NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
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.
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.
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.
I have been shopping for a truck for a little over a year now specifically a 2012 Chevy Silverado. To date everyone I found has frame and body rust but the frame rust is so bad that most aren’t safe to drive.
Unknown
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while her son was driving at low speeds during snow weather, the driver-side air bag deployed on its own without a crash or impact with an object. As a result, the driver lost visibility and control of the vehicle resulting in a crashing into a telephone pole and then a ditch where it came to a stop. It was unknown if a warning light illuminated. The paramedics were called and performed a check; however, the contact's son sustained no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. A dealer was not contacted. The insurance company was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
I HAVE A SEVERE ENGINE STALL AT SLIGHT ACCELERATION IT FEELS LIKE THE TIRES ARE GOING TO LOCK UP OR BREAK SOMETHING IN THE DRIVE TRAIN DEALER SAYS MY COMPLAINT IS NORMAL
I took my truck for a routine service with the dealership. The Service Rep told me that my truck frame was rusting out to the point where it's near unsafe to drive. He told me it'd be 15k to replace the frame. I find it incredible that a 12 year old American made vehicle can have the frame rust out so fast and to such a degree without the dealership or manufacturer knowing that there is a potential safety risk in their product.
Airbag light came on indicating an issue. Went to dealer and the codes that came up are B0030 (Passenger Instrument Panel Air Bag Deployment Loop Stage 2 Short to Ground) and B0413 (Temperature Control 1 Feed back Circuit Actuator Stuck). It cost $597.67 to have a new airbag installed. I worry others couldn't afford this and it should be covered by the mfg due to the safety risk created from the vendor creating airbags that do not last the life of the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the Walmart Tire Center for tire replacement, the contact was informed that the tires could not be replaced. The contact was informed that the front driver's side frame was corroded and had holes. The contact was advised to stop driving the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to bring the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was offered a 1-10 percent discount on the purchase of another vehicle. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.
Engine power reduced warning keeps coming on. As well as stabilitrak and traction control turns off. Code p2138 pops up. I’ve spent over $1,000 trying to get this fixed because it is unsafe to drive it like that. It will be fixed for 1 or 2 weeks and then it’s time to take it to the shop again. So many people have this issue.
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.
The frame has rust holes and rusted through the bottom on the driver side.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her husband observed corrosion and holes in front of the gas tank and the frame of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the ABS, traction control, and steering stabilizer warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware that the front and rear sub frame were extremely rusted. The contact also stated the shock tube had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front and rear sub frame needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
The trailer hitch assembly has rusted to the point where it is barely being held to truck frame. It is available for inspection (I do not know how to attach photos to this notice but can e-mail if provided with your address) Have been advised by Chevrolet dealership service manager not to use the hitch under any circumstance. Do not know if any other portion of frame assembly is compromised, nor can this be determined accurately by me. But if other portions of the frame are “rusted out “ the danger is grave: the tubular structural element to which the hitch assembly is attached is the same diameter and thickness as the tubular structural supports which link the lengthwise H elements of the vehicle frame. It is therefore reasonable to conclude these structural components may lack structural integrity due to possible rust and perforations Concluding; 1. the hitch assembly is an integral part the vehicle’s structure. Failure would threaten the life of occupants as a trailer broke loose and swerved.. Others in proximity to the flailing or loose trailer would also be threatened. 2. Given the affected element is similar to other structural iparts used in the vehicle’s frame, failure of their structural integrity may cause failure of a portion of the frame, leading to additional risks to occupants, surrounding humans, vehicles and property. 3. The rusted assembly is not easily visible so that a warning to owners highlighting this potential risk to life should be sent ASAP. 4. Inspection of undercarriages of this and similar vehicles should be mandated to determine the existence of rust-damaging structural integrity. 5. Proper metallurgy/coating/reinforcement or redesign should be mandated of manufacturers.
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup truck has very extensive frame damage for 115k miles which has caused it to be unsafe to drive and basically scrap. I am the 2nd owner of the truck. When I bought it at 70k miles it definitely had rust on the frame, but no major holes. It has now rusted through in multiple spots. Is there anything that I can do or am I pretty much out of luck?
Recall [XXX] FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG was completed [XXX] by Authorized Dealer 9105803 Replace Dual Stage Front AIR BAG Inflator ,as of [XXX] system light in dash steadily on and system shows to have system serviced, I don't feel I should have to pay the AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR Checking and or Repairing the NEW DEFICIT as the complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
dealer told me that they will replace the passenger airbag but i need to sign a paper saying that if the dash board breaks while they work on it then they are not responsible and i need to pay to repair whatever damage there may be, they also said GM or Tekada would not pay to damage to dashboard because its old.....i did not let them replace airbag. my name is [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Rydell Chevrolet in Northridge CA. 818-832-1616 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
i took the car to the GM dealer to fix the recalled item and was told the dashboard will crack and will need to be replaced when they pull the airbag out and i will need to pay for new dash board....i told them not to fix it....
I bought this truck new and the frame is rotted. I have 93000 miles and it is garaged year round. I also purchased a rust preventive electronic device with the vehicle. I have noticed wax coating that has come off in the past and sprayed with fluid film. I just found a hole yesterday and looked further and believe after doing some research that this is a constant problem with the Silverado and GM has not been held accountable for inferior frame rails. My truck body is in excellent shape for the year. I understand I live in a state that teats their roads unnescessarily, but this is absolutely absurd. Toyota had the same issue and took care of their customers Gm should do the same.Thank you
Rear frame by the gas tank. The truck could break while hauling a load putting myself and any other motorists in danger. Widricks auto inspected the vehicle truck failed inspection due to multiple holes in the frame. No symptoms seemed present. I bought the vehicle on 3/10/20
2012 Chevy Silverado rotted frame. The contact stated that the sway bar was so rusted that it broke in half and was replaced. The front struts were also super rusted. The contact does not feel comfortable driving the vehicle until the issues are addressed.
Frame and suspension components are complete rusted and rotting off of frame. I am afraid to drive the truck in fear of it falling apart on me while on the road.
truck frame on both sides of vehicle is rusting through, requiring structural repair. Truck has been carefully maintained and the body is generally rust free. I am the original owner and am nowhere near salt water. Truck has been garage-kept since purchase. If left undetected, structural collapse could have caused injury or death. Damage was confirmed by tire shop[Discount Tire in Gaylord,MI.] on 9/7/23. No prior indication of excessive rust.
Had an inspection done and was told that the frame is partially rusted through. We took it to our dealership to be fixed and was told there was nothing they could do because Chevy does not want the liability of fixing rusted frames for its 2010-2013 models. I also found this to be true with local body shops in my area so basically our 11,000.00 vehicle is junk. After my research, this seems to be a common problem with Chevy and should be investigated. They should be ashamed of their business tactics by putting people's lives in jeopardy
275/55R20XL Sidewall bulge, garage inspected and confirmed sidewall separation
The main chassis frame rusted through on both sides in the rear just ahead of the rear axle
Rusted Frame and body
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle decelerated without the brake pedal being depressed. In addition, the vehicle veered to the left independently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle using a scanner the vehicle and it was determined that the front passenger’s side wheel speed sensor had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Rotten frame. Trucks body and other components are in very good to fair condition. Found out after I bought it GMC is having major issues with frame failure and have not yet remedied the issue. I think they should be required to fix these frames or buy back the vehicles at a fair price to both parties. This is a major safety issue especially if either the owner is not aware or does not have the means to simply eat the cost of a truck that cost anywhere form 15,000 to the mid 20,000s. It is not right to the consumer to sell vehicles that can't structurally make it past 100,000 mile mark. Also I would like to report that dealers (at least the one I bought it off of) are not notifying customers of these issues and also in my case undercoating over the rotten frame to pass a basic consumers inspection. Not good for road safety and not good for the consumer.
Rotted frame after 9 years old truck
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated he purchased the vehicle at a used dealer on March 13, 2023, and the anti-lock braking systems (ABS), the traction control sensor, and the brake warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the used dealer on 3 different occasions and had the anti-lock braking systems (ABS) sensor replaced and inspected the brakes. The dealer stated no failure was found when inspecting the vehicle. The contact stated while approaching an intersection another vehicle made a left turn and intercepted in his lane on the right side, he depressed the brake pedal but failed to stop or slow down the vehicle, causing it to crash into the other vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle continued moving forward while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle jumped a curb and crashed into a building and stopped the vehicle. The contact states the front driver side air bag deployed. The contact sustained leisure on his back muscles, had whiplash and leisure on the left side of his head and arm due to the air bag deployment. The contact stated he was taken to the hospital by ambulance to seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 192,000.
The contact owns a Safety-First car seat, Model Type: Onboard 35 LT, Model Number: IC354GAJ, Manufactured Date: March 23, 2022. The car seat was being utilized in a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that the car seat failed to fit securely into the stroller and car seat base. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The car seat was not repaired or replaced.
1. Serious frame rust found (holes punched on the inside frame rails, middle of truck). We have yet to check the rest of the truck. The truck was originally coated by ziebart ~3 times, coated with rust protective paint for maintenance (myself). The rust could not be slowed. 2. Myself including passengers could be hurt if this frame fails. Could cause accident if the failure occurs in traffic. 3. Issue confirmed by frame inspection by independent service center (Motor City Rustproofing). The application was not applied since the frame rust was discovered. 4 Not yet 5. No warning lamps, messages or other systems as of yet. 6. This vehicle is used for general cargo in the bed and hauling a 28ft. travel trailer and I'm concerned the frame will fail and cause health and safety issues. 7. Rust will occur in general, but this scenario is much more severe for an 11 year old truck and was most likely present a few years before today's inspection. 8. The truck is passed the corrosion warranty of 100K miles & May of 2018, but the severity of the rust is highly out range for this vehicle. 9. Can this be looked into as I'm now reading these trucks are severely affected for year 2009-2014. Most cases I read with sever rust are mostly parted out of junked if they cannot be safely repaired. 10. The rest of the truck is in great condition and has many more years of life and I'll like to keep it. 11. Some sample pics will be attached for has been found so far.
extensive frame corrosion, on the box frame, all the way through the frame. The Box frame corroded from the inside out.
THE FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. LEFT TIRE IS ALMOST SNAPPED AND YOU CAN PUT YOUR HAND THROUGH THE RUST IN FRAME. HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY 2 MECHANICS. I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND HAVE BABIED THIS TRUCK SINCE THE FIRST DAY I GOT IT IN 2014. ADDITIONAL DEFECT IS THE TAILGATE WONT STATE SHUT, MUST CLOSE 3-4 TIMES FOR IT TO REMAIN CLOSED.
December 2022, General Motors-Onstar system was deactivated in million of vehicles across America. This system was sold as a MAIN SAFETY and SECURITY system, integrated in millions of General Motor products was advertised as next generation Safety. This system allowed active subscribers the peace of mind that in the event of an emergency, they had us covered. motor vehicle collision detection for the event that you crashed, they could send first responders. If the vehicle was stolen, they had safe methods to locate and disable the vehicle. If you locked your keys in the vehicle with your child or pet, they could unlock it for you. In 2015 Canada "sunsetted" their 2G network which in turn would have disable Onstar for millions of Canadian vehicle owners across Canada. General Motors-Onstar offered FREE HARDWARE UPGRADES to keep Onstar active for whomever wanted and chose to keep the Onstar system working for them. Please refer to https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/SB-10089229-2280.pdf and https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10166666-9999.pdf. What about the vehicles sold in America? What about the people who purchased General Motor products for the specific reason of Onstar peace of mind? The people who want the system to function as it should? What if I do not have my cell phone with me in a remote location and I crash my truck at 70 mph? No Onstar to alert first responders. What if I accidentally lock my grandchild and keys in my car? Must i now break a window instead of calling Onstar and asking for an emergency unlock? And a very important one for me as many others. What if my vehicle gets stolen. Now there is no way to locate it. There is no way for Onstar to SAFELY shut it down so it could be recovered. I paid yearly for Onstar services for that exact peace of mind as did MANY OTHERS. There is even a petition where people are saying that if given the choice, they, like myself, would gladly pay to have the system upgraded like they did for Canada.
airbag reCall VIN#: [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
EXCESSIVE CORROSION TO CHASSIS FRAME. INTERNET LINKS STATE THERE WAS A FRAME RECALL FOR THE 2012 CHEVY SILVERADO PICKUP BECAUSE GM DID NOT TREAT THE CHASSIS FRAME DURING MANUFACTURING.
Oil consumption on 2011 to 2014 Chevy Silverado engine related issues on the 5.3 liter v8 flex fuel engine. Vehicle produced a service engine soon light on 9/27/2022 so I took it to the local Chevy dealer mechanic. They inspect it and determine that it was a misfire in cylinder 7. They went to run it through my warranty that I purchased when I baught the vehicle 2 years ago. They advised that it would not be covered so to it being an oil consumption issue. They advised that to fix the issue permanently it would cost $3,600 to fix. Being that this is a known issue GM should be issuing a recall to correct this. I only have 60000 miles on the vehicle and the engine is basically junk without the fix. I do not have the repair invoice at the this time as it is currently in the shop with the local Chevy dealer The mechanic advised that this is a known issue with all Silverado’s between 2011 and 2014 and that GM knew this was an issue and that eventually the engine will sieze if you don’t have the pistons and rings replaced. This is a country wide problem and appears there is a possible class action lawsuit due to GM knowing this was an issue and in 2014 GM re-engineered the 5.3 vortec to correct this issue. In addition it is a known issue another problem is the rear wheel wells rusting on all Silverado’s. This should also be looked into Thank you for your time and consideration!
Fuel line at fuel pump corroded causing fuel to leak under pressure from fuel pump. Fire hazard. Mechanic also stated during repair the truck frame cross member was rusted through in a large section approximately 2”x 24”. No warning indicated by vehicle. Chevrolet trucks should be recalled for this issue
While driving the motor completely cut off. Yes, the vehicle can be inspected. The vehicle just shut down without warning, causing the vehicle to rapidly slow down with no warning to other motorists behind me. Yes, a dealer has confirmed the problem and could not definitively determine what the problem is. they said it could be: A shielded wire, service dept. said its not available from GM and would have to purchase the entire wiring harness and install to see if it fixed the issue. They said it could be a bad power inverter, again had to install to see if it fixed the issue. Finally said it could be a bad transmission(??) The only people who has attempted to diagnose is at the GM dealer service department. Their was no warning that the vehicle was about to turn completely off prior to it doing so.
While driving down interstate my transmission just went out down shifted almost causing someone to hit me from behind after some research I learned gmc vehicles have been having this problem for the last 10 years but yet keep using the same transmissions it's not right the money they selling these vehicles for and we the little people have to pay for them knowing the problem but not caring just one man's opinion guess that how the rich get richer
The frame of my truck is very badly rusted. Parts such as shock, body and engine mounts are very rusted and can't be as strong as necessary. Pieces of rust 1/16th thick are coming off in many places. I have not taken it to a dealership yet to see it because i have only just recently really looked at it because i was working on the trailer hitch and was under the truck for a while.
THE FRAME IS RUSTING OUT. THE REAR SHOCK MOUNT IS RUSTED ON BOTHE SHOCKS. THE MAIN FRAME RAIL IS RUSTED AND HAS HOLES IN THE FRAME. BEFORE LONG THIS WILL CAUSE A PROBLEM IF THE FRAME GIVES WAY. THE REAR WHEEL WELLS ARE ALSO RUSTED ABOVE THE TIRES ON BOTH SIDE. IT WAS INSPECTED BY A BODY REPAIR AND SAID FRAME WILL NEED REPLACED ALONG WITH TWO BED PANELS
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I received recall notice N212328770 by letter in July 2021. I immediately notified my local dealership and they told be they were waiting for the part. We just received a call from the dealer about a week ago and schedule to ge the recall issue repaired on Wednesday, February 9th 2022. We were given an appointment and my wife had to take the vehicle due to the me working. She arrived to have the safety defect replaced (passender air bag) and was told that when they do the replacement that if the dash cracks or is damaged they are not responsible for the damages and we would have to pay to get it fixed or replaced. This is very pooe customr service as well as causing a customer not to go through getting the recall completed. My wife called me and did not want to challenge the dealership. I told her just come home and do not let them make the repair/replacement and I would contact GM. I have had no luck doing so. This should be a no brainer. If they damage the dash or it cracks they fix it or replace it. My dash does hav 2 small cracks right where the air bag is located and from what I have read online many have stated that they too have had the same issue. This is supposedly due to the air bag issue. So now I am in a rock and hard place. I either don't get it done and risk a serious injury or death due to GM's unwillingness to take responsibility and handle in a professional manner or have them do it, damage the dash and pay lots of money to get it replaced. Can you please advise what I should do? Since I can not provide you with any personal info so you can contact me what am I to do to get this recified? A very long standing upset GM customer.
The body and frame are rusted so bad they wouldn't inspect it unless the y would weld on the frame only has 73000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission disengaged upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The vehicle then went into limp mode. The contact was able to slowly drive the vehicle home. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where metal shavings were discovered in the transmission reservoir. The mechanic informed the contact that unless the transmission was replaced, the transmission would fail. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026