2012 Chevrolet Cruze diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Engine oil leaks3.9× usual
  Chevrolet Cruze

  23.1% All 2012 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Coil springs2.2× usual
  Chevrolet Cruze

  18.9% All 2012 cars

  8.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11%, against 3.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Diesel smoke emissions12× usual
  Chevrolet Cruze

  6% All 2012 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 0.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Number plate lights1.9× usual
  Chevrolet Cruze

  12.3% All 2012 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Side repeaters3.4× usual
  Chevrolet Cruze

  4.1% All 2012 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Common 2012 Chevrolet Cruze diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Chevrolet Cruze diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  36% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  33% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  29% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  24% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  11% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 12× as often on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?