2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical1118.0%
- Fuel system1016.4%
- Airbags914.8%
- Engine813.1%
- Powertrain (other)58.2%
- Body & structure46.6%
- Steering46.6%
- Other / unspecified34.9%
- Tires & wheels34.9%
- Brakes23.3%
- Interior & seats11.6%
- Driver assistance11.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy upon obtaining a Vinlo vehicle report. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 93,000; however, the Vinlo report listed the mileage at 456,903 in 2023. The contact called the Missouri DMV, but no assistance was provided.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle seller advised the contact that the mileage was 196,000 prior to the purchase. Upon purchasing and driving the vehicle, the contact noticed that the odometer was inoperable. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the failure was corrected, and the odometer reading was 216,000. The seller informed the contact that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced for the correct odometer reading to be displayed; however, the contact stated that the actual mileage was 216,000, and the seller had committed odometer fraud.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Was driving the truck doing 65 on the highway and the cp4 ruined the whole fuel system. That includes the fuel rails injectors and pump! Ended up costing me around $8,000 I believe!
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, a message indicating that the DEF system had failed was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several unknown dealers, where the O2 sensor, a diesel injector, and other unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, a message indicating that the DEF system had failed was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and gradually decelerated. The contact was able to drive to the nearest independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the DEF system, fuel pump, and oxygen sensor had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact was concerned that the repair was temporary. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The consumer stated the repairs were completed by the dealership on May 2, 2022 and covered under a recall.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that he had the vehicle repaired under NHTSA Campaign 21V051000 (Air Bags) however when he retrieved the vehicle the air bag warning light was illuminated and a warning message to the service air bag soon was displayed. The contact stated that before the repair he had no issues with the air bag or warning lights. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the air bag was already replaced. The contact stated that he was informed that he was responsible for any additional repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,184.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The Transmission Control Module failed causing the vehicle to loose power and operate only in "limp mode". General Motors does not have a replacement module available, leaving the vehicle inoperable. GM has no reliable information as to when a module will be available. I had to use a third party service to try and repair the module for a cost of over $1,200. This seems to be a common problem with the 2008-20015 GM Duramax with the Allison transmission.
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) COOLER BYPASS VALVE HAD TO BE REPLACED 60,000 MILES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle's TCM has apparently failed as evidenced by CEL code "U0101", low power ("limp mode"), hard shifting, no gear selection indicator, and extremely slow acceleration. Vehicle is currently available for inspection, but will be receiving a replacement TCM soon. Myself and others' safety was put at risk due to my the vehicle's inability to continue through an intersection at a reasonable rate. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer/service center, nor has it been inspected by anyone since the incident. The aforementioned warning lamp that indicated the issue appeared upon starting the vehicle, which drove normally for the first 11 miles.
My TCM went out in my truck while towing which made the vehicle not be able to move putting my family in jeopardy while on the road.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DASH BOARD ON MY SILVERADO IS CRACKED IN 4 DIFFERENT PLACES. TWO ON THE AIR BAG SIDE AND TWO ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THEY HAVE BEEN GETTING WORSE WITH TIME. THEY SEEM TO JUST KEEP GROWING. *TR
PASSENGER SIDE DASH, ON LEFT ENGINE COMPARTMENT SIDE HAS CRACKED FROM THE AIRBAG COMPARTMENT TO THE DEFROST AIR DUCT. THE CONCERNS ARE 1) IMPAIRED/FAILURE OF PASSENGER AIRBAG IN CRASH, 2) EXPOSURE TO SHARP DASH CRACKS WHICH COULD INCREASE INJURY IN A CRASH, 3) SAFETY OF OCCUPANTS INADVERTENTLY BEING INJURED BY SHARP EDGES OF DASH CRACK, 4) RESALE VALUE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
SHIFTER CABLE CAME OFF THE LINKAGE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Day after driving to n a snow storm the vehicles stabilitrak and traction control light and message to service those came on the dash and a sudden lose of power. I pulled over and put it in park noticing the gear indicator on the dash was gone. I put in drive and could barely move. So I shifted to 1st gear then back to park and into drive and the light came off and it was back to normal. The next day I started the vehicle and the light was on again with the check engine light. And stuck in limp mode. There are forums I've read with thousands of people with the same problem. The vehicle is available for inspection. The safety concerns are the traction control and stabilitrak can affect the way it handles and brakes. The vehicle will be going to dealership. There where no warning light prior to. The lights and systems failed simultaneously. This vehicle only has 44000 miles on it, no rust the frame is mint. This is a very clean truck and shouldn't be having this kind of problem.
GOODYEAR WRANGLER 260-60R20" 2ND TIRE TO HAVE BROKEN BELTS CAUSING EXTREME VIBRATIO, THE ENTIRE FRONT END SHACKS VILANTLY WHEN APPLYING BRAKES TRYING TO STOP HAD TO HAVE REPLACED. DRIVING ON US 58 WEST WITH NO SHOULDER TO PULL OFF HIGHWAY
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 EQUIPPED WITH REPLACEMENT MICKEY THOMPSON TIRES AND TIRE SIZE: 275/60R20. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT DRAGGED 9 OF THE POLES THAT HOLD THE MEDIUM RETAINING CABLES UNTIL IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TRUCK WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD THE SAME FAILURE A MONTH AFTER THEY WERE PURCHASED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AT OWNERS EXPENSE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 EQUIPPED WITH FEDERAL COURAGIA A/T TIRES, SIZE: LT245/75R16 120/116Q 10PR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO WOBBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRE SHOULDERS SEPARATED. THE FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Day after driving to n a snow storm the vehicles stabilitrak and traction control light and message to service those came on the dash and a sudden lose of power. I pulled over and put it in park noticing the gear indicator on the dash was gone. I put in drive and could barely move. So I shifted to 1st gear then back to park and into drive and the light came off and it was back to normal. The next day I started the vehicle and the light was on again with the check engine light. And stuck in limp mode. There are forums I've read with thousands of people with the same problem. The vehicle is available for inspection. The safety concerns are the traction control and stabilitrak can affect the way it handles and brakes. The vehicle will be going to dealership. There where no warning light prior to. The lights and systems failed simultaneously. This vehicle only has 44000 miles on it, no rust the frame is mint. This is a very clean truck and shouldn't be having this kind of problem.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE PEDAL DROPPED TO THE FLOOR AND SEIZED. THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE TURNED OFF IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE ON WITH THE GEAR IN PARK AND IT REVVED LOUDLY. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND, IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION WOULD HAVE TO BE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT IS LEAKING A FLUID AND EACH TIME WE RIDE IN IT IT MAKES US SICK. WE HAVE TO TRAVEL WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN EVEN IN THE RAIN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, STABILITRAC LIGHT COMES ON AND TRUCK RAPIDLY GRABS TO THE RIGHT AND SUDDENLY YOU ARE ON THE SHOULDER FIGHTING TO GET BACK ON ROAD, TRUCK ALSO STARTS TO DECELERATE AND HARD TO ACCELERATE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .