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Chevrolet Cruze stalling problems

251 of the 3,731 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Cruze describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2012 model year.

owner complaints
251
worst model year
2012
typical repair cost reported
$2,170
typical mileage
54,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Check engine light 53Jerking 21Loss of power 17Overheating 15Hesitation 12Fire or smoke 10Knocking 9Power steering loss 8

Trouble codes mentioned

P0299 2P0171 2P2817 1P1101 1P0325 1P0300 1P0106 1P0101 1P0016 1

What owners say

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Engine · MI

Engine replaced turbo charger. Purchased the vehicle on 5/16 and a week later the engine light came on. Took the vehicle to AutoZone and received a code of P0299. Call the dealership and got no response from the salesperson so I made an appointment for 5/27. Problem was dismissed as the engine light was no longer displayed. Told to return when the light reappeared. The car stalls and the acceleration was an issue, especially for a 19 year old inexperienced driver. This put her life and those around her in danger. Took the vehicle back on 6/5 and had to leave it. No vehicles available or offered while the car was in the shop. This time they scanned the vehicle and came up with the same P0299 code. Left the vehicle for a week and the cost for the engine replaced turbocharger and all single use parts related for the repair was $3010.38 Yes, the vehicle was presented as "as as." However, the vehicle was also presented as if the maintenance and repairs were all completed and the vehicle was road ready and safe and this was not the case at all.

Filed May 21, 2026 · Engine · 82,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle began jerking motions and misfiring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a cam shaft failure and diagnostic codes P0016, P0101. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000

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 2, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · IN

The primary failure is a total loss of engine power and electrical systems while the vehicle is in motion. The dealership (Ray Skillman Southside Mitsubishi) has diagnosed this as a failed engine/body control computer system. The vehicle is currently located at the dealership's service center and is available for inspection. The vehicle has stalled/shut off completely while driving on four separate occasions. This resulted in an immediate loss of power steering and motive power, nearly causing collisions in traffic. A vehicle that loses all power without warning is a severe safety hazard to the driver, passengers, and other motorists on the road. Yes. The problem has been confirmed by the Ray Skillman service department. They have attempted to repair the issue 3 times without success and currently state that the vehicle is inoperable while they search for a used replacement computer component. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by the Ray Skillman dealership technicians. To date, no representative from the manufacturer (General Motors) or insurance has performed an independent inspection, though a formal complaint has been initiated with the dealership's corporate management. There were no consistent warning lamps or symptoms prior to the failures. The vehicle would unexpectedly lose all power and shut down. These symptoms first appeared within the first 100 miles of ownership (purchased at 11,000 miles; current mileage approximately 11,800 The dealership has refused to provide a loaner vehicle and is currently attempting to resolve a recurring safety failure using a used/salvage electronic component rather than a certified new part, which I believe further compromises the safety of the vehicle.

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 Mar 15, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

Unknown. The car seems to stall or slip when accelerating as is misfiring. It cuts off in the middle of the streets after coming out of auto stop mode. Pcv valve keeps popping up as issue. I had the pcv changed o2 sensors checked cleaned throttle body and air filter changed. The car still gives same problem and engine power reduction keeps popping on dashboard.

Filed Jan 24, 2026 · NC

Hesitate to change gears properly. Engine stalling. RPM will rive up. Sounds like the transmission wants to slip.

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 113,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the “Service Stabili-trak” message was displayed. The warning light turned on and off, and the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the vehicle started jerking and rolling while on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Filed Nov 18, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

My 2017 Chevy Cruze had the throttle body replaced by STG Auto Group in Montclair, CA. A few months after the repair, my car began shaking violently and then shut off in the middle of the street while I was driving on 11/17/2025 This created a serious safety hazard for me and other drivers. When I took the vehicle to a local auto zone once the vehicle turned on , they told me the throttle body “needs cleaning,” but a new throttle body should not get dirty within a few months. This suggests improper installation or a defective part. The problem returned even though the part was recently replaced. I immediately called the dealership who fixed it and the manager stated I’d have to wait to the following week for another inspection and that I can not be squeezed in . The vehicle is still unsafe to drive because it shakes and can stall unexpectedly. I am concerned because this issue has happened more than once and could have caused an accident. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 230,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 25-35 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear and then stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

Related recalls

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

Questions about the Chevrolet Cruze stalling

Which Chevrolet Cruze years have engine stalls while driving problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2012 (54 complaints), 2011 (49 complaints) and 2014 (41 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix engine stalls while driving on the Chevrolet Cruze?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,170 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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