2012 Chevrolet SILVERADO
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2012 Chevrolet SILVERADO has 91 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 99. The most common issue is air bags problems (16% of all complaints), specifically: 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 . There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.
91
Total Complaints
2
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
0.9x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
15 complaints- • 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
- • 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
- • TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 37 MPH, ALL FOUR SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS INDEPENDENTLY DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION KEY WAS CYCLED OVER 5,000 TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. TH
“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 ”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2012 Chevrolet SILVERADO
Based on 81 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 19K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
BODY/STRUCTURE
TRANSMISSION
BRAKES
ENGINE
AIR BAGS
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (2)
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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Chevrolet SILVERADO
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Chevrolet SILVERADO
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Chevrolet SILVERADO Service Intervals
GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2012 SILVERADO, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 91 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BODY/STRUCTURE: 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 ACC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: 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 SHIFTI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: 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. A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Chevrolet SILVERADO — Year Comparison
How does 2012 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 91
- Recalls
- 2
- Fire reports
- 4
- Crash reports
- 11
- Injury reports
- 10
- Segment avg
- 99
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2012 Chevrolet SILVERADO