2012 Gmc SIERRA 2500
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2012 Gmc SIERRA 2500 has 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 52. The most common issue is air bags problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: a multi-car collision had occurred at a considerable speed. (sadly a driver had lost a life in this accident) this collision entailed a very large commercial truck being hit head on, by a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.( this 2nd vehicle being a van) after this severe impact with the l. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.
39
Total Complaints
3
Recalls Issued
4/5
Safety Stars
0.8x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
8 complaints- • A MULTI-CAR COLLISION HAD OCCURRED AT A CONSIDERABLE SPEED. (SADLY A DRIVER HAD LOST A LIFE IN THIS ACCIDENT) THIS COLLISION ENTAILED A VERY LARGE COMMERCIAL TRUCK BEING HIT HEAD ON, BY A VEHICLE TRAVELING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.( THIS 2ND VEHICLE BEING A VAN) AFTER THIS SEVERE IMPACT WITH THE L
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED
- • 1 DAY GOT IN TRUCK AND NOTICED THE DASH WAS CRACKED ON DRIVER SIDE BEHIND THE GAUGE CLUSTER AND AS I LOOKED I NOTICED IT WAS ALSO CRACKED AT THE 2 UPPER CORNERS OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 25000 MILE ON IT. GM WILL NOT PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED AND I'M WORRIED THAT IT CAN AFFECT THE SAFE
“A MULTI-CAR COLLISION HAD OCCURRED AT A CONSIDERABLE SPEED. (SADLY A DRIVER HAD LOST A LIFE IN THIS ACCIDENT) THIS COLLISION ENTAILED A VERY LARGE COMMERCIAL TRUCK BEING HIT HEAD ON, BY A VEHICLE TRAVELING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.( THIS 2ND VEHICLE BEING A VAN) AFTER THIS SEVERE IMPACT WITH THE L”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2012 Gmc SIERRA 2500
Based on 26 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 70K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
OTHER
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 (3)
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.
Fix: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Gmc SIERRA 2500
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 Gmc SIERRA 2500 Service Intervals
Uses GM Oil Life System. Full-size trucks may have shorter differential and transfer case intervals if used for towing.
"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.
Gmc New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Gmc. If you're buying a used 2012 SIERRA 2500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Gmc 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 39 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: A MULTI-CAR COLLISION HAD OCCURRED AT A CONSIDERABLE SPEED. (SADLY A DRIVER HAD LOST A LIFE IN THIS ACCIDENT) THIS COLLISION ENTAILED A VERY LARGE COMMERCIAL TRUCK BEING HIT HEAD ON, BY A VEHICLE TRAVELING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.( THIS 2ND VEHICLE BEING A VAN) AFTER THIS SEVERE IMPACT WITH THE L
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: CRACKS IN THE DASH ON DRIVERS SIDE ABOVE STEERING WHEEL BY THE DOMED AREA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FOLLOWING DAY, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE "SERVICE EXHAUST FLUID SYSTEM", "SEE OWNERS MANUAL NOW", AND "97 MILES BEFORE 65 MPH NAX SPEED" MESSAGES APPEARE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BODY/STRUCTURE: CHROME INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE. CHROME PLATING IS COMING OFF AND IS SHARP. CUT MY FINGER OPENING THE DOOR. RESEMBLES A PAPER CUT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THEY ARE REPLACING HANDLE. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Gmc SIERRA 2500 — Year Comparison
How does 2012 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 39
- Recalls
- 3
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 1
- Injury reports
- 5
- Segment avg
- 52
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2012 Gmc SIERRA 2500