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2012 Chevrolet Cheyenne

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By Research the Car 5 min read

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Cheyenne (also known as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in the US market), organized by category and engine/transmission configuration. The 2012 Chevrolet Cheyenne/Silverado 1500 is a popular truck known for its reliability and capability. Engine options include a 4.3L V6 (195 hp, 260 lb-ft torque), a 4.8L V8 (302 hp, 305 lb-ft torque), a 5.3L V8 (315 hp, 335 lb-ft torque or 326 hp, 348 lb-ft torque with aluminum block), and a 6.2L V8 (403 hp, 417 lb-ft torque). Transmission options are primarily a 4-speed automatic (4L60E with the 4.3L V6 and some 4.8L V8 models) and a 6-speed automatic (6L80E with the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 models and some 4.8L V8 models). Owners often praise the truck’s strong engine options, towing capacity, and comfortable ride. Common complaints include fuel economy, especially with the V8 engines, and some reported issues with specific components, as detailed below.

Engine

4.3L V6

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may develop around the intake manifold gasket or valve cover gaskets. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty gasket(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ depending on the location and extent of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found

4.8L V8

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM) Issues (Rare in 4.8L but Possible)
    • Description/Symptoms: If equipped with AFM, excessive oil consumption, misfires, and fouled spark plugs can occur.
    • Solution: Disable AFM or replace faulty AFM lifters.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ for lifter replacement. AFM Disabling usually around $500.
    • Recalls: None Found

5.3L V8

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, misfires, and fouled spark plugs due to faulty AFM lifters.
    • Solution: Replace faulty AFM lifters and potentially the camshaft. Disable AFM through tuning.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ for lifter replacement. AFM Disabling usually around $500.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Pressure Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Erroneous oil pressure readings on the gauge, check engine light illumination, and potential engine damage if left unaddressed.
    • Solution: Replace the oil pressure sensor and/or the oil pressure sending unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Engine Knock/Tick
    • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable ticking or knocking sound, especially at start-up, potentially caused by worn piston slap or lifter noise.
    • Solution: Depending on the cause, may require engine repairs or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the severity and repair needed
    • Recalls: None Found

6.2L V8

  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable decrease in oil level between oil changes, potentially due to piston ring issues or valve stem seal wear.
    • Solution: Address the underlying cause of oil consumption (e.g., piston ring replacement, valve stem seal replacement).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000+ depending on the repair needed.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Exhaust Manifold Bolts
    • Description/Symptoms: Broken exhaust manifold bolts causing exhaust leaks, resulting in a ticking noise that increases with engine speed.
    • Solution: Replace broken exhaust manifold bolts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4L60E (4-speed automatic)

  • Harsh Shifting/Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or harsh shifts, slipping between gears, and overall poor transmission performance.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the transmission. The most common causes are worn friction plates, sticking valve body, or a failing torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

6L80E (6-speed automatic)

  • Torque Converter Shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: A vibration or shudder, typically felt at lower speeds and during light acceleration.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter and flush the transmission fluid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Abnormally firm or jerky gear changes.
    • Solution: Flash the transmission control module (TCM) with updated software, or replace the TCM if necessary. Valve body issues are also common.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Delayed Engagement
    • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable delay when shifting into drive or reverse.
    • Solution: Inspect and potentially replace the valve body or perform a complete transmission rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Clunking Noises
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking sounds coming from the front suspension, particularly when going over bumps, commonly caused by worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or sway bar links.
    • Solution: Replace worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and/or sway bar links.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per component replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Ride Height Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear suspension, especially on models with the Z85 suspension package, potentially due to worn leaf springs.
    • Solution: Replace leaf springs or add helper springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Instrument Cluster Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning gauges, flickering lights, or complete failure of the instrument cluster.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery frequently drains, especially when the vehicle is not in use, often caused by a parasitic drain.
    • Solution: Diagnose and eliminate the source of the parasitic drain, potentially involving faulty relays, modules, or aftermarket accessories.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust on Rocker Panels and Wheel Arches
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust developing on the lower body panels, especially in areas exposed to road salt.
    • Solution: Repair or replace rusted body panels.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the extent of the damage.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Cracked Dashboard
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks forming on the dashboard, particularly in vehicles exposed to high temperatures.
    • Solution: Replace the dashboard or use a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ for replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Headliner Sagging
    • Description/Symptoms: The headliner material detaching from the roof.
    • Solution: Replace the headliner or re-glue the existing material.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Chevrolet Cheyenne/Silverado 1500 can be a reliable truck, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues. The most significant concerns revolve around the Active Fuel Management system in the 5.3L V8, which can lead to costly repairs. Transmission issues, especially with the 6L80E, can also be expensive to address. Suspension and electrical problems are generally less severe but should still be inspected. Overall, a thorough pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended. The average cost for common repairs varies, but addressing issues proactively can prevent more significant and expensive problems down the road.

Chevrolet, Cheyenne
Chevrolet Cheyenne 2012
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