2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 10 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 555 |
| 1998 | 361 |
| 1999 | 587 |
| 2000 | 611 |
| 2001 | 468 |
| 2002 | 509 |
| 2003 | 805 |
| 2004 | 797 |
| 2005 | 525 |
| 2006 | 357 |
| 2007 | 849 |
| 2008 | 912 |
| 2009 | 444 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2011 | 562 |
| 2012 | 214 |
| 2013 | 300 |
| 2014 | 1429 |
| 2015 | 1091 |
| 2016 | 787 |
| 2017 | 706 |
| 2018 | 507 |
| 2019 | 1033 |
| 2020 | 686 |
| 2021 | 757 |
| 2022 | 569 |
| 2023 | 344 |
| 2024 | 276 |
| 2025 | 80 |
| 2026 | 52 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
27% of complaints: air bags — 58 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while her son was driving at low speeds during snow weather, the driver-side air bag deployed on its own without a crash or impact with an object.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250129
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND CURTAIN AIR BAGS ABRUPTLY DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING 55 TO 60 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE MEDIAN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160623
13% of complaints: structure — 28 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Frame and suspension components are complete rusted and rotting off of frame. I am afraid to drive the truck in fear of it falling apart on me while on the road.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230912
12% of complaints: engine — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I ENTERED THE INTERSECTION AFTER STOPPING AT THE STOP SIGN. I WAS HALFWAY THROUGH THE DIVIDED INTERSECTION THAT HAD A ROAD CLOSED SIGN FOR THE EXIT SIDE OF THE INTERSECTION AND A DO NOT ENTER SIGN FOR THE ENTRANCE SIDE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180427
9% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVER'S SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT GOES OUT. THE LIGHTBULB IS IN GOOD ORDER. THE PIGTAIL SHOWS SIGNS OF EXCESSIVE HEAT/SMALL FIRE, PLASTIC MELTING, CARBON IN THE METAL CONTACT ON THE LIGHTBULB AND SOCKET.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180419
5% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021.
Campaign 21V051000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021.
Campaign 21V054000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (58 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V051000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V054000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.