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2012 Chevrolet Cruze problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is engine and cooling, typically around 64,000 miles. It has 3.4 times the complaints of a typical Cruze model year.

Year to avoid3.4x the typical complaints
Year score
26/100
Owner complaints
865
Recalls
7
Service bulletins
1,818
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
26-32mpg
Typical repair
$1,000

The worst 2012 Chevrolet Cruze problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Check engine light 118Loss of power 68Stalling 54Jerking 53Overheating 47Fire or smoke 35Brake failure 33Wipers 32Power steering loss 28Transmission failure 25Won't start 25Steering lock-up 19Hesitation 17ABS 16No deployment 14Oil consumption 14Adaptive cruise 13Grinding brakes 13Headlights 13Warning lights 13Engine failure 12Screen failure 11Won't shift 11Key fob 8Airbag light 7Knocking 7Misfire 7Sudden acceleration 7Door locks 6Spongy pedal 6Pulling 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze mention

P2135 5P0171 3P0106 2P015B 2P0700 2

Recalls 7

Electrical system: ignitionReported July 5, 2016 · 8,367 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Buick 1‑800‑521‑7300, and GMC 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Recall number 16V502000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported June 6, 2014 · 31,520 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured December 5, 2011 to August 2, 2012, and Chevrolet Camaro vehicles manufactured December 1, 2011 to June 11, 2012. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Risk
If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM at 1‑800‑222‑1020. Buick owners may contact GM at 1‑800‑521‑7300. Note: This is an expansion of recalls 12V‑522 and 13V‑023.

Recall number 14V300000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assistReported August 15, 2013 · 292,879 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with 1.4L DOHC gasoline turbo engines and 6T40 front wheel drive automatic transmissions and equipped with an electric vacuum pump to provide supplemental vacuum for brake assist, when needed. In the affected vehicles, the pump may not activate, resulting in an intermittent reduction or loss of brake assist.
Risk
A loss of braking assistance will require extra pedal force and/or distance to bring the vehicle to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace a microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's recall number is 12213.

Recall number 13V360000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported January 24, 2013 · 4,167 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Risk
If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 13, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑521‑7300.

Recall number 13V023000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported October 31, 2012 · 2,949 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Risk
If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
Remedy
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑521‑7300.

Recall number 12V522000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported June 22, 2012 · 413,148 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through may 31, 2012. Spilled or dripping oil (such as after an oil change) may collect in the engine shield (bellypan) near hot engine or exhaust system surfaces. As a result, the oil and the engine shield may ignite and burn.
Risk
Either condition could result in an engine compartment fire, possibly causing injury or death.
Remedy
Gm will notify owners, and dealers will modify the engine shield to prevent fluid from contacting the shield. Also, on vehicles with a manual transmission, dealers will apply a protective tape to the electronic power steering wire harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge to the owner. The safety recall began on july 10, 2012. Owners may contact the chevrolet owner center at 1‑866‑694‑6546.

Recall number 12V288000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mountingReported June 22, 2012 · 53,239 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through may 14, 2012. Attachment welds for the fuel tank strap secondary brackets may have been omitted.
Risk
The fuel tank could come loose in a crash, possibly allowing fuel to leak from the tank. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for missing welds. If the vehicle is missing welds, dealers will secure the bracket attachments with fasteners. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on july 9, 2012. Owners may contact the chevrolet owner center at 1‑866‑694‑6546.

Recall number 12V289000 · Recall details

See all 7 recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Defect investigations

Air Bag Non-deploymentOpened May 31, 2013, closed July 9, 2014

General Motors (GM) has initiated a safety recall of 31,520 model year (MY) 2012 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles to address a defect condition that could result in the primary or secondary stage air bag not deploying.These vehicles are a small percentage of all MY 2012 vehicles and were built on several specific production dates broadly ranging from December 1, 2011 to August 2, 2012 (see the federal safety agency recall 14V‑300 for more information).Also, see attached additional report for more information.This investigation was opened to evaluate the scope of two uninfluenced safety recalls (the federal safety agency recalls 12V‑522 and 13V‑023) of certain MY 2012 Verano, Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles.These recalls involved the same defect issue as the new recall mentioned above.Accordingly, this investigation is closed based on the recall actions GM is undertaking.

RQ13002

Chapman Chevrolet / Cruze Engine RecallOpened October 15, 2012, closed October 20, 2014

the federal safety agency opened AQ12-002 to determine whether Chapman Chevrolet of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C.Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations.The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and non-compliances with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and, in turn, that a dealer not sell a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed (49 U.S.C. ? 30120(i)). the federal safety agency issued an information request (IR) letter to Chapman Chevrolet on October 16, 2012.Chapman Chevrolet responded to this request on November 8, 2012.To gather additional information, the federal safety agency mailed an IR letter to General Motors LLC (GM) on February 25, 2013.GM responded to this request on April 1, 2013.the federal safety agency then issued a second IR letter to Chapman Chevrolet on July 2, 2013.Chapman Chevrolet supplied their response on July 30, 2013. the federal safety agency?s investigation indicated that Chapman Chevrolet sold and delivered 23 recalled vehicles that did not have the recall remedy completed at the time the vehicles were delivered to the customers.the federal safety agency therefore concluded that Chapman Chevrolet was liable for civil penalties for violations of the Safety Act, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. ? 30165.Under a Settlement Agreement dated October 1, 2014, Chapman Chevrolet paid compromised civil penalties in the amount of $50,000.This Audit Query is closed.

AQ12002

Engine compartment fireOpened March 28, 2012, closed July 19, 2012

In a June 21, 2012 letter to the federal safety agency, General Motors LLC. (GM) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in approximately 413,148 model year (MY) 2011 through 2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured from October 2, 2009 through May 31, 2012 (Recall 12V‑288). According to GM, engine oil change procedures can result in spilling or dripping of oil on the engine shield.Also, manual transmission vehicles with a completely worn clutch may cause hydraulic fluid to be expelled from the clutch housing vent hole.If oil, debris or the burning hydraulic fluid contacts hot engine or exhaust system surfaces, and the engine shield, the shield may ignite and burn, leading to a possible engine compartment or vehicle fire.GM and its engine shield supplier, Hanwha, modified the engine shield to address factors that may contribute to engine compartment fire. The redesigned shields were completely implemented in production vehicles by June 2012.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by GM as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 25 unique Chevrolet Cruze reports indicating hot surface ignition due to engine oil or hydraulic fluid contacting hot manifold, exhaust surfaces and the engine shield.Four additional fires were identified that resulted from other or unknown causes, including 1 attributed to a missing oil filler cap.Three fires of unknown cause all involved vehicles equipped with 1.4L L4 turbocharged engines.ODI will continue to monitor field experience in Cruze vehicles equipped with that engine.Owners of the recalled vehicles are notified to take their vehicle to a GM dealer, who will modify the engine shield to prevent oil fluids from contacting the shield.Also, on vehicles with a manual transmission, dealers are to apply a protective tape to the electronic power steering wire harness to prevent any incidents related to this issue. This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.): 10456338, 10453754, 10450556, 10446718.

PE12010

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 1,818

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,818 bulletins for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

2012 Chevrolet Cruze fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.4L 4‑cylFWD26-2836-4030-32
1.8L 4‑cylFWD22-2534-3526-29

What 2012 Chevrolet Cruze owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Engine · UT · fire

I was driving and the engine caught on fire. The flames came from the turbo gasket compartment not sure why or how it ignited. Thankfully the damage was not that extensive the car was towed to my residence and it is not drivable it won't start.

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Engine · MO

Was driving and my car literally wouldn't go forward. Prior to I had an oil change and I would smell burning oil

Filed Jun 3, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NE

My breaks do not work in reverse. Pump valve seems to be bad

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · VA

Have called about this starting 2020. Had 137000. Also previous owner since 99000mi. Drive train & Turbo. Brake assist. Oil leaks, shutting off while driving. Now as of Saturday April 25 2026 Car shut off while driving and has been towed to dealership. Car deemed lemon by GM. In 2020 car to have been replaced I have all service contact numbers as well as my receipts. Car is a death trap. Do better Chevrolet & GM

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · 74,522 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH and accelerating over a speed bump, the key slid out of the ignition switch. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, and it was determined that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V502000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 74,522.

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Engine · 144,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started overheating, and a coolant leak was discovered. During the failure, the check engine warning light was displayed, and the message "A/C Off Due to High Engine Temp" was displayed even though the A/C was not activated. The temperature gauge was elevated, creating a risk that the engine might stall or catch on fire. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 12V288000 ( ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Engine · SC

Check engine light on Car smoking when driven and smells like burning oil

Filed Oct 14, 2025 · Engine · WA

My son just purchased this car and nearly hit 100,000 miles. It started leaking oil in the engine area the valve cover gasket. It's drips all over the car causing it to smoke and smell.

Filed Sep 6, 2025 · Engine · PA

Repetitive coolant leak repaired 5+ times over 9 years; incurred costs over $X,XXX. Coolant (toxic) leak causes burn off in the engine compartment and the vapors from this are transferred into the cabin, posing a risk to driver and passenger health.

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Transmission · AR

Had a 3-5-R wave plate failure. Symptoms started at around 87,000 miles. Bouncing/jerking when put into reverse. 5th gear slams hard into gear when upshifting and downshifting, making it feel like I have been rear ended. Now 3rd gear is starting to shift hard like 5th. Soon I'll have no gears. Car has been both regular and preventative maintained so should not have such a massive failure at under 100k miles. Other vehicles with the same transmission (6t40) have been recalled due to similar issues, like the 1.4 turbocharged Cruze, but not the 1.8l Cruze for whatever reason. Now I have to pay $4k for a rebuild on something that Chevrolet should be liable to pay.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze before you buy

Compare the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

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Other model years

2010201120122013201420152016201720182019

Questions about the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Owners have filed 865 complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 3.4 times a typical Cruze model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze year score?

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze scores 26 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Cruze: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?

Engine and cooling, with 308 complaints, typically around 64,000 miles. Next is electrical (196).

How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze have?

7 recalls, covering electrical system, air bags and service brakes, hydraulic.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 12V288000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Cruze have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Cruze model years with the most engine complaints are 2012 (308 complaints), 2011 (295 complaints) and 2014 (235 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze get?

Official estimates for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze range from 26 to 32 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 26-28 city and 36-40 highway.

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