2012 GMC Sierra Problems

Below Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 GMC Sierra. Part of Generation 3 (GMT900) — 2007–2013.

20112013
Complaints
46
per 10K Sold
2.7
US Sales
168,491
Crashes
7
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2012 GMC Sierra Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#16 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:35,344 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:1
#25 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:39,800 mi
Fires:2
#35 complaints

Body Structure

Avg mileage:33,890 mi
Fires:2
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 GMC Sierra.

Electrical Faults
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
35,344
Engine Problems
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles
39,800
Body Structure
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles
33,890
Airbags
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 GMC Sierra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2012 GMC Sierra

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~93,925 vehicles.

14V827000Electrical System:ignition
~84,192 affected

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.

13V615000Diesel Fuel System
~9,733 affected

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.

Other GMC Sierra Years

2012 GMC Sierra — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2012 GMC Sierra reliable?
Verdict: Below Average Complaints. The 2012 GMC Sierra has 46 NHTSA complaints, 7 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Electrical Faults with 6 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2012 GMC Sierra?
Top reported problems: Electrical Faults (6 complaints, avg 35,344 mi); Engine Problems (5 complaints, avg 39,800 mi); Body Structure (5 complaints, avg 33,890 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 GMC Sierra?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 36,282 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2012 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA complaints for the 2012 GMC Sierra include 7 crash-related reports, 7 fire reports, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2012 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 93,925 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2012 GMC Sierra?
Fewer complaints than typical for this model. That's a good sign, but every individual car is different — the VIN still tells you what happened to this specific one.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full GMC Sierra reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 2012 GMC Sierra

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