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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-GMC-SIERRANHTSA data synced 1 day ago
GMC
2012 GMC Sierra problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 42 owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2012 GMC Sierra has 42 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 7 complaints, typically surfacing around 59,581 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 Sierra?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2012 GMC Sierra? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 7 owner reports
· tends to show around 59,581 mi · ~$850 to fix
steering — 7 owner reports
· tends to show around 58,797 mi · ~$700 to fix
body — 6 owner reports
· tends to show around 47,075 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
airbags — 4 owner reports
· tends to show around 22,233 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 59,581 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
body (~$1,500) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 Sierra· electricalCrash
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 GMC sierra. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of power which resulted in a front end collision with a guardrail. When the failure occurred, all the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was able to be operated after the…
Engine will increase idle from 700 to 900 at any time. One can be sitting at a traffic light and it might increase or decrease. I pull a 5th wheel (35 feet) and it is very difficult to stop with the engine trying to keep going. Also it is very scary to stop on slippery roads.…
I have goodyear wrangler sr-a 265 60r20 tires on my sierra denali hd 2500. I was on the way back from nc via I-95 and pulled over so my wife could nurse our 3 week old. Me and the boys went in k-mart for a few minutes. Upon returning and getting back on the road, I noticed my…
Loss of steering control (three episodes) : 13 nov 2012, while exiting nb I-95 onto eb route 214 in landover, md, my steering wheel locked. My speed at the time was approximately 50 MPH. I was able to brake rapidly as the ramp began to straighten from it's sweeping right…
Had a problem with your 2012 GMC Sierra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, equipped with 6
If the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: General Motors will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel transfer pump, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 13420.
Common questions
Is the 2012 GMC Sierra reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 GMC Sierra is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2012 GMC Sierra?
On the NHTSA data, the 2012 GMC Sierra does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2012 GMC Sierra?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 7 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 59,581 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2012 GMC Sierra a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 42 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 59,581 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 GMC Sierra?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 7 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 59,581 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 59,581 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my GMC Sierra has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 GMC Sierra?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 42 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/GMC/Sierra.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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