2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

▲ Better than typical

2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2012: 216 complaints

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	358
2007	849
2008	914
2009	444
2010	361
2011	563
2012	216
2013	301
2014	1433
2015	1101
2016	791
2017	711
2018	514
2019	1058
2020	709
2021	792
2022	602
2023	365
2024	288
2025	87
2026	74

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

AIR BAGS 27%

27% of complaints: air bags — 59 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

My husband picked me up from work in [XXX] we went over a very icy bridge the truck spun around and hit the guard rail on the bridge the airbags popped and broke two of my ribs I went to the hospital it was very painful I had to lose out on several...

NHTSA ODI report, 20260828

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

STRUCTURE 17%

17% of complaints: structure — 36 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and dashboard.

CRASH INJURY

Show 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

ENGINE 12%

12% of complaints: engine — 25 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show 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

Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

POWER TRAIN 5%

5% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20210511 — air bags

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

R 20210511 — air bags

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...

Campaign 21V054000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20210917 — EA (open)

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

I 20230127 — DP (closed 20230807)

Pedestrian alert sounds