Should I buy a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado with documented electrical problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented electrical issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2012 Chevrolet Silverado electrical problems

severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$850

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 14V827000 30/12/2014

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

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.

What owners are reporting 3 most recent

electrical · filed 12/23/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY A FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE/FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

electrical · filed 12/22/2017

LIGHTS GO DIM ON IT ALL THE TIME AND THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM IN IT IS BAD SOMETIMES THE AIR CONDITION WORKS MOST OF THE TIME IT DON'T AND THE CRUISE QUIT WORKING IN IT

electrical · filed 12/08/2016

MY TRUCK SHOULD HAVE NO ISSUES AS I FOLLOW THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY VEHICLE BUT IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE WHERE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE WHEN MY VEHICLE DISPLAYED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, TRACTION OFF, STABILTRAC OFF, THE AIRVENTS STOPPED BLOWING COOL AIR AND RELEASED HUMIDITY, BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY (HARD TO ACTUALLY BREAK), STEERING WHEEL/POWER STEE…

Common questions

How serious is the electrical problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado?

It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.

At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to electrical?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.