Recalls · problems · safety

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.

3recalls
152complaints
8crashes reported
2fires reported
1injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Air Bags47 · 31%
  • Unknown Or Other45 · 30%
  • Structure31 · 20%
  • Electrical System15 · 10%
  • Engine12 · 8%
  • Steering10 · 7%
  • Service Brakes9 · 6%
  • Power Train8 · 5%
  • Suspension6 · 4%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System5 · 3%

What owners report

Electrical System,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance

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

Suspension,Power Train,Unknown Or Other

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

Power Train

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

Electrical System

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

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
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.