NHTSA & EPA data · updated October 21, 2026

2012 Chevrolet Suburban recalls, problems & safety ratings

Quick answer

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban and 101 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are unknown or other (38), air bags (25), structure (23). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is about 17 mpg combined.

The 2012 ranks #7 of 14 Suburban model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (129). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.6 per model year.

Free. Shows whether a recall applies, plus specs, problems and ratings for your exact vehicle.

Recalls 4

Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Air bags · frontal · passenger side · inflator moduleNHTSA #21V051000 · 02/05/2021

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 moduleNHTSA #21V054000 · 02/05/2021

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.

Electrical system · ignitionNHTSA #14V827000 · 12/30/2014

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.

Steering · gear box · shaft pitmanNHTSA #12V112000 · 03/22/2012

Problem: General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2012 chevrolet express and suburban vehicles, and gmc savana and yukon xl heavy duty vehicles. The steering gear pitman shaft may not have been adequately hardened and could fracture.

Risk: If this condition occurs, a loss of steering could result, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering gear and, if necessary, replace the steering gear pitman shaft. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on april 4, 2012.

Common problems

From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.

Most-reported problem areas

Unknown or other38
Air bags25
Structure23
Engine12
Electrical system10
Power train5
Wheels4
Service brakes3

By the numbers

101owner complaints filed
3involved a crash
2involved a fire
2injuries reported

Recent owner reports

08/12/2024 · Power train

My auto gear shift disingaged from the transmission the car started moving as i was trying to get into the driver seat with driver door catching the tree limbs and opening the door and me holding onto the inside door handle brooke and i fell onto the ground when the car stopped by backing over the curb and hitting another tree. There is a bushing holding the cable to tran…

07/11/2023 · Air bags

This is a recall took my 2012 Surburban to dealership in leavenworth, KS they had vehicle for two weeks did not fix the airbag that is under recall they stated could not get parts for it. So what is the problem with our government system in place to fix these problems but the GM dealership is not fixing the air bag nor do they call and state they have the parts in stock now??…

08/19/2022 · Structure

My dash on my 2012 Suburban cracked within 4 years of its manufactured date and it just keeps getting worse. If there were an accident it is so dry and cracked it will through hard plastic into the driver and passengers. I know of many other same and similar year models that have the same issue. Now that there is a passenger-side airbag recall would be the perfect time for GM…

Safety ratings

2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 SUV 4WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

2012 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 SUV RWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban.

Suburban 1500 2WD

Auto 6-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L

15city
21hwy
17combined

Gasoline or E85

Suburban 1500 4WD

Auto 6-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L

15city
21hwy
17combined

Gasoline or E85

Other model years

Compare every Chevrolet Suburban year

Questions

How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban have?

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban, most recently for air bags · frontal · passenger side · inflator module (02/05/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban?

Based on 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are unknown or other (38), air bags (25), structure (23).

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban safe?

The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.

Is the 2012 a good year for the Chevrolet Suburban?

The 2012 ranks #7 of 14 Suburban model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (129). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.6 per model year.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban get?

The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban is EPA-rated at about 17 mpg combined.

Own a 2012 Chevrolet Suburban in South Carolina?

Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.

Related vehicles

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SUBURBAN 1500, SUBURBAN 2500, Suburban.

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