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2012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis

Complaint Summary

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado has 91 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve air bags and power train.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

8.0/ 10

Based on 91 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

AIR BAGS

15 16.5%

POWER TRAIN

11 12.1%

STRUCTURE:BODY

10 11%

SERVICE BRAKES

9 9.9%

ENGINE

6 6.6%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is AIR BAGS, accounting for 16.5% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 19 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado has 91 owner complaints in this dataset. AIR BAGS is the most common complaint category, representing about 16% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado are AIR BAGS (15), POWER TRAIN (11), STRUCTURE:BODY (10).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 41 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2012 Chevrolet Silverado?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2011 Silverado complaints2013 Silverado complaints2014 Silverado complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 19 of 19 systems

AIR BAGS

15 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING, A DRIVER CUT IN FRONT OF ME AND LITERALLY SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES. I WAS NOT AT FAULT IN THE ACCIDENT. MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND CAUSED SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO MY HEAD. THE INJURY WAS NOT CONSISTENT WITH AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH ME WEARING MY SEATBELT. I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A SEVERE CONCUSSION AND MANY OTHER AILMENTS, BALANCE DYSFUNCTION, MEMORY LOSS, PARASYMPATHETIC ANOMALIES, ETC. IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT COULD HAVE CAUSED SUCH SIGNIFICANT INJURY CONSIDERING THE LOW SPEED OF THE CRASH CORRELATED WITH PROPER SEAT BELT UTILIZATION. *TR

7/3/2014

FRONT WINDOW SAFETY ADHESION FROM FACTORY INSTALL BAD ON ALL BLACK TRUCKS.BODYS AND AIR BAGS HAVE NO RESISTANCE THROUGH FRONT WINDOW(REPLACED MINE AND FOUND OUT MAJOR FLAW).ALL ADHESION CONNECTIONS NOT STICKING.NO RESISTANCE FROM WINDOW IN FACTORY INSTALLS///ALL.FIXING TO TWEET THIS INFO. *TR

9/4/2014

13 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

11 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

HAPPENED DRIVING HOME AFTER BUYING VEHICLE. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD FROM A COMPLETE STOP AS 1ST GEAR WAS BEING ENGAGED. DROVE IT UNTIL BREAK IN PERIOD WAS OVER AND TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER WERE THE TRANSMISSION BODY AND VALVES WERE REPLACED. NOW GETTING MORE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS AT A SPEED OF 35-45 MPH. TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES AND I HAVE NO POWER GOING TO THE WHEELS, LIKE IT SHIFTS TO NEUTRAL FOR A 5-10 SECONDS. THIS WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF TRANSMISSION DOES NOT REENGAGE WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. YOU WILL GET REAR ENDED. *TT

6/22/2012

WAS DRIVING UP TO THE STOP SIGN. IT FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING HARD. SORTA LIKE JERKING. *TR

2/25/2013

9 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

10 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THERE IS A VERY HIGH PITCH NOISE THE IS EMITTED FROM BEHIND THE DASH. THIS NOISE IS DISTRACTING TO THE POINT THAT MY WIFE CAN NOT RIDE IN THE TRUCK LET ALONE DRIVE IT. I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT GENERAL MOTORS IS AWARE OF THIS NOISE AND IT IS ACCEPTABLE. *TR

5/12/2012

PARKED FACING UPSLOPE. THE TRUCK SLIPPED OUT OF PARK GEAR AND ROLLED DOWNHILL BACKWARDS, KNOCKING OVER OWNER. FINALLY HIT A TREE AND STOPPED. INSURANCE DECLARED IT TOTALED. *TR

5/16/2014

8 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

9 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SAFETY CONCERN- POTENTIAL TRAILERING ACCIDENT!!! IT APPEARS THAT CHEVROLET/GM HAS CHANGED THE WIRING IN THEIR VEHICLES SO THAT ELECTRIC TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLERS NO LONGER ILLUMINATE THE TRAILER BRAKE LIGHTS WHEN THE ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROLLER IS OPERATED INDEPENDENTLY FROM THE VEHICLE BRAKES. ALL BRAKE LIGHTS WORK FINE WHEN THE FOOT BRAKE IS APPLIED BUT NO BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE WHEN THE CONTROLLER OVERIDE IS APPLIED TO OPERATE THE TRAILER BRAKES INDEPENDENTLY. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN TRAILERING THAT ONE ONLY WISHES TO USE THE TRAILER BRAKES TO SETTLE DOWN SWAYING OR ON LONG DOWN HILL GRADES. 2012 VEHICLES ARE NOT WIRED SO THAT BRAKE LIGHTS ALSO WORK OFF THE CONTROLLER OVERRIDE SWITCH. I HAVE BEEN TOWING FOR OVER 26 YEARS AND BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE ALWAYS WORKED BOTH ON THE FOOT BRAKE AND CONTROLLER OVERRIDE BRAKE SWITCH. THIS IS A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. IF ONE APPLIES THE TRAILER BRAKES ALONE WITH NO BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATING, THIS COULD CAUSE ANOTHER VEHICLE TO SLAM INTO THE BACK OF THE TRAILER AND TOW VEHICLE CAUSING A CRASH. CHEVROLET STATES THEY CANNOT CONNECT THE TRAILER CONTROLLERS TO OPERATE THE BRAKE LIGHTS AS IT WOULD BACK FEED POWER INTO THE ELECTRONICS OF THE VEHICLE VOIDING ANY WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE. TRAILER BRAKES LIGHTS ONLY WORK AS CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE WIRING WHEN STEPPING ON THE FOOT BRAKE. *KB

3/20/2012

BRAKES ARE SPONGY DOES NOT STOP TRUCK UNTIL PUMPED,POWER TRAIN CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND SHIFTING,ELECTRICAL AT TIMES DASH LIGHTS DIM AT ANY GIVEN TIME, MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS VERY ROUGH RIDE, TRANS SHIFTS VERY HARD, WHEN COMING TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT RUNS ROUGH. HAS BEEN TO DEALER ONCE AND LAST THURSDAY GOT A CALL FROM GM THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT RESPONDED TO MY PROBLEMS. *TR

5/24/2013

7 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

6 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I HAVE HAD A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH MY NEW 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 LT (5.3 LITER ENGINE) GOING INTO "REDUCED ENGINE POWER MODE" WHICH ALSO RESULTS IN THE DISABLING OF STABILITY CONTROL AND TRACTION CONTROL. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION IN THAT IT RESULTS IN A LOSS OF POWER WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE UPON THE ROADWAY. AN AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITY HAS REPLACED THE NUMBER ONE AND TWO THROTTLE SENSORS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY, THE THROTTLE BODY, THE ALTERNATOR, THE COMPUTER, AND A LARGE GROUND WIRE BEHIND THE DASH. A GM ENGINEER WAS FLOWN IN AND NOW THE REPAIR CENTER IS REPLACING THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. THE VEHICLE (WHICH WAS PURCHASED LESS THAN THREE MONTHS AGO) HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 DAYS. IN RESEARCHING THIS MATTER I HAVE FOUND THAT CHEVY HAS HAD AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS IN VARIOUS VEHICLES IN ITS PRODUCT LINE SINCE 2003. ALTHOUGH SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS HAVE BEEN PRODUCED THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A CONSENSUS REGARDING THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. ALL OF THE PARTS ASSOCIATED WITH TROUBLE CODES C0242, P2127, AND P2138 HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITHOUT RESULT. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES BEING REARENDED, OR, BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF STABILITY AND TRACTION CONTROL, RESULT IN A ROLL OVER. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. *JS

6/7/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. UPDATED 05/21/2013 *JS

3/5/2013

4 more complaints are available in this category.

TIRES

5 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS IS ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUES WITH A SET OF GOODYEAR EAGLES LS-2 TIRES. WITH ONLY 1300 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, I HAVE ALREADY SLID THREE OR FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES, INCLUDING SLIDING INTO THE MEDIAN TWICE. I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN THESE TIRES TO STAY ON THE ROAD OR WHEN PULLING OUT OR GOING AROUND A CURVE. THESE TIRES SHOULD NOT BE ON THE ROAD. *TR

1/13/2012

DRIVING 2012 CHEVY SILVERADO AT 40 MPH WHEN MY RIGHT REAR GOODYEAR WRANGLE AT/S 265/70/17 DOT#4BT6. SIDEWALL BLEW OUT. *JS

12/3/2014

3 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SAFETY CONCERN- POTENTIAL TRAILERING ACCIDENT!!! IT APPEARS THAT CHEVROLET/GM HAS CHANGED THE WIRING IN THEIR VEHICLES SO THAT ELECTRIC TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLERS NO LONGER ILLUMINATE THE TRAILER BRAKE LIGHTS WHEN THE ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROLLER IS OPERATED INDEPENDENTLY FROM THE VEHICLE BRAKES. ALL BRAKE LIGHTS WORK FINE WHEN THE FOOT BRAKE IS APPLIED BUT NO BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE WHEN THE CONTROLLER OVERIDE IS APPLIED TO OPERATE THE TRAILER BRAKES INDEPENDENTLY. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN TRAILERING THAT ONE ONLY WISHES TO USE THE TRAILER BRAKES TO SETTLE DOWN SWAYING OR ON LONG DOWN HILL GRADES. 2012 VEHICLES ARE NOT WIRED SO THAT BRAKE LIGHTS ALSO WORK OFF THE CONTROLLER OVERRIDE SWITCH. I HAVE BEEN TOWING FOR OVER 26 YEARS AND BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE ALWAYS WORKED BOTH ON THE FOOT BRAKE AND CONTROLLER OVERRIDE BRAKE SWITCH. THIS IS A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. IF ONE APPLIES THE TRAILER BRAKES ALONE WITH NO BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATING, THIS COULD CAUSE ANOTHER VEHICLE TO SLAM INTO THE BACK OF THE TRAILER AND TOW VEHICLE CAUSING A CRASH. CHEVROLET STATES THEY CANNOT CONNECT THE TRAILER CONTROLLERS TO OPERATE THE BRAKE LIGHTS AS IT WOULD BACK FEED POWER INTO THE ELECTRONICS OF THE VEHICLE VOIDING ANY WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE. TRAILER BRAKES LIGHTS ONLY WORK AS CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE WIRING WHEN STEPPING ON THE FOOT BRAKE. *KB

3/20/2012

WAS DRIVING AND HEARD LOUD POP. PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED DASH AND FOUND CRACK AROUND AIRBAG AREA PASSENGER SIDE OF TRUCK.

9/10/2015

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THERE IS A VERY HIGH PITCH NOISE THE IS EMITTED FROM BEHIND THE DASH. THIS NOISE IS DISTRACTING TO THE POINT THAT MY WIFE CAN NOT RIDE IN THE TRUCK LET ALONE DRIVE IT. I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT GENERAL MOTORS IS AWARE OF THIS NOISE AND IT IS ACCEPTABLE. *TR

5/12/2012

BRAKES ARE SPONGY DOES NOT STOP TRUCK UNTIL PUMPED,POWER TRAIN CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND SHIFTING,ELECTRICAL AT TIMES DASH LIGHTS DIM AT ANY GIVEN TIME, MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS VERY ROUGH RIDE, TRANS SHIFTS VERY HARD, WHEN COMING TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT RUNS ROUGH. HAS BEEN TO DEALER ONCE AND LAST THURSDAY GOT A CALL FROM GM THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT RESPONDED TO MY PROBLEMS. *TR

5/24/2013

2 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500.

10/10/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND HAD AN ENGINEER FURTHER INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,900. KMJ

3/12/2013

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY CHEVY SILVERADO TRUCK, TEXAS EDITION, IT HAS 23,800 MILES ON IT I PURCHASED IT WITH O MILES, I ADHERE TO OIL CHANGES AND ANY REPAIRS IN TIMELY MANNER. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN IN SERVICE DEPARTMENT TWICE FOR THE SAME ISSUE, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS SWITCHING GEARS, IT MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING IT, IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE IS BUMPING THE REAR OF TRUCK. THE REPAIRS INCLUDE TRANSMISSION HARD SHIFTING 2 - 3 TIMES, RR UPPER CONTROL VALVE BODY AND SPACER PLATE REPLACED, RESET TRANSMISSION, 1 2 3 4 CLUTCH REGULATOR VALVE BINDING IN BORE. ALSO REPLACED SPRINGS, SECOND SERVICE THE U JOINTS ANITSD YOKE REPLACED, MY TRUCK CONTINUES WITH SAME PROBLEM, PLEASE LOOK IN TO THIS ITS HORRIBLE & VERY DISAPPOINTING WHY CAN`T THEY FIX IT, MY TRUCK SOUNDS LIKE AN OLD VEHICLE I THINK SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH SUSPENSION. I`M DESPERATE TO FIND AN ANSWER. ITS AN EXPENSIVE TRUCK TO BE DEALING WITH THESE ISSUES. *TR

7/28/2013

PARKED FACING UPSLOPE. THE TRUCK SLIPPED OUT OF PARK GEAR AND ROLLED DOWNHILL BACKWARDS, KNOCKING OVER OWNER. FINALLY HIT A TREE AND STOPPED. INSURANCE DECLARED IT TOTALED. *TR

5/16/2014

2 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I HAD A TIRE BLOW OUT AND DEFLATION WITHIN 10 SECONDS ON A DIRT ROAD. I LOOSENED THE LUG NUTS WITH THE SUPPLIED TIRE IRON AND PULLED MY LOWER BACK MUSCLES (TIRE IRON TOO SHORT). THE LUG NUTS CORNERS ROUNDED OFF (NOT HARDENED STEEL AS THEY SHOULD BE), AND MOST SERIOUS, THE JACK IS A POTENTIAL KILLER. IT HAS A SMALL DIAMETER DISK (APPROX 1AND 1/2 INCH DIAMETER) ON TOP, WITH FOUR SMALL BUMPS ON IT AT 90 DEGREES FROM EACH OTHER. THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE TO LOCATE THE JACK UNDER THE REAR AXLE APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES INBOARD FROM THE SHOCK ABSORBER ALL BY PUSHING THE JACK WITH THE 4 FOOT LONG JACK HANDLE. VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO LOCATE IT PROPERLY UNDER THE AXLE. I CRAWLED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND GAVE UP AS I COULD NOT HOLD IT IN PLACE UNDER THE AXLE AND CRANK THE HANDLE AT THE SAME TIME. A GOOD SAMARITAN PASSERBY STOPPED AND HE TRIED TO HOLD THE JACK IN PLACE (REACHING OVER THE TOP OF THE FLAT TIRE) AS I CRANKED THE HANDLE. THE VEHICLE WENT UP AND IMMEDIATELY SLIPPED OFF THE AXLE (ON A GRAVEL ROAD). THERE IS NO WAY THAT FOUR LITTLE BUMPS ON THE TOP OF THE JACK WILL HOLD THE JACK IN PLACE UNDER THE AXLE WHILE A PERSON JACKS IT UP. IF YOU CAN KEEP IT IN PLACE AND MANAGE TO JACK THE TRUCK UP, TRY TO REMOVE THE WHEEL AND PUT THE SPARE ON WITHOUT THE JACK FLIPPING OUT OF POSITION AND THE VEHICLE CRASHING DOWN.. IT IS A POTENTIAL KILLER. I WILL NEVER USE THE TIRE JACK AGAIN.... THIS ALL WAS WITH PERFECT CONDITIONS; (EXCEPT THE GRAVEL ROAD) OFF THE HIGHWAY, PERFECT WEATHER, AND DAYLIGHT. TRY IT IN THE RAIN OR SNOW ON THE SIDE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY IN THE DARK.... *TR

6/11/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOUR RIMS HAD EXTENSIVE RUST ALONG WITH ALL FOUR TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,381. UPDATED 8/28/14*CN

7/16/2014

2 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WITHOUT ANY IMPACT OR DAMAGE THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT HAS CRACKED AND THE DEALER WON'T WARRANTY. *TR

6/17/2014

WORKING IN THE YARD, I NOTICED OUT OF THE CORNER OF MY EYE THAT THERE APPEARED TO BE MOISTURE IN MY PASSENGER SIDE TAILLIGHT. AN INSPECTION OF THE TAILLIGHT SHOWED MULTIPLE FRACTURES IN THE HOUSING ACROSS THE REAR PORTION. THESE FRACTURES ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE UNIT. A FRACTURE ROUGHLY A QUARTER INCH UP LIMITS THE WATER ACCUMULATION. I THEN CHECKED THE DRIVER'S SIDE UNIT & NOTICED THE SAME FAILURE IS STARTING. AT THE TIME OF DISCOVERY I HAD JUST OVER 1000 ENGINE HOURS ON THE VEHICLE AND JUST OVER 126K MILES. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW & I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE ROUGHLY 38.5 MONTHS. BULBS HAVE A GREATER LIFE EXPECTANCY THAN THE TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY DESIGNED TO PROTECT THEM AND PROMOTE SAFETY. THE DEALER SAYS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ASSEMBLIES ARE MY ISSUE. THESE ITEMS ARE REQUIRED BY STATE AND FEDERAL LAW TO MEET CERTAIN STANDARDS. DEPENDING ON FRACTURE PLACEMENT THE BULBS MAY SHORT OUT OR FAIL DUE TO CORROSION. FAILURE OF THE ASSEMBLY CAN LEAD TO SOMEONE MISSING A TURN SIGNAL, A STOP OR NOTICE THAT YOU ARE BACKING UP. I BELIEVE THESE FAILURES INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF HAVING AN ACCIDENT. BASED PRIOR EXPERIENCES WITH OTHER VEHICLES I BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. I'M THEORIZING THAT BECAUSE THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE CATCHES THE EVENING SUN IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THESE WERE DESIGNED USING CHEAPER MATERIALS THAT POTENTIALLY DID NOT PROVIDE FOR THE ABILITY TO HOLDUP TO THE UV RAYS OF NATURAL SUNLIGHT. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THIRD LIGHT ON THE CAB RECEIVED MORE SHADE DUE TO A NEIGHBOR'S TREE THAT WAS REMOVED LAST YEAR SO THE SUN IMPACT WOULD BE LESS. I NOTICE THERE IS ANOTHER COMPLAINT FOR THIS MODEL YEAR ABOUT A CAB PLACED REAR LIGHT ASSEMBLY ECHOING THE SAME ISSUE.

6/3/2015

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STRUCTURE

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THERE ARE MULTIPLE CRACKS SURROUNDING MY PASSENGER AIRBAG IN MY 2012 SILVERADO. I BELIEVE THESE CRACKS ARE NOT ONLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT IN DESIGN BUT ARE ALSO A SAFETY CONCERN REGARDING THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING TOO WITH THIS MODEL TRUCK/SUV. *TR

4/22/2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS COVERED WITH RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPAINTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,580. UPDATED 1/15/16 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 01/25/16..*JB

11/19/2015

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SEATS

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

REAR HEAD RESTS DO NOT HAVE A LOCKING MECHANISM TO KEEP THEM LOCKED IN PLACE WHEN RAISED. THIS ALLOWS THE REAR HEAD RESTS TO FALL TO THE LOWEST POSITION WITH VERY LITTLE FORCE. GENERAL MOTORS HAS STATED THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS. OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO INSPECT THE REAR HEAD RESTS TO DETERMINE FOR THEMSELVES WHETHER THIS POSES AN ACCEPTABLE RISK TO THEIR PASSENGERS. ADULTS RIDING IN THE REAR SEAT SHOULD BE ADVISED OF THIS CONDITION. *TR

4/2/2013

I HAD DRIVEN BACK HOME FROM TAHOE AROUND 6:00PM AND THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 2 HOURS WHEN WE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE SLIDE ON THE 5TH WHEEL. I FOUND THE SLIDE ON THE TRAILER WOULD NOT OPEN DUE TO A LACK OF POWER ON THE 5TH WHEEL. AT THIS TIME THE PIGTAIL WAS STILL CONNECTED TO THE TRUCK. I DISCONNECTED THE PIGTAIL FROM THE TRUCK AND PLUGGED THE TRAILER INTO A 50 AMP PLUG AND THE SLIDE OPENED NORMALLY. I THOUGHT IT WAS STRANGE THAT THE BATTERY HAD DISCHARGED AFTER SUCH A SHORT TIME. AROUND 10:45PM MY GIRLFRIEND SCREAMED THE TRAILER WAS ON FIRE AND WHEN I REACHED THE BACKDOOR THE ENTIRE TRAILER WAS ENGULFED AND THE REAR OF THE TRUCK WAS ALREADY ON FIRE. BOTH THE VEHICLES WERE COMPLETELY DESTROYED ALONG WITH A BARN THAT WAS APPROXIMATELY10 FEET AWAY SUFFERING MAJOR DAMAGE.

9/9/2015

STEERING

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND BRAKE BOOST PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.

9/29/2015

AT 34,162 MILES THE STEERING GEAR WAS BINDING, CREATING A SAFETY PROBLEM. A STEERING GEAR SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN 34,162 MILES.

4/10/2016

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I HAVE HAD A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH MY NEW 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 LT (5.3 LITER ENGINE) GOING INTO "REDUCED ENGINE POWER MODE" WHICH ALSO RESULTS IN THE DISABLING OF STABILITY CONTROL AND TRACTION CONTROL. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION IN THAT IT RESULTS IN A LOSS OF POWER WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE UPON THE ROADWAY. AN AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITY HAS REPLACED THE NUMBER ONE AND TWO THROTTLE SENSORS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY, THE THROTTLE BODY, THE ALTERNATOR, THE COMPUTER, AND A LARGE GROUND WIRE BEHIND THE DASH. A GM ENGINEER WAS FLOWN IN AND NOW THE REPAIR CENTER IS REPLACING THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. THE VEHICLE (WHICH WAS PURCHASED LESS THAN THREE MONTHS AGO) HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 DAYS. IN RESEARCHING THIS MATTER I HAVE FOUND THAT CHEVY HAS HAD AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS IN VARIOUS VEHICLES IN ITS PRODUCT LINE SINCE 2003. ALTHOUGH SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS HAVE BEEN PRODUCED THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A CONSENSUS REGARDING THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. ALL OF THE PARTS ASSOCIATED WITH TROUBLE CODES C0242, P2127, AND P2138 HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITHOUT RESULT. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES BEING REARENDED, OR, BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF STABILITY AND TRACTION CONTROL, RESULT IN A ROLL OVER. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. *JS

6/7/2012

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I HAVE HAD A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH MY NEW 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 LT (5.3 LITER ENGINE) GOING INTO "REDUCED ENGINE POWER MODE" WHICH ALSO RESULTS IN THE DISABLING OF STABILITY CONTROL AND TRACTION CONTROL. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION IN THAT IT RESULTS IN A LOSS OF POWER WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE UPON THE ROADWAY. AN AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITY HAS REPLACED THE NUMBER ONE AND TWO THROTTLE SENSORS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY, THE THROTTLE BODY, THE ALTERNATOR, THE COMPUTER, AND A LARGE GROUND WIRE BEHIND THE DASH. A GM ENGINEER WAS FLOWN IN AND NOW THE REPAIR CENTER IS REPLACING THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. THE VEHICLE (WHICH WAS PURCHASED LESS THAN THREE MONTHS AGO) HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 DAYS. IN RESEARCHING THIS MATTER I HAVE FOUND THAT CHEVY HAS HAD AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS IN VARIOUS VEHICLES IN ITS PRODUCT LINE SINCE 2003. ALTHOUGH SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS HAVE BEEN PRODUCED THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A CONSENSUS REGARDING THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. ALL OF THE PARTS ASSOCIATED WITH TROUBLE CODES C0242, P2127, AND P2138 HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITHOUT RESULT. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES BEING REARENDED, OR, BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF STABILITY AND TRACTION CONTROL, RESULT IN A ROLL OVER. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. *JS

6/7/2012

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I BOUGHT MY 2012 CHEVY OCTOF 2013. NOW AFTER 11000 MILES MY FRAME LOOKS LIKE A TRUCK OUT OF THE 80'S. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THERE FIX IS TO SCRAPE OFF THE RUST AND PUT THE SAME CRAP BACK ON THE FRAME. SO I KNOW THAT THIS ISSUE WILL ONLY LAST A VERY SHORT TIME. *TR

8/20/2013

SEAT BELTS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

RECENTLY I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT WAS A DIRECT IMPACT. AT THE TIME OF THIS ACCIDENT THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK NOR DID THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY. THE SPEED FROM THIS ACCIDENT WAS BETWEEN 50-55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. AT THE RATE OF SPEED I WAS GOING BEFORE THE ACCIDENT AND THE FACT THAT I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BREAKS TO BEGIN SLOWING DOWN ONE WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THE SEAT BELT WOULD HAVE LOCKED BUT IT DID NOT AND AT THE POINT OF IMPACT I WAS VERY SURPRISED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT YET THE SYSTEM INDICATED THAT IT DID AND NEEDED TO BE RESET. HOWEVER NOW THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED I AM BEING TOLD THAT THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM HAS TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE DRIVER SEAT BELT.

11/13/2015

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado?

The most reported complaint category for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is AIR BAGS, with 15 owner reports. That is about 16% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include AIR BAGS, POWER TRAIN, STRUCTURE:BODY.

Are complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 41 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado severe?

41 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Chevrolet Silverado: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
91
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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