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CarComplaints.com Notes: In many ways, the 2012 Cruze continues the legacy of its predecessor. It's a legacy of sluggish transmissions and coolant leaks, but it's still a legacy.

To be fair, the number of complaints about the cooling system are way down versus the 2011 model which led to a class-action lawsuit.

On the flip-side, there's more concerns about brake problems.

However, there were far more Cruze vehicles sold for the 2012 model year so we'll give it our "Beware of this Clunker" badge rather than the "Avoid Like the Plague."

9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
21,150 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
2012 Chevrolet Cruze fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2012 Chevrolet Cruze Owner Comments

problem #6

Apr 272019

Cruze LS 1.8L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

CAR RATED FOR +30MPG EITHER CITY, HWY OR COMBINATION. The best I can get it at is 27 mpg that's in city, hwy or combo. I've tuned it, replaced things and no changes.

Replaced both O2 sensor, no change. Fuel pump, no change. Air filter, no change. Oil change, no change Trans. fluid change, no change. One of the best brands of tires, all 4 changed, no change to MPG. Suspension changed, no change to MPG. Brake fluid change, no change to MPG. Different types of gasoline, (octane level) no change to MPG. Different brand of gasoline, no change Additives, no change

- J O., Tucson, az, US

problem #5

Sep 302015

Cruze RS 1.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,519 miles

I received a recall on the ECM on my 2012 Chevy Cruise in August, 2015. I didn't schedule the work until the check engine light came on. The code was that the engine was running too lean. Weber Chevrolet performed the reprogramming on September 30, 2015. Since then, the mpg on my car has dropped from 38-40 (highway) to less than 32. City mpg is also significantly lower. I have always maintained my car (oil change, tire pressure, air filter etc. I regularly use cruise control. I complained to Weber Chevrolet after I noticed the drop in October and was told that the ECM could not be altered. I then contacted GM and spoke with a senior adviser. She said she would talk to Weber Chevrolet about a resolution. After a month of calls (about ten) and after speaking with a second senior adviser, I was told that the ECM could not be changed. They offered a $750.00 credit for access-ories for my car as a" goodwill gesture". I DO NOT WANT ACCESSORIES - I WANT MY GOOD MILEAGE BACK!

- Robert D., MARYLAND HTS, MO, US

problem #4

Jan 102013

Cruze LT 1.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 621 miles

click to see larger images

poor MPG poor MPG

I spoke to Gm dealership chevrolet gateway no answer, different theories, Oh it is winter, oh now is summer,. oh the air conditioner, no you are using the car in city. but since the beginning no better than 9.2 now days is 10.6l/100km

- Humberto P., Brampton, Ontario, canada

problem #3

Apr 012013

Cruze

  • Manual transmission
  • 5,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This car is supposed to get 38 MPG highway, which is why we bought this model. I was told it would take 2000 miles to "break it in". When that did not help, I was told it would take 5000 miles for it to run at its best. Now @ 15000+ miles, I am still waiting for it to deliver. I have NEVER gotten better than 35 MPG, even including numerous ALL "highway mile" trips. This includes the fact that I drive it VERY conservatively and even draft other vehicles,on occasion, to try to get the stated MPG. This equates to hundreds of extra $$$s to fuel this car over its life.

I have always been able to attain the stated mileage of a vehicle in the past and actually exceed it most of the time, until this car. I believe the rating should have been more like 32 MPG, which is usually all I can obtain. I believe part of the problem is that the 6-speed manual transmission is geared way too closely. It is ridiculous that my shift light goes off when I am cruising 25 MPH in my subdivision, telling me it wants to be in 6th gear. If the gears were spread out more, I could easily get MPGs in the 40s, without the issue of "dogging" the transmission.

Update from Aug 25, 2014: At 27,000+ miles, still never get the stated mpg, no matter what I do...

- Mark V., Wright City, MO, US

problem #2

Nov 302012

Cruze 1LT 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 970 miles

Since purchasing my 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, I have never gotten more than 15 MPG and that was only twice. Most of the time,I get between 11 and 14 mpg. I took the car the dealer twice (November 2012 and January 2013). I contacted Chevrolet Customer Service on several occasions and sent a certified letter describing the problem. I have kept a log of gas mileage and the receipts since September 2012. in June 2013 I contacted the BBB Auto Line which has refused to help me citing "there is no defect". Well, there certainly is a defect if a 4 cylinder car gets less than 15 mpg. I would like to know if there are other Cruze owners (4 cylinder, turbocharged, automatic) who get this kind of gas mileage.

Chevrolet is guilty of false advertising since it is clearly stated that this car gets between 26 mpg (city) and 36 mpg (highway) with a combination of 30 mpg. This is on the window sticker and all the information provided by Chevrolet and the dealer.

My car is defective and I want it fixed!!

- Kathy Y., Honolulu, HI, US

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problem #1

Dec 012012

Cruze LS

  • Manual transmission
  • 8,500 miles

EXTREMELY BAD MILEAGE.....IM GETTING BARELY 24MPG, CAR IS 6 SPEED MANUAL, SHOULD BE GETTING MUCH BETTER THAN THIS!!! WHAT CRAP!!!! DONT BUY ONE OF YOU'RE READING TNIS!!!

- mflick, Victorville, CA, US

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