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GREEN CHOICE

Chevrolet Cruze

EPA MPG: 26 mpg
Average Retail Price
$4,500 - $5,025

RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability
/ 100

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Chevrolet Cruze owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Cylinder head

"Replaced Valve cover and parts to go with it. Total cost was $977.32. About February 2023."

Anonymous A., FL (2012 Chevrolet Cruze 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
Turbo or supercharger

"Oil leak. Cost $3000 to fix. Didnt know it was from turbo until I took it in for oil leak."

Anonymous, MI (2012 Chevrolet Cruze 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

"Total job cost $1400.00 one part was the turbo oil feed line and other parts"

Anonymous, (2012 Chevrolet Cruze ECO 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Heater system

"At times no heat"

Anonymous, ON (2012 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Refrigerant leaks

"Started April 2023. Water outlet housing cracked. Fixed 4/24/23. Cost $588.58 Started 4/27/23. Turbo cooler hose leaking. Fixed 4/28/23. Cost $1,056.67. Started 5/11/23. Fixed 5/12/23. Thermostat to oil cooler hose split. Cost $46.31. Dealer courtesy, charged parts only. Dealer stated that coolant leaks were common in the Cruze at that age."

Anonymous, PA (2012 Chevrolet Cruze 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The air conditioning was blowing warm air. The only thing that was working was the compressor. The rest of the system was replaced at the cost of $1500."

Anonymous A., MI (2012 Chevrolet Cruze ECO 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"It chunks or something when shifting. I dont know if this is "slipping" or not. It started within the past year and it happens everytime I drive it. The problem has not been resolved yet."

Anonymous, PA (2012 Chevrolet Cruze 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
Transmission leaks

"One time issue that seems to have been created over time with a seal that finally failed. Fixed in a day and the car is driving fine again"

Anonymous, CO (2012 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Antifreeze leaks

"It was sudden, couldnt drive it unless I brought antifreeze with me"

Anonymous, MI (2012 Chevrolet Cruze 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
Overheating

"On two separate occasions the car overheated. The first time was the thermostat, the second time the water pump. Both were within what I considered normal wear and tear."

Anonymous, CT (2012 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"i had a problem with the intake manifold and valve cover. it has been repaired as of 12/26/23"

Anonymous A., WI (2012 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Water pump"

Anonymous, WI (2012 Chevrolet Cruze ECO 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Powertrain cooling leaks

"Water outlet on engine disnetegrated. 2nd time replacing. This time used aftermarket metal. Also lower coolant hose started to get an aneurysm. Replaced with OEM."

Anonymous, UT (2012 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Squeaks or rattles

"Noise in passenger door"

Anonymous, ON (2012 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"The dealer wanted $4800 to fix and clean the oil off the engine ! Crazy"

Anonymous A., PA (2012 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other emissions/fuel system problem

"Car intermittently goes into "Limp mode" when the acceleration pedal voltage error goes off. I've checked the engine code. Had the pedal replace twice within a year but it is starting to so it again. It happens almost everyday."

Anonymous, PA (2012 Chevrolet Cruze 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Coil

"My wife was driving the car and it started idling very rough. She was able to get the car home. Never had this problem with any other car including a car with over 200,000 miles."

Anonymous A., MI (2012 Chevrolet Cruze ECO 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Loose interior trim or moldings

"Cheap plastic. The dash numbers and radio, and heat/ air displays are all wiped off and peeling"

Anonymous A., PA (2012 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

/ 5

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

/ 5

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

/ 5

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

/ 5

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

/ 5

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

/ 5

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

/ 5

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
08
09
10
11*
12
13
14
15
16*
17
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA

NA

NA

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
NA
NA
NA
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
Build Quality
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Jul 05, 2016
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Summary:
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. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V502000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 8367
AIR BAGS
Jun 06, 2014
If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
Summary:
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 vehicles manufactured December 5, 2011 to August 2, 2012, and Chevrolet Camaro vehicles manufactured December 1, 2011 to June 11, 2012. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM at 1-800-222-1020. Buick owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. Note: This is an expansion of recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V300000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 31520
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Aug 15, 2013
A loss of braking assistance will require extra pedal force and/or distance to bring the vehicle to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with 1.4L DOHC gasoline turbo engines and 6T40 front wheel drive automatic transmissions and equipped with an electric vacuum pump to provide supplemental vacuum for brake assist, when needed. In the affected vehicles, the pump may not activate, resulting in an intermittent reduction or loss of brake assist.
What should you do:
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace a microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's recall number is 12213.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V360000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 292879
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