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Electrical systemPart report

2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
7%of 107 total for the year
Median mileage
141,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500, 7% of the 107 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 141,000 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.

“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 miles

“June 29, 2025, Driving on the St. Francis loop in Amarillo, TX, brake lights start flashing, the warning sounds happening, no brakes. I had already slowed down to 35-45 mph due to road construction ahead. I weaved through the cones and as soon as possible, hit the ditch and then coasted to a stop. (I didn’t think about the emergency brake, in my panic.) I turned the vehicle off and called my husband. I decided that I wasn’t pulled over far enough over in the ditch, so I started the pickup again. …”

NHTSA complaint #11756257, filed 2026-08

“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

“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 70-75 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost electrical power for 30 seconds. The traction warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11444442, filed 2021-12, 60,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2012 Gmc SIERRA 1500. While driving at various speeds, an abnormal sewage odor emitted from the air conditioning unit. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the cabin filter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000. The VIN was not available.”

NHTSA complaint #10886127, filed 2016-07, 51,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20262014%
20252621%
20244311%
20236413%
20228314%
20217613%
20208117%
20199514%
20184314%
20175415%
20165416%
20159613%
201412917%
201365%
201287%
2011176%
2010106%
2009209%
2008318%
2007228%
20062014%
20056738%
20048138%
20034324%
200232%
200175%
200053%
199985%
199835%
199722%
1996120%

Other parts of the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500

Air bags
42 complaints
Other or unknown
37 complaints
Body and structure
21 complaints
Engine
6 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
6 complaints
Brakes
5 complaints
Suspension
4 complaints
Electronic stability control
3 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Steering
3 complaints
Wheels
3 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology