Ah, the 2012 Chevy Cruze. You might wonder, “Is it a good buy?” Well, let’s dive deep and find out.
A Brief History
The Chevy Cruze, launched with much fanfare, was Chevrolet’s attempt to show the world that America could produce a compact car rivaling its Japanese counterparts. And boy, did it deliver! With a whopping 1.2 million sales for the first-generation model, it was clear that the Cruze was a force to be reckoned with. In fact, in 2010, it was GM’s best-selling model globally. But, it’s essential to note that while the 2014 model year peaked in U.S. sales, the 2012 Chevy Cruze wasn’t far behind, boasting a solid 258,185 units sold.
The Evolution of the Cruze
The Cruze’s history is, well, a tad complicated. The global Cruze model launched in 2008 was quite different from its predecessor. “Cruze” was first coined 2001 by Holden, GM’s Australian arm. This model was a rebranded version of the Suzuki Ignis subcompact hatchback. However, the first-generation global Cruze (2008-2016) was more of a successor to the Chevrolet Cobalt, which was available in North America from 2005 to 2010.
Introduced to the North American market in 2010, the Cruze was a beacon of hope for GM, especially during its Chapter 11 reorganization in 2009. Mark Reuss, G.M.’s N.A. president of operations, even told the New York Times that the Cruze was the start of the “rebirth of the American economy.” High praise, indeed!
2012 Chevy Cruze: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
When the Cruze first hit the market, critics were all praise. It even bagged the title of Canadian Car of the Year in 2011. Its safety features, especially its 10 airbags, were lauded, earning it an IIHS Top Safety Pick award in 2011.
However, not all was rosy. Some critics, like Car and Driver, weren’t too impressed with the 1.8-liter engine. On the other hand, the 1.4-liter turbo engine received a thumbs-up from Motor Trend.
But, as the years rolled by, the Cruze’s shine began to dim. Reliability issues started cropping up. Chevrolet Problems, using data from Car Complaints, even labeled the Cruze as the least reliable Chevy model.
2012 Chevy Cruze Problems: Recalls and Reliability Issues
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the 2012 Chevy Cruze problems. This model faced seven NHTSA recalls. Two of the most significant recalls related to fire risks were issued in June 2012. The first was due to potentially faulty fuel tank welds, and the second was because of potential oil drips that could lead to fires.
Other recalls included issues with the driver’s side airbag, brake assistance, and the ignition key. Beyond these recalls, the 2012 Cruze, especially the 1.4-liter turbo models, faced various reliability issues. These ranged from leaking water pumps to faulty PCV diaphragms and electrical problems.
So, Should You Buy a 2012 Chevy Cruze?
If you’re considering a 2012 Chevy Cruze, tread with caution. While it boasts impressive safety features and build quality, its reliability issues can’t be ignored. If you’re still keen, ensure you do a thorough VIN check to see if all recall-related work has been completed. Also, check if warrantable items, like the water pump, have been fixed.
In conclusion, while the 2012 Chevy Cruze has its merits, it’s essential to be aware of its pitfalls. Happy car hunting!