2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems
What owners have reported about the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Sierra 1500. Owners have filed 107 complaints with NHTSA, the 19th most of 19 Sierra 1500 model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, body and structure and electrical system.
107 complaints 3 recalls, 1 fire risk 19th worst of 19 Sierra 1500 years
Top 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Airbag problems
42 complaints (39%) name the airbags, most often the frontal.
Body problems
21 complaints (20%) name the body and structure, most often the body and frame and members.
Electrical problems
8 complaints (8%) name the electrical system, most often the software and speedometer / odometer.
Engine problems
7 complaints (7%) name the engine.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (67 of 107). The amber line is the middle value, about 60,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls
Inflator module
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. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge.
Recall 21V051000 · Feb 2021Inflator module
" 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, and WY or "Zone C." 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. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge.
Recall 21V054000 · Feb 2021Equipment
Fire riskThese 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 In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Recall 18V267000 · Apr 2018Get an email when your 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 gets a new recall
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Sierra 1500 years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Sierra 1500. Owners have filed 107 complaints with NHTSA, the 19th most of 19 Sierra 1500 model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, body and structure and electrical system.
What are the most common 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 problems?
Owners most often report problems with the airbags, body and structure, electrical system and engine. 42 complaints (39%) name the airbags, most often the frontal.
At what mileage do 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 airbags problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 50,000–113,000 miles, with a middle value near 73,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
3. Inflator module (21V051000); Inflator module (21V054000); Equipment (18V267000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2012 GMC Sierra 1500?
Ask for service records covering the airbags, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2012, 2013 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.