CarComplaints.com Notes: In many ways, the 2012 Cruze continues the legacy of its predecessor. It's a legacy of sluggish transmissions and coolant leaks, but it's still a legacy.
On the flip-side, there's more concerns about brake problems.
However, there were far more Cruze vehicles sold for the 2012 model year so we'll give it our "Beware of this Clunker" badge rather than the "Avoid Like the Plague."
While still under warranty the vehicle was serviced and two spark plugs were found to be fouled. The dealership mechanic replaced them and said nothing else.
A few months after warranty, in March of 2017, the engine light came on so we took it in for service. Same two plugs fouled, mechanic then checked as per PIP5197D, and found very low oil and did a pressure test. Seems that this engine has had its piston rings fail at 43,000 kilometers and just over 5 years of operation.
Chevy refuses to do anything about this.
THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! Piston rings should last the lifetime of the vehicle especially on one like this with low kilometers and which has been in for dealership servicing on a regular basis.
GMC it seems, is quite content to have engines that fail this quickly.
I thought engines underwent million mile testing prior to being put in consumer's cars. I have my doubts this engine was ever tested to 100,000 let alone a million.
The collapsed piston ring lands cause the engine crank case to become pressurized. This will cause plenty of oil coming out piping feeding air between the turbo charger's cooling condenser and the engine. The oil leaks at a clamped plastic piping joint and spills all over the top right side of the engine. Dealership first thought it was a failed turbo. Then they thought it was failed fittings. 3 weeks later they find it is known collapsed piston ring lands in these 2011 and early 2012 Austrian made engines. The pressurized crankcase also causes valve cover oil leaks. Only solution -- engine rebuild -- replace all four pistons and their rings. Replace valve seals while you're at it. Properly prep cylinder walls again. Check for any damage to cylinders. Big job. 3-1/2 weeks at dealership.
- nitram,
Caledon, ON, Canada
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
While still under warranty the vehicle was serviced and two spark plugs were found to be fouled. The dealership mechanic replaced them and said nothing else.
A few months after warranty, in March of 2017, the engine light came on so we took it in for service. Same two plugs fouled, mechanic then checked as per PIP5197D, and found very low oil and did a pressure test. Seems that this engine has had its piston rings fail at 43,000 kilometers and just over 5 years of operation.
Chevy refuses to do anything about this.
THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! Piston rings should last the lifetime of the vehicle especially on one like this with low kilometers and which has been in for dealership servicing on a regular basis.
GMC it seems, is quite content to have engines that fail this quickly.
I thought engines underwent million mile testing prior to being put in consumer's cars. I have my doubts this engine was ever tested to 100,000 let alone a million.
- Jeff S., Kenora, ON, Canada