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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."

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
10 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
44,336 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2012 Chevrolet Cruze Owner Comments (Page 4 of 10)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #133

May 182017

Cruze

  • 75,000 miles

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

There are intermittent electrical issues in this vehicle, the radio shuts on and off while driving and the turn signals have no sound along with no sound from the reverse sensors. Dealership is not able to identify the problem.

- Mission, TX, USA

problem #132

May 012017

Cruze

  • 63,278 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. While starting the vehicle, the trunk opened and the hazard lights activated without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 63,278.

- Ajo, AZ, USA

problem #131

Jun 232016

Cruze

  • 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized and all the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. In addition, the vehicle stalled and would not restart until five minutes later. On another occasion, the vehicle stalled and restarted independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and that there were no open recalls. The contact would have to pay for the diagnostic and repair costs. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

- Savannah, GA, USA

problem #130

Oct 012012

Cruze

  • 1,100 miles

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

I recently had a diagnostic done on my 2012 Chevy Cruze eco 1.4 liter. The code read as P069E, fuel pump control module. I have had issue with the instrument panel not showing accurate fuel levels. Sometimes if the fuel goes below half a tank it reads empty for a few days or a week, even if I fill up the tank it still reads empty. This can be dangerous, especially on long trips and I have a long commute in and out of different cities. I have had this issue since I have had the car at 1100 miles when I got it. I currently have about 108000 miles. I used to think it was the fuel pump, but recently learned it could be a few things like the fuel line pressure sensor, fuel pump mra, wiring, circuit issues, or the fuel pump control module. And the fuel pump control module seems to be the main issue or so I have heard. It would be great if this could be resolved, it is not good driving around with a defective fuel system.

- Lamont, CA, USA

problem #129

Apr 032017

Cruze

  • 135,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. While driving 75 mph, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the instrument cluster, check engine, and traction indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition coil needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 135,000.

- Jackson, TN, USA

problem #128

Feb 192017

Cruze

  • 82,500 miles
Radio and communication module is turning on and off. Stabilitytrak control light comes on and ABS brakes lights comes on.

- Hemet, CA, USA

problem #127

Feb 102017

Cruze

  • 50,148 miles

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

Like all the other Chevrolet Cruze with radio electrical problems. My 2012 ltz Cruze with 50,000 miles on it is also having the same issues. On February 10, 2017 my radio started freaking out. It would go off and on several time with the radio sometimes work and other times not. This would happen up to 4 times with in a 1/2 hour of driving. My daytime running light in the dash will go on and off. The blinker would go on and off. And after reading all the other people postings I soon will be having more issues with the electrical/radio/dash issues and the car shutting down and possible steering problems..... that's just great! why hasn't GM done anything about this? why is it that people have to have a reck and possibly die before GM fixes this.....we pay a lot a money for this cars and they should last a lot longer with out issues.

- Jamestown, CA, USA

problem #126

Dec 242016

Cruze

  • 50,000 miles
I just bought my Chevy Cruze on Dec 18th 2016 and on Dec 24th 2016 my car wouldn't start while in park, no warning lights, no peeping, no nothing just would not start, I waited a few minutes then it started. I drove about 10 or more miles to my dads was there about 5 minutes got in my car to leave, same thing, wouldn't start, again no peeping, no warning lights nothing, waited about 3 to 5 minutes and it started. I immediately took it to the dealer, they told meto bring it in the following sat which was Dec. 31, 2016, the car started the rest of that week no problem. Took the car in on Dec. 31, 2016, they still have my car and it is January 7th, 2017, they can't find what is wrong. I have since done research on this car and found out it is the most unreliable car out there. I drive an 82 year old lady to her appointments and I can't risk being in an accident because of car problems. I got rid of a 1994 Ford escort because of it breaking down all the time, now it sounds like I just traded that in for the same [xxx] thing just a different make and model. I am not dealing with it, I'm taking the car back one way or the other. Very disappointed in dealership selling me this car, specifically told them I needed a safe reliable car and they sell me the worst rating car on the [xxx] lot. Never ever will I buy a Chevy or a Ford again. We will see how the dealer makes this right if I go back to them or give them a good review. It has been 7 days now and they still have my car and everyday I'm told the same thing, don't know what the problem is, don't know when we will give you your car back. Much longer dealing with this and they can talk to my attorney. I don't want the car back, trade it in or give me my money back. This is bull. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Port Orchard, WA, USA

problem #125

Dec 282016

Cruze

  • miles
Radio is turning on and off. Stabilitytrak control light comes on power steering give out and brakes

- Chandler, AZ, USA

problem #124

Sep 182016

Cruze

  • 84,000 miles
When I start my car, the four way flashers turn on, my trunk opens, wipers go off, interior lights flicker, and serve power steering appears. I brought it into the dealer, they replaced the negative battery cable for a second time, and ran an electrical diagnosis. I was told it was the battery cable, the issues are still occurring.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #123

Aug 302016

Cruze

  • 68,000 miles

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

While driving, radio display and speakers turn on and off. Started June 2016 and has progressively gotten worse. Seems to happen when turning the vehicle and or pressing the brakes. Stabilitrack/traction control error message appears on dash. All ABS related icons flash. Sometimes it happens once. Sometimes it's repetitive until I turn the car off and then turn it back on. Doesn't matter how fast I'm going and the longer the trip, the more frequent it is. Based on what I've learned about this, it should be covered by special coverage 14311B but my dealership gives me the run around and asks silly questions about if my battery is in good condition and if I think I need a new alternator. If it was the battery, the radio/speakers wouldn't be the only item(s) that turned off. From what I'm learning, this problem gets worse and power steering or full vehicle function is diminished or goes off completely. Not sure what more needs to happen to Chevy customers for Chevy to make this a recall.

- Huntsville, AL, USA

problem #122

May 212016

Cruze

  • 96,000 miles
I noticed my car wasn't beeping when I tried to lock it. I tried to start my car and it completely shut down. I managed to get my hood open and disconnected the battery cables. It was fine for a few weeks then the "check stabilitrack" went off and my car shut down. I made it to my destination and it shut down completely. I tried to disconnect it and even that didn't work. Upon further investigation many had had this issue and it's not the stabilitrak its apparently the ground cable to the battery (black cable). My car will work but will occasionally completely reset the system so trying to save the time or date is pointless. I want this investigated!

- Whitesboro, TX, USA

problem #121

Aug 192016

Cruze

  • miles
This is the second complaint that our government refuses to investigate for the government motors Chevrolet cruz vehicle. While driving, the radio will start to power cycle and the dash board instrument panel will also start flashing on and off. The vehicle will also shut completely off while driving. This will continue until you remove battery terminals and then reattach. This is happening to many Chevy cruz's and the NHTSA refuses to do anything about it. I would upload videos but this antiquated government site doesn't want to see real facts

- Glen Ellyn, IL, USA

problem #120

Jul 082016

Cruze

  • 43,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. While the vehicle was stationary, the key fob fractured. The key fob was repaired, but the issue recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 43,000.

- North Canton, OH, USA

problem #119

May 012016

Cruze

  • 140,000 miles
The car will not turn off when the key is turned off and removed. It will just sit there and run until it decides to quit on it's own. I would really hate to have to shut it down in an emergency and not be able to. That could get someone seriously hurt or killed! also, the vapor canister vent/purge vent valve is defective. This seems to be a common problem with this model car and if that is the case, there should be a recall.

- Sandy Ridge, NC, USA

problem #118

Jun 122016

Cruze

  • 0 miles
Trunk electric open button does not work, must use the remote trunk button to open trunk. I hope that no small child should climb in trunk and close the trunk lid. When car is stationary. And remote is not close by.

- Roy, UT, USA

problem #117

Sep 122012

Cruze

  • 10,000 miles
I've went through 7 turbos, I bought the car brand new. Im now having electrical issues with it.

- Lake Geneva, WI, USA

problem #116

Mar 262016

Cruze

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. While driving 10 mph, the stabilitrac warning light illuminated, the power steering failed, and the instrument panel and radio lost power. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred three times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

- Royal Oaks, MI, USA

problem #115

Feb 052016

Cruze

  • 70,000 miles
On several occasions my vehicle has lost power steering service. I have almost crashed into a metro rail and into another vehicle because I am unable to turn my wheel. On another occasion, I was about to park and the car turned off on me; the key was locked into the ignition and I couldn't turn it, the doors locked and nothing worked. I was stuck inside until after about 5 minutes, the car unlocked everything and the ECU turned back on. I've had to take it to the dealership twice for this problem and they have told me it's covered under a "special service" but these incidents happened almost a year apart. I do not believe the car is fixed. Also, the service stabilitrak and other lights flash on and off and so do my radio.

- Humble, TX, USA

problem #114

Mar 022016

Cruze

  • 60,000 miles
The turn signals quit working intermittent, radio display goes out like it is switched off, digital speedometer changes settings, these conditions occur when vehicle is driven. The service theft deterrent system comes on when vehicle is parked.

- Kronenwetter, WI, USA

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