2012 GMC Sierra: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2012 GMC Sierra
On the 2012 GMC Sierra, the failure owners report most often is ABS module or sensor failure, with 5 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 25,000 miles. Overall it scores 76 out of 100, severe risk for a 2012.
Severe risk for a 2012 — 35th riskiest of the 271 2012 vehicles we can rate. 46 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What breaks on the 2012 GMC Sierra
Owners have reported 16 named failure modes on the 2012 GMC Sierra, and the three most-reported carry 30% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
ABS module or sensor failure leads with 5 reports and about 1.7 per 1,000 vehicles.
Other body or interior problem follows with 5 reports, median 30,000 miles. 1 of those report mention a fire.
Engine sensor failure follows with 4 reports, median 10,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into electrical (8), brakes (6) and lighting (6).
At what mileage it happens
44 of the reports on the 2012 GMC Sierra came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 25,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 73% by 50,000 miles and 93% by 100,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 23% of the dated reports.
61% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 16. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
What happens when these parts fail
Across the named modes, 6 mention a crash and 7 a fire. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.52, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: ABS module or sensor failure at $500–$2,400, other body or interior problem at $200–$2,000, engine sensor failure at $180–$900 and headlight failure or clouding at $150–$1,800. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
17% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 5 | 5 | — | 420 | — | 1.7 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 5 | 5 | — | 31k | — | 1.7 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Engine sensor failure | electrical | 4 | 4 | — | 10k | — | 1.3 | $180–$900 | Moderate |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 4 | 4 | — | 12k | — | 1.3 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other engine problem | engine | 4 | 4 | — | 19k | — | 1.3 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Differential or transfer case failure | drivetrain | 3 | 3 | — | 43k | — | 1.0 | $900–$4,200 | High |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 2 | 2 | — | 60k | — | 0.7 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 2 | 2 | — | 49k | — | 0.7 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 2 | 2 | — | 6k | — | 0.7 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 2 | 1 | — | 25k | — | 0.7 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 1 | 1 | — | 25k | — | 0.3 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 1 | 1 | — | 30k | — | 0.3 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 66k | — | 0.3 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 140k | — | 0.3 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 1 | 1 | — | 140k | — | 0.3 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 1 | 1 | — | 2k | — | 0.3 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 7 | 6 | — | 36k | — | 2.3 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2012 GMC Sierra draws about 15 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 93rd percentile of complaint rates among 2012 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 3,006 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2012 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
ABS module or sensor failure
Just purchases new 2012 gmc sierra 3500 , 400 miles , have had alignment / steering problems with a drift to left and a wondering steering wheel, also brake and ABS lights on, went to dealer they looked at it for 2 hrs, and said it needed a part ordered and there was a tsb on it, the tech said it would be safe to drive but I would not have ABS brakes, also he would check alignment again at time when part came in 4 days est, brake and ABS light remained on, vehicle drove fine the next day until a accident, went around curveat 55 MPH, applied brakes to slow, brakes went to floor un able to slow at all went off the road lost control and crashed into trees, both airbags deployed , went to emergency room with arm injury and rib injuries, brand new truck very scarry I will never buy a gm poduct again. *tr
Just purchases new 2012 gmc sierra 3500 , 400 miles , have had alignment / steering problems with a drift to left and a wondering steering wheel, also brake and ABS lights on, went to dealer they looked at it for 2 hrs, and said it needed a part ordered and there was a tsb on it, the tech said it would be safe to drive but I would not have ABS brakes, also he would check alignment again at time when part came in 4 days est, brake and ABS light remained on, vehicle drove fine the next day until a accident, went around curveat 55 MPH, applied brakes to slow, brakes went to floor un able to slow at all went off the road lost control and crashed into trees, both airbags deployed , went to emergency room with arm injury and rib injuries, brand new truck very scarry I will never buy a gm poduct again. *tr
Other body or interior problem
While the vehicle was being driven, it just went dead, no engine, no electric, no nothing. The vehicle was left in place and at some point, caught fire and burned. A total loss. To date, the insurance company has not paid me for my loss but rather has gone to great lengths to investigate me personally, looking for any reason to not pay. So, I've been making two vehicle payments for the last 8 months. As a result, I am struggling financially. *tr
Passanger front door handle failure. Loud noise was heard upon closing of the door. Door handle pull clear from the door. Window cannot be rolled down and internal door handle is inoperable. *js
Engine sensor failure
Apparently gm uses peanut oil to lubricate wiring so they can more easily insulate, etc (accorging to the gm dealer). This attracts rats and mice which chew up the wiring - potentially impacting sensors and other items controlling cruise, stability/traction control, and any number of electrical systems that the driver may be relying upon for safety. I actually had map sensor wires chewed up that disabled my stability/traction systems and inhibited engine performance. Luckily for me it happened in my driveway rather than on the highway. Dealer claims it is not warranty item even though caused by a process that gm elects to use in building the vehicle. This could impact any/every vehicle that gm builds with use of peanut oil (may indeed be all of their models). *tr
Apparently gm uses peanut oil to lubricate wiring so they can more easily insulate, etc (accorging to the gm dealer). This attracts rats and mice which chew up the wiring - potentially impacting sensors and other items controlling cruise, stability/traction control, and any number of electrical systems that the driver may be relying upon for safety. I actually had map sensor wires chewed up that disabled my stability/traction systems and inhibited engine performance. Luckily for me it happened in my driveway rather than on the highway. Dealer claims it is not warranty item even though caused by a process that gm elects to use in building the vehicle. This could impact any/every vehicle that gm builds with use of peanut oil (may indeed be all of their models). *tr
Recalls on the 2012 model year
NHTSA has issued 2 recall campaigns covering the 2012 GMC Sierra, affecting an estimated 4,628 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover electrical system:ignition and fuel system, diesel. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
84,192 vehicles 2014-12-30- Defect
- 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
9,733 vehicles 2013-12-11- Defect
- 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.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2012 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2012 compares with the other years
Severe risk for a 2012 — 35th riskiest of the 271 2012 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
Across the 21 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 1996 comes out best at 57 and 2013 worst at 81, with 2012 itself at 76.
If the model year is negotiable, 1996, 2008, 1998, 1997, 2009, 2007, 1999, 2004, 2002, 2001, 2000, 2017, 2003, 2005, 2015, 2011, 2010 and 2006 score lower than 2012 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2010–2013 generation specifically, 2011 is the strongest year at 72 and 2013 the weakest at 81.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2010-2013 generation, 2011 GMC Sierra scores best at 72 and 2013 GMC Sierra worst at 81.
Where these figures stop being useful
46 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 46 reports, 44 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 96% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Sierra?
The most-reported failures are abs module or sensor failure (5 reports, median 400 miles), other body or interior problem (5 reports, median 30,000 miles) and engine sensor failure (4 reports, median 10,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Is the 2012 GMC Sierra reliable?
It scores 76 out of 100 on our risk index, which is severe — 35th riskiest of the 271 2012 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2012 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the GMC Sierra is best?
Within the 2010–2013 generation, 2011 scores best at 72 out of 100 and 2013 worst at 81. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed