2012 Chevrolet Cruze Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls21 recalls

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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."

Campaign #16V50200005/07/2016

STEERING

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured November 8, 2013, to March 12, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the inner tie rod may not be tightened to specification allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear.

Campaign #15V44200010/07/2015

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.

Campaign #14V41700002/07/2014

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with a 1.4L turbo engine, and manufactured between November 28, 2012, and March 7, 2014. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.

Campaign #14V15100031/03/2014

AIR BAGS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's front air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.

Campaign #14V37200026/06/2014

+ 16 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Cruze problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Fuel-Tank Strap Bracket Welds May Be Missing (Recall 12V289), Replacement Park-Lock Lever Can Permit Rollaway (Recall 16V502), Brake Vacuum Pump May Not Provide Supplemental Assist (Recall 13V360). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Fuel-Tank Strap Bracket Welds May Be Missing (Recall 12V289) and Replacement Park-Lock Lever Can Permit Rollaway (Recall 16V502) and Brake Vacuum Pump May Not Provide Supplemental Assist (Recall 13V360) and Oil Can Collect in the Engine Shield and Ignite (Recall 12V288). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

What is the 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze Fuel-Tank Strap Bracket Welds May Be Missing (Recall 12V289)?

Certain 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles may be missing attachment welds at the fuel-tank strap secondary brackets. The tank can come loose in a crash, leak fuel and create a fire risk near an ignition source. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze Replacement Park-Lock Lever Can Permit Rollaway (Recall 16V502)?

Certain 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles may have been serviced with a defective replacement electronic park-lock lever. The ignition key can then be removed while the automatic transmission is not in Park, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze Brake Vacuum Pump May Not Provide Supplemental Assist (Recall 13V360)?

Certain 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles with the 1.4L turbo engine, 6T40 automatic transmission and an electric supplemental brake-vacuum pump can have a pump that does not activate. Brake assist can be reduced or lost intermittently. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze Oil Can Collect in the Engine Shield and Ignite (Recall 12V288)?

Certain 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles can collect spilled or dripping oil in the engine shield near hot engine or exhaust surfaces. The oil and shield can ignite and cause an engine-compartment fire. Severity: high.

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 4 Known Issues

2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze: Fuel-Tank Strap Bracket Welds May Be Missing (Recall 12V289)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze: Replacement Park-Lock Lever Can Permit Rollaway (Recall 16V502)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze: Brake Vacuum Pump May Not Provide Supplemental Assist (Recall 13V360)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze: Oil Can Collect in the Engine Shield and Ignite (Recall 12V288)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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Other Chevrolet Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Cruze problems?

Is the Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

What is the 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze Fuel-Tank Strap Bracket Welds May Be Missing (Recall 12V289)?

What is the 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze Replacement Park-Lock Lever Can Permit Rollaway (Recall 16V502)?

What is the 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze Brake Vacuum Pump May Not Provide Supplemental Assist (Recall 13V360)?

What is the 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze Oil Can Collect in the Engine Shield and Ignite (Recall 12V288)?