Chevrolet Cruze Reliability Problems

Cruze owners have made 1,023 complaints over 10 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it dead last in overall reliability, with significant engine and transmission concerns.

3 Common Chevrolet Cruze Problems

A list of some of the most common issues Cruze owners have to deal with.

  1. Engine Power is Reduced

    Defects with Chevy's accelerator pedal sensor and electronic throttle control system are triggering a sudden and dangerous 'Engine Power is Reduced' warning message which can lead to the car suddenly losing power and having limited accelera…

    Continue reading article "Engine Power is Reduced" A snail on the road

  2. Delayed Acceleration Problems

    Many Chevrolet generations suffer from delayed acceleration due to a slow response in the drive-by-wire electronic throttle system. The throttle lag can be frustrating at best, but can also leave drivers in dangerous situations. Unfortunate…

    Continue reading article "Delayed Acceleration Problems" A snail on the road

  3. Cruze Coolant Leaks

    After years of Chevy Cruze owners complaining about antifreeze leaks along with an overwhelming smell in the cars, a class-action lawsuit was filed against General Motors in New York federal court.

    Continue reading article "Cruze Coolant Leaks" A vehicle pulled to the side of the road, hood is open and white smoke is everywhere.

What Cruze Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

Cruze Generations

The Cruze has 2 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 1st generation (2011–2015).

Cruze Key Numbers

  1. 1,023 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 2,212 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 22 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Cruze Class-Action Lawsuits

The Cruze has been named as a class vehicle in the following lawsuits.

Recent Cruze News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Excess gas –– we’ve all had it, no-one likes it, and the same holds true for your braking system.

    GM says it needs to bleed the brake systems of 230,000 cars because the vehicles have rear brake caliper pistons that have hydrogen gas trapped inside that could be released into the brake systems. ZF, the manufacturer of the brake pistons, didn't properly temper and chrome-coat the pistons, causing hydrogen gas to remain trapped in the bodies of the pistons.

    This problem may cause your brake pedal to feel “spongy” but it’s unclear if it affects stopping distances.

    keep reading article "There is Excess Gas Buildup in the Brake Caliper Pistons of 230,000 GM Vehicles"

  2. Have you heard about the lawsuit that says the side blind zone alert system in the 2013-2018 Chevy Cruze is defective?

    The lawsuit claims that the system fails because the sensors are poorly sealed and over-exposed to elements like debris and road spray.

    GM has filed a motion to dismiss the case saying the plaintiffs are blind to the fact that of 250,000 Cruze vehicles with the Enhanced Safety Package, only 40 (0.016%) needed service during the warranty period according to the lawsuit.

    The decision is pending.

    keep reading article "GM Says Blind Zone Alert Lawsuit Can’t See the Facts"

  3. Chevy started offering an optional "blind zone alert" safety upgrade with the 2013 Cruze. However, they placed the system's sensors on the rear bumper which, according to a new lawsuit leaves the system suceptible to spray from the rear wheel wells.

    The sensors and wiring are allegedly sealed poorly and allow water and debris to affect the systems, leaving owners with non-working systems they paid for.

    Because of the defective design, dealers allegedly can't effectively repair the systems and any damaged sensors are installed in the same problematic locations. The plaintiffs in the case said replacement sensors were on back-order when they brought their car in for service.…

    keep reading article "Can Water or Snow Confuse the Cruze's Blind Zone Alert?"

  5. Are you the type of driver who likes to lounge while driving? You might not have a choice if you own a Chevy Cruze.

    Turns out the seats in the 2016 and 2017 can recline on their own. While that can be annoying, what lead GM to recall 17,000+ cars is how the seats can snap back (or forward) in an accident. Let's just say that's a safety no-no.

    General Motors says the problem is due to "inconsistent welds between a seat-back bracket reclining mechanism and the seat-back frame." Chevy will inspect and replace any bad seat-back frames, hopefully with one that has more consistent welds.

    keep reading article "Seats in the Chevy Cruze Can Recline On Their Own (Especially in an Accident)"

  6. Every modern headlight assembly has an "aim code" to make sure the lights are oriented properly after service. Unfortunately, those are missing in some new Cruze cars.

    The 2016 Chevy Cruze cars are required to have headlight assemblies marked with a three-digit identifier code used to properly aim the headlights. The cars violate federal safety standards without the codes clearly marked on the assemblies.…

    keep reading article "The Chevy Cruze is Missing Headlight Codes"

  7. Here's a fun thought --- your Chevy Cruze turbo diesel might be illegal in the USA.

    A new lawsuit claims GM is using "defeat devices" to hide emissions output similar to the ones VW just got raked over the coals for.

    "Attorneys say the plaintiffs tested the Cruze using a "Portable Emissions Measurement System" and found the cars don't meet emissions standards. The lawsuit says the standard is 70 mg/mile, but according to testing, the Cruze diesel cars averaged 174 mg/mile with a high of 557 mg/mile."…

    keep reading article "Is the Chevy Cruze Turbo Diesel Legal?"

  8. Your steering wheel could get stuck while driving and GM doesn't think that's enough of a safety hazard to warrant a recall.

    Owners have complained that if they drive with their steering wheel in one position for a long enough, it can suddenly stick and become impossible to turn. The problem eventually remedies itself but not before making the driver sweat it out like Richard Simmons:

    "At highway speeds the steering sticks, making it scary to drive and dangerous” the owner of a 2013 Cruze wrote to the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).…

    keep reading article "No Help On the Way For Your Sticky Steering Situation"

What Owners Say About Their Cruze

A/C is Never Cold Because of Leaky Condenser

Very irritating, nauseating smell when using heat setting. First time I took it in the service tech said "oh, that's BAD, smells like antifreeze" and also noted the film on the windshield. Said it needed a new heater core. We couldn't get the part, had to pull it off an assembly line and it took about 2 weeks. They changed it and didn't help at all.

2011 Cruze Owner

Other Chevrolet Models