2012 GMC Sierra 1500

Routine

Owners filed 107 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 3 times.

One of the better GMC Sierra 1500 years: fewer complaints than most, without an unusual share of serious ones. Which GMC Sierra 1500 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
60,440 milesMedian miles at failure

67 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 50,000–60,000 miles.

Most common 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

42 of the 107 complaints (39%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags41
201
Unknown or Other22
000
Structure › Body · body and frame12
100
Service Brakes · brakes4
000
Power Train · transmission3
000
Engine3
000
Electrical System3
000
Suspension2
000
Structure › Frame and Members · body and frame2
000
Steering2
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V054000
Filed Feb 5, 20211,778,128 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC

Defect. 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 states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V051000
Filed Feb 5, 2021284,645 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC

Defect. 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 ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328770.

Equipment18V267000
Filed Apr 26, 20186,154 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. 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 Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 11, 2026NM

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. I weaved through the cones and as soon as possible, hit the ditch and then coasted to a stop. (I didn’t think about the emergency brake, in my panic.) I turned the vehicle off and called my husband. I decided that I wasn’t pulled over far enough over in the ditch, so I started the pickup again. The lights and warning signals for the brakes were gone and when I pressed on the brake pedal, there were brakes again. I drove home at 35 mph, knowing I could use the emergency brake at that speed, if needed, and had brakes all the way home. GMC Bender repaired truck. After driving approximately 3 miles since repaired, our daughter took the truck to Grease Monkey. She was at the garage door; employee said the pickup didn't need an oil change. She backed out and didn’t have brakes (no warning lights or sounds) and as the truck continued backing, it hit the Grease Monkey sign at the east end of their lot and broke it, knocked the sign over. An employee walked over to see what happened, she told him that she didn’t have brakes. He sat in the pickup seat and pushed on the brakes and said, yes, you don’t have brakes! The police were called, and the officer who showed up took pictures, gave us his card, talked with my husband and talked to the Grease Monkey boss. August 6, 2025, I called G

Suspension
Filed May 22, 2026WV

They should be responsible for repairs or replacement of the cheap made frames that rust away so fast so u ain’t gotta worry about your truck fallling apart going down the rd and the lower control arms made of cast that rust from inside out and you don’t know until breaks while driving along with camber adjustments where they can throw alignment out with a single bump. Mostly the frame replacement is major always having to plate frame or check to make sure it will be able travel long trips or haul stuff in bed or a trailer with breaking or falling off truck causing wreck frame repair is major and time consuming if you don’t have proper stuff and definitely expensive and lower control arms that’ll make a wheel come real fast and it’s time consuming and expensive too but very dangerous and breaks and causes damage right then and there at high or low speed on highways or interstates

Power Train
Filed Jan 15, 202620,000 milesMN

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, especially between second and third gears. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the engine felt as though the engine mounts were inoperable. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle resumed normal driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Aug 21, 2025243,000 milesSC

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 111,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 243,000. The Carfax Report indicated that the vehicle was serviced at 149,000 and 179,000 miles, then registered at 149,000 and 179,000 miles on August 8, 2024. The contact had filed a police report with the Dillon Police Department -Special Ops Police Department.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 3, 2025WV

P0521 has been addressed/replaced almost nine (9) times. “Low Oil Pressure-Stop Engine” is another one that is not completely functional. The truck is using oil but we cant find evidence of leakage. Services performed at dealership or certified shop. Troubleshooting was performed, Im told. I cant vouch for the quality of the workmanship. This should not be an issue at this mileage 100,100 ohe hundred thousand miles and oil components going bad is not good. GMC has sold me a truck that needs a new engine component. Please help. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 4, 2024312,000 milesOK

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, she lost consciousness. After regaining consciousness, the contact discovered that the vehicle had crashed into two vehicles and that the driver's side air bag had deployed. The police and paramedics arrived at the scene; however, no one involved in the accident needed immediate medical assistance. A police report was filed. About a week after the accident, the contact stated that they began to develop open sores on both arms as black metal fragments began to leak out of these sores. The contact went to the doctor and was treated for the injuries and was referred to a dermatologist for further assistance. Upon investigation, the contact linked her injuries to the Takata air bag recall. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home and an independent mechanic was able to repair certain parts of the vehicle to make it drivable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a claim was filed. The contact was also informed that an inspector would be sent to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 312,000.

Service Brakes
Filed May 28, 2024WV

Faulty Tire Pressure Management system. Looking for recalls or service bulletins.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 18, 2024VA

Manufacturer interior defect - Crack on dash w/potential to crumble all the way in Diminishes vehicle

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 11, 2024WI

Frame rot behind gas tank truck doesn't even have 90000 Miles on it unsave to drive poor frame quality

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 14, 2023NY

Major major frame and wheel well rust , ever one I see is exactly the same , I live in upstate ny and yes we use salt but I've done a lot of research and the problem is country wide , please do some things this isn't right , I'm not trying to get a new free truck , just not get screwed out of the one I have cause it will fail inspection soon

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 12, 2023NY

I went to get the vehicle inspected today and was told it failed due to the chassis frame in the rear being rusted thru. This could cause the suspension to collapse any time. I see on the internet that multiple others have and are experiencing the same with the Sierra and Silverado. My vehicle has unlimited washes and has been washed 40 times a year and looks new from the outside.

Engine
Filed Dec 2, 2023MI

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. It was dangerous because I was pulling a camper and I had to drive well under the speed limit. The Certified Chevy Dealership discovered a collapsed lifter and Cam damage. They considered this as catastrophic engine failure, and I was completely shocked as the vehicle had roughly 129k miles on it. There was no indication of failure prior to this incident as the vehicle ran perfect. I am very disappointed in GM as I have a co-worker with the same year truck that had the exact same issue shortly after I did. A friend of mine also had this happen with a 2014 vehicle of same make and model. It appears that this is a common issue with GM's newer 5.3 engines which used to be extremely reliable (99-07). GM needs to fix these lifter issues because a newer technology engine should last much longer.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 17, 2023100,000 milesNY

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. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 11, 2023VT

I took My 2012 GMC Sierra with 112,410 miles in for annual safety inspection and was told that my frame has a hole in it and is cracked, hence un-inspectable in the state of Vermont. I then took it to a welding shop to get an estimate on repair and the tech told me he sees this all the time on this era GM/Chevy trucks. This is clearly a widespread incident and GM should be held accountable like Toyota was years ago with its bad frames.O

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 21, 2023OH

Vehicle has just over 113,000 miles and the frame is already severely compromised due to rust. Nearly all factory coating is gone. I believe the sub par wax like coating that GM used from the factory was never intended to last anywhere near or over 100,000 miles. I have personally inspected numerous 2007-2013 GMT900 trucks in or around ohio and have found similar severe rust issues. All vehicles inspected were between 60,000 and 120,000 miles. The rust issues are the worst in the areas directly in front of the rear axle where the frame drops. Nearly every vehicle inspected has structure compromising rust in this area. GMT900 platform vehicles with rust issues in this area are unsafe to be on the road, yet they remain popular in multiple service industries and are frequently seen pulling trailers. GM has done a great disservice to their customers by using a sub par coating on the most important structural component in a vehicle. These trucks should easily last well over 250,000 miles but due to poor coatings they have a hard time breaking 100,000 miles.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 20, 2023TX

Cracked interior plastic dash, multiple places, potential safety hazard if airbag deploys and shatters it even more, also will be exposed wires once the cracks breaks all the way

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 9, 2023129,181 milesWI

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for unrelated repairs, it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced due to rust. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic while awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was 129,181.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 9, 2022CA

Manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner and recall could cause great bodily injury or death to driver and passenger .

Suspension
Filed Sep 20, 2022PA

The frame is so rotted it will not pass state inspection.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 5, 2022FL

Dash is cracked in multiple locations, vehicle taken to the dealer and dealer states that manufacturer is not liable and will not cover costs. Started with one crack near the passenger airbag and several cracks have appeared over the years.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 28, 2022OH

Lags when accelerating. Does not happen every time. Causes safety issues when in heavy traffic. The below date is when it started. It happens very regularly.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 7, 2022NV

DASHBOARD CRACKING AT THE AIR BAG AREA ON PASSANGER SIDE.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Feb 26, 2022IN

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. it has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. It has not been inspected by anyone. there was was no warning or lights or anything it just went off as i was driving

Air Bags
Filed Feb 22, 2022IN

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The dealer informed the contact that they were not responsible for any damages while replacing the air bags. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 8, 2022PA

Spare tire fell off while parked. The bracket holding the tire in place failed. Significant corrosion present.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 20, 202160,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 70-75 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost electrical power for 30 seconds. The traction warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 7, 2021FL

Dash is totally falling apart. There is large cracking above the gauge cluster and around the passenger airbag, and every day I am removing more small pieces that fall off. These pieces are small, sharp, hard plastic and even metal in some places that will cause serious damage to any occupants if I were to get in an accident. I treat my vehicle very well and have done my best to keep cracking under control but it is getting worse and worse every day now.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Nov 3, 2021110,000 milesWA

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the windshield wipers, the windshield wipers only went up a couple of inches before they stopped working and became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the windshield wiper transmission was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 28, 2021VA

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) in August of 2021 however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted and stated that the parts were not available. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted several times. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated he attempted to call the manufacturer several times by leaving a voice mail however, the contact has received no call back from the manufacturer. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 19, 2021AZ

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 31, 2021ME

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the recall but informed the contact that parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 5, 2021FL

The cracks in my dash will be a safety issue when the air bags deploy. I can't believe that gmc hasn't done a recall on these dashes yet. During the airbag recall they will crack the dash even worse making this problem extremely dangerous. It has the potential to cause loss of life. Also on the other hand this devalues the resale price of the car.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 16, 2021TX

The dash cover panel over the instrument cluster and passenger side airbag has cracked and has begun to come apart in pieces. I have contacted a local dealer and they have informed me the recall on the passenger side airbag replacement does not cover replacement of the cracked dash cover. The dash cover has begun to produce large jagged pieces where it has cracked that in my view pose a safety threat should an accident occur. The failing dash could produce shrapnel in an accident that could cause serious face lacerations or eye trauma. GM needs to provide a replacement recall on the dash panel.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 15, 2021220,000 milesSC

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the passenger’s side air bag to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated she later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V051000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms part not available. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 8, 2021WV

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 2, 2021320,000 milesNM

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light had been illuminated for two years. The contact contacted the dealer before receiving the recall notification but was informed by the dealer that there was no air bag recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 320,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 30, 2021OK

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V054000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MARK ALLEN BUICK GMC (6363 E OKLAHOMA PL # 66, TULSA, OK 74115(918) 770-4339) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 13, 2021PA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V054000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 2, 2021CO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELTS WEBBING WERE SHREDDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHREDDING STARTED ON WAIST BAND PORTION OF BOTH SEAT BELTS AND PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED OVER TIME. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 25, 2021111,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT WAS STARTING UP THE VEHICLE WHEN THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ABERNETHY CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (1445 E MAIN ST, LINCOLNTON, NC 28092) HOWEVER, THE DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V051000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. ## VIN PASSED ## GMC 2012 SIERRA ##

Air Bags
Filed Jan 15, 2021150,000 milesMN

LEFT SIDE IMPACT SENSOR LOSES CONNECTIVITY FROM WIRES SHORTING OUT IN DRIVERS HINGE AREA. SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 28, 202094,000 milesMD

THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKING. THESE CRACKS HAVE HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED. ONE IS BY THE AIRBAG COVER, THE OTHER IS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL HOOD.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 23, 2020219,000 milesGA

SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF. WHILE DRIVING.

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Oct 1, 2020110,000 milesMI

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. I CRASHED INTO TREES AND MY TRUCK WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. THIS HAPPENED ON 9/27/2020. I AM WAITING FOR THE POLICE REPORT AND THE INSPECTION RESULTS FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 16, 202060,000 milesMI

FENDER WELLS RUSTING OUT.

Power Train
Filed Aug 13, 202040,000 milesNM

TRANSMISSION SURGES WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PUSHED HARD AS IN TRYING TO ENGAGE KICKDOWN OR "PASSING GEAR". SPEED IS NOT A FACTOR, IT HAPPENS AT LOW SPEED AND HIGHER SPEEDS. DEPENDING ON SPEED, TRUCK JERKS SUDDENLY AND ALMOST STALLS OUT. SOMETIMES REAR TIRES CHIRP.SEEMS SIMILAR TO THE 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS LATER YEARS HAVE EXPERIENCED.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 18, 2020141,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE RPM INCREASED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS FIRM. THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, FRONT AND REAR BRAKES INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE DOOR LATCHES LOCKED AND UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PAYNE CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (2229 E EXPRESSWAY 83, WESLACO, TX 78599), WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ABS SPEED SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 26, 202056,079 milesKY

CRACKED DASHBOARD ON PASSENGER SIDE AT LEFT BACK CORNER OF AIRBAG COVER. THE VEHICLE HA 56K MILES ON IT. GARAGE KEPT.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 11, 202060,000 milesTX

DASHBOARD IS CRACKING AROUND PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG. THE PLASTIC IS SHARP AND BRITTLE, AND I'M CONCERNED THAT SHARP SHARDS OF PLASTIC WOULD GO EVERYWHERE IF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY WELL-CARED FOR VEHICLE THAT COULD PASS FOR 'NEW CONDITION' OTHER THAN THIS DASHBOARD ISSUE.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 28, 2019113,067 milesME

TL AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER OF A 2012 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON THEIR OWN AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP TO HAVE THE AIR BAGS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,067. *LN*JB

Complaints 1-50 of 107, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2026147200Do not drive
2025125110Routine
2024379100Above average
2023506320Above average
2022602650Above average
2021599760Above average
20204841250Above average
20196581030Above average
2018305710Above average
2017355640Above average
20163438130Do not drive
2015720990Above average
2014743971Fatalities reported
2013116310Routine
2012 — this page107300Routine
2011284530Above average
2010168420Routine
2009234440Above average
2008381250Above average
2007263320Above average
2006145251Fatalities reported
2005177390Routine
2004212510Above average
2003180440Routine
2002166400Routine
2001140500Routine
2000181300Routine
1999158400Routine
199859420Routine
199783500Routine
19965010Routine
19953010Routine
199413000Routine

Compare every Sierra 1500 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 5, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.