Makes›GMC›Sierra›2012

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD224.4 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,154 lb58/42
1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 /Denali224.4 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,377 lb58/42
1500 Ext Cab L/Box 2WD243.3 in79.9 in74 in157.5 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,243 lb59/41
1500 Ext Cab L/Box 4X4243.3 in79.9 in74 in157.5 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,503 lb60/40
1500 Ext Cab M/Box 2WD224.4 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,068 lb58/42
1500 Ext Cab M/Box 4X4224.4 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,309 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Rear-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21+24%$3,200423
Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21+32%$3,200423
Sierra C15 XFE 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18+6%$3,700494
Sierra C15 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 170%$3,950523
Sierra C15 2WD4.3L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 170%$3,950523
Sierra K15 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17+7%$3,950523
Sierra C15 2WD FFV4.8L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-6%$4,200555
Sierra K15 4WD4.3L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 16+1%$4,200555
Sierra K15 4WD FFV4.8L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15-6%$4,450592
Sierra C15 2WD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 14-18%$4,800635
Sierra K15 4WD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive12 / 18 / 14-12%$4,800635
Sierra K15 AWD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive12 / 18 / 14-12%$4,800635
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
17 MPG2012 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 GMC Sierra (this car)21 MPGNot rated6
2012 Chevrolet Silverado21 MPGNot rated6
2012 Toyota Tacoma22 MPGNot rated7
2012 Toyota Tundra18 MPGNot rated3
2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup16 MPGNot rated6

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 GMC Sierra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

161Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
60,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags52
Unknown Or Other51
Structure › Body23
Electrical System15
Power Train14
Engine10
Fuel/Propulsion System9
Service Brakes8
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/02: 222/03: 222/05: 122/07: 122/09: 122/10: 123/02: 123/04: 223/05: 123/06: 123/08: 223/09: 123/11: 123/12: 324/03: 224/05: 124/06: 124/11: 125/02: 225/04: 125/08: 126/01: 226/05: 126/08: 222/0222/0723/0223/0623/1124/0525/0226/01max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 GMC Sierra buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 52 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Structure › Body — 23 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Electrical System — 15 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Sierra25241.3 inNot rated6170
2025 Sierra26241.3 inNot rated4178
2024 Sierra25233.1 inNot rated8539
2023 Sierra26229.5 inNot rated4558
2022 Sierra26241.3 inNot rated8676
2021 Sierra26241.3 inNot rated10668
2020 Sierra26241.3 inNot rated16624
2019 Sierra21225.6 inNot rated17729
2018 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated12371
2017 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated11481
2016 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated13457
2015 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated23915

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →