With its stellar fuel economy and great ownership costs, it’s no wonder why the Chevrolet Cruze makes an excellent daily driver. It has a forecasted residual value of 67% after five years, losing an estimated $2,700 from its original price, according to CarEdge.com.
Is the Chevy Cruze Reliable?
RepairPal gives the Chevy Cruze a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 26th out of 36 compact cars. The annual repair and maintenance cost for the model is approximately $545, which is slightly higher than the average $530 for compact cars. Most owners of the Chevy Cruze tend to bring in their cars for unscheduled repairs 0.4 times a year with a 12% probability of having a severe problem.
Meanwhile, the 2016 and 2017 Cruze redesigns received the highest reliability scores from J.D. Power, with both model years earning 88 points out of 100. This ranks the 2017 model second best behind the Toyota Prius and the 2016 redesign at sixth place in their respective classes.
Top Chevy Cruze Problems
Over time, the Chevy Cruze is bound to develop issues that could affect its drivability and quality due to damaged or worn-out parts. Below are the Chevy Cruze’s most common problems as reported by its owners across different model years:
Engine Problems
Many 2018 Chevy Cruzes have been reported to have a couple of engine problems. Owners of the affected models have complained that their engines would stall while driving. The issue may be caused by a bad alternator, faulty sensors, or lack of fuel.
Engine failure has also been another problem found in many 2018 redesigns. There have been cases where drivers would notice their vehicles sputtering and emitting smoke from under the hood. Some owners have also reported that their engines died multiple times within the first two months of purchasing their cars.
Some 2018 Chevy Cruzes have been reported to have a couple of engine problems. Owners of the affected models have complained that their engines would stall while driving. Image source: Chevrolet Pressroom.
Several drivers determined that their vehicle’s engine failed due to a damaged cylinder that leaked oil from under the car. In some cases, metal shrapnel also contaminated the turbo injector, which resulted in more expensive repairs.
Keep in mind that improper lubrication, detonation, a blown head gasket, and using the wrong fuel may also cause engine failure. So if you’re dealing with the same problem, make sure to have your vehicle checked by a licensed mechanic immediately to get an accurate diagnosis.
Cracked Piston
Many drivers of the 2017 Chevy Cruze have complained about a cracked piston that caused their vehicles to idle roughly or lose power when accelerating. Replacing this part usually costs around $100 plus labor costs.
Electrical Failure
Electrical failure has been a common complaint among drivers of the 2016 redesign. Some owners have reported being unable to start their cars, while others complained about having defective radios and an illuminated check engine light. These problems are typically caused by a dead battery, stuck relay, a bad alternator, and a blown fuse.
Harsh Shifting
Some owners of the 2011-2016 Cruze redesigns have complained about their transmissions slipping and shifting hard when changing gears. These issues may be caused by faulty software. Resetting the transmission controller and updating the transmission usually resolved the drivability problems.
Faulty or damaged shift solenoids and valve bodies may also create the same problem. A new shift solenoid for the Cruze usually costs around $40, while a valve body can cost anywhere between $200 and $800 plus labor costs.
Steering Problems
Many owners of the 2014 redesign have complained about problems with their vehicles’ steering. Drivers of the affected model year have reported that their Cruze’s steering would stick at highway speeds and jerk when the power assist returned. There have also been reports of total power steering loss from some drivers, which increased the risk of accidents.
Faulty Water Pump
Some drivers of the 2014 Chevy Cruze have reported having a faulty water pump that caused their engines to overheat and damage the head gasket. Image source: Chevrolet Pressroom.
Some drivers of the 2014 Chevy Cruze have reported having a faulty water pump that caused their engines to overheat and damage the head gasket. Bad seals, a loose drive pulley, damaged belts, and corrosion are the most common reasons why the water pump may fail. A water pump replacement can cost anywhere between $30 and $100 plus labor costs.
Coolant leaks have been a widely reported 2011 Chevy Cruze problem. Owners of the affected models have complained about the smell of antifreeze leaking inside the cabin. Some of them spotted white smoke coming from under the hood. Others have also reported that their vehicle’s air conditioning unit automatically shut off because the leak caused the engine to overheat.
Due to the high volume of complaints, a proposed class-action lawsuit was filed against General Motors in 2014. The plaintiffs argued that a lot of units from the 2011 redesign had a mechanical defect that caused antifreeze to leak from the radiator. They added that the problem remained even after taking their vehicles to the dealership multiple times to address the issue.
The lawsuit also stated that the automaker issued two technical service bulletins (TSBs) about the coolant leaks, but General Motors failed to inform the public. In 2016, General Motors was granted a motion to dismiss the proposed class-action lawsuit.
Transmission Failure
Transmission failure has been a commonly reported problem among 2011 Cruze owners. Drivers of the affected units have complained about hearing rattling noises from their vehicles before their Chevy automatically shifted to reverse. Some have also reported that their vehicles would sometimes get stuck in drive or suddenly accelerate and slow down. Factors that may cause transmission failure include a bad torque converter, faulty clutch, low transmission fluid, and a defective transmission solenoid.
Despite being a dependable daily driver, issues caused by faulty parts may still affect the Chevy Cruze’s performance and quality. To keep yours running for a long time, you must stay on top of its repair and maintenance and keep an eye out for the most common issues your car may face in the future.
How to Get Quality Replacement Parts For Your Chevrolet Cruze
As a daily driver, the Chevrolet Cruze is no doubt a good choice for those looking for a reliable and classy vehicle. However, it does face a few common problems you need to watch out for if you want to keep yourself safe on the road. Its engine stalling while you drive is one of the most alarming issues, and should be addressed as soon as possible. Thankfully, CarParts.com has your back if you need any replacement parts for your Chevrolet Cruze.
CarParts.com boasts a wide range of different trusted aftermarket brands. The many quality parts in our catalog are easy to find and scroll through, and we can guarantee they fit your Chevrolet Cruze if you use our built-in vehicle selector. Ordering is a breeze, and it takes only a few quick clicks to go through our secure and convenient checkout. If you have any questions or concerns, our helpful and friendly customer support team is also here to assist around the clock.
Place your order today for a new Chevrolet alternator or other parts at CarParts.com.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
I have a 2016 Chevy Cruz with 55 thousand miles on it. I bought it new in 2016 and so far the only problem I've had was the sensors in the tires that tells the air pressure on the dash went bad because the batteries went dead and the batteries are not replaceable. That cost over 5 hundred dollars to replace.
Unfortunately that problem occurs over different manufacturers. I had a 2011 Cruze I bought new that had the same issue, then a Sebring, and later a Ford Taurus. I have researched the issue and unfortunately it's just a matter of time before the battery goes out and the unit requires replacement. It's just one of those things that eventually goes out, much like a car battery. I can say outside of general car repair costs the Cruze held up well.
My daughter has a 2017 cruise at 58000 km,38000 miles she is told she needs a new motor due to excessive carbon build up that has froze a ring in #1 piston and scored #2 & #4 cylinders too badly to repair.
This is about the 4th incident with this vehicle, with the same an odometer reading that's in the same ballpark of each other. #1 piston, leaking injectors, carbon buildup "throughout the entire engine!" People do their best to choose reliable cars for their children that'll save their children money that could be better spent towards schooling and commuting to work. Now a year and a half into buy and the whole engine needs to be rebuilt!
Seems off when it turns out the pistons were installed backwards... Anyone else take notice to that? Now while things are getting rebuilt my daughter has to pay $700 for Uber to get to work and school and this is only a 5 day week, besides the money for parts and labor!
Something needs to be done and an investigation needs to be authorized for the same complaints occurring over and over to innocent people who actually take care of their vehicles as required...
With all these problems we need to file a class action suit. My daughter had a 2018 and from the start it’s had caused her thousands. The dealers just wants to sell her a more expensive car not do any repairs. This ridiculous. I am contacting theState’s attorney office.
I have a 2017 cruze hatchback premier rs.at 80000 kms the number 1 piston cracked and the motor had to rebuilt.the cost was between 5000 and 6000 dollars.after 2 months of fighting with gm and being denied they agreed to rebuild the motor at a cost of 1500 dollars to me.turns out they had sent memos to their dealership saying that there needed to be a computer update to the engine module to prevent pre-ignition and the possibility of a cracked piston.those memos where ignored .how many others have been ripped off by general motors and their dealerships
Same problem with 2018 67000 kl
Did you contact an attorney? I was just told my 2018 Chevy Cruze 78K miles needs a new engine.
I have a 2013 chevy cruze since 2015, and I put in a water pump, coolant, sensor, reservoir, and thermostat more than 5×. I got the car with 60 miles and all the overheat now it needs an engine.
Wanted to share my experience with my 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. It needs an engine at 82,000 miles.
Did regular maintenance on my Chevy so there's no reason why it should be having issues GM needs to be held accountable for this. ..
Why does the radio screen on my 2016 chevy keep going out blank .
I
My cruz won't start this morning now my key won't open door
View Comments
I have a 2016 Chevy Cruz with 55 thousand miles on it. I bought it new in 2016 and so far the only problem I've had was the sensors in the tires that tells the air pressure on the dash went bad because the batteries went dead and the batteries are not replaceable. That cost over 5 hundred dollars to replace.
Unfortunately that problem occurs over different manufacturers. I had a 2011 Cruze I bought new that had the same issue, then a Sebring, and later a Ford Taurus. I have researched the issue and unfortunately it's just a matter of time before the battery goes out and the unit requires replacement. It's just one of those things that eventually goes out, much like a car battery. I can say outside of general car repair costs the Cruze held up well.
My daughter has a 2017 cruise at 58000 km,38000 miles she is told she needs a new motor due to excessive carbon build up that has froze a ring in #1 piston and scored #2 & #4 cylinders too badly to repair.
This is about the 4th incident with this vehicle, with the same an odometer reading that's in the same ballpark of each other. #1 piston, leaking injectors, carbon buildup "throughout the entire engine!" People do their best to choose reliable cars for their children that'll save their children money that could be better spent towards schooling and commuting to work. Now a year and a half into buy and the whole engine needs to be rebuilt!
Seems off when it turns out the pistons were installed backwards... Anyone else take notice to that? Now while things are getting rebuilt my daughter has to pay $700 for Uber to get to work and school and this is only a 5 day week, besides the money for parts and labor!
Something needs to be done and an investigation needs to be authorized for the same complaints occurring over and over to innocent people who actually take care of their vehicles as required...
(Incident occurred 65,000 miles-2017 Chevy Cruze Generation 2)
With all these problems we need to file a class action suit. My daughter had a 2018 and from the start it’s had caused her thousands. The dealers just wants to sell her a more expensive car not do any repairs. This ridiculous. I am contacting theState’s attorney office.
I have a 2017 cruze hatchback premier rs.at 80000 kms the number 1 piston cracked and the motor had to rebuilt.the cost was between 5000 and 6000 dollars.after 2 months of fighting with gm and being denied they agreed to rebuild the motor at a cost of 1500 dollars to me.turns out they had sent memos to their dealership saying that there needed to be a computer update to the engine module to prevent pre-ignition and the possibility of a cracked piston.those memos where ignored .how many others have been ripped off by general motors and their dealerships
Same problem with 2018 67000 kl
Did you contact an attorney? I was just told my 2018 Chevy Cruze 78K miles needs a new engine.
I have a 2013 chevy cruze since 2015, and I put in a water pump, coolant, sensor, reservoir, and thermostat more than 5×. I got the car with 60 miles and all the overheat now it needs an engine.
Wanted to share my experience with my 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. It needs an engine at 82,000 miles.
Did regular maintenance on my Chevy so there's no reason why it should be having issues GM needs to be held accountable for this. ..
Why does the radio screen on my 2016 chevy keep going out blank .
I
My cruz won't start this morning now my key won't open door