2012 GMC Sierra 2500
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 | 1 |
| 1997 | 14 |
| 1998 | 15 |
| 1999 | 36 |
| 2000 | 47 |
| 2001 | 134 |
| 2002 | 134 |
| 2003 | 160 |
| 2004 | 143 |
| 2005 | 115 |
| 2006 | 66 |
| 2007 | 83 |
| 2008 | 63 |
| 2009 | 31 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 63 |
| 2012 | 30 |
| 2013 | 46 |
| 2014 | 30 |
| 2015 | 89 |
| 2016 | 59 |
| 2017 | 37 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 31 |
| 2020 | 73 |
| 2021 | 49 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 96 |
| 2025 | 24 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
27% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
A MULTI-CAR COLLISION HAD OCCURRED AT A CONSIDERABLE SPEED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141002
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V051000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and an unknown dealer were contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241112
17% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171213
13% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving on the expressway around 60 mph when the truck went into limp mode slowing me down to 40 and then would not shift gears Tcm went out gm told me that there is a big problem
NHTSA ODI report, 20230905
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED, STALLED, AND LOST POWER. THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171128
13% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving on the expressway around 60 mph when the truck went into limp mode slowing me down to 40 and then would not shift gears Tcm went out gm told me that there is a big problem
NHTSA ODI report, 20230905
10% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CHROME INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. CHROME PLATING IS COMING OFF AND IS SHARP. CUT MY FINGER OPENING THE DOOR. RESEMBLES A PAPER CUT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THEY ARE REPLACING HANDLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140104
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 18V267000 — check if this car was fixed
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 GMC Sierra 2500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V267000 (equipment) has been completed.
- 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 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 GMC Sierra 2500 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Sierra 2500?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Sierra 2500 have?
3 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.