2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing and hauling capabilities. It was available with two engine options: a 6.0L Vortec V8 gasoline engine producing 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.6L Duramax turbodiesel V8 producing 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque. The gasoline engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel engine was available with a heavy-duty 6-speed Allison automatic transmission. Owners often praise the truck’s ruggedness and towing capacity but sometimes complain about fuel economy and ride quality.

Engine

6.0L Vortec V8 Gasoline Engine

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, misfires, and rough running due to AFM lifter failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty AFM lifters with updated non-AFM lifters, disabling AFM through custom tuning.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.6L Duramax Turbodiesel V8 (LML)

• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, excessive smoke, and decreased fuel economy. Often caused by contaminated fuel.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty fuel injectors. It’s recommended to replace all injectors at once for optimal performance and longevity.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• CP4 Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, rough running, metallic debris in fuel system. The CP4 pump is known for being less tolerant of contaminated fuel compared to the previous CP3 pump.
  • Solution: Replacement of CP4 pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, and cleaning of the entire fuel system to remove metallic debris. Consider installing a CP3 conversion kit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000 - $12,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, frequent regeneration cycles, “Engine Power Reduced” message. Can be caused by excessive idling, short trips, or faulty sensors.
  • Solution: Forced regeneration, replacement of faulty DPF sensors, replacement of the DPF if clogged or damaged, or DPF delete (check local laws).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (Gasoline Engine)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, slipping during gear changes, and difficulty maintaining speed on inclines.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Allison Automatic (Diesel Engine)

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping between gears, and difficulty engaging gears.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Internal Clutch Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, delayed engagement, and overheating, especially under heavy load.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front End Component Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, clunking noises, and uneven tire wear. Common wear items include ball joints, tie rod ends, and idler arms.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn front end components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as malfunctioning power windows, door locks, or lights.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and reprogramming or replacement of the BCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion of the wiring harness, particularly in areas exposed to salt or moisture. This can lead to various electrical problems.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of corroded sections of the wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the extent of the damage)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rocker Panels and Cab Corners
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust developing on the rocker panels and cab corners, especially in areas with road salt usage.
  • Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement, and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard, especially in warmer climates due to sun exposure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to control the temperature or airflow from the vents.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty blend door actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD has some common issues, with the most significant relating to the Duramax diesel engine, specifically fuel injector and CP4 pump failures, which can be very expensive to repair. Gasoline engines can have AFM issues. Electrical issues and corrosion are also common. While some issues are relatively minor, others can result in significant repair bills. Buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic, especially on diesel models, to identify potential problems.