2012 Chevrolet Chevy

Here’s a breakdown of common issues reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, formatted for your website and adhering to your specific requirements. The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a compact car known for its fuel efficiency and relatively comfortable ride. Engine options include a 1.8L naturally aspirated inline-4 (LUW) producing around 138 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.4L turbocharged inline-4 (LUJ) making about 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were generally paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the Cruze’s fuel economy, especially with the turbo engine, and its stylish interior. However, common complaints revolve around reliability issues, particularly with the turbo engine, as well as some concerns about the automatic transmission.

Engine

1.4L Turbocharged Inline-4 (LUJ)

• PCV Valve Failure/Intake Manifold Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, loss of power, check engine light. Can cause a vacuum leak leading to erratic engine behavior, whistling noise, and potential diaphragm failure in the valve cover. Can also cause intake manifold failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the PCV valve, valve cover, or intake manifold. Some aftermarket solutions address the PCV system design flaw.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive smoke from the exhaust, whining noise from the turbocharger, check engine light.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant level, overheating, sweet smell under the hood, visible leaks. Often occurs at the water outlet or the turbocharger coolant lines.
  • Solution: Replace leaking hoses, water outlet, or turbocharger coolant lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.8L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 (LUW)

• Thermostat Housing Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, low coolant level, temperature gauge fluctuating.
  • Solution: Replace the thermostat housing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (6T40)

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts between gears, slipping during acceleration, delayed engagement, check engine light.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update can help. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or a full transmission rebuild/replacement is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software) - $3000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially over bumps. Can cause poor handling and uneven tire wear. Usually affects the lower control arm bushings.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn bushings or the entire control arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting, requiring frequent jump starts. Can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty module or accessory.
  • Solution: Diagnostic testing to identify the source of the drain, followed by repair or replacement of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Ignition Switch
  • Description/Symptoms: Key can be removed while the vehicle is not in park (automatic transmission).
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: #14V355000

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, particularly in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard (expensive) or use of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (cover) - $1000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Airbag Light
  • Description/Symptoms: Airbag light is on or flashing on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnostic testing to identify the source of the issue, followed by repair or replacement of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a generally economical compact car. However, it does experience some common issues. The 1.4L turbo engine is prone to PCV system failures and turbocharger problems, while the 1.8L has thermostat housing leak issues. The 6T40 automatic transmission can suffer from harsh shifting. Electrical issues such as battery drain and ignition switch problems are also seen. Interior dashboard cracking can also occur. Repair costs vary, with some fixes being relatively inexpensive, while others, such as turbocharger or transmission replacement, can be quite costly. Many of the engine issues, while not presenting safety risks, can significantly impact performance and reliability. The ignition switch recall does pose a safety hazard.