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2012 Chevrolet Cruze electrical problems

196 complaints (23% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 50,000. 10 crashes reported.

owner complaints
196
of this car's complaints
23%
typical mileage
50,000
crashes
10
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Wiring
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Cruze electrical problems in other years

201120122013201420152016201720182019

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 35Warning lights 13Screen failure 11Key fob 8

Related recalls

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

What 2012 Chevrolet Cruze owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 3, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NE

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

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 Aug 27, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · KY

My car keeps telling me my trunk is open then it dings constantly going back and forth from tire monitor system to the trunk open. Then Everytime I turn the car off I have to wiggle the battery cable to get my car to start and my power steering keeps going out. I'm aware there are recalls.for my car but beings my check engine light is on they r refusing to fix my car. I don't understand. I thought recalls were mandatory and had to be fixed. This car barely has 85,000 miles on it. I shouldn't be having all these issues. It's all electrical it seems like. I need help.

Filed Nov 11, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · TX

Everything that has to do with the air in cabin and air intake for engine fails. Have issues all the time with it , told I need to fix one part then that fails again. Can’t use the AC in this car more than half the time if not an issue arises. Now I can’t get my inspection because again the same codes: P0097, P0171,P11c3, P 2199 At first I had only an issue with the MAF new one was placed and now all these errors popped up. The electrical also gave me issues before the lights are not as bright anymore in the car not the headlights. Too afraid to change them because I need the vehicle for my medical appointments and to pick up kids from school

Filed Nov 10, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · OH

The car's theft deterrent is not able to be turned off and is causing the car to stop working. I was driving my car on the highway and all of a sudden it completely shut off. I had it towed home. I replaced the battery and it worked for a short period of time but then shut off again. My mechanic states that the theft deterrent is getting triggered. We replaced the battery, fob battery, and checked everything it could possibly be with no luck. The car is too dangerous to drive and has caused missed work and loss of income.

Filed Sep 24, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Engine valve cover explode

Filed May 13, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · CA · crash

Value covers leaking oil and I replace it 6 times and it keep leaking

Filed Aug 31, 2022 · Acceleration, Electrical · TX

The car began to shake uncontrollably on the freeway at 55/MPH . The car then marked "Engine Power is Reduced", causing the car to no longer accelerate more than 5-7/MPH. This is a very dangerous situation because it can cause a terrible accident on the road since it's a random inconvenience. I have heard that many of these types of cars "Chevy Cruze" seem to experience the same type of problem. With that being said it's safe to say that as an owner this situation is far out of my control and it's definitely a collective problem with the type of car and make that it is. I ask for this to be immediately looked into.

Filed Jun 13, 2022 · Brakes, Electrical · OH · crash

When the ac on the brake pad will lock and there no brakes you can't push it down it gets hard but when you turn the ac turns off the brake pad goes back to normal but it's damage to be driving and this happen .. Also the trac control light comes on along with the sailablzie light

Filed Apr 24, 2022 · Electrical · NC

Loses power replace the maf sensor new air filter replaced both thermostat sensors, the thing that regulates the gas and 3 oil changes only had the car 2 months. Now a differnt code is showing about a mis fire.. i dnt think any of the recalls were completed on my car

Questions about the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze electrical

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 196 complaints about the electrical of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 23% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Cruze electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 50,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 16V502000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Cruze have the most electrical problems?

The Chevrolet Cruze model years with the most electrical complaints are 2012 (196 complaints), 2014 (188 complaints) and 2013 (122 complaints).

Other 2012 Chevrolet Cruze problems

Engine 308Brakes 150Transmission 137Driver assistance 109Steering 103Fuel system 52Acceleration 51Visibility 43Airbags 34Body 21Lights 16Tires 9Wheels 7Seat belts 5Suspension 5Seats 3Locks 2

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