CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 865 complaints with NHTSA, including 62 crashes, 18 fires, 30 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (268 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2012 Chevrolet Cruze recalls
Key Can Be Removed Before Park Is Engaged, Risking Rollaway
The electronic park lock lever on these vehicles may allow the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is not in PARK.
Most common 2012 Chevrolet Cruze problems
Problem areas named in the 865 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 268 |
| Electrical System | 197 |
| Service Brakes | 142 |
| Power Train | 138 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 108 |
| Steering | 105 |
| Unknown Or Other | 84 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 51 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 48 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 46 |
What owners report
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.
Was driving and my car literally wouldn't go forward. Prior to I had an oil change and I would smell burning oil
My breaks do not work in reverse. Pump valve seems to be bad
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
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.
2012 Chevrolet Cruze safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (10.9% rollover risk) |
2012 Chevrolet Cruze questions
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze: Key Can Be Removed Before Park Is Engaged, Risking Rollaway; Air Bags; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist; Air Bags; Air Bags. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?
Based on 865 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (268), Electrical System (197), Service Brakes (142).
How safe is the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.