2012 Chevrolet Cruze Engine Problems
NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How engine ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 864 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze overview page.
What owners report
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED AND EMITTED HOT AIR. THE VEHICLE…”NHTSA complaint 10520413 — filed 06/18/2013
“I DON'T BELIEVE THE CURRENT RESOLUTION TO GM'S RECALL ON THE CHEVY CRUZE CONCERNING THE ENGINE SPLASH PAN IS ADEQUATE AS IT ONLY ADDRESSES SAFETY…”NHTSA complaint 10516093 — filed 06/10/2013
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”NHTSA complaint 10510502 — filed 05/03/2013
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze have engine problems?
Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze: 267 of 864 complaints on file (30.9%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze have in total?
864 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 62 involved a crash, 17 involved a fire, 30 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's engine category include?
NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.
