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2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering equipment and auxillary tank. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Tire tread separation and blowouts.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #18V267000 · Apr 26, 2018

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK

Campaign #17V664000 · Oct 19, 2017

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks. The low fuel level sensor for the front tank may stick causing the rear tank to overfill the front 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. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear tank fuel pump or update the fuel-level sensor software, as well as inspect the front tank, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service for Chevrolet 1-800-222-1020 or for GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17399.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #21V054000 · May 2, 2021

Issue: 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #21V051000 · May 2, 2021

Issue: 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Tire tread separation and blowouts

TIRES

11 NHTSA complaints · 2012-01 → 2025-12

“Cooper Discoverer HT3 265/70R18 Tread and sidewall separation. became very dangerous to drive. ALL 4 tires became defective”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11528860
“I DRIVE 116 MOSTLY HWY MILES A DAY COMMUTING TO WORK. ABOUT 4 WEEKS AGO THE 1ST OF MY TIRES STARTED TO VIBRATE. I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND THE BELT HAD SEPARATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11112894
“WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BAND OF THE TIRE SEPARATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE UNCONTROLLABLY AS THE TIRE BLEW OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10749472

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission hard shifting and surging

POWER TRAIN

7 NHTSA complaints · 2012-06 → 2015-10

“WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE GEAR SHIFTED INDEPENDENTLY AND VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10786366
“UPON SLOWING TO A STOP, THE TRUCK SURGES AND LUNGES FORWARD AS THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS BETWEEN GEARS, AND IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN TRAVELING UP OR DOWN HILLS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10576549
“TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD FROM A COMPLETE STOP AS 1ST GEAR WAS BEING ENGAGED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10462796

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dashboard cracking near airbag housing

STRUCTURE

13 NHTSA complaints · 2015-04 → 2023-05

“Our dashboard is beyond cracked, repair cost $2100.00 plus. I was told that the dash needed to have a metal brace installed with repair”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11521797
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD IN THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY CRACKED ON THE DRIVER SIDE FROM THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10821116
“"TAKATA RECALL", I HAVE A CRACK IN MY DASH THAT IS LOCATED RIGHT NEXT TO PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE MY DASH WILL CONTINUE TO CRACK THAT WILL CAUSE MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG TO FAIL WHEN IT WILL BE NEEDED TO PROTECT PASSENGERS THAT RIDE IN MY VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10859959

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Diesel fuel pump failure causing engine stall

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2024-09

“While the contact's sister was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk with the check engine warning light illuminated violently. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled in the middle of the highway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11611607
“Our diesel fuel pump failed unexpectedly and without any notice while pulling a fifth wheel camper on a state highway in Ohio. The engine stopped completely (we were coasting within seconds)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11473264
“THE CHEVROLET/GM SERVICE CENTER CONFIRMED THE BOSCH CP4 HPFP SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, DESTROYING THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM OF THE TRUCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10966092

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbags deploying inadvertently or failing to deploy

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2019-10

“THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED FROM THE SCENE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER WAS FATALLY INJURED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11268474
“AT THE TIME OF THIS ACCIDENT THE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK NOR DID THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY. THE SPEED FROM THIS ACCIDENT WAS BETWEEN 50-55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10790202
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 37 MPH, ALL FOUR SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS INDEPENDENTLY DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10672994

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vehicle rolling away unexpectedly while parked

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2013-07 → 2014-05

“WHILE SHE WAS INSIDE THE HOUSE THE VEHICLE STARTED MOVING. ONE OF OUR CHILDREN THAT WAS OUTSIDE SAW THIS OCCURRING AND STARTED TO SCREAM THAT THE TRUCK WAS MOVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10595231
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10592034
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, THE CONTACT REACHED IN FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE TO SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY IN REVERSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10532622

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal failing to respond

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2013-05 → 2023-06

“The contact stated the vehicle continued moving forward while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle jumped a curb and crashed into a building and stopped the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11526178
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO TWO, TWO-TON ROCKS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10778704
“WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND INTERMITTENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10672668

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering intermittently fails

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-03 → 2016-04

“POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY GIVES OUT AS IF THE ENGINE STALLED BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT STALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10794962
“WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN SUDDENLY THE CONTACT LOST ALL CONTROL OF HIS POWER STEERING AND ALMOST DROVE INTO AN ONCOMING VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10567778
“WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10778449

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 17, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 17, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

270 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

10

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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