The Lemon IndexAll cars · Chevrolet Silverado
2012 Chevrolet Silverado.
The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 66 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 14, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 14 to 21 mpg combined. It's the best Chevrolet Silverado year we track.
One of the most reliable. 7.1× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2000
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 360 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Silverado year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 31K to 95K miles on the car (232 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 45K–80K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 28K–72K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 20K–95K miles
Recalls 4
- airbags 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- electrical 2014
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.
Show all 4 recalls
- fuel system, diesel 2013
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 2238 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Rear Axle Grinding Noise, Vibration - Inspect Rear Axle
- 14043 - customer satisfaction
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/CC RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/RC RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–4600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.3L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Was driving up to the stop sign. It felt like the transmission was shifting hard. Sorta like jerking.
2012 Chevrolet Silverado owner · NHTSA complaint 10499894
More owner reports
Parked facing upslope. The truck slipped out of park gear and rolled downhill backwards, knocking over owner. Finally hit a tree and stopped. Insurance declared it totaled.
NHTSA complaint 10592034
Truck was parked when I got back into it the dashboard was cracked
NHTSA complaint 10763229
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 7.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 14; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Silverado problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (17%), body structure (15%) and tires (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado have?
4 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado get?
14 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Silverado problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 31,600 and 95,300 miles. The middle report was at 58,000 miles, from 232 complaints.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $4600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado have?
4.3L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works