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 were broke off. Dec 2012 trunk button does not work properly - has been replaced multiple times (by kocourek). And not…
2012 Chevrolet Cruze electrical problems
severe 134 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
134
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
6crashes
3fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 134 electrical complaints filed for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 8 model years of Chevrolet Cruze we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 134.
Owners have filed 134 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A used 2012 Chevy Cruze electrical system is a proven gamble—owners report cascading dashboard dropouts, complete power losses while driving, and steering/brake failures that dealers struggle to diagnose because problems disappear during testing. Budget for multiple dealer visits, potential full-vehicle electrical harness replacement, and serious safety risk on the highway.
The 2012 Chevy Cruze electrical complaints span multiple systems and failure patterns. Instrument cluster and radio display dropout is widespread — units go dark or flicker on and off intermittently, sometimes for seconds or minutes. Owners report losing audio, turn signal tones, and dash warnings during these episodes. Many describe this happening after rain or in humid conditions, though some notice no weather correlation.
Power and control loss events represent the most dangerous complaints. Vehicles have shut off completely while driving at highway speeds, leaving owners without steering, braking, or lights. Some report 20–45 minutes of total unresponsiveness before systems restore. Service warning lights appear frequently: StabiliTrak, power steering, ABS, traction control, and anti-theft warnings illuminate and reset unpredictably. Several owners describe losing power steering momentarily or completely during these incidents.
Starting and ignition issues also recur. Keys stick in the ignition; push-button starters require multiple attempts; battery-related no-start conditions occur after short parked intervals. Remote keyless entry failures and key fob detection errors prevent reliable vehicle activation. Trunk release buttons fail intermittently or don't work at all, and some trunks pop open while driving or remain stuck closed.
Owners report trunk release switches, door lock failures, and interior light fluttering alongside electrical glitches. Battery corrosion and faulty ground cables are documented. Dealers repeatedly claim they cannot recreate problems or find fault codes, often advising owners to return when issues become constant — leaving owners stranded with intermittent dangers.
Same Chevrolet Cruze electrical reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Instrument Cluster and Radio Display Dropout
Instrument cluster and radio/infotainment display units lose power intermittently, going dark or flickering on and off. When power cuts out, audio stops, turn signal tones vanish, and warning messages disappear. Episodes can last seconds to several minutes and often recur within single drives.
When: Intermittent, sometimes after rain or in humid conditions; can occur while driving or parked
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster goes dark or flickers; Radio display blacks out or reboots repeatedly; Audio output stops during power loss; Turn signal sound disappears; Center console and dash lights flicker; Time/temp/date display blacks out
Codes mentioned: SERVICE STABILITRAK, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE POWER STEERING, SERVICE ANTI-THEFT
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report brake module replacement, brake vacuum micro switch replacement, and BCM (body control module) replacement at dealership attempts; none consistently resolve issue. One owner documented electrical box replacement as solution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special Coverage 14311B mentioned by one owner; brake module replacements and BCM replacements attempted per dealer visits. Some owners cite GM acknowledging engineers have heard of problem; however, multiple dealers claim no prior similar complaints in their records.
Complete Power Loss While Driving
Engine and all electrical systems shut down completely while vehicle is in motion, leaving driver without steering, braking, headlights, or taillights. Steering wheel locks or becomes heavy. Vehicle may or may not restart immediately. Owner must rely on inertia to coast to safety.
When: At highway and city speeds; unpredictable onset; one owner documents 3 occurrences within 10 miles of a 70-mile drive at 3 AM
Symptoms owners cite: Complete electrical shutdown while driving; Loss of steering control or heavy steering; Loss of braking power; Loss of headlights and taillights; Engine stops, no restart until vehicle cools or sits; Service warning lights flash upon power return
Codes mentioned: SERVICE STABILITRAK, SERVICE ANTI-THEFT, CHECK ENGINE
Repairs/costs cited: One owner documented complete harness replacement, UBEC replacement, fuse block replacement, EBCM replacement, master cylinder and brake booster replacement; GM paid for repair. Multiple owners report problem persists despite service attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM covered cost of major wiring harness repair for one owner. No other manufacturer resolution documented; dealers unable to diagnose or recreate.
Intermittent No-Start and Ignition Lock
Vehicle fails to start or requires multiple start attempts. Once started, ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be turned off or removed. Key fob not detected even when present. Push-button start requires repeated presses before ignition engages.
When: Intermittent; occurs after vehicle has been parked; some owners report issues after service visits
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start on first attempt; Requires 5–10+ start button presses; Key stuck in ignition, cannot turn or remove; Key fob not detected warning despite fob being in vehicle; Doors unlock and lock erratically when key fob is present; Anti-theft warning displays
Repairs/costs cited: Key fob replacement attempted and failed; one owner's dealer replaced keyless entry control module; problem returned within days. Ignition switch lubrication performed at dealership per GM software update.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM software update applied to lubricate ignition switch per one owner. Dealer advised keyless module and key fob replacement.
StabiliTrak and Power Steering Warning Lights with Loss of Steering
StabiliTrak and power steering warning lights illuminate while radio or dash display flickers. Owner experiences momentary or complete loss of power-assisted steering, requiring extreme force to turn wheel. Steering wheel may lock or become heavy.
When: Intermittent; triggered by braking, turning, or brake pedal application; sometimes correlates with radio flickering
Symptoms owners cite: StabiliTrak warning light illuminates; Power steering warning light flashes; Power steering stops working momentarily or completely; Steering wheel becomes very heavy; Steering wheel locks; Radio and display flicker simultaneously; Traction control and ABS warning lights flash
Codes mentioned: SERVICE STABILITRAK, SERVICE POWER STEERING, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE ABS
Repairs/costs cited: Brake module replacement attempted; no consistent fix. One owner notes dealer replaced brake vacuum micro switch at no charge (discovered via GM representative after BBB complaint).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Brake module replacement covered under warranty; special coverage mentioned. GM representative involvement after BBB complaint for one owner.
Trunk Release Button and Latch Failure
Trunk release button does not function or functions intermittently. Trunk button has been replaced multiple times but issue recurs. Trunk may open spontaneously while driving or remain stuck closed. In some cases, trunk can only be opened via key fob.
When: Can occur shortly after vehicle purchase (within months) or develop over time; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Trunk release button does not open trunk; Trunk opens on its own while driving or parked; Trunk will not close despite repeated attempts; Trunk requires key fob activation instead of button; Trunk button needs repeated replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Trunk release switch replaced multiple times at dealership (3+ times per one owner); issue returns. Broken clips noted on bumper. Dealer hesitant to cover repeated repairs under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership replaced trunk release switches under warranty initially; owner notes dealership reluctance to continue coverage.
Radio Flickering and Erratic Audio Loss
Radio display and speakers cut out intermittently, sometimes correlated with braking or turning. Radio reboots repeatedly. Blinker sound disappears during power loss events. Issue may be triggered by brake pedal application, window operation, or headlight usage.
When: Intermittent; can happen multiple times within 30 minutes; often progresses in frequency and severity over weeks and months
Symptoms owners cite: Radio goes off and on repeatedly; Speaker audio cuts out; Radio display blacks out or reboots; Loss occurs when brakes applied; Loss occurs when windows lowered; Loss occurs when turn signals used; Blinker tone missing during dropout
Repairs/costs cited: Radio replaced at dealership (one owner); problem persisted. Owners cite problem gets worse over time despite repair attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special Coverage 14311B referenced by one owner; dealer gave unclear information about coverage eligibility.
Rapid Starting Drain / Battery Discharge
Battery loses charge quickly. Vehicle requires jump-start after short parked intervals (hours). Battery is only a few years old but behaves as if depleted. Owner reports needing jumps multiple times after recent purchase.
When: Intermittent; occurs within hours or days of vehicle being parked; worsens with time
Symptoms owners cite: Battery loses charge overnight or within hours; Vehicle requires jump-start to start; Frequent need for external power assistance; Battery shows no visible corrosion but still fails
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced and cables cleaned of corrosion per dealership service. Issue continues despite new battery.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Battery replacement covered; corrosion cleaning performed.
Electrical Corrosion and Ground Cable Issues
Electrical connectors corrode; ground cable (black negative battery cable) develops poor connection. System reboots unexpectedly when ground connection is compromised. Owner discovers problem when disconnecting battery cable temporarily resolves symptoms.
When: Develops over time; discovered during symptom troubleshooting
Symptoms owners cite: Entire electrical system reboots or resets; Check StabiliTrak warning after partial restart; Multiple warning lights flash together; Problem resolves when battery ground cable disconnected and reconnected; Date and time reset repeatedly
Codes mentioned: CHECK STABILITRAK
Repairs/costs cited: Owner self-diagnosed faulty ground cable by disconnecting and reconnecting battery. Dealer noted corroded electrical cords but parts unavailable for repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for ground cable corrosion.
Door Lock Electrical Failure
Power door locks malfunction. Doors lock or unlock at random. Doors remain locked while vehicle is off and parked, trapping occupants inside. Doors do not respond to key fob commands.
When: Intermittent; occurs after power loss events or randomly
Symptoms owners cite: Doors lock unexpectedly while driving; Doors unlock unexpectedly while driving; Doors will not unlock after vehicle shut off; Occupant trapped inside vehicle; Key fob does not control locks; Doors unlock automatically when key fob detected
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented as successful; issue persists despite service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Reduced Engine Power / Throttle Position Sensor Error
Engine power reduces to 4–5 mph limp mode. 'Reduced Engine Power' warning displays. Engine light illuminates. Issue occurs unpredictably, sometimes after normal driving. Diagnostic codes point to throttle position sensor (TPS) or similar sensor, but sensor replacement does not resolve problem. Owner must turn off vehicle and wait to regain power.
When: Intermittent; can occur within 15 minutes of starting; recurs multiple times per drive
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced engine power warning light on dash; Vehicle speed reduced to 4–5 mph immediately; Check engine light illuminates; Cannot accelerate normally; Must shut off vehicle to reset; Problem recurs within minutes or hours
Codes mentioned: REDUCED ENGINE POWER, CHECK ENGINE, THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR CODE
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle position sensor replaced multiple times; issue persists. No parts identified as permanently fixing problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite owner noting problem in owner's manual troubleshooting section. Dealer charges for diagnosis despite widespread reports.
Fuel Level Gauge Inaccuracy
Instrument panel fuel level display shows empty or inaccurate readings despite fuel being in tank. When fuel drops below half tank, gauge may read empty for days or weeks even after refueling. Creates uncertainty on long drives.
When: Occurs when fuel level drops below half tank; persistent until refill
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge reads empty when tank has fuel; Gauge inaccuracy lasts days or weeks despite refueling; Gauge shows correct level intermittently
Codes mentioned: P069E (Fuel Pump Control Module)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump suspected initially; diagnostic reveals fuel pump control module issue. No repair documented as successful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Synthesized from 134 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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
My 2012 Chevrolet cruze starting in september this year 2015 the car had 75,000 miles on it when it started with the dash lights, fan, radio and display all randomly shutting off and turning on. Sometimes when this happens the stabilitrack display will come on and this can happen at anytime but usually when the car is going slow or stopped, I first noticed it when applying the breaks. This…
Had electrical trouble with your 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?
It's a meaningful issue. 134 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 106 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 34,000 and 76,000 miles, with the median around 50,238. A quarter of owners report trouble before 34,000; a quarter make it past 76,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Chevrolet/Cruze.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.