2012 GMC Sierra Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 24%of 29 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,072miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 GMC Sierra, 24% of the 29 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,072 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Apparently GM uses peanut oil to lubricate wiring so they can more easily insulate, etc (accorging to the GM dealer). This attracts rats and mice which chew up the wiring - potentially impacting sensors and other items controlling cruise, stability/traction control, and any number of electrical systems that the driver may be relying upon for safety. I actually had map sensor wires chewed up that disabled my stability/traction systems and inhibited engine performance. Luckily for me it happened in my driveway rather than on the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10491437, filed 2013-01, 10,000 miles“Check engine light illuminated. Took truck to local chevrolet dealer for repair and they discovered the wires had been chewed through. I read that GM uses peanut oil on wires in order to install them easier. Looks like this attracted a mouse, squirrel, chipmunk, or other creature and it chewed the wires. Luckily it did not affect the operation of the truck but it could have LED to a short circuit that could have caused a fire. I feel this needs to be thoroughly investigated. And GM needs to create some kind of animal repellant to spray on the wires after vehicle assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #10731725, filed 2015-07, 25,072 miles“While moving with transmission in drive, the ignition switch can be switched off. By doing so, the power steering and brakes fail to function properly. The steering wheel will lock, not allowing to steer. There have been a safety concerns with other GM products, why not this model? This is a safety concern.”
NHTSA complaint #10750195, filed 2015-08, 29,994 miles“Vehicle was taken to Gmc dealer for headlight defect and we were informed that they would have to order parts. Drove truck back to site and while truck was running but stationary smoke was observed coming from the engine compartment. When the hood was raised the entire truck became engulfed and completely burned.”
NHTSA complaint #10480914, filed 2012-10, 12,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Gmc Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard near the passenger side air bag was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 22,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10850234, filed 2016-03, 22,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V827000Dec 30, 2014General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado…Covers: GMC Sierra 2011–2012, Chevrolet Tahoe 2011–2012, Cadillac Escalade ESV 2011–2012 +7 more
Related service bulletins
- 10078601Apr 4, 2016This preliminary information communication advises the technician that the part restriction for the accessory dc power control module and the seal kit has ended.
- 10113887Mar 1, 2016This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the additional steps that are needed to help perform a successful brake bleed on the 2-Mode Hybrid with…
- 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…
- 10113703Jun 23, 2015This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)…
- 10114470Apr 17, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue…
- 10113752Mar 16, 2015This informational bulletin communicates GM wiring repair strategy information.
- 10113519Feb 5, 2015This preliminary informational bulletin adds the 2015 model year to repair information on correcting a customer concern of poor, limited, reduced Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) or…
- 10114292Oct 13, 2014This preliminary bulletin provides a procedure on how to cold crank test a battery in a vehicle.
- 10057008Oct 1, 2014Gmc/cadillac/chevrolet: some vehicles are experiencing, after a cold soak in cold temperatures, loss of 12 volt battery power, indicator charging system lamp on, no power…
- 10112247Sep 23, 2014This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the roof beacon switch. The roof beacon switch will be left disconnected from the assembly…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 10% |
| 2016 | 2 | 33% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 9 | 9% |
| 2013 | 5 | 13% |
| 2012 | 7 | 24% |
| 2011 | 3 | 7% |
| 2010 | 4 | 12% |
| 2009 | 9 | 24% |
| 2008 | 15 | 22% |
| 2007 | 7 | 12% |
| 2006 | 7 | 13% |
| 2005 | 23 | 20% |
| 2004 | 39 | 21% |
| 2003 | 31 | 15% |
| 2002 | 6 | 2% |
| 2001 | 13 | 5% |
| 2000 | 12 | 3% |
| 1999 | 12 | 2% |
| 1998 | 9 | 5% |
| 1997 | 12 | 5% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1994 | 4 | 2% |
| 1993 | 5 | 7% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2012 GMC Sierra
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 GMC Sierra
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