2012 GMC Sierra 3500
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 9 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 12 |
| 1999 | 19 |
| 2000 | 26 |
| 2001 | 36 |
| 2002 | 20 |
| 2003 | 7 |
| 2004 | 24 |
| 2005 | 24 |
| 2006 | 11 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 25 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 20 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 30 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 51 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 49 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
3 of 9 total reports mention: power train.
Engine
3 of 9 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
This started just a few weeks after I purchased the truck, still under warranty. It has been in the shop twice for this. It has happened 3 times. While driving the truck will shut off like you turned the key off.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-20
Traveling at 60MPH on turnpike pulling long heavy trailer in rain at night with moderate to heavy traffic. Sudden shutdown of all systems. Engine shut off and all electrical systems shut down. Unable to restart or get electrical systems to work.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-27
Also filed under Electrical system
Fuel system, diesel
2 of 9 total reports mention: fuel system, diesel.
Electrical system
2 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
The service brakes lights has come on a d disabled my brake controller. This is a safety issue while towing and completely unacceptable.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-03-03
Also filed under Service brakes
Service brakes
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2017-12-11Fuel system, gasoline17V664000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks. The low fuel level sensor for the front tank may stick causing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
Remedy: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear tank fuel pump or update the fuel-level sensor software, as well as inspect the front tank, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2017.
-
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.
-
R
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.
-
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.
-
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2012 GMC Sierra 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, diesel: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V664000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 18V267000 · Equipment
- Recall 21V051000 · Air bags
- Recall 21V054000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2012 GMC Sierra 3500 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Sierra 3500?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Sierra 3500 have?
- 4 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.