repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2012 GMC Sierra 3500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 9 owner complaints about the 2012 GMC Sierra 3500, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-267 the manufacturer reports only 14% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 8, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 GMC Sierra 3500 has problems
9 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Power train
3Engine
2Fuel system, diesel
2Electrical system
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Service brakes
1Air bags
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2012 GMC Sierra 3500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Equipment
Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Storage: auxillary tank
Risk. If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Sierra 3500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sierra 3500 median. How we score
'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 GMC Sierra 3500 safety ratings
2012 GMC Sierra 3500 PU/CC 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 GMC Sierra 3500, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Sierra 3500 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT PROPERLY WHEN TOWING A TRAILER. WHILE GOING UP A HILL, THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT DOWNSHIFT PROPERLY. WHILE GOING DOWNHILL, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTS TO 2ND GEAR WHILE GOING 60 MPH. I HAVE CONTACTED GM SEVERAL TIMES (THEY HAVE IT ON FILE) THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE…
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD TO HIGHER GEAR. THIS STARTED ALL OF A SUDDEN WILL TAKE TO DEALERSHIP. *JS
WHILE PULLING MY FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER 12500# AT HIGHWAY SPEED 65 MPH PULLING A GRADE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASH. THIS REDUCED AND LIMITED THE SPEED TO 50 MPH AND STEPS THE TRUCK DOWN FROM THERE UNTIL YOU CAN ONLY DO 20 MPH ON THE…
Own a 2012 Sierra 3500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.