Problems · by component

2012 Chevrolet Cruze engine and engine cooling problems

44 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze cite engine and engine cooling, 5% of all 865 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
44
5% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine and engine cooling

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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 Temp" was displayed even though the A/C was not activated. The temperature gauge was elevated, creating a risk that the engine might stall or catch on fire. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V288000 ( ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 30, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11728123
“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 convertor. The contact replaced the purge valve; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the warning lights blinked on and off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,039.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2024Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, gasolineODI 11613565
“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH the vehicle started running rough and then stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and the stabili-trak symbol were illuminated. The contact stated that an engine over heating warning had flashed. The contact pulled off the highway and attempted to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that after several attempts the vehicle failed to restart and was towed back to the residence. The contact stated that he had observed that the vehicle was leaking coolant, and that the vehicle had previously stalled prior to the failure on the highway; however, the contact was able to restart the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was also leaking oil. The contact had researched online and related the oil leak to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V288000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 1, 2024Engine and engine coolingODI 11569252
“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the vehicle restarted inadvertently, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V288000 (Engine and Engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 117,969.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 3, 2023Engine and engine coolingODI 11536269
“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer for an oil change and was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he took the vehicle back to the local dealer on May 3, 2023, for another oil change and was informed for a second time that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 17, 2023Engine and engine coolingODI 11522507
“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the turbo and water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve cover, engine coolant hose, and various unknown sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 9, 2023Engine and engine coolingODI 11506499

Showing 6 of 44 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Engine and engine cooling

Free remedy

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2, 2009, THROUGH MAY 31, 2012. SPILLED OR DRIPPING OIL (SUCH AS AFTER AN OIL CHANGE) MAY COLLECT IN THE ENGINE SHIELD (BELLYPAN) NEAR HOT ENGINE OR EXHAUST SYSTEM SURFACES. AS A RESULT, THE OIL AND THE ENGINE SHIELD MAY IGNITE AND BURN.

Engine and engine coolingReported Jun 22, 2012NHTSA 12V288000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

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