2012 GMC Sierra 3500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 33%of 9 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,958miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2012 GMC Sierra 3500, 33% of the 9 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,958 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.
“While pulling my fifth wheel trailer 12500# at highway speed 65 MPH pulling a grade the check engine light came on and the reduced engine power message appeared on the dash. This reduced and limited the speed to 50 MPH and steps the truck down from there until you can only do 20 MPH on the interstate. This issue has happened three times in three months.”
NHTSA complaint #10531497, filed 2013-07, 16,400 miles“Traveling at 60mph on turnpike pulling long heavy trailer in rain at night with moderate to heavy traffic. Sudden shutdown of all systems. Engine shut off and all electrical systems shut down. Unable to restart or get electrical systems to work. Worked vehicle to shoulder and had it towed to a dealership. Waiting for them to open to diagnose and repair. This mechanical and electrical failure had the potential for a catastrophic incident.”
NHTSA complaint #10500581, filed 2013-02, 90,200 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 12% |
| 2024 | 8 | 16% |
| 2023 | 3 | 11% |
| 2022 | 3 | 9% |
| 2021 | 3 | 15% |
| 2020 | 6 | 12% |
| 2019 | 2 | 15% |
| 2018 | 1 | 7% |
| 2017 | 2 | 15% |
| 2016 | 5 | 26% |
| 2015 | 4 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 14% |
| 2013 | 2 | 14% |
| 2012 | 3 | 33% |
| 2011 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 1 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 13% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2002 | 1 | 5% |
| 2001 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2012 GMC Sierra 3500
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 GMC Sierra 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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