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2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing and hauling capabilities. Engine options include a 6.0L Vortec V8 gasoline engine (360 hp, 380 lb-ft of torque) and a 6.6L Duramax turbodiesel V8 engine (397 hp, 765 lb-ft of torque). Both engines were typically paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission (Allison 1000 for Duramax). Owners often praise the truck’s robust build, powerful engine options, and comfortable ride for a heavy-duty vehicle. Common complaints often revolve around fuel economy, some electrical gremlins, and potential issues with the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system on the Duramax models.

Engine

6.0L Vortec V8 Gasoline

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, loss of power, and potentially a ticking noise from the engine. Can lead to camshaft damage.
    • Solution: Replace the failed lifters and potentially the camshaft. Deleting the AFM system is a common preventative measure by replacing with non-AFM lifters.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ depending on the extent of the damage.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption requiring frequent topping off. Blue smoke may be visible from the exhaust.
    • Solution: Could be piston rings, valve seals, or PCV valve issue. Requires diagnosis to determine the root cause. Replacement of piston rings is a major repair.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+ depending on the cause and extent of the repair.
    • Recalls: None Found

6.6L Duramax Turbodiesel V8 (LML)

  • Fuel Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, white smoke from exhaust, fuel in the oil. Can lead to engine damage if left unaddressed.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$1,200+ per injector, includes labor and parts.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: “Service Exhaust Fluid System” message, reduced engine power, potential limp mode. Issues can stem from DEF quality, DEF tank heater failure, DEF injector issues, or NOX sensor failures.
    • Solution: Diagnose the specific issue (DEF quality test, scan for diagnostic trouble codes). Replacement of DEF tank heater, DEF injector, or NOX sensors might be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+ depending on the failed component.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • CP4 High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, won’t start, metallic debris in the fuel system. The CP4 pump is known to self-destruct, sending metal shavings throughout the fuel system.
    • Solution: Complete fuel system replacement including the CP4 pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, and fuel tank cleaning. CP3 conversion kits are popular to replace the CP4.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000-$12,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Allison 1000 6-Speed (paired with 6.6L Duramax)

  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at highway speeds. Can also manifest as slipping or erratic shifting.
    • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, transmission slipping, getting stuck in gear.
    • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Hydra-Matic 6L90 6-Speed (paired with 6.0L Vortec)

  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at highway speeds. Can also manifest as slipping or erratic shifting.
    • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, transmission slipping, getting stuck in gear.
    • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Front End Wear (Ball Joints, Tie Rod Ends)
    • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, wandering, clunking noises from the front end, uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replacement of worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and potentially other steering components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$1,000+ depending on how many parts are replaced and if an alignment is included.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Leaf Spring Sag (Rear)
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the truck sits lower than the front, reduced load-carrying capacity, poor ride quality.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaf springs, or addition of helper springs or airbags.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the solution chosen.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical issues, such as power windows not working, door locks malfunctioning, lighting problems, or issues with the radio.
    • Solution: Diagnosis to confirm BCM failure. Replacement and reprogramming of the BCM.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Alternator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery light on the dashboard, difficulty starting, battery draining.
    • Solution: Alternator replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust on Frame and Body Panels
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the frame, especially in areas with road salt exposure. Rust bubbling under the paint on body panels (rocker panels, cab corners).
    • Solution: Rust repair (cutting out and welding in new metal), rust prevention treatments. Frame coating to prevent further corrosion.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the severity of the rust.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, especially in sun-exposed areas.
    • Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (cover) - $1,500+ (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Heater/AC Blend Door Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent temperature control, clicking noises behind the dashboard, inability to switch between hot and cold air.
    • Solution: Blend door actuator replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, while a capable truck, can suffer from various issues. The Duramax diesel is prone to fuel injector and DEF system problems which can be costly. The 6.0L gasoline engine can develop issues with the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system which leads to lifter failure. Electrical issues, particularly with the BCM, are also a concern. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, major engine or transmission work, especially on the Duramax, can be quite costly. Careful inspection and a thorough pre-purchase inspection are recommended, especially when considering a Duramax-equipped model. Check for maintenance records and consider having a mechanic inspect the truck before buying.

Chevrolet, Silverado 2500 HD
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 2012
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