2012 GMC Sierra Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 17%of 29 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2012 GMC Sierra, 17% of the 29 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,000 miles. 2 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.
“While the vehicle was being driven, it just went dead, no engine, no electric, no nothing. The vehicle was left in place and at some point, caught fire and burned. A total loss. To date, the insurance company has not paid me for my loss but rather has gone to great lengths to investigate me personally, looking for any reason to not pay. So, I've been making two vehicle payments for the last 8 months. As a result, I am struggling financially.”
NHTSA complaint #10575697, filed 2014-03, 2,000 miles“Engine will increase idle from 700 to 900 at any time. One can be sitting at a traffic light and it might increase or decrease. I pull a 5th wheel (35 feet) and it is very difficult to stop with the engine trying to keep going. Also it is very scary to stop on slippery roads. This did not start until the vehicle had approx. 35,000 miles on it. The dealer tells me it is normal, but I have talked to owners of the GM diesel from model year 2008 through 2015 and none of them have this condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10662943, filed 2014-12, 35,000 miles“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“The fuel injection pump cp4 had a catastrophic failure as I was driving on a heavily traveled four lane highway, us rt.20. I lost power steering and brakes. I felt fortunate that I was not towing a 16,000 lb. Fifth wheel camper down a mountain road.I say this because it was extremely difficult to maintain control over the truck steering it and bringing it to a controlled stop. I have read about these pumps failing on numerous diesel ford and GM trucks. I also feel if a woman or small person had this happen to them the outcome could end in loss of control resulting in injuries even deaths. …”
NHTSA complaint #10681960, filed 2015-02, 140,000 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10100822Jul 11, 2016This informational bulletin provides the technician with what may happen to an engine due to lack of maintenance.
- 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…
- 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…
- 10112167Aug 15, 2014This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on vehicles that may have an intermittent high idle. If a technician has duplicated, or the…
- 10112115Jul 16, 2014This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on or reduced…
- 10112069May 14, 2014This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 | 7% |
| 2015 | 2 | 4% |
| 2014 | 8 | 8% |
| 2013 | 3 | 8% |
| 2012 | 5 | 17% |
| 2011 | 7 | 16% |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2009 | 3 | 8% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 8 | 7% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2012 GMC Sierra
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 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