144 complaints reported

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
144
Crashes
2
Fires
7
Injuries
3

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Jan 2026

Check engine light on Car smoking when driven and smells like burning oil

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2026
Nov 2025

I went to take 5 for an oil change , the tech broke my oil cap filter , coolant hose & damage my engine oil cooler . Towed it to progressive Chevrolet . Fleet response is the insurance company for take 5 & they are not taking care of my rental extension while determining if they are at fault with progressive already stated that they were at fault and now they dragging their feet ! Leaving me without a car and I’m in school and so is my son .

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 1999
Oct 2025

My son just purchased this car and nearly hit 100,000 miles. It started leaking oil in the engine area the valve cover gasket. It's drips all over the car causing it to smoke and smell.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2025
Jun 2025

Repetitive coolant leak repaired 5+ times over 9 years; incurred costs over $X,XXX. Coolant (toxic) leak causes burn off in the engine compartment and the vapors from this are transferred into the cabin, posing a risk to driver and passenger health.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2025
Oct 2024

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 ID: 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)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2022
Aug 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2024
May 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was parked, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice where it was diagnosed that unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred after approximately a week. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2020
Apr 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2024
Feb 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2024
Jan 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2024
Oct 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2023
Sep 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2023
Sep 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the turbo and water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve cover, engine coolant hose, and various unknown sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2019
Aug 2023

- 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2023
Aug 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2023
May 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer for an oil change and was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he took the vehicle back to the local dealer on May 3, 2023, for another oil change and was informed for a second time that 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Apr 2022
May 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2022
Mar 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2023
Nov 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheating message was displayed. The contact's daughter pulled over, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the hose was damaged, and antifreeze was leaking into the engine oil. The contact replaced the hose and added antifreeze; however, the failure recurred with the vehicle making hissing sounds. The contact related the failure to a blown head gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2022
May 2022

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 making abnormal sounds. The check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power train, fuel injectors, manifold output pressure, and fuel tank system had failed. Additionally, there was loss of communication with engine control module. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, upon servicing 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2021
Jan 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the vehicle. The temperature gauge increased to high and then decreased. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions and was diagnosed that the thermostat housing and thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2019
Jan 2022

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Apr 2021
Nov 2021

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, multiple oil and coolant repairs have been performed on the vehicle due to leakage. The contact stated that while in stop-and-go traffic, a cloud of white smoke began to emit from the vehicle as a warning message stating "turn off the heater, high engine heat" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact pulled the vehicle over and upon inspection discovered that there was no coolant in the reservoir. A service vehicle pulled over to help. The service attendant reattached an unknown hose that had disconnected and added coolant. Soon after restarting of the vehicle, the white smoke and the warning message returned; the contact had the vehicle towed to her daughter's home. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2019
Apr 2021

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR WAS LEAKED OIL ONTO THE DRIVEWAY, WHEN CAR WAS PARKED. THE NEXT DAY, CAR WAS TAKEN IN TO BE SERVICED."UPON VEHICLE INSPECTION, TECHNICIAN(TECH) FOUND, OIL FILTER ADAPTER LEAKING OIL." "NEED GASKET TO BLOCK. "RESEALED OIL COOLER AND OIL FILTER ADAPTER SEALS." "TECH ALSO FOUND VALVE COVER LEAKING. REPLACE COVER LEAKING OIL. REPLACED VALVE COVER. TECH FOUND TRANS OIL COOLER LINES BOTH LEAKING LINES- REPLACED. CUSTOMER STATES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. REPLACED PURGE VALVE. TECH FOUND BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE HIGH RESISTANCE. REPLACED NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. AFTER 8 DAYS WITHOUT HER CAR AND AFTER PAYING FOR THE AFOREMENTIONED SERVICES, WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, IT CONTINUED TO LEAK OIL! TECH INFORMED HER THAT IT WAS A NEW PROBLEM AND THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY AN EXTRA $700! THE FACT THE TECH HAD THE AUDACITY TO THINK IT WAS OK TO SAY THAT TO HER OR ANYONE ELSE, IS APPALLING, TO SAY THE LEAST. I'M SURE SOMEONE HAS HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE ND MODEL.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Apr 2021
Mar 2021

MULTIPLE OILS LEAKS (MAINLY FROM THE TURBO AREA) CAUSING SMOKING AND BURNING SMELL. THE LATEST RESULTED IN OIL LEAKING ON THE MANIFOLD, WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FIRE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2021

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has 144 Engine complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.