Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after the dealer performed the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V051000 (Air Bag) recall repair, the dashboard was cracked on the corner of the passenger's side air bag compartment. The contact was concerned that the air bag might deploy due to the crack. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that he was responsible for the cost to replace the dashboard. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that due to the age and mileage of the vehicle; the manufacturer was not responsible for the damage to the dashboard. The contact had also signed a waiver prior to the recall repair. The failure mileage was 101,194.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the Walmart Tire Center for tire replacement, the contact was informed that the tires could not be replaced. The contact was informed that the front driver's side frame was corroded and had holes. The contact was advised to stop driving the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to bring the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was offered a 1-10 percent discount on the purchase of another vehicle. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was significantly rusted, and the contact did not feel safe driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the frame was inspected. The dealer informed the contact that the frame needed to be replaced; however, the repair fee would supersede the value of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered monetary assistance towards the purchase of a new vehicle. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 19-NA-255. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware that the front and rear sub frame were extremely rusted. The contact also stated the shock tube had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the front and rear sub frame needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her husband observed corrosion and holes in front of the gas tank and the frame of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the ABS, traction control, and steering stabilizer warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
1. Serious frame rust found (holes punched on the inside frame rails, middle of truck). We have yet to check the rest of the truck. The truck was originally coated by ziebart ~3 times, coated with rust protective paint for maintenance (myself). The rust could not be slowed. 2. Myself including passengers could be hurt if this frame fails. Could cause accident if the failure occurs in traffic. 3. Issue confirmed by frame inspection by independent service center (Motor City Rustproofing). The application was not applied since the frame rust was discovered. 4 Not yet 5. No warning lamps, messages or other systems as of yet. 6. This vehicle is used for general cargo in the bed and hauling a 28ft. travel trailer and I'm concerned the frame will fail and cause health and safety issues. 7. …
The frame of my truck is very badly rusted. Parts such as shock, body and engine mounts are very rusted and can't be as strong as necessary. Pieces of rust 1/16th thick are coming off in many places. I have not taken it to a dealership yet to see it because i have only just recently really looked at it because i was working on the trailer hitch and was under the truck for a while.
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup truck has very extensive frame damage for 115k miles which has caused it to be unsafe to drive and basically scrap. I am the 2nd owner of the truck. When I bought it at 70k miles it definitely had rust on the frame, but no major holes. It has now rusted through in multiple spots. Is there anything that I can do or am I pretty much out of luck?
I have been shopping for a truck for a little over a year now specifically a 2012 Chevy Silverado. To date everyone I found has frame and body rust but the frame rust is so bad that most aren't safe to drive.
Tthis vehicle was involved in 3 separate accidents, 1st another driver pulled out in front of the truck causing the accident; 2nd a driver fell asleep with his foot on the accelerator and rear ended me at about 90 MPH; 3rd an out state driver rear ended my son's car which was forced into the rear of my truck. The 3 accidents were severe enough that there should have been some type of air bag deployment but there was not. I notified GM immediately after the 1st accident about the failure of the air bags to deploy. I should mentioned that the driver's seat belt broke due the harshness of the accident. All this happened several years ago but GM never answered me nor took any action to investigate the failure of the air bags to deploy. …
Body complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the body & structure of the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 16% of the model year's 216 complaints. The component named most often is body (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.