Before you buy
This 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has 500 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
No VIN yet? Ask the seller.
A genuine seller should be happy to share it. Send this, then paste the VIN into the box above when it comes back.
Going to see one?
Get the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze inspection checklist by email, so you know what to look for when you're standing next to it.
2012 Chevrolet Cruze Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2012 Chevrolet Cruze trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2012 Chevrolet Cruze Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has 500 owner complaints, 30 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Cruze
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 30
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 37
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2012 Chevrolet Cruze problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?
This CHEVROLET CRUZE year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The CHEVROLET CRUZE has 500 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. 30 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 7 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 500 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 7 federal recall campaigns
- 30 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2012 Chevrolet Cruze complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 209 | 6 | 11 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 93 | 4 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 92 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 76 | 11 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 72 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 63 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 40 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 31 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 26 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 22 | 11 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I was driving and the engine caught on fire. The flames came from the turbo gasket compartment not sure why or how it ignited. Thankfully the damage was not that extensive the car was towed to my residence and it is not drivable it won't start.
Was driving and my car literally wouldn't go forward. Prior to I had an oil change and I would smell burning oil
My breaks do not work in reverse. Pump valve seems to be bad
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 …
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH and accelerating over a speed bump, the key slid out of the ignition switch. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, and it was determined th…
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…
Check engine light on Car smoking when driven and smells like burning oil
My son just purchased this car and nearly hit 100,000 miles. It started leaking oil in the engine area the valve cover gasket. It's drips all over the car causing it to smoke and smell.
Repetitive coolant leak repaired 5+ times over 9 years; incurred costs over $X,XXX. Coolant (toxic) leak causes burn off in the engine compartment and the vapors from this are transferred into the cabin, posing a risk to driver and passenger health.
Had a 3-5-R wave plate failure. Symptoms started at around 87,000 miles. Bouncing/jerking when put into reverse. 5th gear slams hard into gear when upshifting and downshifting, making it feel like I have been rear ended. Now 3rd gear is starting to shift hard like 5th. Soon I'll …
I went to take 5 for an oil change , the tech broke my oil cap filter , coolant hose & damage my engine oil cooler . Towed it to progressive Chevrolet . Fleet response is the insurance company for take 5 & they are not taking care of my rental extension while determining if they …
Coolant leaking , engine knock sound , turbo issue
Car started jerking when put in reverse and slams hard into 5th gear only. Taken to transmission shop and they have no idea what's causing it. They said they've never seen something like this before, and said it doesn't feel like a major transmission failure. Car only had 98,000 …
The check engine light keeps coming up after I buy gas in it and when I take it to Autozone for diagnose it keeps saying engine coolant which I just changed. After a while the light disappears but comes back when I fuel it.
To whom it may concern at NHTSA, We are writing to file a formal complaint regarding Chevrolet's refusal to address a serious safety recall on our vehicle related to an engine oil leak, which poses a fire hazard and endangers occupants. The malfunctioning component appears to b…
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. However, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an auto repair…
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was able to be restarted on the third attempt; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle…
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact connected a diagnostic machine to the vehicle and retrieved a DTC code for a failure with the purge valve and the catalytic c…
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was parked, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice where it was diagnosed that unknown parts needed to be re…
My car keeps telling me my trunk is open then it dings constantly going back and forth from tire monitor system to the trunk open. Then Everytime I turn the car off I have to wiggle the battery cable to get my car to start and my power steering keeps going out. I'm aware there ar…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.
Safety recalls
2012 Chevrolet Cruze recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. 7 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
AIR BAGS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2012 Chevrolet Cruze buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 30 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. This CHEVROLET CRUZE year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?▾
#1: Engine Problems (209 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (93 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (92 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, NHTSA complaints include 30 crash-related reports and 11 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 15 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 7 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?▾
This CHEVROLET CRUZE year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Cruze reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.