2012 Chevrolet Cruze Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 196about this part
- Share
- 23%of 865 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 196 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 23% of the 865 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 10 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The check engine light stays on. I have taken it to numerous mechanics who have replaced things and it still comes on. The heating and cooling hand will go haywire but it's not running hot and all the other lights on the dash will blink on and off. I think the computer is bad.”
NHTSA complaint #11302992, filed 2020-01, 50,000 miles“When I start my car, the four way flashers turn on, my trunk opens, wipers go off, interior lights flicker, and serve power steering appears. I brought it into the dealer, they replaced the negative battery cable for a second time, and ran an electrical diagnosis. I was told it was the battery cable, the issues are still occurring.”
NHTSA complaint #10907464, filed 2016-09, 84,000 miles“After stopping at a stop sign, I attempted to proceed thru the intersection when the car starting missing and then stopped and would not start. Car was towed to progressive Chevrolet and they replaced the fuel pump control module. This is what they thought was the problem and it was not. I will open separate complaints for each incident with the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10575676, filed 2014-03, 44,286 miles“My radio flickers on and off, my ABS llight, check engine light and other lights flicker off and on real fast and on my odometer I get a reading traction control and something about stabilitrak control. Everything flickers so fast it's hard to see everything that lights up. Apparently many others have had the exact same issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10788657, filed 2015-11, 58,000 miles“The car says in the instrument cluster engine looses power and to service stabilitrac. Then I loose acceleration. I have to coast to the shoulder shut the car down and restart. It happens more often on the freeway which is super scary. This happens every time drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11060707, filed 2018-01, 76,000 milesRelated recalls
- 16V502000Jul 5, 2016General 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…Covers: Chevrolet Cruze 2011–2016, Equinox 2010–2013, Malibu 2013–2016 +4 more
Related service bulletins
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11017031Mar 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011805Dec 6, 2024This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11010421Oct 3, 2024This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11007196Sep 6, 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11007116Aug 6, 2024This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 | 17% |
| 2018 | 14 | 13% |
| 2017 | 33 | 16% |
| 2016 | 59 | 24% |
| 2015 | 50 | 20% |
| 2014 | 187 | 27% |
| 2013 | 122 | 21% |
| 2012 | 196 | 23% |
| 2011 | 96 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
268 complaintsBrakes
150 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
137 complaintsElectronic stability control
108 complaintsSteering
103 complaintsOther or unknown
86 complaintsFuel system
52 complaintsVehicle speed control
51 complaintsEngine cooling
44 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
43 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology