CarRecallWatchThe 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 107 complaints with NHTSA, including 4 crashes, 1 injury.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (42 reports).
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls
Passenger airbag inflator can explode, sending metal fragments
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles uses a propellant that can degrade over time when exposed to high humidity, high temperatures, and repeated temperature changes.
Passenger air bag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
The front passenger air bag inflator in these vehicles uses phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant, which can degrade after long exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and repeated temperature cycling.
Fire extinguisher may clog or fail to discharge in a fire
Certain plastic-handle or push-button fire extinguishers installed in these vehicles may become clogged, so the extinguisher may not discharge as expected or may require excessive force to activate.
Most common 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Problem areas named in the 107 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 42 |
| Unknown Or Other | 36 |
| Structure | 21 |
| Electrical System | 9 |
| Power Train | 6 |
| Engine | 6 |
| Service Brakes | 5 |
| Suspension | 4 |
| Wheels | 3 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 |
What owners report
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 didnât think about the emergency brake, in my panic.) I turned the vehicle off and called my husband. I decided that I wasnât pulled over far enough over in the ditch, so I started the pickup again. The lights and warning signals for the brakes were gone and when I pressed on the brake pedal, there were brakes again. I drove home at 35 mph, knowing I could use the emergency brake at tha
They should be responsible for repairs or replacement of the cheap made frames that rust away so fast so u ainât 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 donât 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 having to plate frame or check to make sure it will be able travel long trips or haul stuff in bed or a trailer with breaking or falling off truck causing wreck frame repair is major and time consuming if you donât have proper stuff and definitely expensive and lower control a
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 vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle resumed normal driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure,
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 and 179,000 miles on August 8, 2024. The contact had filed a police report with the Dillon Police Department -Special Ops Police Department.
P0521 has been addressed/replaced almost nine (9) times. âLow Oil Pressure-Stop Engineâ is another one that is not completely functional. The truck is using oil but we cant find evidence of leakage. Services performed at dealership or certified shop. Troubleshooting was performed, Im told. I cant vouch for the quality of the workmanship. This should not be an issue at this mileage 100,100 ohe hundred thousand miles and oil components going bad is not good. GMC has sold me a truck that needs a new engine component. Please help. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 questions
Does the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500: Passenger airbag inflator can explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger air bag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Fire extinguisher may clog or fail to discharge in a fire. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500?
Based on 107 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (42), Unknown Or Other (36), Structure (21).
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.