2012 Chevrolet Cruze Transmission & Power Train Problems
NHTSA component category: POWER TRAIN · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How power train ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 864 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze overview page.
What owners report
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY IN REVERSE AS THE CONTACT WAS EXITING THE VEHICLE AND…”NHTSA complaint 10535785 — filed 08/16/2013
“I WHEN TO THE DEALER TO GET A NEW OIL DRAIN PLUG I GIVE THEN MY VIN AND THEY TELL ME MY OIL BRAIN PLUG…”NHTSA complaint 10535317 — filed 08/14/2013
“THIS CAR WOULD SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING SURGE/LUNGE FORWARD CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD TO ALL INCLUDING OTHER DRIVERS. I HAVE HAD IT BACK TO THE…”NHTSA complaint 10491936 — filed 01/09/2013
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Power Train complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze have transmission & power train problems?
Power Train is the #4 most-reported problem area on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze: 135 of 864 complaints on file (15.6%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze have in total?
864 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 62 involved a crash, 17 involved a fire, 30 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's power train category include?
NHTSA groups complaints about the transmission (automatic or manual), driveline, axles, transfer case and related parts under a single component category called POWER TRAIN. This page reports that category as NHTSA defines it.
