2012 Chevrolet Silverado

▲ Better than typical
2012 Chevrolet Silverado
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:25.434Z

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
68
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Air bags

22% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 2 complaints 1980 1982: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1987: 2 complaints 1988: 15 complaints 1988 1989: 22 complaints 1990: 25 complaints 1991: 17 complaints 1992: 40 complaints 1993: 69 complaints 1993 1994: 210 complaints 1995: 263 complaints 1996: 186 complaints 1997: 272 complaints 1998: 279 complaints 1998 1999: 1,660 complaints 2000: 1,305 complaints 2001: 877 complaints 2002: 710 complaints 2003: 695 complaints 2003 2004: 622 complaints 2005: 316 complaints 2006: 182 complaints 2007: 183 complaints 2008: 162 complaints 2008 2009: 76 complaints 2010: 62 complaints 2011: 75 complaints 2012: 68 complaints 2012 68 2013: 64 complaints 2014: 124 complaints 2015: 76 complaints 2016: 5 complaints 2017: 125 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1982: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1987: 2 complaints 1988: 15 complaints 1989: 22 complaints 1989 1990: 25 complaints 1991: 17 complaints 1992: 40 complaints 1992 1993: 69 complaints 1994: 210 complaints 1995: 263 complaints 1995 1996: 186 complaints 1997: 272 complaints 1998: 279 complaints 1998 1999: 1,660 complaints 2000: 1,305 complaints 2001: 877 complaints 2001 2002: 710 complaints 2003: 695 complaints 2004: 622 complaints 2004 2005: 316 complaints 2006: 182 complaints 2007: 183 complaints 2007 2008: 162 complaints 2009: 76 complaints 2010: 62 complaints 2010 2011: 75 complaints 2012: 68 complaints 2012 68 2013: 64 complaints 2014: 124 complaints 2015: 76 complaints 2016: 5 complaints 2016 2017: 125 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1982: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1987: 2 complaints 1987 1988: 15 complaints 1989: 22 complaints 1989 1990: 25 complaints 1991: 17 complaints 1991 1992: 40 complaints 1993: 69 complaints 1993 1994: 210 complaints 1995: 263 complaints 1995 1996: 186 complaints 1997: 272 complaints 1997 1998: 279 complaints 1999: 1,660 complaints 1999 2000: 1,305 complaints 2001: 877 complaints 2001 2002: 710 complaints 2003: 695 complaints 2003 2004: 622 complaints 2005: 316 complaints 2005 2006: 182 complaints 2007: 183 complaints 2007 2008: 162 complaints 2009: 76 complaints 2009 2010: 62 complaints 2011: 75 complaints 2012: 68 complaints 2012 68 2013: 64 complaints 2014: 124 complaints 2015: 76 complaints 2015 2016: 5 complaints 2017: 125 complaints 2017

2012: 68 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19822
19845
19853
19872
198815
198922
199025
199117
199240
199369
1994210
1995263
1996186
1997272
1998279
19991,660
20001,305
2001877
2002710
2003695
2004622
2005316
2006182
2007183
2008162
200976
201062
201175
201268
201364
2014124
201576
20165
2017125

Known problem areas

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

Air bags

22% · 15 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V054000(AIR BAGS); however, the parts for the repair were unavailable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-08-03

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle the air bag warning indicator light illuminated The contact called OnStar who completed diagnostic testing. The local dealer was not contacted.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-06-24

Structure

21% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Power train

16% · 11 reports
CRASHINJURY

Service brakes

13% · 9 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated he purchased the vehicle at a used dealer on March 13, 2023, and the anti-lock braking systems (ABS), the traction control sensor, and the brake warning light illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-06-09

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the emergency brake engaged, the contact reached in from the passenger's side to shut the engine down and the vehicle rolled away in reverse.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-30

Engine

9% · 6 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Driving slow on wet gravel road and a large cloud orf white smoke and flames erupted from drivers side of hood. Stopped and grabbed the fire extinguisher from behind drivers seat and attempted to open hood with hood release but hood would not open.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-11

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving 2 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and another vehicle crashed into the passenger's side of the contact's vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-05

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2014-05-30Fuel system, diesel13V615000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, equipped with 6.6L diesel engines and dual fuel tanks. In the affected vehicles…

    Remedy: General Motors will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel transfer pump, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. The…

  2. R
    2015-02-12Electrical system14V827000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015.

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Chevrolet Silverado — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 11 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V615000 · Fuel system, diesel
  • Recall 14V827000 · Electrical system

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.