Gilbert Smith
Mar 30, 2022
The 2012 Chevy Cruze isn’t a clunker, but with some major issues compounded by 10 years on the road, it’s getting to where it costs more money than it’s worth to keep running. Mid-2010s model Cruzes will cost you less on the sale price and at the shop.
Key Points
- The 2012 Chevy Cruze has 800 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration complaints, three investigations, and seven recalls.
- One of the biggest problems is over oil that may splash onto the engine shield and possibly catch fire.
- The driver-side front airbag has been through three recalls for failure to deploy, and complaints are still rolling in.
- The 2012 Cruze has had its share of electrical problems, with the most worrying being power steering going in and out.
- A decent car in its day, the 2012 Cruze’s problems are now compounded with age, driving up maintenance costs.
Spilled and Dripping Oil May Splash On Engine Shield and Create Smoke, or Even Engine Fires
Powertrain and speed control problems make up half of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze’s over 800 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints. A common issue is smoke filling the cabin, sometimes accompanied by an antifreeze smell.
There was a major recall for 2012 Cruzes over dripping oil splashing onto the engine shield and potentially burning up.
At the very least, this will create a noxious odor. At worst, it can cause dizziness and engine fires.
Complaints have been filed as recently as Oct. 2021. So, if you’re buying a used Cruze, check the VIN and make note of any lingering odors in the car.
2012 Chevrolet Cruze’s Driver-side Front Airbag Has Three Recalls for Failure to Deploy, and Complaints Keep Rolling In
The driver’s airbag has been a major issue for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, with three recalls listed for the same issue: failure to deploy in an accident.
The most recent consumer complaint for an airbag failing to deploy was registered in Sept. 2021.The last complaint prior to that was nearly a year before.
So, it seems that at least the incidents have become far less common since the three recalls were issued.
2012 Chevy Cruze Owners Report Many Electrical Issues, With Power Steering Glitches the Most Concerning Problem
Another common problem for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a glitchy electrical system, and the issues are all over the place.
Some drivers report warning lights flashing on and off randomly, and others report fading lights or the AC not working.
A recent consumer complaint claims the temperature gauge fails to show an accurate reading. Another reports the radio stays on after turning the car off, draining the battery.
The most concerning electrical problem: The power steering assist may fade in and out while driving, making maneuvering the vehicle very difficult.
There have been no general recalls for units with wonky electronics. But there was a 2013 recall for nearly 300,000 units with potential loss of braking assist.
2012 Cruze isn’t the Worst Used Car, but With its Problems Compounded by Age, You Might Want to Go Slightly Newer
Over 800 consumer complaints may sound like a lot, but the Cruze sold a quarter-million units in 2012, so chances of experiencing these issues are low.
However, a 2012 Cruze is getting on in years. Annual repair costs average close to $600, according to Repair Pal. So, maintaining a 2012 Cruze may be more trouble than it’s worth.
The 2016 Cruze, however, has under 200 complaints, and annual repair costs are $100 less. Unless you’re willing to put a lot of elbow grease into a decade-old car, a mid-2010s model or later may be your best bet.
Photos: Chevrolet
Frequently Asked Questions
By Stephanie Stephan | Mar 30, 2022
What was the Worst Year for the Chevy Cruze?
2011 and 2012 Chevy Cruzes suffer from major mechanical problems and tie for some of the manufacturer's worst years, with 689 and 802 NHTSA complaints respectively. An overheated engine, transmission failure, and the smell of antifreeze in the cabin, as well as oil leaks and engine fires plague 2011 and 2012 models.
What are the Most Common Problems of the Chevy Cruze Model?
Generations of Chevy Cruzes from 2011-2018, suffer from engine problems that manifest as stalling, oil leaks, and cracked pistons. The Chevy Cruze’s transmission continues to slip and shift roughly due to TCM software issues and Cruzes are notorious for coolant leaks that cause antifreeze odors in the cabin.
Owner Reviews
Donna on January 6, 2022
Run do not walk from purchasing
Run do not walk from purchasing this piece of garbage. I purchased mine in2014 with 55,000 miles on it. After the first week, it started smoking and overheating on the freeway not once not twice not three times, 5 times all the dealer did was put the same part on like 4 times. First, a thermostat then a water pump Like three in less than a year. Sued for the lemon law did not get much. The car is still not paid off due to them charging me 14,000 for a car only worth 9.000 complete insanity
Emily F on October 24, 2021
Decent size car and a manual.
I have had many issues with the part after part falling apart or breaking and has become a money pit for me. I am currently trying to get rid of it because it broke down on me again. It's just not worth it. I have had to change the motor mounts, the spark plugs, and the MAF sensor, and I am about to have to change the transmission and the shifting cable.
Christa S on January 13, 2022
Chevy Cruze Transmission issues and my problem with newer model cars including my Cruze
The main issue I have had with my Cruze is when it was 5,000 miles over the warranty (105,000) the transmission gave out and it costs me almost 3,000 dollars to fix. (I'm still paying on my car) The other issue I have with it, like most newer cars, is the body is not strong and dents and scratches easily. The plastic body/bumper is not something I like.
Annete on January 4, 2022
Trash
Went from the showroom floor start to the service department. Stayed there at least once a week and seven years later im still making repairs turbocharger radiator every sensor it has now the power steering sensor comes on while im driving and locks the car down which is junk GMC should be ashamed of themselves do not buy this car just a headache.
Vickie C on October 19, 2021
Gas mileage is all this 6 speed manual vehicle has going for it.
We have replaced the water pump twice, problems with lifters, replaced them last month because of water pump going out. Now with new lifters and a new water pump, the car is knocking again. Even though the car has only 90,161 miles, I have had to replace the tires 2x and front-wheel cylinders. I am not impressed with the Chevy Cruze at all!
Jessica W on September 25, 2021
Nightmare car from hell!!
I have replaced just about everything on this car. It is currently in the shop to have $1500 in repairs done for the catalytic converters (there are 2 of them). I have probably put $3000+ into this vehicle in the last year.. I still have it because I paid too much for it and cannot afford the down payment required to trade it in.
Hayley C on June 28, 2021
Not so crazed for the Cruze
I wasn't very excited about this car before I purchased it, however, I have had several problems with it over the past few years. The glove box will pop open randomly, despite being looked at and 'fixed' by the dealership. The trunk also does not always lock or latch, which is something that the dealership claimed is a one-off.
cheyenne S on November 22, 2021
Do not buy a 2012 Chevy Cruze.
Lots of problems. No cruise control, need a new timing belt after 65,000 miles, defroster does not work, need to fix front flex pipe, bad transmission. All these things were like this either when I purchased the vehicle or happened not long after. Would not recommend this car to any of my friends or anyone for that matter.
Jennifer F on August 2, 2021
I would not recommend this car to anyone
I have the 2012 Chevy Cruze eco, I have had multiple problems with it. I have had to replace the turbo, coolant tank, and sensors. Have had an oil leak. Check engine light comes on and goes off all the time. When driving and coming to a stop it smells like something is burning, Chevy dealership tells me this is normal.
Timothy S on December 1, 2021
Chevy Cruze: a bigger turd than the one in grandmas depends right now
Completely unreliable and the parts aren't necessarily cheap. The front window fogs up constantly for no reason. Terribly low resale value (because of how unreliable they are) Problems with engine temperature sensor. Uncomfortable seats. Takes forever for the heater to warm up or ac to cool down.
Rachel B on March 25, 2022
It is very reliable in the beginning, but gets much worse.
This car has worked really well up until I put about 100, 000 miles on it. Ever since I have hit that mark, the car has broken down, shakes very bad, and I get nervous every single time I drive whether I will make it to my destination. I have been looking to get a new car immediately.
Sierra C on June 19, 2021
If I could light my car on fire and push it off of a bridge I would do it.
It is way too small if you have children because the rear-facing car seats barely fit, the check engine light is always on, the radio turns on and off on its own, it doesn't want to start after getting gas, I have to rev the gas pedal to get my car to start after fueling up.
Maria J on August 18, 2021
Do not buy it unless you want to be fixing the car almost every year!
I hate my Chevy Cruze, and it already broke the gasket 3 times! It is always something with the gasket! I am so tired of it! I do not recommend Chevy Cruze! If you want a vehicle that lasts longer and does not give you so many issues do not buy this one!
Kelsey M on August 26, 2021
Car is cheap and compact. Probably wouldn't recommend to anyone looking to purchase a new car.
This vehicle does not accelerate well. It's like driving a race car. I personally have had many problems ranging from a cracked windshield to my car stalling, and my check engine lights coming on for no reason. The safety rating is horrible.
Candice S on February 22, 2022
The gas system failed and needed to be rebuilt. Clunker.
At first, I loved the car. But as I started putting more Nikes on it, I had to get it repaired a ridiculous amount of times. I have spent more repairing the car in the past year than it is even worth but cannot trade it in.
Miranda C on February 14, 2022
Automatic windows, wipers, side mirrors. Big trunk with lots of space.
Transmission, and oil leaks. The transmission leaks fluid after 120,000 miles and then the oil started to leak as well. I am constantly having to put fuel injector fluid in the car because it runs sluggish 24/7.
Shannon E on June 18, 2021
Do not buy a Chevy Cruze. They have way to many problems.
It is had issues with electrical, running hot, the water pump has gone out twice, and several more problems the Chevy Cruze is known for. The life expectancy of a 2012 Cruze is only 10 yrs.
Tracy K on February 12, 2022
Sometimes when I turn on the heat in my car the fan speed gets confuse.
My car has a radiator leak, recently it had a check engine light and I needed to get a new vacuum hose and valve cover. I needed to get 4 new tires a couple of months ago.
Diamond G on June 17, 2021
It is nice but not worth it.
It has problems with the turbo because of the placement in the engine. Parts get worn out faster and it is just a lot of liability and constant repair.
Brooke M on March 27, 2022
Review is honest and not full of fluff.
My car has had many recalls and things go wrong. It has needed lots of maintenance and upkeep when it was supposed to be an easy upkeep vehicle.
Gilbert Smith
Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.
- Articles
2012 Chevrolet Cruze Problems Encompass Potential Engine Fires, Airbag Failure, and Electrical Glitches
FAQs
What are the most common engine problems for a 2012 Chevy Cruze? ›
Oil leaks from the engine and transmission, coolant leaks from the thermostat housing, and faulty ignition coils are other engine issues that have also been reported. The Cruze isn't without its electrical issues either, with loose battery cables and issues with the trunk release switch all being reported as well.
What is the recall on the 2012 Chevy Cruze engine? ›GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2, 2009, THROUGH MAY 31, 2012. SPILLED OR DRIPPING OIL (SUCH AS AFTER AN OIL CHANGE) MAY COLLECT IN THE ENGINE SHIELD (BELLYPAN) NEAR HOT ENGINE OR EXHAUST SYSTEM SURFACES.
Is there a recall on a 2012 Chevy Cruze LT? ›General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with 1.4L DOHC gasoline turbo engines and 6T40 front wheel drive automatic transmissions and equipped with an electric vacuum pump to provide supplemental vacuum for brake assist, when needed.
Is there a recall on Chevy Cruze airbags? ›General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's front air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part. Action Need To Fix It: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag, free of charge.
How many miles will a 2012 Chevy Cruze last? ›According to Engine Patrol, the Chevrolet Cruze can last up to 250,000 miles when driven responsibly and maintained correctly. Driving 15,000 miles yearly means your Chevy Cruze could last well over a decade before needing significant repairs.
Why is my 2012 Chevy Cruze sputtering? ›Fuel injector nozzles can become clogged over time, which can lead to a sputtering engine, slow acceleration and the car not having enough power. Fuel injectors can be cleaned if the problem is caught early, but as the conditions worsens, the injectors may have to be replaced.
Why did Chevy discontinue the Cruze? ›Why Did Chevrolet Discontinue the Cruze? Simply put, GM is discontinuing the Cruze so they can focus even more on producing great vehicles across other segments. That means they'll be able to increase their already impressive efforts when it comes to trucks, SUVs, crossovers, and electric vehicles.
How do I know if my head gasket is blown in my Chevy Cruze? ›The coolant being burned in the engine will produce white exhaust that smells sweet, like engine coolant. When the head gasket fails completely, the engine will overheat within minutes of starting, will stall and then won't restart.
What are the common transmission problems in a 2012 Chevy Cruze? ›2012 Chevrolet Cruze transmission problems could include shifting delays, grinding or jumping during acceleration, the car shaking at any speed, or whistling noises or a burning smell coming from beneath the hood.
Is a 2012 Chevy Cruze a good car? ›The 2012 Chevy Cruze is a decent option if you're in the market for a used compact car . It's fun to drive, and it soaks up rough roads nicely. Its interior has a premium look and feel. The Cruze also rates well for crash safety, and its fuel-efficient engines scoot the sedan along briskly.
How much does a timing belt cost for a 2012 Chevy Cruze? ›
Shopping around to get a few quotes is your best bet to get the best deal, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $409 to $919 (including parts and labor).
How many miles does the average Chevy Cruze last? ›As long as it's kept well-maintained and safely driven, a Chevy Cruze can last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles.
Can I sue Chevy if my airbags didn't deploy? ›If you believe that your airbag did not deploy properly during an accident, you may have cause to file a claim against the manufacturer of the airbag. Bringing a case against a manufacturer for product defect falls under product liability law.
Does insurance cover airbag malfunction? ›Typically, insurance will cover airbag replacement if: Your car isn't totaled. You're not at fault for the accident. You have collision insurance, which pays for collision damage regardless of who's at fault.
How much does an airbag recall cost? ›Takata Corp. has estimated that the cost for the complete callback of the defective airbag inflators responsible for nine fatalities in the United States could reach $24 billion.
What year of Chevy Cruze should I stay away from? ›If you want to stay safe when investing in a Chevy Cruze, stay away from the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 models of this vehicle. The most prominent issue that arose with these cars is transmission failure and engine problems.
What is high mileage for Chevrolet Cruze 2012? ›With proper care, a 2012 Chevy Cruze can last up to 200,000 miles, which is a bit shorter than some other compact cars on the market. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than the competition.
Is Cruze a high maintenance car? ›How Frequently Does a Chevrolet Cruze require maintenance? Overall - the Chevrolet Cruze has yearly car maintenance costs total to $545 . The table below shows a complete ranking of how various cars rank in this overall system as some comparison.
What does it mean when your engine sputters and surges? ›A sputtering engine means that it is not achieving full combustion. It could be the sign of a very simple problem or it could be a symptom of a much more concerning engine, fuel system or exhaust system issue.
Why is my car sputtering and shaking? ›One of the most common causes of a sputtering engine is an issue with the vehicle's fuel system—the filter, pump, and injectors. These three critical components work together to ensure fuel flows smoothly from the fuel tank to your engine's fuel injectors, and then pumps into the engine evenly.
Why is my Chevy Cruze jerking while driving? ›
An indication that a vehicle is not receiving the right mixture of air and fuel is if the vehicle jerks or surges forward at high speed. Several components of the fuel or air intake system could cause this jerking or surging sensation to happen. Issues within these systems can also cause fuel economy to worsen.
Do Chevy Cruze have engine problems? ›Chevrolet Cruze common problems: Most of the reported problems are related to the engine and include multiple Check Engine light issues, coolant leaks as well as oil leaks. The automatic transmission is another area of concern. Some of the problems were addressed by GM warranty campaigns and recalls.
What does the LT stand for on a Chevy Cruze? ›Many Haines City drivers have undoubtedly seen the LT label on many Chevy trims when they upgrade from the base-level configurations. The LT stands for “luxury touring” and signifies models that are above the LS entry-level trims. Some popular Chevy models with LS trims include: Chevy Trailblazer. Chevy Trax.
Did Chevy Cruze have a recall? ›Power train. Recall no. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles.
What does a car with a blown head gasket look like? ›There is an easy way to find out if your engine's head gasket has blown. Simply check under the oil filler cap. If the gasket is not damaged, the inside of the oil cap will be mostly dry. If you discover a milky brownish-yellow substance that is similar to the thickness of a milkshake, you probably have a gasket leak.
What can be mistaken for transmission problems? ›- Speed Sensor. A faulty speed sensor can no longer transmit the speed of the vehicle to the transmission. ...
- Solenoid. ...
- Temperature Sensor. ...
- Low Fluid Level. ...
- Worn Engine Mounts. ...
- Engine Misfire. ...
- Fuel Delivery System. ...
- Restricted Air Flow.
Transmission Issues
There are several issue that can arise relating to the transmission in a Cruze. Odd smells during driving, rough shifts, problems reversing and even high RPMs while driving can occur.
- POWER LOSS. If you notice that your car isn't accelerating as powerfully as it used to, or is slow to react to your input, this might be a sign that your turbo is failing. ...
- WHINING ENGINE. ...
- EXHAUST SMOKE. ...
- CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. ...
- OIL/LUBRICATION. ...
- DAMAGED SEALS. ...
- FOREIGN OBJECTS/DEPOSITS. ...
- WEAR & TEAR.
Common reasons for this to happen:
If the torque converter is broken, or if there is a low fluid level in the transmission, the converter will not do its job, and the car will be unable to maintain power at low speeds, which causes the engine to shut off.
| Fuel & MPG | |
|---|---|
| EPA city/highway MPG | 25/36 MPG |
| EPA combined MPG | 29 MPG |
| Range in miles (city/hwy) | 390.0/561.6 mi. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 15.6 gal. |
How long does a 2012 Chevy Cruze battery last? ›
Your 2012 Chevy Cruze battery will generally last between 3 to 5 years, but that can vary massively depending on type of battery, weather conditions battery size, and driving habits.
Is it worth fixing a timing belt that broke? ›In a nutshell, a broken timing belt leads to serious engine damage. It is sometimes cheaper to replace the whole engine rather than repair it. Replacing a timing belt ahead of time is so much cheaper than repairing the damage caused by a broken timing belt.
Is it cheaper to replace a timing belt or timing chain? ›Replacing either a timing belt or chain is costly since the repair involves removing several other engine components. So, depending on your mechanic's labor rate, here's what timing chain or timing belt replacement could cost: Timing belt replacement: Around $900. Timing chain replacement: Around $1,600 or more.
What happens if timing belt breaks on Chevy Cruze? ›If the timing belt is starting to go bad, the engine will run poorly and the check engine light will likely come on. If the belt breaks, the engine will stall immediately, and internal engine damage can occur.
What is the best mileage of Chevrolet Cruze? ›The Cruze mileage is 14.81 to 17.9 kmpl. The Manual Diesel variant has a mileage of 17.9 kmpl.
Is Chevy Cruze good in snow? ›Boasting a host of safety features sure to keep you safe and steady on a winter road, the Cruze Limited might just be the best choice for a winter Chevy.
How far can a Chevy Cruze go on a full tank? ›The gasoline engine has a highway cruising range of up to 608 miles, while the diesel option lets you cruise on the highway for up to 648 miles.
Are cars totalled if airbags deploy? ›Many people believe, and have likely been told, that if the airbags go off after a crash, the vehicle is automatically considered a total loss. This is not true. While a crash that is severe enough to set off the airbags will usually cause enough damage to total the car, it doesn't always.
Is my car totaled if the airbags didn't deploy? ›Even if all of the airbags in your vehicle go off, that could not be enough damage to total your car. If you are unsure whether your car will be totaled, be sure to discuss the vehicle damages with your attorney and auto repair shop to make the best decision in your case.
Is a car fixable after airbags deploy? ›There's a common misconception that airbag deployment means a car is considered a total loss. While it can signify the result of a violent impact, it does not mean that your vehicle cannot be repaired.
At what speed do airbags deploy? ›
Typically, a front airbag will deploy for unbelted occupants when the crash is the equivalent of an impact into a rigid wall at 10-12 mph. Most airbags will deploy at a higher threshold — about 16 mph — for belted occupants because the belts alone are likely to provide adequate protection up to these moderate speeds.
How much does it cost to fix blown airbags? ›On average, one can expect to pay anywhere from $200-$800 per airbag module/assembly. However, this price only covers the cost of parts and excludes any labor. Installation alone will easily cost another $150-$300 per airbag.
Can a mechanic fix an airbag? ›The airbag of a car cannot be fixed after an accident. Even though it can be costly, you must have it replaced. Manufacturers design modern airbags for a single use. When they were first introduced, mechanics could reset some airbags.
What cars are recalled for airbag problems? ›...
Nissan:
- 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima.
- 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra.
- 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder.
- 2007-2012 Nissan Versa.
- 2001 Infiniti I30.
- 2003-2005 Infiniti FX35.
- 2003-2005 Infiniti FX45.
- 2002-2004 Infiniti I35.
- Acura (Honda) 2003 Acura 3.2CL. ...
- Audi (VW) 2006-2013 Audi A3. ...
- BMW. 2008-2013 BMW 1 Series. ...
- Cadillac (GM) 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade. ...
- Chevrolet (GM) 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche. ...
- Chrysler. 2005-2015 Chrysler 300. ...
- Daimler Trucks North America (Sterling Bullet) ...
- Daimler Vans USA LLC (Sprinter)
Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls to find out if your car or truck is under recall. Search using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Your search result will tell you if your car or truck is included in this recall or any other safety recall. Call your local dealer to schedule the FREE repair.
Why does my 2012 Chevy Cruze run rough at idle? ›The most common reasons a Chevrolet Cruze has rough idle are a vacuum leak, an issue with the spark plugs, or a problem with the ignition coil.
Why does my Chevy Cruze lag when I accelerate? ›Fuel injectors may become dirty over time and not be able to provide as much fuel to the cylinder as is needed. Dirty fuel injectors may cause the engine to run lean which will in turn, cause hesitation when accelerating.
What is the average life of a Chevy Cruze? ›As long as it's kept well-maintained and safely driven, a Chevy Cruze can last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles.
Are Chevy Cruze expensive to fix? ›The estimated cost to maintain and repair a Chevrolet Cruze Limited ranges from $95 to $4496, with an average of $287.
What are the signs of a dead turbo? ›
You may notice bluey/grey smoke emanating from your exhaust when you accelerate quickly or when you first drive off after starting your vehicle. If you have a crack in the turbo housing or the internal seals have blown oil can enter the exhaust system and when heated burns off as smoke.
What are the symptoms of a faulty turbocharger? ›- 1) Poor acceleration. The turbo's primary function is to increase engine power. ...
- 2) Increased Gas consumption. Another chief function of your car's turbo is to create better fuel economy. ...
- 3) Excessive exhaust smoke. ...
- 4) Blue or black exhaust smoke. ...
- 5) Siren noise. ...
- 6) “Check engine” light.
Tire issues: The most frequent causes of a vehicle shaking while driving stem from tire issues. Tires begin to behave differently when worn or out of balance.
What sensors can cause rough idle? ›Oxygen (O2) sensor
An oxygen sensor monitors and analyzes the amount of oxygen in a vehicle's exhaust system after combustion. A dirty, damaged or malfunctioning O2 sensor (or sensors) affects the air/fuel mixture, causing the engine to idle rough.
A rough idling engine can be caused by spark plugs or spark plug wires. Spark plugs use the electrical current received from ignition coils to ignite the air/fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. A plug that is damaged or installed incorrectly can result in fuel being burned at an inconsistent rate.
What causes choppy acceleration? ›Trouble accelerating can come from a few different engine issues. These include, but are not limited to, dirty fuel injectors, low fuel pressure, and restricted airflow. A problem with the mass airflow sensor, throttle position sensor, or engine speed sensor can also cause a car to have difficulty picking up speed.
Why does my car stumble when I accelerate? ›An engine that stumbles while you are driving is either misfiring, not getting enough fuel, or is getting too much air.
Why is my engine choppy when I accelerate? ›There are a range of reasons why your car is juddering when you accelerate. Your vehicle could have dirty fuel injectors, a damaged fuel pump, a blocked catalytic converter, a faulty mass airflow sensor, broken spark plugs, or even an accumulation of moisture.