Problems · NHTSA complaints

2012 Chevrolet Cruze problems

Owners filed 865 complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze with NHTSA between Oct 2011 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is engine (268).

Complaints
865
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
62
Reported by owners
Fires
18
Reported by owners
Injuries
30
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine268
  2. Electrical system196
  3. Service brakes142
  4. Power train137
  5. Electronic stability control (esc)108
  6. Steering103
  7. Vehicle speed control51
  8. Fuel/propulsion system48
  9. Engine and engine cooling44
  10. Visibility/wiper35
  11. Air bags34
  12. Structure21
  13. Exterior lighting15
  14. Service brakes, hydraulic10

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20114
201244
201375
2014161
201598
201687
201792
201885
201978
202040
202131
202218
202326
202413
20256
20267

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

268 reports10 crashes14 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2026EngineFire reportedODI 11760905

Electrical system

196 reports10 crashes3 fires1 related recall
“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 that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V502000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 74,522.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 23, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11733293

Service brakes

142 reports25 crashes1 fire
“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 2020 car to have been replaced I have all service contact numbers as well as my receipts. Car is a death trap. Do better Chevrolet & GM”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 27, 2026Power train, Service brakes, EngineODI 11734134

Power train

137 reports5 crashes3 fires
“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 have no gears. Car has been both regular and preventative maintained so should not have such a massive failure at under 100k miles. Other vehicles with the same transmission (6t40) have been recalled due to similar issues, like the 1.4 turbocharged Cruze, but not the 1.8l Cruze for whatever reason. Now I have to pay $4k for a rebuild on something that Chevrolet should be liable to pay.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 16, 2025Power trainODI 11655044

Electronic stability control (esc)

108 reports5 crashes
“LESS THAN 30 DAYS I HAVE PURCHASE A CAR FROM GALLIMORE MOTORS STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING REPORTED IT TO THE DEALER, WHO DID NOTHING. IT WAS LIKE OH WELL. THEN NOW THE STABILITRAK IS COMING ON, I HAVEN'T EVEN HAD THIS CAR FOR 30 DAYS UNTIL YESTERDAY.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2020Electronic stability control (esc)ODI 11365110

Steering

103 reports7 crashes1 fire
“I purchased this vehicle almost three weeks ago…I’m assuming it’s out of warranty…J am spending out of pocket expenses to have this car repaired….It has a faulty leakage in transmission that mechanics seem to can’t fix….I need my car for transportation….ATP I’m assuming the car is a lemon”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 16, 2023Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11544875
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.