GMC SIERRA 2500 · model year

2012 GMC SIERRA 2500

39 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2012GMCSIERRA 2500 carries 39 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 5 injuries, and 1 fatality. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 3/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 SIERRA 2500 is air bags with 8 filings, followed by unknown or other (7) and fuel/propulsion system (5). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2012 SIERRA 2500. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

39
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
5
Injuries
1
Deaths
2012 GMC SIERRA 2500 - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 3.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 3.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

39 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 - Strong NCAP rating · Front: 3/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 3/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
POWER TRAIN4
STRUCTURE:BODY3
ENGINE3
WHEELS1
TIRES:TREAD/BELT1
STRUCTURE1
SUSPENSION1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1

Recalls (3)

18V26700026/04/2018

EQUIPMENT

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pin

21V05100005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, Californi

21V05400005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS,

Recent Complaints

20250224UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I'm following up on tracking number 11642264 that was submitted on Feb 12th for my 2012 GMC Sierra 2500 HD ignition lock issue that fits the profile for a current recall . I haven't heard anything and am checking on the current status. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250212UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My 2012 GMC Sierra falls under recall number 14V827000 Ignition lock activator by year, make and model, but not by the VIN number. I called the GMC 800 number and they indicated that the NHTSA issues the recalls not the manufacturer. I then called the NHTSA and they indicated that the manufacturer issues the recalls. I just need to have VIN number [XXX] added to recall number 14V827000. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20241112AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V051000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and an unknown dealer were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. .

20230905ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Driving on the expressway around 60 mph when the truck went into limp mode slowing me down to 40 and then would not shift gears Tcm went out gm told me that there is a big problem

Mileage: 126,393

20230905POWER TRAIN

Driving on the expressway around 60 mph when the truck went into limp mode slowing me down to 40 and then would not shift gears Tcm went out gm told me that there is a big problem

Mileage: 126,393

20230828ENGINE

Truck is a diesel. Fuel pump blew up and died in the middle of the street. Now I'm being told the Fuel system needs completely re done and will cost me 10g. I also found a lawsuit for this issue as well.

20230828FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Truck is a diesel. Fuel pump blew up and died in the middle of the street. Now I'm being told the Fuel system needs completely re done and will cost me 10g. I also found a lawsuit for this issue as well.

20230802ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Failed TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (24256861). While driving in the early morning hours (darkness) taking my child to school, I was navigating through a busy intersection when the vehicle surged and then made a loud metal on metal sound, feeling as if someone had struck me from behind. At that point the power train became inoperable, stranding us and coming very close to being first, struck from behind and then from cross traffic. The vehicle was/has been inspected by a GM technician at Starling Chevrolet, St Cloud, FL and the TCM was found to have failed (trouble code U0101, lost communication with TCM). It has been at the dealership for going on four months awaiting the production of a replacement part(TCM). There was no prior indication that the TCM was about to fail. Upon failure, all lights on the vehicle display flashed and the indicator for the vehicle drive position was lost (P, R, N, D), no longer visible.

20230802POWER TRAIN

Failed TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (24256861). While driving in the early morning hours (darkness) taking my child to school, I was navigating through a busy intersection when the vehicle surged and then made a loud metal on metal sound, feeling as if someone had struck me from behind. At that point the power train became inoperable, stranding us and coming very close to being first, struck from behind and then from cross traffic. The vehicle was/has been inspected by a GM technician at Starling Chevrolet, St Cloud, FL and the TCM was found to have failed (trouble code U0101, lost communication with TCM). It has been at the dealership for going on four months awaiting the production of a replacement part(TCM). There was no prior indication that the TCM was about to fail. Upon failure, all lights on the vehicle display flashed and the indicator for the vehicle drive position was lost (P, R, N, D), no longer visible.

20230802VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Failed TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (24256861). While driving in the early morning hours (darkness) taking my child to school, I was navigating through a busy intersection when the vehicle surged and then made a loud metal on metal sound, feeling as if someone had struck me from behind. At that point the power train became inoperable, stranding us and coming very close to being first, struck from behind and then from cross traffic. The vehicle was/has been inspected by a GM technician at Starling Chevrolet, St Cloud, FL and the TCM was found to have failed (trouble code U0101, lost communication with TCM). It has been at the dealership for going on four months awaiting the production of a replacement part(TCM). There was no prior indication that the TCM was about to fail. Upon failure, all lights on the vehicle display flashed and the indicator for the vehicle drive position was lost (P, R, N, D), no longer visible.

20230502POWER TRAIN

Transmission Control Module Failed

20210913AIR BAGS

I received notice of a defective front airbag in February, 2021. As of now (about 7 months later) no action by GM to repair.

20210712AIR BAGS

NONE

20201027ENGINE

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AT SPEED AND PASSING SLOWER TRAFFIC; ENGINE POWER FELL OFF, CHANGE FUEL FILTER NOW, ENGINE DERATE, AND CHECK ENGINE LITE, OCCURED. I HAD TO MANEUVER WITH NO POWER THROUGH THE TRAFFIC TO GET OUT OF THE TRAVEL LANES. I WAS THEN STRANDED ON THE INTERSTATE AS THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START. I WAS ABLE TO GET A MECHANIC TO COME AND CHANGE THE FUEL FILTER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, BUT THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START. THE TRUCK WAS EVENTUALLY TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FUEL PUMP (DIESEL MOTOR DRIVEN PUMP).

Mileage: 70,000

20201027FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AT SPEED AND PASSING SLOWER TRAFFIC; ENGINE POWER FELL OFF, CHANGE FUEL FILTER NOW, ENGINE DERATE, AND CHECK ENGINE LITE, OCCURED. I HAD TO MANEUVER WITH NO POWER THROUGH THE TRAFFIC TO GET OUT OF THE TRAVEL LANES. I WAS THEN STRANDED ON THE INTERSTATE AS THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START. I WAS ABLE TO GET A MECHANIC TO COME AND CHANGE THE FUEL FILTER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, BUT THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START. THE TRUCK WAS EVENTUALLY TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FUEL PUMP (DIESEL MOTOR DRIVEN PUMP).

Mileage: 70,000

20200915FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL FILTER HOUSING CONTAINS A PRIMER PUMP. NEEDED FOR A DIESEL. SEALS WITHIN THAT PUMP FAILED ALLOWING AIR INTO THE SYSTEM. VEHICLE IS 8 YEARS OLD AND ONLY HAS 67K MILES ON IT. THIS CAUSED THE MOTOR TO QUIT WHILE IN MOTION. IN YELLOWSTONE PARK.

Mileage: 67,000

20190121AIR BAGS

DASH IS CRACKED NEAR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG, IF DEPLOYMENT WERE TO HAPPEN SHRAPNEL WILL FLY THROUGHOUT THE CAB. IVE SEEN THE SAME ISSUE ON NUMEROUS OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME GENERATION.

Mileage: 190,000

20190121UNKNOWN OR OTHER

DASH IS CRACKED NEAR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG, IF DEPLOYMENT WERE TO HAPPEN SHRAPNEL WILL FLY THROUGHOUT THE CAB. IVE SEEN THE SAME ISSUE ON NUMEROUS OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME GENERATION.

Mileage: 190,000

20190110AIR BAGS

WELL I KEEP DRIVING MY TRUCK. AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. SO THERE FOR IF I GET HIT THEY NOT GOING TO COME OUT AND PROTECT ME. AND I'M HAVING BAD ISSUES WITH MY BALL JOINTS. ON MY 2012 GMC 2500 HD. I'VE PUT 2 SETS ON THEM. AND I'VE ONLY HAD IT A YEAR. YOU GOTTA DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT.

Mileage: 85,000

20190110SUSPENSION

WELL I KEEP DRIVING MY TRUCK. AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. SO THERE FOR IF I GET HIT THEY NOT GOING TO COME OUT AND PROTECT ME. AND I'M HAVING BAD ISSUES WITH MY BALL JOINTS. ON MY 2012 GMC 2500 HD. I'VE PUT 2 SETS ON THEM. AND I'VE ONLY HAD IT A YEAR. YOU GOTTA DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT.

Mileage: 85,000

Compare 2012GMCSIERRA 2500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500 have?
The 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500 has 39 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500?
The 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 3/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 3/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500?
Yes, the 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500 has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is EQUIPMENT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500?
The most-complained component for the 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500 is AIR BAGS with 8 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Is the 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2012 GMC SIERRA 2500 has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.