2012 Chevrolet Cruze electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

24 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 17% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 94,500 mi.

Electrical System complaints
24
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
94,500 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system24

Electrical System complaints across Chevrolet Cruze years

19201124201235201369201413201521201619201712201842019
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2012 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k130k–60k260k–100k2100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 16V502000Jul 5, 20168,367 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

    Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

What owners say

  1. Filed Apr 23, 202674,522 miFLElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH and accelerating over a speed bump, the key slid out of the ignition switch. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, and it was determined that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V502000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN…
    NHTSA complaint #11733293 · source
  2. Filed Aug 27, 2024KYElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    My car keeps telling me my trunk is open then it dings constantly going back and forth from tire monitor system to the trunk open. Then Everytime I turn the car off I have to wiggle the battery cable to get my car to start and my power steering keeps going out. I'm aware there are recalls.for my car but beings my check engine light is on they r refusing to fix my car. I don't understand. I thought recalls were mandatory and had to be fixed. This car barely has 85,000 miles…
    NHTSA complaint #11611181 · source
  3. Filed Nov 11, 2023TXElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11554698 · source
  4. Filed Nov 10, 2023OHElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    The car's theft deterrent is not able to be turned off and is causing the car to stop working. I was driving my car on the highway and all of a sudden it completely shut off. I had it towed home. I replaced the battery and it worked for a short period of time but then shut off again. My mechanic states that the theft deterrent is getting triggered. We replaced the battery, fob battery, and checked everything it could possibly be with no luck. The car is too dangerous to…
    NHTSA complaint #11554508 · source
  5. Filed Aug 31, 2022TXElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
    The car began to shake uncontrollably on the freeway at 55/MPH . The car then marked "Engine Power is Reduced", causing the car to no longer accelerate more than 5-7/MPH. This is a very dangerous situation because it can cause a terrible accident on the road since it's a random inconvenience. I have heard that many of these types of cars "Chevy Cruze" seem to experience the same type of problem. With that being said it's safe to say that as an owner this situation is far out…
    NHTSA complaint #11482259 · source
  6. Filed Jun 13, 2022OHCrashBrakesElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    When the ac on the brake pad will lock and there no brakes you can't push it down it gets hard but when you turn the ac turns off the brake pad goes back to normal but it's damage to be driving and this happen .. Also the trac control light comes on along with the sailablzie light
    NHTSA complaint #11469091 · source
  7. Filed Apr 24, 2022NCElectrical System
    Loses power replace the maf sensor new air filter replaced both thermostat sensors, the thing that regulates the gas and 3 oil changes only had the car 2 months. Now a differnt code is showing about a mis fire.. i dnt think any of the recalls were completed on my car
    NHTSA complaint #11461937 · source
  8. Filed Mar 11, 2022KYElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    The temperature gauge never shows the hand even get to half on the hot cold fail however the car could have no coolant and be 400 degrees the sail will Or reflect so. This has caused many probable s bc I can’t tell when it over hears it’s mezwwzs the comupeter
    NHTSA complaint #11456379 · source
  9. Filed Jan 15, 2022KYElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering
    Steering fades , blinkers go out, stability trac goes in and out. Radio goes on and off. Radio sometimes stays on after car is shut off.
    NHTSA complaint #11447630 · source
  10. Filed Nov 15, 2021GAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    It keeps running pot. And it also needs any houses now and I have done replaced the thermostat and the thermostat housing I'm going to voicemail
    NHTSA complaint #11440428 · source
  11. Filed Nov 3, 2021OHElectrical SystemOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers
    The problem I have is a very, very common problem and a huge safety issue to my life or anyone with the same car within around 2011 to 2015. The cheap plastic levers for the mode actuator for my defrost and vents do not work. They have broken and this I barely have any heat coming out of the front vents and absolutely none coming from the defrost. This is a huge issue and highly affects my driving in the cold and snowy, or even rainy, weather. I’m so upset there has not been…
    NHTSA complaint #11439256 · source
  12. Filed Jun 24, 2021WAElectrical SystemLightingSteering
    Service Bulletin Number: 14311B, Date: June 2015, Service Bulletin: SB-10057574-8899 CONDITION On certain 2011–2015 model year Chevrolet Cruze vehicles, the negative battery cable terminal clamp may have an insufficient crimp at the battery negative terminal. Over time, the internal resistance increases and vehicle electrical systems do not receive adequate power. With this condition, the following effects are possible: the Radio/HVAC Display may turn off and on; the…
    NHTSA complaint #11422081 · source

Other 2012 Chevrolet Cruze problem areas

  • Engine (77)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (28)
  • Other / Unknown (28)
  • Brakes (19)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (17)
  • Steering (11)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (7)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (5)
  • Airbags (4)
  • Visibility & Wipers (3)
  • Lighting (2)
  • Body & Structure (2)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (1)
  • Wheels & Tires (1)

Back to all 2012 Chevrolet Cruze problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology