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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-CHEVROLET-CRUZENHTSA data synced 7 hours ago
2012 · Chevrolet
Chevrolet Cruze problems
1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 863 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
Reliability score
5.6 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
1
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 Cruze?
Avoid — the engine
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.
7 fire-related complaints and 2 crash-related complaints on the engine
Electrical system: 134 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 34,000–76,000 mi
Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average
4 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 Cruze· visibility
My passenger side windshield wiper stopped working.I was trying to make it a few days until I could afford to fix my passenger wiper and my driver side stopped working on my way to work on the highway while I was in motion. When this happened I had to hang my head out the window…
I just want to start off by saying we purchased this car brand new from kocourek Chevrolet in wausau, wi. Dec 2012 or jan 2013 bumper fell off within 3 months of purchase while driving. Yes, fell off. The dealership where we purchased the car hesitantly replaced it as the clips…
feel like it downshift first really fast before going in 5 th gear. Feel like you’re going to fly out the windshield. If seatbelt wasn’t on you would get whiplash. When driving in automatic it go in limp mode. burning oil. Now
Ac off due to high temp, thermostat replaced 2014. Ac off due to high temp again, thermostat replaced may 20, 2015.. Dec 27th, 2015 ac off due to high temp again- car overheated in 10 degre weather. Thermostat being replaced for the third time!! *js
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General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through may 31, 2012
Either condition could result in an engine compartment fire, possibly causing injury or death.
Fix: 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.
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles
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.
Fix: 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.
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through may 14, 2012
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.
Fix: 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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.6 out of 10 based on 863 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?
On the NHTSA data, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 7 fire-related complaints and 2 crash-related complaints on the engine; Electrical system: 134 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 34,000–76,000 mi; Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 166 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 71,414 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 71,414 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Chevrolet Cruze has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 863 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 7 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Chevrolet/Cruze.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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