2012 GMC Sierra 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
- 107
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 107 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 13 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 83 |
| 1998 | 59 |
| 1999 | 158 |
| 2000 | 181 |
| 2001 | 140 |
| 2002 | 166 |
| 2003 | 180 |
| 2004 | 212 |
| 2005 | 177 |
| 2006 | 145 |
| 2007 | 263 |
| 2008 | 380 |
| 2009 | 234 |
| 2010 | 167 |
| 2011 | 284 |
| 2012 | 107 |
| 2013 | 115 |
| 2014 | 740 |
| 2015 | 720 |
| 2016 | 342 |
| 2017 | 354 |
| 2018 | 302 |
| 2019 | 648 |
| 2020 | 479 |
| 2021 | 585 |
| 2022 | 585 |
| 2023 | 486 |
| 2024 | 376 |
| 2025 | 117 |
| 2026 | 133 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
39% · 42 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, she lost consciousness.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-04
My passenger air bag deployed or went off as i was driving home from work and made such a loud noise that i crashed my 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. I was startled and scared and disoriented and others around me that i crashed my truck.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-02-26
$17,000 worth of damage on my GMC all airbags went off minus the driver side steering wheel airbag. Was on cruise control at 75 miles per hour fell asleep at wheel ran into the barrier wires.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-03-15
Also filed under Structure and wheels
Structure
20% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing body and frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving the truck on a country road, it started to pull towards the right. I tried to correct by steering to the left. My steering wheel just spun and had no control of the front wheels. Ithe steering shaft became disengage from the axel.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-10-01
Also filed under Steering
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that during a vehicle inspection, the contact was informed that the sub frame was severely corroded with holes.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-17
Electrical system
8% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing software and speedometer/odometer.
Show complaint excerpts
June 29, 2025, Driving on the St. Francis loop in Amarillo, TX, brake lights start flashing, the warning sounds happening, no brakes. I had already slowed down to 35-45 mph due to road construction ahead.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-11
Also filed under Forward collision avoidance and service brakes
Power train
6% · 6 reportsEngine
6% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Lifter Failure: I was traveling to a State Park in Northern Michigan when my engine starting running very rough with major power loss. My check engine light activated, and I pulled over as soon as I could.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-02
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2018-06-11Equipment18V267000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018.
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2021-05-11Air bags21V051000 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.
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R
2021-05-11Air bags21V054000 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.
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I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 42 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V267000 · Equipment
- Recall 21V051000 · Air bags
- Recall 21V054000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
- 3 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.