CarModelProblems.com

2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Air Bags — runs 3.2× the fleet median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.
214Complaints
2Recalls
6Crashes
1Fires
6Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Air Bags (27.1% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Air Bags complaints here are 3.2× the median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Air Bags58 · 27.1%RecalledRecall 21V054000 · Recall 21V051000
Structure:body28 · 13.1%not available
Engine25 · 11.7%not available
Electrical System20 · 9.3%not available
Power Train10 · 4.7%not available
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)10 · 4.7%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

Unspecified / other72 · 33.6%
AIR BAGS58 · 27.1%
STRUCTURE:BODY28 · 13.1%
ENGINE25 · 11.7%
POWER TRAIN10 · 4.7%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)10 · 4.7%
SUSPENSION9 · 4.2%
SERVICE BRAKES7 · 3.3%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6 · 2.8%

Percentages are the share of the 214 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 2 campaigns

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

NHTSA campaign 21V054000 · 2021 · reported 02/05/2021

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

NHTSA campaign 21V051000 · 2021 · reported 02/05/2021

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“MY DASH STARTED A SMALL CRACK BY THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. IT'S A VERY COMMON ISSUE BETWEEN 07-13 GM TRUCKS AND SUVS. THEY SEEM TO RANDOMLY…”NHTSA complaint 11308637 — filed 02/11/2020 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER
“NO PART AVAILABLE FOR THE CLIMATE CONTROL, WITH A MAIL IN PROCEDURE AND A 30 DAY TURN AROUND TIME. THIS CREATES A VISIBILITY HAZARD WHILE…”NHTSA complaint 11205433 — filed 05/03/2019 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER
“TIRE MOUNTED UNDER VEHICLE IS NOT SAME SIZE AS TIRES IN USE, SAFETY QUESTION.”NHTSA complaint 11170937 — filed 01/19/2019 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

44201630201740201826201929202040202114202219202319202411202552026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

Unknown or other issues are the most-reported category, cited in 72 of 214 NHTSA complaints (33.6%), followed by air bags (58), structure:body (28), engine (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?

214 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 6 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 6 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have any recalls?

Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V054000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.