RoadVitals

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Fuel system Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the fuel system system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Fuel system reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
52
Latest Mar 26, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
6%
of 864 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 52 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming fuel system

The 25 most recent of 52, in the owner's own words

Driver assistanceEngineFuel system
Filed Mar 26, 2025

Coolant leaking , engine knock sound , turbo issue

NHTSA ID
11650936
Incident
Nov 14, 2024
EngineFuel system
Filed Sep 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact connected a diagnostic machine to the vehicle and retrieved a DTC code for a failure with the purge valve and the catalytic convertor. The contact replaced the purge valve; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the warning lights blinked on and off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,039.

NHTSA ID
11613565
Incident
Sep 8, 2024
Mileage
98,039 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Nov 11, 2023

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

NHTSA ID
11554698
Incident
Oct 10, 2023
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 24, 2023

Engine valve cover explode

NHTSA ID
11546213
Incident
Sep 15, 2022
EngineFuel systemSteering
Filed Sep 16, 2023

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

NHTSA ID
11544875
Incident
Aug 29, 2022
BrakesEngineFuel system
Filed May 15, 2023

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

NHTSA ID
11522176
Incident
Jul 6, 2022
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 19, 2023

Please print off the scanned documents and add them to the complaint form # 11512592. I needed more room to upload 4 more jpeg files to show the history of the problem with the valve cover and PCV valve attached to it. Thank you.

NHTSA ID
11512594
Incident
Jan 20, 2014
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 19, 2023

Please attache the scans attached to this email to incident/complaint # 11512592. I needed more room to upload my history with this car and the issues with it.

NHTSA ID
11512593
Incident
Jan 20, 2014
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 19, 2023

I am wondering when GM is gonna admit fault on these Chevy Cruzes? My mechanic father owns one. He's had to replace Valve cover gasket on his 3x. Mine at least 4-5x now. One bad oil change at a dealership almost cost me my engine at Sunfair Chevrolet. They left 2 rings on the oil fuel filter causing it to leak all over my engine compartment which left me roadside the next day after driving it 2 hours the night before back in Aug 2016. So they gave us 10K miles over this incident in case my engine blew. It ran a bit hotter than it did before this incident. I also noticed a burning smell. Enclosed in the scanned documents you will find a letter from Chevrolet discussing a "engine light" coming on and engine coolant leak from the water pump reservoir leading to a drip of coolant onto the engine or onto the ground. Overtime, the loss of coolant will reduce cooling performance and eventually could lead to engine overheating. Well, that isn't the only issue. Look at my scanned documents to see how many times the valve cover has been the issue. Always the engine light coming on and pull codes. A mechanic friend, replaced the valve cover gasket for me before it became a recall to save me$. Engine light came on again in 1 year. The PCV valve was built into the valve cove creating a chronic problem. Leads to a loss of turbo power. The last time manifold had to be repaired, they lifted the valve cover to get to it; leaked oil one day after my husband just replaced it. We assumed that was the issue (again), so instead of taking it in, he replaced the seal before taking it in. Someone please help us. Last fix was Aug. 2023, one day after it was in the shop. over $1200 in repairs I called GM, they told me to take it into the dealership. They focused on an oil leak from oil feed line. 4 days in still wasn't repaired. 1-20-14 I think was first incident of a valve cover issue. This is only 2 years after the car was "NEW". 137K miles on it now. Faithful with oil changes.

NHTSA ID
11512592
Incident
Jan 20, 2014
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 15, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID
11484649
Incident
Sep 2, 2022
EngineFuel system
Filed Sep 3, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID
11431594
Incident
Jul 2, 2021
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 6, 2021

I have filed a complaint 2 other times on my car from the power train to the electrical and now my radiator. Because of the date of my car, which is one week off, my car doesn't fall under all the recalls that have been made. Everything wrong with my car is a recall including the head gasket! I have paid to fix my car out of pocket every time and now the repair isn't worth fixing because i never know whats going to happen next! Just like every other government agency NHTSA is controlled by the big corporations while the little guy gets screwed over! Times are hard as is now throw in this plandemic and car problems life becomes unmanageable at times.

NHTSA ID
11428042
Incident
Aug 1, 2020
EngineFuel systemSteering
Filed Aug 5, 2021
Crash reported

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

NHTSA ID
11427813
Incident
Jun 14, 2021
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 12, 2021

IT KEEP SAYING A/C OFF DUE TO HIGH ENGINE TEMP BUT IT STAY IN COLD N I GOT COOLANT SENSOR RADIATOR SENSOR ALL FIXED N IT KEEP SAYIN THE SAME STUFF IT'S GIVING ME A HEAD ACHE WEN I GO FOR LONG DRIVES TO MALL OR STORE IT POPS ON

NHTSA ID
11402534
Incident
Mar 1, 2021
Mileage
161 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Nov 30, 2020

REPLACED PCV VALVE ASSEMBLY TWICE AND STILL LEAKS OIL FROM COVER AND CAP. RUNS ROUGH ESPECIALLY WHEN IDLING, BAD GAS MILEAGE.

NHTSA ID
11377206
Incident
Jul 18, 2019
Mileage
80,000 mi
Driver assistanceFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 19, 2020

THE CAR HAS HAD ISSUES SINCE I BOUGHT IT. EVERYTHING FROM THE TRANSMISSION TO THE SEATBELTS TO THE ENGINE TO THE BRAKES THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG. MY VIN NUMBER DOESNT MATCH THE RECALLS BUT TEVERYTHING THAT IS WRONG IS RECALLED ON THE 2012 AND 2013 BUT I MISSED THE RECALL BY A WEEK? SOUNDS LIKE TO ME GM KNEW THE MOST ISSUES WERE ON THE CAR MANAUFACTURED WHEN MINE WAS AND DIDNT WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM

NHTSA ID
11365131
Incident
Dec 20, 2018
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Jan 10, 2020

I PURCHASED A CAR ON DECEMBER 19TH 2019 I PUT $4,000 DOWN ON A 2012 CHEVY CRUZE FROM A FROM A USED CAR LOT HERE IN DAYTONA BEACH FLORIDA I CANNOT GET MY OIL CHANGE THE SCREW THAT LETS THE OIL OUT OF THE OIL PAN HAS BEEN STRIPPED AND I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE OIL CHANGED BECAUSE IN ORDER TO DO THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO BREAK IT AND SPOT WELDING WOULD NEED TO BE DONE ALSO EVERY TIME I SHUT MY CAR OFF AND GO TO TURN IT BACK ON I HAVE TO GET A JUMP MY CAR BATTERY LOSES ITS ENERGY OR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL IT SO IT LOSES POWER MY BATTERY THE BATTERY IS 5 YEARS OLD ALSO MY ROTORS ARE BRAND-NEW BUT MY BRAKE PADS ARE BAD AND THEY WOULD NOT WHEN I SAY THEY I MEAN AUTOVENTURE IN HOLLY HILL FLORIDA WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR WILL NOT GIVE ME A CARFAX INSTEAD THEY GAVE ME ANOTHER THING THAT'S LIKE CARFAX AND IT SAYS THAT MY CAR IS FULL IS AND THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT WHEN INDEED THE MOTOR ITSELF IS FROM A JUNKYARD AND THEY DID NOT DENY THAT SO THIS IS WITHIN THE FIRST THREE WEEKS OF ME HAVING THE CAR AND I'M ALREADY SEEING THIS MANY PROBLEMS. ALSO I HAVE AN OIL LEAK I WAS TOLD TO PURCHASE A A COVER TO WHERE YOU PUT THE OIL IN THE CAR CUZ THE COVER MIGHT BE OLD AND IT STILL MIGHT NOT BE AS GOOD SO I WENT TO CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND PURCHASE IT FOR $28 ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT VALVE COVER GASKET ALSO NEEDS TO BE REPLACED SO MY CAR IS LEAKING OIL THE OIL CHANGE PLACE WHERE I'VE BEEN TAKING MY CAR'S THE LAST 6 YEARS WOULD NOT TOUCH MY CAR AND GIVE ME AN OIL CHANGE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE BOLT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL PAN HAS BEEN STRIPPED SO NOT ONLY IS MY OIL AT 6% BUT NOW I CAN'T GET MY OIL CHANGED BECAUSE OF IT

NHTSA ID
11298405
Incident
Jan 9, 2020
Fuel system
Filed Jul 17, 2019

LOW PREASSURE ON TURBO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON, AND LOW ENGINE PERFORMANCE

NHTSA ID
11232832
Incident
Jul 8, 2019
Mileage
80,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 10, 2019

THE VEHICLE WILL BE DRIPPING ENGINE COOLANTS. HOSES WILL MALFUNCTION, CAUSING MULTIPLE REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA ID
11219081
Incident
Apr 2, 2019
Mileage
112,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Apr 4, 2019

CATALYTIC CONVERTER, ENGINE LIGHT ON AND SULPHER SMELL

NHTSA ID
11193885
Incident
Jan 25, 2019
Fuel system
Filed Mar 9, 2019

PCV VALVE COVER GASKET KEEPS HAVING LEAK ISSUES. IN THREE YEARS I HAVE REPLACE THREE PCV VALVE COVER GASKETS. I HAVE TALKED WITH THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND THEY ADMIT THAT IT'S A DESIGN FLAW PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO PURCHASE THIS THREE TIMES AND HAVE IT PUT ON ONE EACH TIME.

NHTSA ID
11185526
Incident
Mar 9, 2019
Mileage
126,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngineFuel system
Filed Feb 11, 2019

TURBO CHARGER VALVE FAILED CAUSING MULTIPLE OTHER ISSUES. CAR SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY. STABILITY TRACK KEEPS COMING ON EVEN AFTER THE WIRE TO THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED.

NHTSA ID
11176229
Incident
Jan 20, 2019
Mileage
113,350 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jan 31, 2019

I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH MY TURBO. AFTER TAKING IT TO MY MECHANIC I AM TOLD THAT IT IS A COMMON ISSUE

NHTSA ID
11173282
Incident
Jan 2, 2019
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 12, 2018

MY TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING HARD THEN I PARKED IT GOT BACK IN PUT IN REVERSE AND IT WON'T MOVE,IT MOVED IN DRIVE SO MANY FEET MAKING HORRIBLE NOISE AND THEN WENT OUT OF GEAR...NOW WON'T MOVE AT ALL

NHTSA ID
11119477
Incident
Aug 11, 2018
Mileage
99,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 29, 2018

I GOT GAS ON JUNE 1ST AND NOT EVEN 15 MILES AFTERWORDS MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THE GAS CAP WAS ON PROPERLY AND LIGHT STILL DID NOT GO OFF. I TOOK CAR TO GET OBDII READ AND IT STATED THAT THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS BAD AND ALSO THE FUEL INJECTORS AS WELL. ONE MECHANIC STATED IT WAS FROM BAD GAS BUT WAS UNABLE TO PROVE IT. I HAVE DONE PERSONAL RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THE PCV IS CLOGGED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OR CLEANED. THE CAR PROCEEDS TO RUN "ROUGH" AND STALLS WHEN PLACED IN PARK. I HOWEVER DON'T NOTICE A PROBLEM WHEN IN MANUAL GEAR.

NHTSA ID
11114404
Incident
Jun 1, 2018
Mileage
61,134 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .