Print this page

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."

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
41,464 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Chevrolet Cruze brakes problems

brakes problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Owner Comments

problem #9

Sep 012014

Cruze

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact initially received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V360000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired. After the vehicle was repaired, the contact stated that upon a cold start, extra brake pedal force was needed to stop the vehicle. Over time, the failure worsened as the contact was forced to use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. Two unknown dealers were notified of the failure and informed her that there was no defect with the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who informed her that the vacuum pump was defective. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was still under warranty; however, the dealer informed her that the warranty was closed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and she was provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Dobbins, CA, USA

problem #8

Dec 162021

Cruze

  • 133,000 miles
The contact's sister-in-law owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while his sister-in-law was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle was still moving forward. The failure nearly caused a collision. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V360000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The parts for the brake assist needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 133,000.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #7

Aug 122021

Cruze

  • 95,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact had to pump the brake pedal several times before the vehicle stopped. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V360000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

- Warrenton, VA, USA

problem #6

Jan 042021

Cruze

  • 110,250 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle, extra effort was needed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 13V360000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,250.

- Brunswick, GA, USA

problem #5

Jul 152012

Cruze 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, the driver attempted to decelerate but the brakes failed to respond and the driver crashed into a concrete mailbox. The driver sustained extensive injuries to the back, arm and neck. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 15,000. Updated 06/17/14

- Crossville, TN, USA

problem #4

Oct 222012

Cruze

  • 9,900 miles
There is a small of antifreeze in my car that has been making me sick since three months after I purchased car and GM or the dealer has no way of fixing it doing all kinds of other things and telling me that they cant smell it. Also I have been having brake problems as well and finally on Feb 1, 2014 they decided to replaced brakes and rotors on my car.

- Mckeesport, PA, USA

problem #3

Apr 302012

Cruze 4-cyl

  • 25 miles

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

Coolant odor in passenger compartment from day one. Water pump replaced twice in the previous 8 months. Still leaks coolant. Vehicle is unsafe because you never know when or where you will become disabled and need to be towed ie: Highway location, night, bad neighborhood etc.. my wife no longer wants to drive this vehicle. Also have had the braking recall done twice now, so far so good, but for how long?

- Methuen, MA, USA

problem #2

Nov 132013

Cruze 4-cyl

  • miles
2012 Chevrolet Cruze. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle brake failure. On November 13, 2013, the consumer merged into to stop and go traffic. Shortly after merging, another motorist applied his/her brakes. The consumer applied pressure to the brake, but nothing happened. There was no catch, no grinding, and no deceleration as the brake was applied. Consequently, the consumer rear ended the vehicle in front of her. The consumer stated the brakes failed to engage. However, no problem was found and according to the black box in the vehicle, the brakes were operational at the time of the accident. The consumer received a recall notice, a month before the accident. However, the parts were not available.

- Saint Paul, MN, USA

problem #1

Oct 112012

Cruze 4-cyl

  • 10,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while reversing from a driveway, the brakes failed to respond without warning. The contact stated that additional force was applied to the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer twice however, the failure was unable to be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, who informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 13V360000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000 and the current mileage was 25,000. Updated 11/13/13

- Lake Arthur, LA, USA

Not what you are looking for?