How common are engine problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?

NHTSA lists 338 engine complaints for the 2012 Cruze, which is 39% of the 865 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze engine?

Yes. Recall campaign 12V288000 covers 2011 and 2012 Cruze vehicles where spilled or dripping oil could collect on the engine shield; GM modified the shield to prevent fluid contact.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2012 Cruze?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2012 Cruze is 63,103 miles.

Did the engine problems on the 2012 Cruze lead to fires or crashes?

NHTSA data for this engine complaint area lists 15 fires and 13 crashes tied to the 2012 Cruze, along with 6 injuries.

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Engine Problems

Engine complaints account for 338 of 865 total complaints (39%) filed on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, with a median failure mileage of 63,103. NHTSA also lists a related engine recall (campaign 12V288000) covering oil leaking onto the engine shield, with risk of fire.

Engine complaints: 338; 39% of 865
Crashes reported: 13
Fires reported: 15
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 63,104 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report fires starting in the engine compartment without prior warning, in some cases while driving at highway speed.
Several owners describe oil leaking from the turbocharger into the intake hose, sometimes accompanied by stalling or an inability to restart the vehicle.
Some owners report a strong oil odor combined with a check engine light and visible smoke coming from the engine.
A number of complaints describe sudden loss of power or turbocharger failure while accelerating or turning, in one case leading to a collision.
Owners also mention a burning anti-freeze smell along with jerking and hesitation during acceleration, prompting multiple dealer visits.

When 2012 Chevrolet Cruze engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 10, 2012, latest Aug 31, 2026.

338 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2014 Q4 (15).

Engine recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

NHTSA 12V288000Jun 22, 2012Engine413,148 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through may 31, 2012. Spilled or dripping oil (such as after an oil change) may collect in the engine shield (bellypan) near hot engine or exhaust system surfaces. As a result, the oil and the engine shield may ignite and burn.
Risk: Either condition could result in an engine compartment fire, possibly causing injury or death.
Remedy: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will modify the engine shield to prevent fluid from contacting the shield. Also, on vehicles with a manual transmission, dealers will apply a protective tape to the electronic power steering wire harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge to the owner. The safety recall began on july 10, 2012. Owners may contact the chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

Engine complaints by Cruze model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20100 (0%)
2011337 (46%)
2012338 (39%)
2013254 (43%)
2014265 (38%)
2015114 (45%)
2016114 (46%)
201782 (41%)
201833 (30%)
20196 (29%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?: NHTSA lists 338 engine complaints for the 2012 Cruze, which is 39% of the 865 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze engine?: Yes. Recall campaign 12V288000 covers 2011 and 2012 Cruze vehicles where spilled or dripping oil could collect on the engine shield; GM modified the shield to prevent fluid contact.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2012 Cruze?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2012 Cruze is 63,103 miles.
Did the engine problems on the 2012 Cruze lead to fires or crashes?: NHTSA data for this engine complaint area lists 15 fires and 13 crashes tied to the 2012 Cruze, along with 6 injuries.