Recall 12V112 covers 6,159 2012 GMC Savana, Suburban, Yukon Xl, and Express vehicles for pitman-shaft fractures. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
GMC is recalling 6,159 2012 Savana, Suburban, Yukon Xl, and Express vehicles because the steering gear pitman shaft was not adequately hardened and can fracture. A fractured shaft can cause loss of steering and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The pitman shaft is part of the steering gear on the 2012 GMC Savana, Suburban, Yukon Xl, and Express vehicles. It transfers motion from the steering gear to the pitman arm, which then moves the steering linkage that points the front wheels. The shaft has to stay hard enough and strong enough to carry steering force every time the driver turns the wheel.
In this recall, the pitman shaft was not adequately hardened during manufacturing. A shaft that is too soft for the load can weaken and fracture. If the shaft breaks, the steering gear no longer has a solid path to move the linkage, so the driver loses normal control over where the front wheels point.
There is no warning sign before failure. The filing does not list a noise, warning light, loose steering feel, or other symptom that gives the driver advance notice before the shaft fractures.
Who's affected?
Covers vans and SUVs from the 2012 model year, all tied to the same steering gear component.
| 2012 GMC Savana | steering gear |
|---|---|
| 2012 Chevrolet Suburban | steering gear |
| 2012 GMC Yukon Xl | steering gear |
| 2012 Chevrolet Express | steering gear |
| Units affected | 6,159 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A steering gear defect can lead to a loss of steering, which increases the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule service soon and avoid extra driving until the dealer inspects the steering gear. Repair will be free at any franchised GMC dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 GMC Savana, Suburban, Yukon Xl, or Express is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised GMC dealer and ask whether recall number 12V112 is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the free steering gear inspection and pitman shaft repair that addresses the steering shaft fracture risk.
- Bring the recall notice if GM mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 12V112 when you call.
- Avoid driving longer than needed until the inspection is complete because a fractured pitman shaft can cause loss of steering.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a GMC technician inspects the steering gear for the affected pitman shaft condition. When the inspection shows the shaft needs replacement, the technician replaces the steering gear pitman shaft. The campaign notice said owner letters were expected to begin on April 4, 2012. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| March 22, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 4, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V112?
Recall 12V112 covers 6,159 2012 GMC Savana, Suburban, Yukon Xl, and Express vehicles with a steering gear pitman shaft that was not adequately hardened. The shaft can fracture, causing loss of steering and increasing crash risk. Dealers inspect the steering gear and replace the pitman shaft for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2012 GMC Savana, Suburban, Yukon Xl, or Express is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V112. If it is, contact a franchised GMC dealer and ask for the steering gear inspection. Reference recall number 12V112 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will inspect the steering gear and replace the steering gear pitman shaft free of charge when replacement is needed.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering. If the pitman shaft fractures, the driver can lose steering control, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the dealer inspection and repair path before continued use.
When were owners notified about recall 12V112?
Owner notification for recall 12V112 was expected to begin on April 4, 2012. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your exact vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V112000 |
|---|---|
| NHTSA recall # | 12V112 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V112000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →