Is the 2012 Chevrolet CRUZE reliable?

The 2012 Chevrolet CRUZE has 1353 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet CRUZE?

Top problems: ENGINE (313 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (197 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (152 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Chevrolet CRUZE?

Yes, there are 7 recall(s): 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. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Chevrolet CRUZE?

The 2012 Chevrolet CRUZE gets 29 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1655. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Chevrolet CRUZE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Chevrolet CRUZE is approximately $1,346/year (sedan-compact class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Chevrolet CRUZE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2012 Chevrolet CRUZE has 1353 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.5x the segment average of 391. The most common issue is engine problems (23% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet cruze. while traveling 45 mph the contact noticed flames coming from the front of the vehicle without warning of a problem. the fire department was called to exstingusih the fire and no one was injured. the vehicle was not diagnosed. the vin was not available. . There are 7 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 23 fire reports filed.

23 fire reports 73 crash reports 17 injuries

1353

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

3.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

313 complaints

23%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING OF A PROBLEM. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXSTINGUSIH THE FIRE AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
• THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED DECEMBER 2010 AND SINCE THE PURCHASE ALL THE ISSUES THAT 2012 CHEVY CRUZE HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO REGARDING RECALLS WE HAVE SUFFERED THEM. THIS COMPLAINT IS FILED DUE TO THE FACT THAT, ALTHOUGH THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY, GM AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO HONOR THE WARRANTY, F
• I WAS DRIVING HOME AND OUT OF NOWHERE MY 2012 CHEVY CRUZE DINGS AND SAYS "ENGINE OVERHEATING A/C TURNED OFF," I WAS VERY SURPRISED BUT KEPT DRIVING AND LITERALLY ONE MINUTE LATER THE CAR DINGS AGAIN. THERE IS A DIFFERENT MESSAGE THAT SAYS "IDLE ENGINE OVERHEATING," AT THIS POINT I AM VERY WORRIED A

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 14 fire reports💥 10 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING OF A PROBLEM. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXSTINGUSIH THE FIRE AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Chevrolet CRUZE

Based on 1,102 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 55K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

283

30-60K

329

60-100K

300

100-150K

171

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

Reported earliermedian 45K mi · 129 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

Reported earliermedian 57K mi · 34 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Reported earliermedian 34K mi · 17 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

LIGHTING

Reported earliermedian 63K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TIRES

Reported earliermedian 22K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

WHEELS

Reported earliermedian 36K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (7)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION05/07/2016

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."

Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Chevrolet CRUZE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,656

Per month

$138

Per mile

13.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,298/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Chevrolet CRUZE

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,346

Full coverage / month

$112

Liability only / year

$565

vs US avg

-20%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-compact)0.93x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1346

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet CRUZE Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2012 CRUZE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1353 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING OF A PROBLEM. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXSTINGUSIH THE FIRE AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I WAS DRIVING HOME AND OUT OF NOWHERE MY 2012 CHEVY CRUZE DINGS AND SAYS "ENGINE OVERHEATING A/C TURNED OFF," I WAS VERY SURPRISED BUT KEPT DRIVING AND LITERALLY ONE MINUTE LATER THE CAR DINGS AGAIN. THERE IS A DIFFERENT MESSAGE THAT SAYS "IDLE ENGINE OVERHEATING," AT THIS POINT I AM VERY WORRIED A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, THE BRAKES BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VACUUM PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 13,000.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: MY 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE ECO WITH THE 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAS OCCASIONALLY REFUSED TO GO INTO 4TH GEAR, AND GRINDS OCCASIONALLY WHEN GOING INTO 2ND GEAR. I GET THE GRIND AT ABOUT 1200 RPM AND UP. MOST OF MY SHIFTING IS DONE AT OR BELOW 2500 RPM FOR FUEL ECONOMY REASONS. THE CLUTCH PEDAL CAN B
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)