KnownCarProblems2012 GMC Sierra Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 29 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 GMC Sierra, most often about the electrical (24% of complaints, typically around 25,000 miles). It is 17th of 18 Sierra model years by number of complaints and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2012 GMC Sierra problems
Electrical
7 complaints · 24%Half of these problems showed up before 25,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring.
Check engine light illuminated. Took truck to local chevrolet dealer for repair and they discovered the wires had been chewed through. I read that gm uses peanut oil on wires in order to install them easier. Looks like this attracted a mouse, squirrel, chipmunk, or other creature and it chewed the wires. Luckily it…
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…
Engine
6 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 11,000 miles.
Vehicle was taken to GMC dealer for headlight defect and we were informed that they would have to order parts. Drove truck back to site and while truck was running but stationary smoke was observed coming from the engine compartment. When the hood was raised the entire truck became engulfed and completely burned.
Apparently gm uses peanut oil to lubricate wiring so they can more easily insulate, etc (accorging to the gm dealer). This attracts rats and mice which chew up the wiring - potentially impacting sensors and other items controlling cruise, stability/traction control, and any number of electrical systems that the driver…
Body and structure
6 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 21,500 miles. Parts named most often: body.
Vehicle was taken to GMC dealer for headlight defect and we were informed that they would have to order parts. Drove truck back to site and while truck was running but stationary smoke was observed coming from the engine compartment. When the hood was raised the entire truck became engulfed and completely burned.
Frame coating is peeling off the back of the frame and in other areas. Excessive rust for a vehicle that is 3 years old in a temperate climate. Only appears to be affecting frame covered with waxy undercoat. Very little rust and no peeling on areas that have other paints/coatings.
Brakes
4 complaints · 14%Pulling into a parking spot in a parking garage going no more than 3 miles per hour, or however fast this vehicle can go while foot is resting on brake, getting ready to fully brake. As I pressed down on brake to stop, the vehicle continued as if the anti-lock brake system slipped, causing the truck to drive forward…
The fuel injection pump cp4 had a catastrophic failure as I was driving on a heavily traveled four lane highway, US rt.20. I lost power steering and brakes. I felt fortunate that I was not towing a 16,000 lb. Fifth wheel camper down a mountain road.I say this because it was extremely difficult to maintain control over…
Air bags
4 complaints · 14%The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while making a right turn, the driver front air bag erroneously deployed and caused the contact to crash into a pole. The vehicle was destroyed but there were no injuries. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 6,700. The VIN was…
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.
Steering
3 complaints · 10%The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the right and left turn signal and safety belt chime stopped working. Also, the radio malfunctioned and the vehicle veered to the right. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not…
The fuel injection pump cp4 had a catastrophic failure as I was driving on a heavily traveled four lane highway, US rt.20. I lost power steering and brakes. I felt fortunate that I was not towing a 16,000 lb. Fifth wheel camper down a mountain road.I say this because it was extremely difficult to maintain control over…
Other or unspecified
3 complaints · 10%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.
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.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2012 GMC Sierra recalls
Electrical: ignition
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: fuel system, diesel
Risk: If the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2012 GMC Sierra
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Sierra?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (7 complaints, typically around 25,000 miles); engine (6 complaints, typically around 11,000 miles); body and structure (6 complaints, typically around 21,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Sierra have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from December 30, 2014 (electrical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2012 a bad year for the GMC Sierra?
- It is 17th of 18 Sierra model years by number of complaints, with 29 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.