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    Chevrolet Silverado 1500

    EPA MPG: 16 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Silverado 1500 will be less reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023 and 2024 models.

    The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "Passenger side door body molding started separating from truck body. This happened a couple of years ago and is now starting to occur on the driver side door. Required me to remove the molding, clean off the remaining glue from the truck and separated molding. Using 3M doubled sided tape, I was easily able to reattach the problem pieces. I havent had any more problems with them since."

    Anonymous A., AR (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)
    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "The truck has rusted badly and the paint bubbled on the bumpers"

    Anonymous, AB (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)
    Rust

    "Failed inspection due to serious rust issues with the frame, and lower part of the body. Cost 6000 to have fixed which is ridiculous. CHEVROLET trucks have always rusted but this was over the top. With the treated roads during winter the rust seemed to get worse everyday."

    Anonymous, ME (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LS 5.3-L V8)

    "The paint around the entire windshield has started bubbling and flaking off. In the areas where the paint has flaked off, there is significant rust."

    Anonymous A., OR (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

    "My son purchased a 10 year rust warranty and the paint failed and rust was present under the flaking paint. Warranty company refused coverage."

    Anonymous, MN (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

    "Body is rusting and pieces are falling off on rhe fenders above the wheel wellt"

    Anonymous A., MN (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.8-L V8)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "I was told the engine was bad when it didn't start one time and was replaced."

    Anonymous A., MN (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.8-L V8)

    "Had to have the engine replaced. I do not remember the problem with the old engine. Replaced the engine with a certified used engine."

    Anonymous A., MI (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 4.3-L V6)

    "persistent oil pressure drop resulted in full engine replacement"

    Anonymous, NM (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)

    "Engine seized had to e replaced."

    Anonymous, AB (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine computer

    "When it needed a tuneup the computer reported several other problems and actually reported and made the vehicle act as if they were a problem it created to act up"

    Anonymous A., (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)
    Engine knock or ping

    "Hard starter , sluggish"

    Anonymous, SC (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 5.3-L V8)
    Oil leaks

    "The engine rear main seal leaked . This is a general problem that develops in most v8 chevrolets"

    Anonymous A., (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Door handle

    "Handles on driver and passenger side of crew cab, broke when trying to open them. My 95 lb. wife broke one side when applying a reasonable amount of pull force to open and I broke the other side. It seems that after 10 years, stress and fatigue caused a plastic piece to fail in the mechanism. I was easily able to find aftermarket replacement parts and changed the entire handle assembly without any problems."

    Anonymous A., AR (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

    "It broke off literally. I went to open the door and the handle broke right off"

    Anonymous, ME (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LS 5.3-L V8)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Other major transmission & clutch problem

    "Flexplate cracked replaced"

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 4.8-L V8)
    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "It wouldn't shift properly"

    Anonymous, NS (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.8-L V8)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen goes blank

    "Display screen suddenly went scrambled and unreadable"

    Anonymous, (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "my cell phone will not pair up with the stereo system, saying that there are too many devices safed already."

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Antilock braking system (ABS)

    "Sensor in left rear brake failed causing other brake related failures."

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)
    Rotors

    "I had to replace the front rotors entirely due to excessive wear, which prevented them from being turned. The brakes would become very soft, and downhill grades requiring much more stopping distance were needed (2 to 3 times the normal). Replacing the rotors with the HD variations, along with premium ceramic brake pads, resolved the issue entirely."

    Anonymous A., OR (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Radiator leakage caused problems on and off for over two years until it overheated on long trip. Was resolved once it was diagnosed and radiator replaced."

    Anonymous A., CO (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 5.3-L V8)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Thermostat

    "Thermostat quit working. Had to have it replaced. The heat did not work in the cab of the truck."

    Anonymous A., MI (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 4.3-L V6)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Automatic climate control

    "The valve/flap separating the dual Climate Control failed and will not allow cool air to come out of both sides"

    Anonymous, (2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3-L V8)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    2012 Pickup trucks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    Engine Major
    Engine Minor
    Engine Cooling
    Engine Electrical
    Transmission Major
    Transmission Minor
    Drive System
    Fuel System/Emissions
    Exhaust
    Steering and Suspension
    Brakes
    Climate System
    Build Quality
    Electrical Accessories
    Body Hardware
    Paint/Trim
    Noises/Leaks
    In-car Electronics
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS
    Feb 05, 2021
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V054000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1778128
    AIR BAGS
    Feb 05, 2021
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V051000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 284645
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Dec 30, 2014
    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.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V827000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 84192
    FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
    Dec 11, 2013
    If the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V615000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 9733
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