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2012 GMC Yukon XL

4 recalls Risk Grade: C+ Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #12V112000 Plain English
Component

STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN

Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS LLC
What Happened
The pitman shaft is a critical part of your steering system that connects the steering gear to the wheels. In some 2012 Chevy Express, Suburban, GMC Savana, and Yukon XL HD vehicles, this shaft might not be strong enough and could break.
Risk if Unfixed
If the pitman shaft fractures, you could lose control of your vehicle, which could cause a crash. You might feel a sudden jerk or a loud noise before this happens.
Free Fix
Your dealer will inspect the steering gear and replace the pitman shaft with a stronger one, all at no cost to you. You'll get a notification when the repair is ready, and you should schedule it as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, A LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #21V054000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
General Motors, LLC
What Happened
The airbag in your vehicle is designed to protect you in the event of a crash. However, the inflator in your passenger side airbag contains a type of propellant that can break down over time, especially in humid or hot environments. This could cause the airbag to malfunction and potentially explode, sending sharp metal fragments towards you or your passengers.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator explodes, you could be seriously injured or even killed by sharp metal fragments striking you or your loved ones.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new, safer one at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as possible to ensure your safety.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #21V051000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
General Motors, LLC
What Happened
The passenger airbag in your vehicle is the one that deploys in front of you in case of a crash. It's powered by a part called the inflator module, which uses a special chemical to quickly fill the airbag. Unfortunately, the inflator in your vehicle might have a design flaw that can cause it to explode, especially in areas with high humidity and extreme temperatures.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal pieces flying into you or other occupants, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty inflator with a safer one, free of charge. You'll receive a recall notice with instructions on when and where to schedule the repair.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #14V827000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Manufacturer
General Motors LLC
What Happened
The ignition lock actuator in your vehicle is a small part that helps turn the key to start the engine. In some 2011-2012 Escalade, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe models, this part can get stuck, making it hard to turn the key or causing the engine to start unexpectedly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the ignition gets stuck, the engine, steering, and brakes could shut off suddenly while you're driving, making it harder to control your vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash. In a bad situation, the airbags might not deploy, putting you and your passengers at risk of serious injury.
Free Fix
Your dealership will inspect the ignition lock housing and replace it if necessary – all for free. You'll get a notification, and you should schedule the repair as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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