2012 Chevrolet Cruze: common problems and reliability

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has 864 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag *first generation (2009-2016) issues:.

Safety record for the 2012 model year

864
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
62
Crash reports
17
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
267
electrical system
196
service brakes
152
power train
137
electronic stability control (esc)
108

Recalls affecting the 2012 Cruze

electrical system:ignition

Campaign 16V502000

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.

air bags

Campaign 14V300000

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

fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting

Campaign 12V289000

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 BEE

engine and engine cooling

Campaign 12V288000

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

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly negative sentiment for the first-generation Cruze (model years approximately 2009-2016), with widespread reports of severe and frequent mechanical failures leading to high ownership costs and frustration. This generation is frequently described

  • *First Generation (2009-2016) Issues:
  • Coolant system leaks/failures — leading to overheating and potential engine destruction. Very frequent.
  • Turbocharger failures — around 90,000 miles (145,000 km). Very frequent.
  • Engine misfires — can lead to blown engine. Very frequent.
  • Oil leaks — from valve cover, oil filter housing, and other seals. Very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Cruze.

Typical used price

Used Cruze listings typically run $7,900–$10,775 across 2012 to 2019 model years.

Other Cruze model years