2012 Chevrolet Cruze Fuel System Problems
NHTSA lists 52 fuel system complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, about 6% of that year's 865 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 57,340 miles. A related recall (12V289000) covers missing fuel tank strap welds on 2011-2012 Cruze models.
- Fuel System complaints
- 52
- 6% of 865
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 57,340 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical fuel system symptoms owners report
- Owners report the car stalling or missing at low speed and refusing to restart, later traced to a failed fuel pump control module.
- Some describe a persistent gasoline smell inside the cabin, worse when the car is parked, linked to oil pooling near a cut fuel shield.
- Others noticed a strong fuel odor during acceleration along with a burning smell, described as if the exhaust or fuel system were leaking.
- A separate cluster reports hesitation and stalling tendencies during acceleration despite adequate fuel in the tank, with the pedal needing to go nearly to the floor before the car responds.
When 2012 Chevrolet Cruze fuel system complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 13, 2012, latest Mar 26, 2025.
Fuel System recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
- NHTSA 12V289000Jun 22, 2012Fuel System53,239 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through may 14, 2012. Attachment welds for the fuel tank strap secondary brackets may have been omitted.
Risk: The fuel tank could come loose in a crash, possibly allowing fuel to leak from the tank. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for missing welds. If the vehicle is missing welds, dealers will secure the bracket attachments with fasteners. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on july 9, 2012. Owners may contact the chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.
Fuel System complaints by Cruze model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many fuel system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?
- NHTSA lists 52 fuel system complaints for the 2012 Cruze, which is about 6% of all 865 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a fuel system recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?
- Yes. Recall 12V289000 covers 2011 and 2012 Cruze vehicles built between October 2, 2009 and May 14, 2012, where fuel tank strap secondary bracket welds may have been omitted. Dealers inspect for missing welds and repair as needed.
- At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up on the 2012 Cruze?
- The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2012 Cruze is 57,340 miles.
- Did the 2012 Cruze fuel system issues cause crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 0 fires linked to fuel system complaints for the 2012 Cruze, with no reported injuries.
- How does the 2012 Cruze compare to other Cruze years for fuel system complaints?
- The 2012 Cruze had 52 fuel system complaints (6% share), similar to 2011 (43 complaints, 6% share) and 2013 (32 complaints, 5% share), but lower in share than 2016 (37 complaints, 15% share).