2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Introduction to the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is a popular heavy-duty pickup truck known for its powerful engines and robust capabilities. Engine options include a 5.3L V8, a 6.0L V8, and a 6.6L Duramax V8 diesel. Transmission options include a 6-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual.

Engine

6.0L V8

• Excessive Oil Consumption:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle consumes excessive amounts of oil, resulting in low oil levels and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacement of piston rings and valve seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Bolt Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Bolt that secures the intake manifold breaks, causing a vacuum leak and engine performance issues.
  • Solution: Replacement of intake manifold bolts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

6.6L Duramax V8 Diesel

• Injector Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Fuel injector malfunctions, leading to poor engine performance, increased emissions, and fuel economy loss.
  • Solution: Replacement of fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200 per injector
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number 17V382000

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifts abruptly or excessively, causing discomfort and potential driveline damage.
  • Solution: Update of transmission control module software.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $100
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number 11V493000
• Torque Converter Shudder:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration or shuddering felt from the driveline during acceleration or deceleration.
  • Solution: Replacement of torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Leaf Spring Breakage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear leaf springs can break, causing the rear of the vehicle to sag and impair handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number 11V504000

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Alternator fails, resulting in a loss of electrical power and inability to start the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replacement of alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Fog Light Condensation:
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture accumulates inside the fog lights, impairing visibility.
  • Solution: Replacement of fog light assemblies.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Panel Gaps:
  • Description/Symptoms: Gaps or misalignment between dashboard panels, creating an unappealing appearance.
  • Solution: Realignment or replacement of dashboard panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Malfunction:
  • Description/Symptoms: Climate control system fails to maintain desired temperature, causing discomfort.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of faulty components, such as the heater core or blend door actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 has some notable issues that can affect its reliability and performance. The most severe and costly issues include excessive oil consumption in the 6.0L V8, fuel injector failure in the 6.6L Duramax diesel, and transmission problems in the 6-speed automatic. Other issues, such as rear leaf spring breakage and fog light condensation, are less severe and less expensive to repair. Overall, it is important for owners to be aware of these potential problems and budget for possible repairs or maintenance costs.