2012 GMC Sierra recalls and problems

The 2012 GMC Sierra has 2 safety recalls and 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
29
Crashes / fires
4 / 2
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 GMC Sierra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 GMC Sierra recalls

Recall 14V-827: Electrical System

Reported Dec 30, 2014 · 84,192 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 13V-615: Fuel System, Diesel

Reported Dec 11, 2013 · 9,733 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

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.

2012 GMC Sierra problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System7
Structure6
Engine5
Air Bags4
Steering3
Service Brakes3
Unknown or Other3
Suspension2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)2
Power Train2
Engine and Engine Cooling1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 5
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 31,450 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 GMC Sierra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Jun 4, 2021
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.
Power Train · at 65,722 miles · reported Apr 8, 2016
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.
Unknown or Other · at 49,000 miles · reported Mar 30, 2016
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.
Electrical System · at 22,000 miles · reported Mar 17, 2016
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.
Structure · at 67,000 miles · reported Jan 7, 2016
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

Other GMC Sierra years

Compare all GMC Sierra years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 GMC Sierra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 GMC Sierra: 14V-827 (electrical system), 13V-615 (fuel system, diesel). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 GMC Sierra?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (7 reports), followed by structure (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 31,450 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.