Recalls (2)
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2012 GMC Sierra. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Ignition Lock Actuator may Bind
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- Remedy
- 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.
Transfer Pump Failure may result in Engine Stall
- Summary
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, equipped with 6.6L diesel engines and dual fuel tanks. In the affected vehicles, the transfer pump which moves fuel from the rear tank to the front tank could malfunction and cause the fuel gauge to indicate an inaccurate reading.
- Consequence
- If the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- General Motors will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel transfer pump, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 13420.
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (39)
39 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The structure is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 39 |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 8 | 20.5% |
| Electrical system | 7 | 17.9% |
| Steering | 7 | 17.9% |
| Service brakes | 6 | 15.4% |
| Unknown or other | 6 | 15.4% |
| Engine | 5 | 12.8% |
| Air bags | 4 | 10.3% |
| Electronic stability control | 2 | 5.1% |
| Power train | 2 | 5.1% |
| Suspension | 2 | 5.1% |
How 2012 compares with other Sierra years
Best and worst Sierra years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 86 | 2 |
| 2009 | 44 | 1 |
| 2010 | 44 | 0 |
| 2011 | 71 | 2 |
| 2012 | 39 | 2 |
| 2013 | 47 | 3 |
| 2014 | 115 | 11 |
| 2015 | 75 | 6 |
| 2016 | 36 | 2 |
| 2017 | 75 | 0 |
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 21 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,200
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 423 g/mi
- EPA class
- Standard Pickup Trucks
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 21 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 L 8-cyl · CVT | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | $3,200 | 423 |
| 6 L 8-cyl · CVT | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | $3,200 | 423 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | $3,700 | 494 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | $3,950 | 523 |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 | 523 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | $3,950 | 523 |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | $4,200 | 555 |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 16 | $4,200 | 555 |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | $4,450 | 593 |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 14 | $4,800 | 635 |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | $4,800 | 635 |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | $4,800 | 635 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2012 Sierra for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2012 GMC Sierra FAQ
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Sierra have?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns: 14V827000 (electrical), 13V615000 (fuel system). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2012 GMC Sierra problems?
Owners filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. Structure (8), Electrical system (7), Steering (7) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2012 GMC Sierra get?
EPA rates the 6 L 8-cyl · CVT version at 20 city, 23 highway and 21 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2012 Sierra compare with other years?
Among the 2008–2017 GMC Sierra model years at least five years old, the 2016 drew the fewest complaints (36) and the 2014 the most (115). The 2012 drew 39. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.