2012 Chevrolet Cruze 1.8L Petrol · LT12 FLF
2012 Chevrolet Cruze (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01/03/2012. Recorded mileage 92,858 miles. MOT valid until 05/07/2027. Taxed until 01/07/2027.
- Make & Model
- CHEVROLET CRUZE
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05/07/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/07/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 92,858 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2012
- Engine
- 1796cc
LT12 FLF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 07/07/2026
- 92,858 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for Chevrolet Cruze
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
LT12 FLF Mileage History
- 02/10/202487,669 mi
- 02/10/202487,699 mi+30 mi
- 17/10/202590,599 mi+2,900 mi
- 17/10/202590,600 mi+1 mi
- 07/07/202692,858 mi+2,258 mi
Average of roughly 2,947 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
LT12 FLF MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (LT12 FLF) between October 2024 and July 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 07 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))”; “Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution due to recurring braking system issues and exhaust concerns. While the car has a recent pass, the history suggests a vehicle that requires proactive maintenance to remain roadworthy.
When inspecting this vehicle, prioritise a thorough test drive to check the feel of the brake pedal; the history of imbalance and fluctuating performance suggests the calipers or discs may be nearing the end of their functional life. Ensure the handbrake holds firmly on an incline, as 'end of travel' issues were noted in the previous test cycle.
Furthermore, check the service history for evidence of exhaust repairs. The 2025 leak notification implies the system may be ageing, so listen for any blowing noises or rattles from beneath the car. Given the 2024 failure regarding the Engine Management Light (MIL), ensure the dashboard lights illuminate correctly upon ignition and clear promptly after the engine starts, indicating no underlying sensor or emissions faults.
The 1.8-litre petrol engine in the Cruze is not the most economical unit in its class, and you should expect moderate fuel consumption, particularly in urban stop-start traffic. Road tax (VED) for a 2012 petrol model will be based on CO2 emissions, which typically places this vehicle in a mid-range tax bracket.
Maintenance costs for a Chevrolet of this age can be variable; while parts are generally accessible, some specific components for the Cruze may require sourcing from specialist suppliers. Budgeting for an annual service and a contingency fund for brake and exhaust components is highly recommended to avoid unexpected repair bills.
Focus your inspection on the front braking components. The 2026 MOT noted that the discs are worn, pitted, and scored; verify if these require immediate replacement or if they can last until the next service interval. Check the condition of the brake fluid and ensure the pedal does not feel 'spongy'.
Additionally, inspect the rear exhaust section for signs of corrosion or patches, as a leak was previously flagged. Verify that the parking brake lever does not pull up too high, as this was a recurring advisory in late 2025. Finally, perform a full diagnostic scan if possible to ensure no hidden fault codes are present, given the historical issues with the engine management system.
This 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 petrol has covered 92,858 miles, which is broadly in line with expectations for its age. The MOT history reveals a pattern of brake-related advisories and failures, indicating that the braking system is a persistent weak point. While the car passed its most recent inspection in July 2026, the presence of worn, pitted front discs suggests immediate attention or future expenditure will be necessary.
There is no significant aggregate reliability data available for the Chevrolet Cruze, so buyers should rely heavily on the specific maintenance history of this individual vehicle.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Common Problems: CHEVROLET CRUZE
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Diesel Oil Dilution and DPF Clogging(Serious)
Incomplete DPF regenerations lead to fuel entering the oil sump. If not caught, this can lead to engine "runaway" or bearing failure.
- M32 Gearbox Bearing Failure(Serious)
Like its Vauxhall cousins, the 6-speed manual gearbox can suffer from bearing wear, eventually leading to total failure.
- Cooling System Thermostat and Water Pump Failures(Moderate)
The thermostat housing and water pump are common failure points. The plastic thermostat housing can crack, and the water pump can develop leaks, leading to overheating.
- Electrical Sensor and Warning Light Faults(Moderate)
Various sensors including crankshaft position, oxygen, and mass air flow sensors can fail, triggering warning lights and causing poor running. The electronic boot release is also a known failure point.
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