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2012 Chevrolet

Cruze

Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L

Chevrolet Cruze: best and worst years
2012 Chevrolet Cruze (photo 1 of 2)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2012.

PhotoAlexander MiglCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Compact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S6)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
140
Power to weight
0.045 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.87
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
34 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
22 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
26 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,400EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
6/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Real-world MPG
26.6 mpg, reported by 3 driversabout 0.6 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Length
181 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Width
71 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Height
58 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Wheelbase
106 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Curb Weight
3,102 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Pass. Vol
94 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Cargo Vol
16 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
No
Lane-departure warning
No
Recalls
7
Owner complaints
863
Reported injuries
30
Theft rate
1.1 per 1,000 produced (CY 2012 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ENGINE20%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15%
  • SERVICE BRAKES11%
  • POWER TRAIN10%
  • ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)8%
  • STEERING8%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 1,346 total.

Chevrolet Cruze: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • RQ13002opened May 31, 2013AIR BAGS

    Air Bag Non-deployment

  • AQ12002opened Oct 15, 2012ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

    Chapman Chevrolet / Cruze Engine Recall

  • PE12010opened Mar 28, 2012ENGINE

    Engine compartment fire

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

1,454 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Apr 1, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIT3271Q

    This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

  • Mar 9, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIP6104

    This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

  • Mar 9, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIP4902V

    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

  • Jan 8, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIP4902U

    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

  • Nov 20, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIT5214G

    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical Assistance Center. If valid vibration frequency or Road Force Variation data has been collected and a repair attempt does not correct the customer complaint, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further sup

  • Oct 31, 2025AIR BAGSPIE0877

    This engineering informational bulletin provides process for a GM engineering study on curtain Takata Airbag Steering Wheel Modules and needs the used Takata airbags to be returned to GM.

  • Sep 9, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER13598

    New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

  • Aug 14, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIP4902T

    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

  • and 1,446 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
Maintenance
1 yr / 12k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.