The Lemon Index2012 GMC Sierra.
The 2012 GMC Sierra is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 41 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 24, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 14 to 21 mpg combined. The best GMC Sierra year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 186 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Sierra 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 33K to 84K miles on the car (132 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 34K–112K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 30K–80K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 22K–117K miles
Recalls 3
- 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.
- equipment 2018
These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher.
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 GMC told dealers about
GMC sent dealers 2184 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Power Steering Noise or Fluid Leak from Power Steering Pump, Gear or High Pressure Pressure Hose
- Hydraulic Power Steering Leak at Hose Connection to Steering Rack
- Power Steering Noise or Fluid Leak from Power Steering Pump, Gear or High Pressure Hose During…
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 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.
Quick answers
Is the 2012 GMC Sierra reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 4.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 24; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Sierra year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2012 GMC Sierra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (20%), engine (20%) and steering (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Sierra have?
3 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 GMC Sierra get?
14 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 33,200 and 84,800 miles. The middle report was at 55,000 miles, from 132 complaints.
Does the 2012 GMC Sierra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 GMC Sierra cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $4600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 GMC Sierra have?
4.3L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What GMC Sierra year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2012 and 2013.
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