2012 GMC Sierra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 /Denali, 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 2WD, 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 4X4
- Engines
- 6.0L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 4.3L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, FFV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 20 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 224.4–243.3 in
- Curb weight
- 5,068–5,503 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2012 standard pickup truck (17 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 GMC Sierra is a standard pickup truck offered with 4 engines (6.0L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 4.3L 6-cyl and 4.8L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 224 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 144-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,154 lb (1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 23 highway), 24% better than the 2012 standard pickup truck average of 17 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 161 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Sierra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Sierra →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,154 lb | 58/42 |
| 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 /Denali | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,377 lb | 58/42 |
| 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 2WD | 243.3 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 157.5 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,243 lb | 59/41 |
| 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 4X4 | 243.3 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 157.5 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,503 lb | 60/40 |
| 1500 Ext Cab M/Box 2WD | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,068 lb | 58/42 |
| 1500 Ext Cab M/Box 4X4 | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,309 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD Hybrid | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | +24% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | +32% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Sierra C15 XFE 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | +6% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Sierra C15 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | 0% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Sierra C15 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | 0% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Sierra K15 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | +7% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Sierra C15 2WD FFV | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -6% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Sierra K15 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 16 | +1% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Sierra K15 4WD FFV | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -6% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Sierra C15 2WD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 14 | -18% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Sierra K15 4WD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -12% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Sierra K15 AWD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -12% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 GMC Sierra.
Similar 2012 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 GMC Sierra (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Silverado | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Toyota Tacoma | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2012 Toyota Tundra | 18 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup | 16 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (6)
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V051000 · 284,645 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V054000 · 1,778,128 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Equipment · Apr 26, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V267000 · 6,154 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 · Oct 19, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V664000 · 35,292 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Electrical System › Ignition · Dec 30, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V827000 · 84,192 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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 · Dec 11, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V615000 · 9,733 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2012 GMC Sierra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 GMC Sierra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 52 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Structure › Body — 23 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 15 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 GMC Sierra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sierra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Sierra | 25 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 169 |
| 2025 Sierra | 26 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 178 |
| 2024 Sierra | 25 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 8 | 538 |
| 2023 Sierra | 26 | 229.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 558 |
| 2022 Sierra | 26 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 8 | 674 |
| 2021 Sierra | 26 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 10 | 668 |
| 2020 Sierra | 26 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 16 | 624 |
| 2019 Sierra | 21 | 225.6 in | Not rated | 17 | 729 |
| 2018 Sierra | 20 | 235.4 in | Not rated | 12 | 371 |
| 2017 Sierra | 20 | 235.4 in | Not rated | 11 | 481 |
| 2016 Sierra | 20 | 235.4 in | Not rated | 13 | 457 |
| 2015 Sierra | 20 | 235.4 in | Not rated | 23 | 915 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →