general problems of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze - part 1

Coolant leaking , engine knock sound , turbo issue.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. However, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an auto repair shop where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was leaking oil, along with several other undisclosed failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer; however, the manufacturer had not yet responded. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was able to be restarted on the third attempt; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

My car keeps telling me my trunk is open then it dings constantly going back and forth from tire monitor system to the trunk open. Then everytime I turn the car off I have to wiggle the battery cable to get my car to start and my power steering keeps going out. I'm aware there are recalls. For my car but beings my check engine light is on they r refusing to fix my car. I don't understand. I thought recalls were mandatory and had to be fixed. This car barely has 85,000 miles on it. I shouldn't be having all these issues. It's all electrical it seems like. I need help.

The engine on our 2012 chevy Cruze experienced a blown head gasket and possibly warped heads, leading to the engine overheating and making the vehicle inoperable. It is available for inspection if needed. The car was towed to a local mechanic, was pressure tested and then confirmed the diagnosis. It has not yet been inspected by anyone else. There were no warning signs prior to this happening. There were recalls for 2013 and 2014 chevy Cruze head gaskets but not model year 2012.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph the vehicle started running rough and then stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and the stabili-trak symbol were illuminated. The contact stated that an engine over heating warning had flashed. The contact pulled off the highway and attempted to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that after several attempts the vehicle failed to restart and was towed back to the residence. The contact stated that he had observed that the vehicle was leaking coolant, and that the vehicle had previously stalled prior to the failure on the highway; however, the contact was able to restart the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was also leaking oil. The contact had researched online and related the oil leak to NHTSA campaign number: 12v288000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Check engine light, traction control light, tire pressure light came on. Message on dash reported reduced engine power, service stabilitrak, and car slowed to 16 no more than 20mph and would not go any higher.

The car's theft deterrent is not able to be turned off and is causing the car to stop working. I was driving my car on the highway and all of a sudden it completely shut off. I had it towed home. I replaced the battery and it worked for a short period of time but then shut off again. My mechanic states that the theft deterrent is getting triggered. We replaced the battery, fob battery, and checked everything it could possibly be with no luck. The car is too dangerous to drive and has caused missed work and loss of income.

Everything that has to do with the air in cabin and air intake for engine fails. Have issues all the time with it , told I need to fix one part then that fails again. Can’t use the ac in this car more than half the time if not an issue arises. Now I can’t get my inspection because again the same codes: p0097, p0171,p11c3, p 2199 at first I had only an issue with the maf new one was placed and now all these errors popped up. The electrical also gave me issues before the lights are not as bright anymore in the car not the headlights. Too afraid to change them because I need the vehicle for my medical appointments and to pick up kids from school.

- there is a severe oil leak that. - 1. The vehicle broke down when driving, which put the family and other drivers at risk. 2. The burning of the oil and the vapor coming from the burning was not safe to breathe. - yes, the problem has been confirmed and attempted to be fixed by a dealership upon purchase through southern utah car and trailer sales. - no the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer/police/ or other. - yes, low oil pressure and a check engine light. They first appeared in February of 2023 and have remained present, only getting worse over time.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, there was a burning odor coming through the vents. The contact stated that smoke was coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, when the vehicle was parked, there was condensation underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the intake manifold, valve cover, exhaust manifold gasket, oil filter housing, and coolant reservoir needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Motor is leaking coolant around the water pump. Although it is leaking the water pump is not bad, but because it is leaking it cause the car to lose coolant and goes in the state of overheating.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle lost motive power after 45 minutes. The rpm increased, and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The driver was able to pull over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that after driving for 45 minutes, the vehicle lost power and went into limp mode. The transmission had seized in fifth gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the speed control sensor had failed. The contact was informed that the speed valve and transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 65-70 mph, the vehicle restarted inadvertently, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 12v288000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 117,969.

Value covers leaking oil and I replace it 6 times and it keep leaking.

2012 chevy cruz turbo failed. Car is available for inspection upon request. The dealer that I had purchased a vehicle from in 2022 was informed that my check engine light had turned on and I checked this at autozone that there was still an oil leak as well as an additional issue after they had finished repairing a coolant leak that caused my vehicle to overheat all before my 30 day warranty ended. He informed me he would get it repaired for me. However, he never returned my calls or texts, since I had let him know on the final 30th day since I had purchased the vehicle. The vehicle has been inspected by a mechanic that has confirmed. The turbo is in fact bad and needs to be replaced. My car broke down while turning right on a busy intersection.

To whom it may concern at NHTSA, we are writing to file a formal complaint regarding Chevrolet's refusal to address a serious safety recall on our vehicle related to an engine oil leak, which poses a fire hazard and endangers occupants. The malfunctioning component appears to be the engine shield (belly pan), which collects spilled oil and allows it to accumulate near hot engine or exhaust surfaces. This defect is documented in NHTSA campaign 12v288000. Our vehicle, which is experiencing the same issue, is available for inspection upon request. Our vehicle has exhibited persistent and severe oil leakage, creating a strong burning odor after driving for a short period. This malfunction presents a significant safety risk, as oil accumulating on or near the engine shield may ignite. This defect endangers not only the vehicle’s occupants but also the safety of others on the road. When we visited lee johnson Chevrolet (11845 ne 85th st, kirkland, wa · (425) 827-0521) on October 26, 2023, we requested that the dealership inspect and repair the defect as outlined in the recall. The dealership acknowledged the issue but declined to proceed with inspection or repair, citing that the recall status was marked "complete. " they offered to inspect the issue for a fee of $250, which we believe to be unreasonable given the known manufacturing defect and the related safety recall. We are requesting NHTSA's assistance to have Chevrolet fulfill its obligations under this recall. Citing a "completed" status of the recall as a reason to deny service is an unacceptable means for Chevrolet to avoid addressing a critical safety hazard. The engine shield defect, which continues to pose a fire risk, is an original manufacturing flaw for which Chevrolet should be held accountable. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for any assistance you may provide to resolve this critical safety issue. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle overheated and lost radiator fluid. The engine overheated warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and confirmed that the main seal over the engine, water pump, and timing belt had caused the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not on recall. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

Engine valve cover explode.

The cars turbo system fails. This causes a loss of power when accelerating. Pulling out into traffic or merging onto the freeway are all unsafe now as the car suddenly doesn't accelerate. This can cause crashes. I have pulled out and assumed I was at a very safe distance only to have the car not pick up as it usually does. I feel very unsafe.

The car began to shake uncontrollably on the freeway at 55/mph . The car then marked "engine power is reduced", causing the car to no longer accelerate more than 5-7/mph. This is a very dangerous situation because it can cause a terrible accident on the road since it's a random inconvenience. I have heard that many of these types of cars "chevy Cruze" seem to experience the same type of problem. With that being said it's safe to say that as an owner this situation is far out of my control and it's definitely a collective problem with the type of car and make that it is. I ask for this to be immediately looked into.

I purchased this vehicle almost three weeks ago…I’m assuming it’s out of warranty…j am spending out of pocket expenses to have this car repaired…. It has a faulty leakage in transmission that mechanics seem to can’t fix…. I need my car for transportation…. Atp I’m assuming the car is a lemon.

Started the purchase June 2022 when dealer said everything is good, carfax no accidents, good car, nothing wrong. Dealers had me drive mi to CT to get the car, had 5-y. O. Kid w/me. Brought car to mechanic when finally delivered July 6, ebrake almost gone; dealers had me drive w/my kiddo CT to mi with no ebrake on 6 speed turbo manual, wonderful. In writing said they would fix & some extras for all the issues they caused such as selling a vehicle w/o having title. Made it home in one peice. Next few weeks, car started shaking and stalling out losing complete power while driving, stopping at lights/signs, it hasn't stopped. Different smells of fluids coming inside ever since. Clouds of smoke coming from exhaust. Fuel seems to slip like sputtering/jolting, more smells coming in car. Check engine light on, went to advanced auto, showed me code has to do w/fuel/fuel tank & it showed dealer cleared out check engine without repairing. More research, they fraudulently passed the car for inspections/emissions & said it was good & passed, never received copies. They passed brakes when in writing they were to repair at no cost due to deceptive practices. No, nothing has been fixed; no, they never transferred title/registered vehicle. Now may 2023. Drove it now/then keep it going; mi awful winters. This winter heater went out for 3 days, no blower, no noise, magically started working. Roughly a dozen times when I shut it off, theres noises from front by grille like a ticking, no clue. I've drivien car 5,000 mostly from trip to get it. Dealers never provided the 3 special 10 yr warranties that car had. I found out, they were all expired, nothing I could do. They didn't disclose issues & 3 wks after purchase, accident on carfax. So much fraud, it is sickening. One of the dealers violated their ftc orders. Lies & lies, also @3 times stabilization/traction both need repairs then disappears 2 days. Loses power, definitely does not feel turbolike. Issues 7. 6. 22 & continue.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet cruze. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer for oil maintenance and was informed the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated he took the vehicle back to the local dealer on may 3, 2023, for another oil maintenance and was informed for a second time the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

The temperature gauge never shows the hand even get to half on the hot cold fail however the car could have no coolant and be 400 degrees the sail will or reflect so. This has caused many probable s bc I can’t tell when it over hears it’s mezwwzs the comupeter.

The vehicle will start to smoke, filling the cab with smoke with a strong smell of antifreeze causing occupants to become sick to the stomach and dizzy. This will occur unrelated to speed and operating temperature, and has happened multiple times.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, she noticed that oil was leaking onto the ground. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was misfiring and emitted abnormal sounds. The check engine light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power train system, the fuel injectors, the manifold output pressure, the fuel tank system had failed and there was a lost of communication with engine control module. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, upon servicing the vehicle the vehicle at the local pep boys, the contact was informed that the engine belt was damaged and the failure could cause engine overheating. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 12v288000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

I had no heat for a long time, as well as the engine light constantly being on and never knowing why. There was a lag to accelerate. Also it would suddenly overheat and say turn off ac due to overheating, as well as suddenly fluctuate to cold and back to normal. I change the throttle body inlet heater hose to see if that would get it working. It did for a day. Then all over a sudden the same issues started happening. From what I can tell it is an extremely common issue that has not been address yet or had a recall yet. . . . The thermostat. That is the only thing it could be at this point. I am going to try and bleed out the coolant for air again. But other than that it is the thermostat, it is the only thing that covers every symptom and it is an extremely, well documented problem with these types of cars.

The O2 sensor blew out of the catalytic converter and the sensor can't be replaced. The threads were basically gone! took it to a professional and he said he wouldn't even put on a new one(aftermarket) because the Cruze and sonic's are notorious for having this issue and it would do it again. He said they need to recall these immediately! I only have around 65,000 miles on this vehicle.

I've had this car for less than 2 months I've already spent $3,500 I've had to replace the thermostat the resvoir tank most oxygen sensors lower stream and upper stream now has a blown head gasket and a possible fuel pump.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, he smelled a burning odor and saw smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact then drove the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the front valve cover gasket and oil pan were leaking. The front valve cover gasket and seals were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "low power" was displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the front valve cover gasket and seals were replaced. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the thermostat had overheated and had melted the coolant hoses. The thermostat and coolant hoses were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where the front valve cover gasket and seals, the thermostat, five coolant hoses and coolant reservoir were replaced; however, the oil leak persisted. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, curry center auto center, inc. Chevrolet (2906 e Buick Cadillac blvd, bloomington, in 47401) where the coolant sealant hoses, the front crank seal, the oil cooler, and other unknown repairs were completed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle model had been discontinued. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the temperature gauge was fluctuating on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle for several minutes while waiting for the vehicle engine to cool down before restarting the vehicle and continuing to drive to his residence. The next day the contact took the vehicle to be diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. Additionally, the mechanic performed temporary repairs on the thermostat housing and replaced the manifold and oil gasket however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

On my way to work February 22 I had notice a strong burning smell and just assumed it was from something outside. So I just ignored it and continued my drive. Once I got to work I noticed that there was some light smoke coming from under my hood so I lifted it and checked to see if anything looked strange but I didn't notice anything. So I continue to drive for a few more days becoming accustomed to the smell and smoke. Mind you I check all my fluids once a week because I do alot of long distance driving. After about 6-8 days of driving to my new job the smoke started getting thicker and more white and I started to notice that my oil level was dropping. So I bought some to keep in my car so I didn't run it dry. But I had to keep driving it to work because I needed to have a paycheck coming in. I had been off work for about 3 months due to the pandemic and couldn't afford to bring it to a mechanic until my first pay day. Well needless to say as I pulled up to my house on the 8th (two days before my visit to the mechanic) I noticed the smoke was mucx more intense then it was before so I lifted the hood and saw flames. So I closed the hood and grabbed some baking soda from my house and poured it over the flames. My neighbor saw what had happened and came over to see what was happening and noticed where the oil was coming from and said he could patch it temporarily so I can make it to the mechanic. But I am not willing to take the risk. Also about a month ago I noticed that there was a noise coming from my front wheels as I was driving and the vehicle started pulling to the driver's side.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle overheated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the head gasket replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the engine repaired however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 209,000.

Lose of coolant. Engine hot. Not in motion.