Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has notable concerns, particularly with the engine and brakes, supported by multiple recalls and complaints. Recalls on airbags and electrical issues further contribute to potential reliability issues. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect these areas as the available data suggests caution.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 865 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #16V502000 Key May Be Removed When Not In Park/FMVSS 114 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V300000 Driver Side Frontal Air Bag May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V360000 Possible Loss of Braking Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V023000 Driver Side Frontal Air bag may not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V522000 Driver Side Frontal Airbag may not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V289000 FUEL TANK WELD SPOTS/FUEL LEAK/POSSIBLE FIRE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V288000 OIL SPILLING OR DRIPPING/ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 268 complaints
- Electrical System 196 complaints
- Service Brakes 142 complaints
- Power Train 137 complaints
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 108 complaints
- Steering 103 complaints
Of the 865 complaints on file, 62 report a crash and 18 a fire; across all 865 complaints, owners report 30 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Oil may ignite on engine
How to check: Inspect engine shield for oil residue or burns.
Intermittent brake assist loss
How to check: Test brakes under hard pressure for assist.
Ignition key removal risk
How to check: Ensure ignition key cannot be removed in drive.
Airbag terminal shorting
How to check: Check airbag recall repair documentation.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Grinding or knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights on
- 03
Urban driving
What to check: Ensure smooth gear changes.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifting
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for strong brake response.
Red flag: Weak or delayed braking
- 05
Low-speed turns
What to check: Observe steering responsiveness.
Red flag: Rough or stiff steering
- 06
Parking
What to check: Check ignition key removal in park.
Red flag: Key can be removed in drive
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine shield ever caught fire?
- Have you completed all airbag recalls?
- Has the brake assist been reliable?
- Any electrical system repairs?
- Is there a history of oil leaks?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair confirmations
- Vehicle history report
- Brake service records
- Airbag recall repair receipts
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2012 Chevrolet Cruze? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.