AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 215 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, most frequently naming the airbags, body & structure and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 1,064 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2019 | 2 | 95 |
| May 2019 | 3 | 98 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 99 |
| Jul 2019 | 3 | 102 |
| Aug 2019 | 1 | 103 |
| Sep 2019 | 2 | 105 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 106 |
| Dec 2019 | 2 | 108 |
| Feb 2020 | 2 | 110 |
| Apr 2020 | 2 | 112 |
| Jun 2020 | 4 | 116 |
| Jul 2020 | 2 | 118 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 119 |
| Sep 2020 | 2 | 121 |
| Oct 2020 | 4 | 125 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 126 |
| Dec 2020 | 2 | 128 |
| Jan 2021 | 2 | 130 |
| Feb 2021 | 2 | 132 |
| Mar 2021 | 10 | 142 |
| Apr 2021 | 6 | 148 |
| May 2021 | 2 | 150 |
| Jul 2021 | 3 | 153 |
| Sep 2021 | 2 | 155 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 156 |
| Nov 2021 | 2 | 158 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 159 |
| Jan 2022 | 3 | 162 |
| Feb 2022 | 2 | 164 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 165 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 166 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 167 |
| Sep 2022 | 3 | 170 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 171 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 172 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 173 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 174 |
| Mar 2023 | 2 | 176 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 177 |
| Jul 2023 | 2 | 179 |
| Sep 2023 | 3 | 182 |
| Oct 2023 | 2 | 184 |
| Dec 2023 | 3 | 187 |
| Jan 2024 | 2 | 189 |
| Feb 2024 | 2 | 191 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 192 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 193 |
| May 2024 | 3 | 196 |
| Jul 2024 | 2 | 198 |
| Aug 2024 | 3 | 201 |
| Sep 2024 | 2 | 203 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 204 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 205 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 206 |
| May 2025 | 2 | 208 |
| Jul 2025 | 2 | 210 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 211 |
| Feb 2026 | 1 | 212 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 213 |
| Jul 2026 | 2 | 215 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags5828.4%
- Body & structure3316.2%
- Engine2512.3%
- Electrical2110.3%
- Driver assistance125.9%
- Powertrain (other)104.9%
- Suspension94.4%
- Brakes94.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
2 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Severe frame rot on driver side beneath the cab. Just noticed it today July 13, 2026.
- NHTSA ID
- 11750169
- Incident
- Jul 13, 2026
I noticed the gas tank was listing to one end and not level. I noticed one of the tank straps had rusted away and I took the truck to a mechanic to replace the strap. The mechanic showed me that practically the majority of the frame was rusted away. There was nothing substantial enough for the straps to attach to. Are there many cases of the frame disintegrating on this model truck. I would be satisfied if the frame was replaced as I believe the manufacturer failed in protecting these frames from rusting away. I have been looking for a frame for a reasonable price and have not found one yet. I will also need someone to remove the old one and install the new one. I have not driven the truck because I am afraid it could collapse on the road if driven.
- NHTSA ID
- 11747867
- Incident
- Jul 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and stopping at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the accelerator pedal became stuck, and the engine unexpectedly revved to 5,000 RPM. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal failed to release. The brake pedal was depressed several times within 15 seconds, and the engine stopped revving. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,250.
- NHTSA ID
- 11733013
- Incident
- Apr 22, 2026
- Mileage
- 146,250 mi
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While the vehicle was being registered with the Department of Motor Vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was approximately 141,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 230,925.
- NHTSA ID
- 11716826
- Incident
- Feb 6, 2026
- Mileage
- 230,925 mi
Dash is cracked in several places
- NHTSA ID
- 11711791
- Incident
- Jun 10, 2018
Rusted Frame and body
- NHTSA ID
- 11674934
- Incident
- Jun 28, 2023
I got the code p2138 and I’ve had it inspected and throttle body and accelerator pedal assembly replaced. The problem is still not fixed. I lost power driving to work and heavy vibration and shaking. If I pull out in a turn and someone is coming up fast and this happens again it reduces my engine power and could cause a crash. Problem has been confirmed by a licensed mechanic, AutoZone, oreillys, and an independent mechanic. There was absolutely no warning this was gonna happen. It happened and I’ve spent $3,000 on replacement and labor costs trying to figure this out.
- NHTSA ID
- 11673534
- Incident
- Jul 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was significantly rusted, and the contact did not feel safe driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the frame was inspected. The dealer informed the contact that the frame needed to be replaced; however, the repair fee would supersede the value of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered monetary assistance towards the purchase of a new vehicle. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 19-NA-255. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11662373
- Incident
- May 7, 2025
- Mileage
- 139,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical Assistance Center. If valid vibration frequency or Road Force Variation data has been collected and a repair attempt does not correct the customer complaint, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support. For any vehicles that remains unrepaired after being at the dealer for three days or more and a related bulletin or PI is not found, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 69 | 3 | 0 | 53.3 |
| 2025 | 84 | 0 | 0 | 46.9 |
| 2024 | 281 | 2 | 3 | 60.5 |
| 2023 | 357 | 3 | 3 | 64.4 |
| 2022 | 583 | 6 | 3 | 67.2 |
| 2021 | 781 | 8 | 4 | 69.6 |
| 2020 | 695 | 12 | 3 | 67.0 |
| 2019 | 1,053 | 10 | 2 | 64.7 |
| 2018 | 511 | 7 | 0 | 54.9 |
| 2017 | 711 | 6 | 0 | 57.9 |
| 2016 | 790 | 11 | 1 | 60.3 |
| 2015 | 1,095 | 11 | 2 | 62.9 |
| 2014 | 1,432 | 6 | 2 | 59.0 |
| 2013 | 301 | 2 | 2 | 54.0 |
| 2012Viewing | 215 | 2 | 2 | 52.3 |
| 2011 | 563 | 4 | 2 | 57.1 |
| 2010 | 360 | 3 | 2 | 55.0 |
| 2009 | 444 | 3 | 2 | 53.6 |
| 2008 | 914 | 3 | 3 | 59.1 |
| 2007 | 849 | 2 | 3 | 55.7 |
| 2006 | 357 | 0 | 0 | 39.0 |
| 2005 | 525 | 0 | 0 | 39.6 |
| 2004 | 797 | 0 | 0 | 36.5 |
| 2003 | 805 | 0 | 3 | 43.9 |
| 2002 | 509 | 0 | 2 | 49.0 |
| 2001 | 468 | 0 | 2 | 49.0 |
| 2000 | 611 | 0 | 2 | 49.9 |
| 1999 | 587 | 2 | 2 | 57.5 |
| 1998 | 361 | 2 | 0 | 48.1 |
| 1997 | 555 | 2 | 0 | 49.3 |
| 1996 | 7 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1995 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1994 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 38.6 |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.