2012 Chevrolet Cruze
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.
What to watch for on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
PCV Valve and Valve Cover Failure
The PCV valve is built into the plastic valve cover.
Turbo Coolant and Oil Line Leaks
The coolant and oil lines feeding the turbo are known to seep.
2 more known problems on the 2012 Cruze
Your guide shows all of them and which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
Recalls on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
Electrical system: ignition
Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox…
Air bags
The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Fuel system: mounting
ATTACHMENT WELDS FOR THE FUEL TANK STRAP SECONDARY BRACKETS MAY HAVE BEEN OMITTED.
4 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.
Source: NHTSA
What 865 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2012 Chevrolet Cruze at a glance
- Trims
- EcoLSLTLTZ
- Engine
- 1.4L 4-Cylinder Turbo, 1.8L 4-Cylinder
- Transmission
- Automatic 6-spd, Manual 6-spd
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Sedan
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Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?
Owners have filed 865 complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze with NHTSA, most often about the engine. There are 7 recall campaigns covering this model year. Known problems on its engines include pcv valve and valve cover failure, turbo coolant and oil line leaks and water pump and thermostat housing leaks. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 7 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2012 Chevrolet Cruze listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.