Owners have filed 70 complaints
about the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 28 of 29 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 20
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 15
2.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 33
19% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2012 compares with every other Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
12.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
714.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
919.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1021.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
714.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
919.1%
150,000+ miles
48.5%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/CC RWD W/ SAB
20.4% risk
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/CC 4WD W/ SAB
19.1% risk
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/CC 4WD W/O SAB
19.1% risk
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/CC RWD W/O SAB
20.4% risk
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/EC 4WD
—
—
—
19.1% risk
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/RC 4WD
—
—
—
19.1% risk
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/EC RWD
—
—
—
20.4% risk
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/RC RWD
—
—
—
20.4% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2013peak 6Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V054000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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,
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
21V051000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
18V267000
EQUIPMENT
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 80,000 milesSullivan, MOCrash
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 EQUIPPED WITH REPLACEMENT MICKEY THOMPSON TIRES AND TIRE SIZE: 275/60R20. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT DRAGGED 9 OF THE POLES THAT HOLD THE MEDIUM RETAINING CABLES UNTIL IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TRUCK WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD THE SAME FAILURE A MONTH AFTER THEY WERE PURCHASED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AT OWNERS EXPENSE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10978768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesAlamogordo, NMCrash
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10676709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy upon obtaining a Vinlo vehicle report. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 93,000; however, the Vinlo report listed the mileage at 456,903 in 2023. The contact called the Missouri DMV, but no assistance was provided.
NHTSA complaint #11749134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle seller advised the contact that the mileage was 196,000 prior to the purchase. Upon purchasing and driving the vehicle, the contact noticed that the odometer was inoperable. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the failure was corrected, and the odometer reading was 216,000. The seller informed the contact that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced for the correct odometer reading to be displayed; however, the contact stated that the actual mileage was 216,000, and the seller had committed odometer fraud.
NHTSA complaint #11723008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 147,209. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was unknown. The contact paid for a full vehicle report, and he discovered that the mileage was 250,000. on September 6, 2025. The VIN was invalid.
NHTSA complaint #11690527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, DE
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle's TCM has apparently failed as evidenced by CEL code "U0101", low power ("limp mode"), hard shifting, no gear selection indicator, and extremely slow acceleration. Vehicle is currently available for inspection, but will be receiving a replacement TCM soon. Myself and others' safety was put at risk due to my the vehicle's inability to continue through an intersection at a reasonable rate. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer/service center, nor has it been inspected by anyone since the incident. The aforementioned warning lamp that indicated the issue appeared upon starting the vehicle, which drove normally for the first 11 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11654876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clayton, DE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle's TCM has apparently failed as evidenced by CEL code "U0101", low power ("limp mode"), hard shifting, no gear selection indicator, and extremely slow acceleration. Vehicle is currently available for inspection, but will be receiving a replacement TCM soon. Myself and others' safety was put at risk due to my the vehicle's inability to continue through an intersection at a reasonable rate. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer/service center, nor has it been inspected by anyone since the incident. The aforementioned warning lamp that indicated the issue appeared upon starting the vehicle, which drove normally for the first 11 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11654876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fulton, IL
WHEELS
Day after driving to n a snow storm the vehicles stabilitrak and traction control light and message to service those came on the dash and a sudden lose of power. I pulled over and put it in park noticing the gear indicator on the dash was gone. I put in drive and could barely move. So I shifted to 1st gear then back to park and into drive and the light came off and it was back to normal. The next day I started the vehicle and the light was on again with the check engine light. And stuck in limp mode. There are forums I've read with thousands of people with the same problem. The vehicle is available for inspection. The safety concerns are the traction control and stabilitrak can affect the way it handles and brakes. The vehicle will be going to dealership. There where no warning light prior to. The lights and systems failed simultaneously. This vehicle only has 44000 miles on it, no rust the frame is mint. This is a very clean truck and shouldn't be having this kind of problem.
NHTSA complaint #11643267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fulton, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Day after driving to n a snow storm the vehicles stabilitrak and traction control light and message to service those came on the dash and a sudden lose of power. I pulled over and put it in park noticing the gear indicator on the dash was gone. I put in drive and could barely move. So I shifted to 1st gear then back to park and into drive and the light came off and it was back to normal. The next day I started the vehicle and the light was on again with the check engine light. And stuck in limp mode. There are forums I've read with thousands of people with the same problem. The vehicle is available for inspection. The safety concerns are the traction control and stabilitrak can affect the way it handles and brakes. The vehicle will be going to dealership. There where no warning light prior to. The lights and systems failed simultaneously. This vehicle only has 44000 miles on it, no rust the frame is mint. This is a very clean truck and shouldn't be having this kind of problem.
NHTSA complaint #11643267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fulton, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
Day after driving to n a snow storm the vehicles stabilitrak and traction control light and message to service those came on the dash and a sudden lose of power. I pulled over and put it in park noticing the gear indicator on the dash was gone. I put in drive and could barely move. So I shifted to 1st gear then back to park and into drive and the light came off and it was back to normal. The next day I started the vehicle and the light was on again with the check engine light. And stuck in limp mode. There are forums I've read with thousands of people with the same problem. The vehicle is available for inspection. The safety concerns are the traction control and stabilitrak can affect the way it handles and brakes. The vehicle will be going to dealership. There where no warning light prior to. The lights and systems failed simultaneously. This vehicle only has 44000 miles on it, no rust the frame is mint. This is a very clean truck and shouldn't be having this kind of problem.
NHTSA complaint #11643267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chatfield, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Transmission control module
NHTSA complaint #11568776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weatherford, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Was driving the truck doing 65 on the highway and the cp4 ruined the whole fuel system. That includes the fuel rails injectors and pump! Ended up costing me around $8,000 I believe!
NHTSA complaint #11559138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesLehigh Acres, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, a message indicating that the DEF system had failed was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several unknown dealers, where the O2 sensor, a diesel injector, and other unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, a message indicating that the DEF system had failed was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and gradually decelerated. The contact was able to drive to the nearest independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the DEF system, fuel pump, and oxygen sensor had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact was concerned that the repair was temporary. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
NHTSA complaint #11552896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chapman, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The transmission control module went out on my Chevy duaramax. GM is aware of this problem in the years of 2009-2015 and has yet to fix the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11545970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Danville, PA
POWER TRAIN
My TCM went out in my truck while towing which made the vehicle not be able to move putting my family in jeopardy while on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11542321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
POWER TRAIN
Transmisión control module stopped working while driving on the highway. It went from going 70 miles per hour on the highway to 15 miles per hour. Very scary and dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11536536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
POWER TRAIN
The Transmission Control Module failed causing the vehicle to loose power and operate only in "limp mode". General Motors does not have a replacement module available, leaving the vehicle inoperable. GM has no reliable information as to when a module will be available. I had to use a third party service to try and repair the module for a cost of over $1,200. This seems to be a common problem with the 2008-20015 GM Duramax with the Allison transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11516029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Transmission Control Module failed causing the vehicle to loose power and operate only in "limp mode". General Motors does not have a replacement module available, leaving the vehicle inoperable. GM has no reliable information as to when a module will be available. I had to use a third party service to try and repair the module for a cost of over $1,200. This seems to be a common problem with the 2008-20015 GM Duramax with the Allison transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11516029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
ENGINE
The Transmission Control Module failed causing the vehicle to loose power and operate only in "limp mode". General Motors does not have a replacement module available, leaving the vehicle inoperable. GM has no reliable information as to when a module will be available. I had to use a third party service to try and repair the module for a cost of over $1,200. This seems to be a common problem with the 2008-20015 GM Duramax with the Allison transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11516029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Potomac Falls, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mechanic has informed me of my truck's frame has excessive rust that has spread to other components, and states ongoing issue will cause frame to rust apart.
NHTSA complaint #11505639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coloma, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DASHBOARD IS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES INCLUDING AROUND PASSENGER AIR BAG
NHTSA complaint #11462829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prospect, CT
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The consumer stated the repairs were completed by the dealership on May 2, 2022 and covered under a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11460683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,184 milesRio Grande, TX
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that he had the vehicle repaired under NHTSA Campaign 21V051000 (Air Bags) however when he retrieved the vehicle the air bag warning light was illuminated and a warning message to the service air bag soon was displayed. The contact stated that before the repair he had no issues with the air bag or warning lights. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the air bag was already replaced. The contact stated that he was informed that he was responsible for any additional repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,184.
NHTSA complaint #11453454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hopewell, OH
AIR BAGS
GM sent me a recall notice March 2021 that my air bag is defective and they plan to replace it. That notice was in March 2021 and they still have not repaired it stating that parts are not available yet. I feel the air bag is a time bomb waiting to explode and I should not be subject to this danger.
NHTSA complaint #11438049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Napa, CA
AIR BAGS
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V051000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11435924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warren, OH
AIR BAGS
DASHBOARD IN THE TRUCK HAS TWO STRESS CRACKS ONE BY THE AIR BAG AND ANOTHER ONE ABOVE THE SPEEDOMETER. THAT DASHBOARD IS VERY POOR QUALITY AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY GENERAL MOTORS.
NHTSA complaint #11390564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesLA Crescenta, CA
ENGINE
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) COOLER BYPASS VALVE HAD TO BE REPLACED 60,000 MILES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #11359878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
