
Also reported: Steering (3), Wheels (3), Seat belts (2), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “Dashboard surrounding airbag and instrument cluster is cracking and essentially disintegrating. If my airbag deploys or I'm involved in a collision these sharp plastic fragments will become a safety hazard. This truck has 38k miles and is in otherwise pristine condition with zero scratches on the interior parts aside from these dash cracks. The plastic is protected every three months at least with aerospace 303 and protected from sunlight when not in use. This is not a maintenance issue, it's a structural defect. Thousands of these vehicles are affected.”
NHTSA complaint #11014905, filed 2017-08, 37,000 milesOther or unknown: “Got in the truck a year ago and noticed a crack in my dash above the instrument cluster, after further inspection I notice 2 more cracks both by the passenger airbag. This happened at around 55,000 miles. This vehicle was stationary at the time I noticed the cracks”
NHTSA complaint #11149608, filed 2018-11, 55,000 milesBody and structure: “While driving the truck on a country road, it started to pull towards the right. I tried to correct by steering to the left. My steering wheel just spun and had no control of the front wheels. Ithe steering shaft became disengage from the axel. I crashed into trees and my truck was declared a total loss. This happened on 9/27/2020. I am waiting for the police report and the inspection results from the insurance company.”
NHTSA complaint #11362317, filed 2020-10, 110,000 milesElectrical system: “Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 111,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 243,000. The Carfax Report indicated that the vehicle was serviced at 149,000 and 179,000 miles, then registered at 149,000 and 179,000 miles on August 8, 2024. The contact had filed a police report with the Dillon Police Department -Special Ops Police Department.”
NHTSA complaint #11682085, filed 2025-08, 243,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
27% of the 67 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 46,000 and 100,000 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra 1500 · crew cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Sierra 1500 · extended cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Sierra 1500 · regular cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Sierra 1500 · regular cab RWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| Sierra 1500 · extended cab RWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| Sierra 1500 · crew cab RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| Sierra 1500 Hybrid · crew cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Sierra 1500 Hybrid · crew cab RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2011: same overall rating; 2013: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra C15 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Sierra K15 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Sierra C15 2WD | 4.8L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Sierra C15 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Sierra C15 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Sierra C15 XFE 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Sierra K15 4WD | 4.8L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Sierra K15 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Sierra K15 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 12 | 18 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Sierra K15 AWD | 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 12 | 18 | 14 | $4,800 |
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
- 21V051000Feb 5, 2021Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: GMC Sierra 1500 2012, Chevrolet Tahoe 2012, Suburban 2012 +11 more
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL originally sold, or ever…
- 21V054000Feb 5, 2021Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: GMC Sierra 1500 2010–2013, Cadillac Escalade 2010–2014, Chevrolet Tahoe 2010–2014 +11 more
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of…
- 18V267000Apr 26, 2018EquipmentCovers: GMC Sierra 1500 2009–2014, Savana 2009–2018, Chevrolet Express 2009–2018 +6 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain…
Recall details for the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 → · 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. 891 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027698Jan 16, 2026Other or unknown. This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from…
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
Other model years of the GMC Sierra 1500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 147 | 3,900 | 2 | 5 | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 124 | 16,000 | 1 | 5 | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 377 | 19,650 | 1 | 5 | 18 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 501 | 30,115 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 81 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 601 | 39,541 | 6 | 4–5 | 18 | 82 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 596 | 50,000 | 7 | 4–5 | 17 | 75 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 483 | 35,930 | 12 | 4–5 | 19 | 77 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 658 | 14,250 | 10 | 4–5 | 19 | 89 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 305 | 34,000 | 7 | 5 | 19 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 355 | 38,984 | 6 | 5 | 19 | 43 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 343 | 47,000 | 8 | 5 | 19 | 54 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 720 | 47,000 | 9 | 5 | 19 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 743 | 55,000 | 9 | 5 | 19 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 116 | 70,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 107 | 60,440 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 284 | 55,250 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 16 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 168 | 63,750 | 4 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 234 | 72,750 | 4 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 381 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 263 | 73,462 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 145 | 52,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 177 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 212 | 60,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 180 | 75,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 166 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 140 | 97,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 181 | 90,506 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 158 | 107,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 59 | 80,500 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 83 | 82,500 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 5 | 132,500 | 0 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 13 | 129,775 | 0 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
All GMC Sierra 1500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500?
Owners of this model year most often write about cracked dashes, especially around the passenger-side airbag cover and above the instrument cluster, with concern about how the cracks might affect airbag deployment. The issues reported most often: Cracked dashboard around passenger airbag; Airbag recall repair parts unavailable; Frame and underbody rust-through.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
NHTSA recorded 107 consumer complaints for the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 42 complaints (39% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 37.
Has the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 8 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 get?
The EPA rates the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 (Sierra C15 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 reported?
Among the 67 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,440 miles and the middle half falls between 46,000 and 100,000 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.