2012 GMC Sierra 1500: recalls and problems
3 recalls and 152 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags.
Most common problems
What owners report
June 29, 2025, driving on the st. francis loop in amarillo, tx, brake lights start flashing, the warning sounds happening, no brakes. i had already slowed down to 35-45 mph due to road construction ahead. i weaved through the cones and as soon as possible, hit the ditch and then coasted to a stop. (i didn’t think about the emergency brake, in my panic.) i turned the vehicle off and called my husband. i decided th
They should be responsible for repairs or replacement of the cheap made frames that rust away so fast so u ain’t gotta worry about your truck fallling apart going down the rd and the lower control arms made of cast that rust from inside out and you don’t know until breaks while driving along with camber adjustments where they can throw alignment out with a single bump. mostly the frame replacement is major always hav
The contact owns a 2012 gmc sierra 1500. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, especially between second and third gears. the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. in addition, the contact stated that the engine felt as though the engine mounts were inoperable. the contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the ve
Odometer fraud. the contact purchased a 2012 gmc sierra 1500. the contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. the vehicle was a private sale. at the time of purchase, the mileage was 111,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 243,000. the carfax report indicated that the vehicle was serviced at 149,000 and 179,000 miles, then registered at 149,000
Crash-test ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 4WD | ||||
| 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 4WD | ||||
| 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 4WD | ||||
| 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC RWD |
Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering SIERRA 1500, SIERRA 1500 HYBRID. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.