This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on at low mileage. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0420 and or P0430 stored. Technician should be advised that the catalytic converter efficiency Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0420 and P0430 are disabled for the first hour of engine run time to allow break-in of the catalytic converter. Technician will need to use a Tech2 to check the verify engine run time on the Engine Hour Meter in the Instrument Panel Cluster Data Display/Data 1 List in the scan tool match. If the engine run time is less tha
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Chevrolet Silverado powertrain problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
3crashes
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician of an engine power reduced message on the driver information center after performing the Canada Onstar® 4G upgrade. If the concern is present park the vehicle outside and call General Motors Technical Assistance Center.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the valve body for the Allison A1000 Transmission has been placed on restriction through the General Motors Product Quality Center to assist Engineering with product feedback. Dealer will need to contact General Motors Product Quality Center for further assistance.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Allison Transmission Control Module Part Number 24256861 has been removed from the General Motors Product Quality Center parts restriction.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a clunk noise or a harsh 6-5 downshift while driving at 50 to 70 miles per hour. Technician will reprogrammed the Transmission Control Module and a FastLearn procedure will need to be performed to correct the condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Silverado's 6-speed transmission is the dominant complaint across these 19 reports. Owners describe hard shifts with engine clatter from the moment they leave the dealership, and a dangerous surging pattern when coming to a stop: the truck decelerates, then lurches forward as the transmission downshifts and the torque converter engages at high RPM while brakes are applied. This surge-slow-surge cycle repeats until stop. Dealerships reset parameters or claim the behavior is normal, but the problem returns within miles. A few owners had transmission body and valve work done without fixing it.
Beyond shifts, owners report transmission disengagement (vehicle goes to neutral for seconds mid-traffic), complete failure at highway speeds requiring towing, and refusing to move forward in Drive despite adequate fluid. One truck rolled away in reverse from Park with the emergency brake set, injuring the owner; another shifted out of gear and crashed into a garage wall while parked.
Sensor and control module failures compound the mess: check engine lights come on repeatedly, reduced engine power modes kick in without warning at highway speeds, and accelerator pedal and throttle sensors fail despite replacement. One owner spent $3,000 replacing parts that a dealership, AutoZone, O'Reilly's, and an independent shop all said needed fixing—problem still there. An engine camshaft failed at 170k miles, requiring complete replacement. Owners note this is a widespread 2012 Silverado and GMC problem with no effective recall or fix.
Same Chevrolet Silverado powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Hard transmission shifts with engine clatter and surging on downshift
Transmission struggles to shift smoothly in all driving conditions. When downshifting (particularly when braking to a stop), engine RPMs rise sharply, the torque converter engages abruptly, and the truck surges forward despite the driver braking. This creates a repeating surge-slow-surge-slow pattern until coming to a complete stop. Engine produces a clattering noise during shifts.
When: Present from first week of ownership; observed across multiple mileages from 0 to 32,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hard, jerky shifts in all directions and conditions; Engine clatter during shifts; Unintended acceleration surge when braking to a stop; Lurch or lunge forward while downshifting; Surging between gears on hills and during normal deceleration; Rough idle when coming to traffic lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership resets digital parameters (DAPS); issue recurs within 10 miles. Aftermarket shift programs attempted without resolution. Dealership claims behavior is 'normal.' Some owners report transmission body and valve replacements performed without resolving the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM extended 4-year bumper-to-bumper warranty on at least one vehicle in response to complaint; dealer acknowledged other models had same issue but no recall found
Transmission disengagement and limp mode
Transmission loses power delivery to wheels, either fully disengaging or shifting to neutral momentarily without driver input. Vehicle enters limp mode or reduced power mode, leaving driver unable to accelerate or maintain highway speed.
When: Occurred at 35-45 mph range during normal driving; also reported at 30 mph; one case at 119,000 miles with metal shavings found in transmission fluid
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission disengages upon acceleration without warning; Vehicle shifts to neutral for 5-10 seconds during traffic driving; Loss of power to wheels; Inability to maintain speed or accelerate; Vehicle enters limp mode
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic found metal shavings in transmission reservoir at 119,000 miles; advised transmission replacement necessary or complete failure would follow. Transmission body and valve replacement attempted on one vehicle without resolving subsequent disengagements.
Transmission fails to engage or shift into Drive
Transmission will not move vehicle forward when shifted into Drive, though Reverse operates normally. Vehicle remains stationary despite selector in Drive and adequate fluid present.
When: Reported at 15,003 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Will not go forward in Drive; Reverse gear functions normally; Vehicle remains immobile when shifted to Drive
Repairs/costs cited: Consumer stated transmission needed to be replaced
Check Engine light and reduced engine power with throttle/accelerator sensor codes
Check Engine warning illuminates and reduced engine power message displays, causing vehicle to decelerate independently and limit speed. Issue traced to throttle position sensor, accelerator pedal position sensor, or both. Code P2138 reported.
When: Occurred at 84,000 miles, 35,056 miles; also reported as ongoing with multiple service visits
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illumination; Reduced engine power message on instrument panel; Vehicle decelerates independently; Speed limited to 30 mph or unable to exceed certain threshold; Heavy vibration and shaking; Loss of power while driving at highway speeds
Codes mentioned: P2138
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replaced, accelerator pedal assembly replaced; problem persisted. Battery replacement attempted, then accelerator pedal position sensor replacement, then powertrain control module replacement. Owner spent $3,000 on parts and labor; issue confirmed by multiple mechanics (licensed mechanic, AutoZone, O'Reilly's, independent shop) but not fully resolved.
Powertrain control module defect
Powertrain control module fails, causing loss of engine power and multiple warning lights. Initial misdiagnosis as battery and sensor issues; independent mechanic identified PCM as root cause.
When: At 35,056 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power; Service Traction Control warning; StabiliTrak warning; Engine Power Reduced warning
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced (did not resolve); accelerator pedal position sensor replaced (did not resolve); independent mechanic diagnosed PCM replacement needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failures
Transmission solenoid failure with check engine light
Transmission solenoid fails, accompanied by persistent check engine light and multiple sensor failures over vehicle's life. Transmission exhibits the characteristic 'clunk' noise that multiple owners describe.
When: Recurring issue; clunking present since purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission 'clunk' noise; Check engine light comes on repeatedly; Multiple sensor failures; Transmission operation issues
Repairs/costs cited: Solenoid replacement required; vehicle immobilized pending repair
Vehicle rolls away or shifts out of gear while parked
Vehicle moves unexpectedly while parked with engine running and emergency brake engaged, or shifts out of Park while parked. In one case, vehicle was in Park when it began moving forward into a wall.
When: At 5,000 miles and 15,003 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls in reverse while parked with emergency brake engaged; Vehicle shifts out of gear while parked; Vehicle moves forward into structure while in Park
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle crashed into bridge; owner sustained major bruising and scratches. Second vehicle crashed into garage wall. Neither vehicle was repaired or inspected for root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in one case
Transmission complete failure requiring replacement
Transmission fails completely at highway speeds and lower speeds, requiring towing and full transmission replacement. Multiple instances at varying mileages.
When: At 100,361 miles and during highway driving (one case); another case at approximately 119,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fails without warning; Gear shifts independently while driving; Warning lights illuminate prior to failure; Vehicle cannot be driven after failure
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement diagnosed as necessary; vehicles not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case
Engine failure with camshaft issue
Camshaft fails while driving, causing valve lifter tapping and engine damage requiring complete engine replacement. Vehicle had powertrain warranty but warranty holder refused coverage despite regular maintenance.
When: At 170,208 miles (one year of ownership after being purchased at 139,171 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine lifter tapping noise while driving; Engine damage requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: New motor required; powertrain warranty (APG Corp) refused coverage despite vehicle having regular maintenance
Traction control, steering, and engine shutdown while driving
Traction control disengages, steering wheel locks up, and engine shuts off while driving. Combination of failures leaves driver unable to steer or accelerate.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control turns off; Steering wheel locks; Engine shuts off; Multiple warning lights illuminate; Unable to pick up speed; Unable to steer vehicle
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
While driving down interstate my transmission just went out down shifted almost causing someone to hit me from behind after some research I learned gmc vehicles have been having this problem for the last 10 years but yet keep using the same transmissions it's not right the money they selling these vehicles for and we the little people have to pay for them knowing the problem but not caring just…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2012 Chevrolet Silverado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain 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 $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 15,000 and 119,000 miles, with the median around 66,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 119,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Chevrolet/Silverado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.