The 2012 Chevy Cruze isn’t a clunker, but with some major issues compounded by 10 years on the road, it’s getting to where it costs more money than it’s worth to keep running. Mid-2010s model Cruzes will cost you less on the sale price and at the shop.
Key Points
- The 2012 Chevy Cruze has 800 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration complaints, three investigations, and seven recalls.
- One of the biggest problems is over oil that may splash onto the engine shield and possibly catch fire.
- The driver-side front airbag has been through three recalls for failure to deploy, and complaints are still rolling in.
- The 2012 Cruze has had its share of electrical problems, with the most worrying being power steering going in and out.
- A decent car in its day, the 2012 Cruze’s problems are now compounded with age, driving up maintenance costs.
Spilled and Dripping Oil May Splash On Engine Shield and Create Smoke, or Even Engine Fires
Powertrain and speed control problems make up half of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze’s over 800 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints. A common issue is smoke filling the cabin, sometimes accompanied by an antifreeze smell.
There was a major recall for 2012 Cruzes over dripping oil splashing onto the engine shield and potentially burning up.
At the very least, this will create a noxious odor. At worst, it can cause dizziness and engine fires.
Complaints have been filed as recently as Oct. 2021. So, if you’re buying a used Cruze, check the VIN and make note of any lingering odors in the car.
2012 Chevrolet Cruze’s Driver-side Front Airbag Has Three Recalls for Failure to Deploy, and Complaints Keep Rolling In
The driver’s airbag has been a major issue for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, with three recalls listed for the same issue: failure to deploy in an accident.
The most recent consumer complaint for an airbag failing to deploy was registered in Sept. 2021. The last complaint prior to that was nearly a year before.
So, it seems that at least the incidents have become far less common since the three recalls were issued.
2012 Chevy Cruze Owners Report Many Electrical Issues, With Power Steering Glitches the Most Concerning Problem
Another common problem for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a glitchy electrical system, and the issues are all over the place.
Some drivers report warning lights flashing on and off randomly, and others report fading lights or the AC not working.
A recent consumer complaint claims the temperature gauge fails to show an accurate reading. Another reports the radio stays on after turning the car off, draining the battery.
The most concerning electrical problem: The power steering assist may fade in and out while driving, making maneuvering the vehicle very difficult.
There have been no general recalls for units with wonky electronics. But there was a 2013 recall for nearly 300,000 units with potential loss of braking assist.
2012 Cruze isn’t the Worst Used Car, but With its Problems Compounded by Age, You Might Want to Go Slightly Newer
Over 800 consumer complaints may sound like a lot, but the Cruze sold a quarter-million units in 2012, so chances of experiencing these issues are low.
However, a 2012 Cruze is getting on in years. Annual repair costs average close to $600, according to Repair Pal. So, maintaining a 2012 Cruze may be more trouble than it’s worth.
The 2016 Cruze, however, has under 200 complaints, and annual repair costs are $100 less. Unless you’re willing to put a lot of elbow grease into a decade-old car, a mid-2010s model or later may be your best bet.
Photos: Chevrolet
