AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 23 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, most frequently naming the tires & wheels, fuel system and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 741 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2012 | 1 | 1 |
| Jan 2014 | 1 | 2 |
| Mar 2014 | 1 | 3 |
| Oct 2014 | 1 | 4 |
| Nov 2015 | 1 | 5 |
| Feb 2016 | 1 | 6 |
| Apr 2016 | 1 | 7 |
| Mar 2017 | 1 | 8 |
| Dec 2017 | 1 | 9 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 10 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 11 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 12 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 13 |
| Dec 2019 | 1 | 14 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 15 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 16 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 17 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 18 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 19 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 20 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 21 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 22 |
| Dec 2025 | 1 | 23 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Tires & wheels620.0%
- Fuel system620.0%
- Engine413.3%
- Airbags413.3%
- Steering310.0%
- Electrical26.7%
- Driver assistance13.3%
- Brakes13.3%
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
4 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
EQUIPMENT
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.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Tire - 265/70 r18 Cooper Could have been a very bad accident. Tire blew out. The tire was inspected by Goodyear PCA-Visual only -recvd below response after several requests. All Internal Goodyear visual Inspection procedures & methodologies are confidential and/or proprietary information of The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Goodyear's findings in this claim are final, and we have closed our file with no further action.
- NHTSA ID
- 11704782
- Incident
- Aug 7, 2025
TIRE - 265/70 R18 Failure: Tire caused vehicle damage - Tire is at Goodyear Tire - Akron, Ohio Pulled off the road to change tire - was helped by someone that saw incident and lived close by. Yes - Filed a claim with insurance -see attached-and Property Damage Claim Team - Goodyear Tire- PDCT re [email protected] - Claim # 000645055. Claim was denied. Provided proof that tires were maintained properly by periodic rotation and inspection and requested Goodyear findings twice and still have not received. Claim denied again. Last request to Goodyear was 10/2 requesting their documentation. Waiting for tire to be returned and response to our request. Warning -the vehicle started vibrating
- NHTSA ID
- 11691934
- Incident
- Aug 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that the vehicle would be low or completely out of fuel quicker than expected. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel, the contact was unable to fill the rear tank due to the tank being full of fuel. The vehicle had been taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transfer pump had failed to transfer fuel from the rear tank to the front tank. The contact was informed that the transfer pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 197,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11612575
- Incident
- Aug 21, 2024
- Mileage
- 197,000 mi
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. While the contact's sister was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk with the check engine warning light illuminated violently. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled in the middle of the highway. The contact called California Highway Patrol who assisted with getting the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was eventually towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective fuel pump. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11611607
- Incident
- Aug 16, 2024
- Mileage
- 68,000 mi
Cooper Discoverer HT3 265/70R18 Tread and sidewall separation. became very dangerous to drive. ALL 4 tires became defective.
- NHTSA ID
- 11528860
- Incident
- Apr 10, 2023
Our dashboard is beyond cracked, repair cost $2100.00 plus. I was told that the dash needed to have a metal brace installed with repair. We used a sun reflector from day one. We have a little more than 25k miles on it and the vehicle is immaculate except for the 3rd brake light leaking which we have tried to repair over and over again another flaw design. We finally got our airbag replaced and now the dash is worse than ever. How are we expected to ever get anything even close to resale value for this vehicle. We paid 36,000.00 We did nothing wrong except be a loyal chevrolet customer for our entire lives. We loved chevy but unfortunately since chevrolet refuses to admit that there is a flaw in these dashboards we would not in clear conscience buy from the company again, it's too bad we wanted to trade it in for a 2023. David Shoemaker The starburst breakage is from airbag replacement the straight lines is chevy defect. I think you should meet us halfway on this at least.
- NHTSA ID
- 11521797
- Incident
- Feb 1, 2017
Our diesel fuel pump failed unexpectedly and without any notice while pulling a fifth wheel camper on a state highway in Ohio. The engine stopped completely (we were coasting within seconds). We were in a one-lane construction zone, and had it not been for a paved median, I would have been unable to pull off in this construction zone. Fortunately, I had enough momentum to get off the road and was able to exert enough pressure on the brakes manually to stop. In reading about this issue, it is clear that there are known problems with this fuel pump. My cost to repair this defective part will be about $11,500 and will require a 12 hour round trip back to Ohio to pick-up the vehicle after a two-week repair.
- NHTSA ID
- 11473264
- Incident
- Jun 29, 2022
It is amazing to me that a recall is issued in March 2021 and nothing has been done yet and they still are building vehicles probably with defective equipment if there isn't a fix for this recall. GM recall # N212328800
- NHTSA ID
- 11438473
- Incident
- Feb 28, 2021
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 advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
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 communication provides information to the technician that some owners of Heavy Duty Trucks and Utilities may ask if they can lower their tire pressures. Tire pressures being set to the "Tire and Loading Label" will ensure the safe handling and ride characteristics of the truck and should not be lowered.
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.
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 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 52.0 |
| 2024 | 47 | 3 | 0 | 55.2 |
| 2023 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 39.3 |
| 2022 | 27 | 3 | 0 | 59.6 |
| 2021 | 38 | 5 | 1 | 61.0 |
| 2020 | 40 | 8 | 1 | 60.2 |
| 2019 | 21 | 7 | 0 | 57.7 |
| 2018 | 18 | 6 | 0 | 49.1 |
| 2017 | 13 | 6 | 0 | 41.2 |
| 2016 | 50 | 6 | 0 | 52.8 |
| 2015 | 52 | 7 | 1 | 63.5 |
| 2014 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 56.1 |
| 2013 | 26 | 4 | 1 | 51.9 |
| 2012Viewing | 23 | 4 | 1 | 57.5 |
| 2011 | 29 | 5 | 1 | 49.4 |
| 2010 | 2 | 5 | 1 | — |
| 2009 | 10 | 6 | 1 | 58.4 |
| 2008 | 31 | 4 | 3 | 64.5 |
| 2007 | 39 | 5 | 3 | 61.9 |
| 2006 | 52 | 0 | 0 | 46.3 |
| 2005 | 46 | 1 | 0 | 33.7 |
| 2004 | 41 | 1 | 0 | 43.6 |
| 2003 | 42 | 1 | 0 | 34.7 |
| 2002 | 50 | 2 | 2 | 52.9 |
| 2001 | 72 | 2 | 3 | 56.9 |
| 2000 | 80 | 2 | 2 | 54.6 |
| 1999 | 47 | 1 | 0 | 37.4 |
| 1998 | 67 | 1 | 0 | 42.7 |
| 1997 | 61 | 1 | 1 | 47.3 |
| 1996 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1995 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1994 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
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.