MPG › Chevrolet › Cruze › 2012
2012 Chevrolet Cruze MPG
26–32 mpg combined across 6 EPA-rated versions. Best: Cruze Eco (FWD, 1.4L 4-cyl) at 28 city / 40 hwy / 32 combined; lowest: Cruze (1.8L 4-cyl, A6) at 26.
Every version
| Version | Engine | Trans. | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cruze Eco | 1.4L 4-cyl | M6 | FWD | 28 | 40 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Cruze | 1.4L 4-cyl | A6 | FWD | 26 | 36 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Cruze | 1.4L 4-cyl | M6 | FWD | 26 | 37 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Cruze Eco | 1.4L 4-cyl | A6 | FWD | 26 | 38 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Cruze | 1.8L 4-cyl | M6 | FWD | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Cruze | 1.8L 4-cyl | A6 | FWD | 22 | 34 | 26 | $2,600 |
How it compares
- 2012 Midsize Cars: class average 23.7 mpg over 143 versions; best Cruze +8.3 (#9).
- 2011: 32 mpg best (no change).
- 2013: 32 mpg best.
- Fuel cost spread: $2,100–$2,600 a year ($500 difference).
- 2019 model: 37 mpg best (+5).
Safety
| Crash test | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ · 10.9% risk |
865 owner complaints: Engine 268, Electrical System 196, Service Brakes 150, Power Train 137. Crashes 62, fires 18, injuries 30.
| Complaint area | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 268 | 31% |
| Electrical System | 196 | 23% |
| Service Brakes | 150 | 17% |
| Power Train | 137 | 16% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 108 | 12% |
| Steering | 103 | 12% |
| Unknown Or Other | 84 | 10% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 51 | 6% |
Recent owner reports: Engine
“I was driving and the engine caught on fire. The flames came from the turbo gasket compartment not sure why or how it ignited. Thankfully the damage was not that extensive the car was towed to my residence and it is not drivable it won't start.”
“Was driving and my car literally wouldn't go forward. Prior to I had an oil change and I would smell burning oil”
“Have called about this starting 2020. Had 137000. Also previous owner since 99000mi. Drive train & Turbo. Brake assist. Oil leaks, shutting off while driving. Now as of Saturday April 25 2026 Car shut off while driving and has been towed to dealership. Car deemed lemon by GM. In 2020 car to have been replaced I have all service contact numbers as well as my receipts. Car is a death trap. Do better Chevrolet & GM”
Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 NHTSA campaigns (check a VIN).
| Date | Component | Campaign |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 5, 2016 | Electrical System › ignition | 16V502000 |
| Jun 6, 2014 | Air Bags | 14V300000 |
| Aug 15, 2013 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic › power Assist | 13V360000 |
| Jan 24, 2013 | Air Bags | 13V023000 |
| Oct 31, 2012 | Air Bags | 12V522000 |
| Jun 22, 2012 | Fuel System, Gasoline › storage › tank Assembly › mounting | 12V289000 |
| Jun 22, 2012 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 12V288000 |