2012 gmc sierra. Consumer writes in regards to passenger side airbag safety recall. The consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair.
The worst 2012 GMC Sierra problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical7
- Body6
- Engine6
- Airbags4
- Brakes4
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical7
- Body6
- Engine6
- Airbags4
- Brakes4
- Steering3
- Acceleration2
- Driver assistance2
- Suspension2
- Transmission2
- Visibility2
- Lights1
- Locks1
- Wheels1
Recalls 2
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- 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. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
- Risk
- If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- 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. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 (Cadillac), 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), or 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
Recall number 14V827000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel
- What is wrong
- 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, the transfer pump which moves fuel from the rear tank to the front tank could malfunction and cause the fuel gauge to indicate an inaccurate reading.
- Risk
- If the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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 recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 and GMC at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 13420.
Recall number 13V615000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 GMC Sierra 275
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This informational bulletin provides information on the temporary tire flat spotting condition.
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may...
- This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable...
- This informational bulletin provides the technician with what may happen to an engine due to lack of...
- This preliminary information communication advises the technician that the part restriction for the...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the additional steps that are...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides steps the technician will uses to diagnose and repair...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with a list of modules to check for...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may...
2012 GMC Sierra fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0L 8‑cyl Hybrid | RWD | 20 | 23 | 21 |
| 6.0L 8‑cyl Hybrid | 4WD | 20 | 23 | 21 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 21-22 | 17-18 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 20 | 17 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 15 | 21 | 17 |
| 4.8L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 18 | 16 |
| 4.8L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 18 | 15 |
What 2012 GMC Sierra owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While driving at normal highway speed, truck shut off except for the lights. Lost powers steering, brakes etc. Once I got the truck pulled over and stopped, attempted to restart. Was unable to do so until the 4th attempt during a 5 minutes time span. Once started, appeared to be running fine except for the mil on the dashboard which was lit.
Dashboard is cracked near the passenger side airbag close to the windshield. Vehicle has never been in an accident or had the airbags deployed. Crack occurred just before 50,000 miles.
Dashboard cracking above instrument panel.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard near the passenger side air bag was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 22,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc sierra. The contact stated that the dashboard near the passenger side air bag was fractured. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The contact informed the manufacturer of the failure. The manufacturer stated that the dashboard would be able to be replaced at a discounted price. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000. Updated 09/28/16*lj
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc sierra. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of power which resulted in a front end collision with a guardrail. When the failure occurred, all the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was able to be operated after the crash. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Dash is cracking around my passenger airbag. The crack is in front of the passenger airbag closer to the windshield. Vehicle only has 32,000 miles but is just out of the 3 year bumper to bumper warranty.
Dash cracked around airbag module
The dash that supports the air bag on the passenger side is cracking and could possibly puncture the air bag or send parts of the dash flying a occupants during a collision. Because of the cracks the air bag is not properly secured in the vehicle.
Compare the 2012 GMC Sierra
Other model years
1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017
Questions about the 2012 GMC Sierra
Is the 2012 GMC Sierra reliable?
Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 2012 GMC Sierra, fewer than a typical Sierra model year.
What is the 2012 GMC Sierra year score?
The 2012 GMC Sierra scores 84 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Sierra: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 GMC Sierra?
Electrical system, with 7 complaints, typically around 25,072 miles. Next is body (6).
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Sierra have?
2 recalls, covering electrical system and fuel system, diesel.
What gas mileage does the 2012 GMC Sierra get?
Official estimates for the 2012 GMC Sierra range from 15 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (6.0L 8-cyl hybrid, RWD) gets 20 city and 23 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2012 GMC Sierra?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history