Chevrolet · Suburban · 2012
2012 Chevrolet Suburban
4
Recalls
101
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban has 4 recalls and 101 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: air bags (23 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
- Vehicle
- 2012 Chevrolet Suburban
- Recalls
- 4
- Complaints
- 101
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
23.7% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 21V051000May 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, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Remedy Status
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328770.
NHTSA ID: 21V054000May 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, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Remedy Status
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
NHTSA ID: 14V827000Unknown date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
Remedy Status
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
NHTSA ID: 12V112000Unknown date
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND SUBURBAN VEHICLES, AND GMC SAVANA AND YUKON XL HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES. THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY HARDENED AND COULD FRACTURE.
Remedy Status
GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING GEAR AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 4, 2012.
Owner Complaints
101 totalPOWER TRAIN
CRASH1 injuryJul 28, 2024
MY AUTO GEAR SHIFT DISINGAGED FROM THE TRANSMISSION THE CAR STARTED MOVING AS I WAS TRYING TO GET INTO THE DRIVER SEAT WITH DRIVER DOOR CATCHING THE TREE LIMBS AND OPENING THE DOOR AND ME HOLDING ONTO THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE BROOKE AND I FELL ONTO THE GROUND WHEN THE CAR STOPPED BY BACKING OVER THE CURB AND HITTING ANOTHER TREE. THERE IS A BUSHING HOLDING THE CABLE TO TRANSMISSION LEVER AND MY AUTO TRANSMISSION SHOP AND LOCAL CHEVY DEALER HAVE BOTH TOLD ME THE FAULTY CABLE CONNECTOR GETS BRITTLE AND BREAKS. NO WAY TO SAFELY DRIVE AS I CANNOT MOVE.
AIR BAGS
May 1, 2023
This is a recall took my 2012 Surburban to dealership in leavenworth, KS they had vehicle for two weeks did not fix the airbag that is under recall they stated could not get parts for it. So what is the problem with our government system in place to fix these problems but the GM dealership is not fixing the air bag nor do they call and state they have the parts in stock now???
STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 19, 2022
My dash on my 2012 Suburban cracked within 4 years of its manufactured date and it just keeps getting worse. If there were an accident it is so dry and cracked it will through hard plastic into the driver and passengers. I know of many other same and similar year models that have the same issue. Now that there is a passenger-side airbag recall would be the perfect time for GM to step up and fix this obvious flaw.
AIR BAGS
Jun 3, 2021
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V051000 (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 local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
AIR BAGS
Mar 9, 2021
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
AIR BAGS
Feb 21, 2021
I WAS SENT A SAFETY RECALL FORM & STILL HAVEN'T BEEN NOTIFIED THAT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. I AM WORRIED BECAUSE WE USE OUR FAMILY CAR A LOT. THANK YOU!
STRUCTURE:BODY
Jan 5, 2021
CRACKED DASHBOARD IN SEVERAL AREAS
STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 6, 2020
THERE ARE 2 LARGE CRACKS ON THE DASHBOARD ONE RUNNING LONGITUDINALLY ON AXIS OF STEERING COLUMN AND ANOTHER SPREADING FORWARD TOWARD DRIVER SIDE ON FORWARD DRIVER CORNER OF PASSENGER AIRBAG CUTOUT RADIUSED CORNER. I WAS WARNED AFTER I PURCHASED VEHICLE THAT IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD IN EVENT OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I AM REPORTING THE DATE AS THE DATE I PURCHASED VEHICAL BUT CRACK WAS PRESENT PRIOR TO THAT DATE FOR AN UNDETERMINED PERIOD OF TIME.
ENGINE
Jul 30, 2020
TRANSMISSION FAILURE< 150,000 MILES!! WELL MAINTAINED. LEFT US STRANDED ON OFF RAMP I-78.!!! CRACKED DASH ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 1, 2020
Dashboard is cracking. I understand the class action was dismissed. But this is so unfair that the customers have to pay to fix for problem caused by material problem.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
May 26, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STANDING OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLE. THE CONTACT MANUALLY DEFLATED THE AIRBAGS AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO MCELVEEN BUICK GMC (117 FARMINGTON RD, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,400.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 24, 2020
THE DASH IS CRACKED ON THE BOTH WINDSHIELD-EDGE CORNERS OF THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG COVER AND BROKEN OVER THE DRIVER-SIDE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE DRIVER-SIDE BREAKAGE HAS SPREAD FROM THE WINDSHIELD INSIDE EDGE TO UP AND OVER THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. IT HAS BEEN GLUED AND PATCHED BUT HAS CONTINUED TO DISINTEGRATE AND IS NOW COMPLETELY BROKEN. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN ON ROAD AND HIGHWAY. THE DASH HAS BEEN CRACKING AND BREAKING OVER A PERIOD OF 5 YEARS.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 30, 2020
SEVERAL CRACKES HAVE APPEARED IN THE TOP SECTION OF DASHBOARD
AIR BAGS
Dec 25, 2019
CRACKED DASHBOARD.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 15, 2019
DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING
AIR BAGS
Sep 18, 2019
OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS MY DASHBOARD HAS DEVELOPED NUMEROUS CRACKS IN THE DASHBOARD. THERE ARE 2 CRACKS AT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG COVER ON THE TOP CORNERS AND A LONG CRACK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DASH ABOVE THE GAUGE CLUSTER GOING TOWARDS THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE NO SPECIFIC DATE WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED. I AM PUTTING IN THIS COMPLAINT AS I HAVE SEEN THIS ON MULTIPLE VEHICLES OF THE SAME AGE AND LOOKING ONLINE OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME.
AIR BAGS
Aug 9, 2019
WENT TO BUY A NEW SUBURBAN, FOUND A GOOD USED ONE WITHOUT THE CRACKED DASH. WELL WITHIN 2 MONTHS WE NOW HAVE A CRACK IN OUR DASH. WERE TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD $1500 TO FIX THIS ISSUE. I FIND IT UNACCEPTABLE THAT CHEVY WOULD NOT TAKE CARE OF SUCH A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THEIR VEHICLES. HOW ARE THERE TONS OF OTHER BRAND VEHICLES WITHOUT THIS ISSUE? ALWAYS HAVE A SUNSHADE ON THE VEHICLE AND WAS IT ONCE A WEEK. I NOW WANT TO TRADE THIS FOR SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T HAVE SUCH A PROBLEM. CRACK LOOKS LIKE IT COULD INTERFERE WITH THE AIRBAG OPERATION. OR SEND SHARDS OF PLASTIC WHEN AIRBAG IS DEPLOYED. IT HAPPENED PARKED IN OUR GARAGE OVER NIGHT.
STEERING
CRASHJul 26, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING WITHIN 2-5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO RIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS PARKED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL OPERATIONAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT CURRENTLY SUBJECTED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V112000 (STEERING). NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
AIR BAGS
Jun 14, 2019
"SERVICE AIR BAG" WARNING ON DASH WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WARNING HAS STAY ACTIVE SINCE THAT TIME. NO CODES FOR EXPLANATION FOUND.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 13, 2019
CRACKING DASHBOARD NEEDS REPLACEMENT, I HAVE REPLACED OUR CRACKING DASHBOARD AND WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE SOME TYPE OF COMPENSATION FOR MY EXPENSE. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT IS ONGOING WITH ALL OF THESE TYPES OF VEHICLES.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban have?
The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban has 4 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has received 101 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban?
The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban are air bags (23 reports), unknown or other (22 reports), structure:body (19 reports).
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 4 recalls on record for the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.