2012 chevrolet Cruze engine problems

severe 166 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100

Complaints

166

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$3,100

Related recalls

critical NHTSA 12V288000 22/06/2012

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.

What owners are reporting 3 most recent

engine · filed 12/26/2018

CATALAYIC CONVERTER PLUGGED AT 82000 MILES WHICH CAUSED ENGINE KNOCK NOISE

engine · filed 12/24/2018

I BOUGHT MY CAR IN 2015, IT IS A 2012 CHEVY CRUZE ECO. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE CAMSHAFT COVER(PCV) 2 TIMES IN A YEAR DUE TO THE GASKET BEING CRAP AND CAUSING HORRIBLE OIL LEAKS! HERE I AM AGAIN, CHANGED IT AND IT IS AGAIN FAULTY AND LEAKING OIL. THIS NEEDS TO BE WARRANTY AND COVERED BY GM. I'VE ALREADY HAD TO DO THE WATER PUMP MYSELF BECAUSE THEY WOULDN'T FIX THE WATER PUMP AT ANY DEALER. THIS IS …

engine · filed 12/23/2014

I WAS AT A RED LIGHT AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I WAS ABOUT TO PUSH THE GAS PEDAL. THE VEHICLE DASH READ ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED AND SHUT OFF. I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT SHUT DOWN SAYING THE SAME THING ON THE DASH. I'M AFRAID BECAUSE SOMEONE COULD HAVE RAN INTO ME FROM THE REAR AND I HAVE A 7YR OLD DAUGHTER. I THINK THIS SHOULD BE HANDLED IMMEDIATELY. THIS IS NOT…

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 chevrolet Cruze?

It's a meaningful issue. 166 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.