Chevrolet Cruze 2011–2015 problems by year and mileage
1st generation (J300) — plus the MY2016 'Cruze Limited' carryover
NHTSA data through 18 October 20263,138 complaints, 2,366 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
Close- Median failure report
- 55,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 732
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 2011
- Engine257 reports · median 67,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline193 reports · median 58,000 mi
- Electrical system96 reports · median 59,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system — ignition · Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist · Fuel system, gasoline — storage
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
Close- Median failure report
- 54,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 865
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 2012
- Engine268 reports · median 67,000 mi
- Electrical system196 reports · median 50,000 mi
- Brakes142 reports · median 45,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system — ignition · Air bags · Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
Close- Median failure report
- 51,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 587
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2013
- Engine212 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Electrical system122 reports · median 45,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline113 reports · median 37,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system — ignition · Equipment — electrical · Air bags
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
Close- Median failure report
- 53,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 702
- Recalls naming this year
- 10
Most reported on the 2014
- Engine217 reports · median 65,000 mi
- Electrical system187 reports · median 59,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline97 reports · median 45,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — side/window · Electrical system — ignition · Steering
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 Chevrolet Cruze
Close- Median failure report
- 55,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 252
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2015
- Engine99 reports · median 64,000 mi
- Electrical system49 reports · median 50,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise46 reports
Recall areas Electrical system — ignition · Seat belts — front · Steering
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2011; earliest: the 2013, and the 2011 is 2 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2011–2015 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 54,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 115,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 2,366
- Recalls
- 21
Most reported
- Engine33.6% of complaints · median 69,000 mi
- Electrical system20.7% of complaints · median 50,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline18.4% of complaints · median 52,000 mi
Documented problems
- Engine (1.4L Turbo) — PCV System2011–2015
- Cooling System2011–2015
- Electrical2011–2015
- Turbocharger2011–2015
Owners filed 3,138 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011–2015 Chevrolet Cruze; the engine leads with 33.6% of them, and half of the 2,366 that record an odometer reading came by 54,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 24,000 to 84,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2011–2015 Chevrolet Cruze last?
On the 2011–2015 Chevrolet Cruze, half of the 2,366 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 54,000 miles and 90% by 115,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
53 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 11 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Cruze reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Chevrolet Cruze 2011–2015 · 2,366 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 223 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 11 complaints (0.5%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 5,000
- 25%
- 24,000
- Median
- 54,000
- 75%
- 84,000
- 90%
- 115,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 223 | 9.4% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 119 | 5.0% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 99 | 4.2% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 69 | 2.9% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 90 | 3.8% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 80 | 3.4% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 76 | 3.2% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 100 | 4.2% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 123 | 5.2% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 94 | 4.0% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 125 | 5.3% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 115 | 4.9% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 93 | 3.9% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 106 | 4.5% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 94 | 4.0% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 75 | 3.2% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 101 | 4.3% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 66 | 2.8% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 67 | 2.8% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 52 | 2.2% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 71 | 3.0% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 37 | 1.6% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 40 | 1.7% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 42 | 1.8% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 39 | 1.6% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 25 | 1.1% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 39 | 1.6% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 19 | 0.8% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 25 | 1.1% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 9 | 0.4% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 12 | 0.5% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 6 | 0.3% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 8 | 0.3% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 4 | 0.2% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 5 | 0.2% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 5 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 11 | 0.5% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Cruze problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Chevrolet Cruze 2011–2015
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Brakes294 reportsmedian 40,000middle half 13,000–70,000
- Steering342 reportsmedian 44,000middle half 21,000–68,000
- Electrical system650 reportsmedian 50,000middle half 30,000–80,000
- Transmission and driveline577 reportsmedian 52,000middle half 11,000–82,000
- Problems owners could not categorise369 reportsmedian 66,000middle half 35,000–93,000
- Electronic stability control (esc)344 reportsmedian 66,000middle half 42,000–90,000
- Engine1,053 reportsmedian 69,000middle half 37,000–97,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,053 | 33.6% | 69,000 | 37,000–97,000 |
| Electrical system | 650 | 20.7% | 50,000 | 30,000–80,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 577 | 18.4% | 52,000 | 11,000–82,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 369 | 11.8% | 66,000 | 35,000–93,000 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 344 | 11.0% | 66,000 | 42,000–90,000 |
| Steering | 342 | 10.9% | 44,000 | 21,000–68,000 |
| Brakes | 294 | 9.4% | 40,000 | 13,000–70,000 |
| Airbag system | 220 | 7.0% | 48,000 | 15,000–80,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 209 | 6.7% | 46,000 | 17,000–83,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 196 | 6.2% | 58,000 | 26,000–90,000 |
Known problems with the 2011–2015 Cruze
Engine (1.4L Turbo) — PCV System 2011–2015
The PCV regulator diaphragm integrated into the plastic valve cover ruptures, and the intake-manifold check valve and corrugated PCV hose fail alongside it, creating an uncontrolled vacuum leak. Symptoms are a whistle, rough idle, oil consumption, and in severe cases the crankcase vacuum blows out the rear main seal. All three components are known weak points across MY2011-2016.
Cooling System 2011–2015
Coolant/water outlet housing and thermostat housing crack and leak (commonly seen dripping under the throttle body onto the transmission); water pump leaks are also frequent and were covered to 10 years / 120,000 miles.
Electrical 2011–2015
Negative battery cable terminal was under-crimped at the factory and loosens over time, raising internal resistance. Produces flickering lights, radio/HVAC display cycling, and spurious ABS / Service Traction / Service StabiliTrak / power-steering messages, and can cause stalling. Covered by GM Special Coverage 14311 and Customer Satisfaction Program 46000, extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles.
Turbocharger 2011–2015
Wastegate and turbo bearing failures on the 1.4L LUJ producing loss of boost and a check-engine light.
Before you buy a 2011–2015 Cruze: the 3-minute check
Generated from 2,366 mileage-tagged complaints, 21 recall campaigns, 4 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 21 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine (1.4L turbo) — PCV system on 2011–2015 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check cooling system on 2011–2015 cars.
- Check electrical on 2011–2015 cars.
- Years differ here: from 252 to 865 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Cruze problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi55% below | At 90k mi78% below | At 120k mi91% below | At 150k mi98% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 37,000–97,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 30,000–80,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 11,000–82,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 35,000–93,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 42,000–90,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 21,000–68,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 13,000–70,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Chevrolet Cruze 2011–2015 · 2,366 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 55% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 78% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 91% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 98% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2011–2015 Chevrolet Cruze recalls (21)
NHTSA records 21 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (7), the transmission and driveline (4), the steering (3) (why one area can repeat).
Nov 2025 · 2014 · Air BagsAn inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit…
The defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld joint.
What can happen. An inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or…
Dec 2023 · 2014 · Air BagsAn inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit…
The defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators may rupture at the inflator weld joint. This recall is an expansion of Recall 23V-674.
What can happen. An inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 22, 2024. Owners may contact Buick customer service at…
Sep 2023 · 2014 · Air BagsAn inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit…
The defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld joint.
What can happen. An inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 12, 2024. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or…
Jul 2016 · 2011–2015 · Electrical SystemIf the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011…
What can happen. If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer…
Dec 2015 · 2015 · Seat BeltsAn insufficiently torqued bolt may prevent the seat belt from holding the required load in a crash…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured September 24, 2014, to May 29, 2015. In the affected vehicles, one of the driver-side seat belt assembly bolts may not be properly tightened.
What can happen. An insufficiently torqued bolt may prevent the seat belt from holding the required load in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2016 Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's…
Jul 2015 · 2014–2015 · SteeringSeparation of the tie rod from the steering gear could result in the loss of steering, increasing the risk of…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured November 8, 2013, to March 12, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the inner tie rod may not be…
What can happen. Separation of the tie rod from the steering gear could result in the loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's…
Feb 2015 · 2015 · Parking BrakeIf the parking brake bracket separates, the parking brake may not hold the vehicle, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured February 4, 2015, to February 9, 2015. The left-rear or right-rear parking brake cable brackets may not have been properly fastened during the assembly process.…
What can happen. If the parking brake bracket separates, the parking brake may not hold the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll away and a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left-rear and right-rear parking brake brackets bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in March 24, 2015. Owners may…
Jul 2014 · 2013–2014 · EquipmentExposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured…
What can happen. Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners…
Jun 2014 · 2013–2014 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the air bag's inflator may rupture…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike and…
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's…
Jun 2014 · 2012 · Air BagsIf the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured December 5, 2011…
What can happen. If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of…
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM at 1-800-222-1020. Buick owners may…
Mar 2014 · 2013–2014 · Power TrainIf the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop.
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with a 1.4L turbo engine, and manufactured between November 28, 2012, and March 7, 2014. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture…
What can happen. If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the…
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right half shaft, as needed, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. GM will send an interim letter to owners…
Feb 2014 · 2014 · Power TrainIf a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the…
What can happen. If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the…
The free fix. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may…
Sep 2013 · 2013–2014 · Power TrainIf the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop.
The defect. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with manual transmissions (MF3/MR5) and manufactured January 24, 2013, through August 1, 2013. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may…
What can happen. If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the…
The free fix. General Motors has notified owners. Dealers will replace the half shaft assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 15, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.…
Aug 2013 · 2011–2012 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA loss of braking assistance will require extra pedal force and/or distance to bring the vehicle to a stop…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A loss of braking assistance will require extra pedal force and/or distance to bring the vehicle to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace a microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at…
Jan 2013 · 2012 · Air BagsIf the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
What can happen. If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of…
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 13, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Oct 2012 · 2012 · Air BagsIf the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the…
The defect. General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
What can happen. If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
The free fix. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at…
Jun 2012 · 2011–2012 · Fuel System, GasolineThe fuel tank could come loose in a crash, possibly allowing fuel to leak from the tank.
The defect. General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through may 14, 2012. Attachment welds for the fuel tank strap secondary brackets may have been omitted.
What can happen. The fuel tank could come loose in a crash, possibly allowing fuel to leak from the tank. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The free fix. Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for missing welds. If the vehicle is missing welds, dealers will secure the bracket attachments with fasteners. Repairs will be performed…
Jun 2012 · 2011–2012 · Engine and Engine CoolingEither condition could result in an engine compartment fire, possibly causing injury or death.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. Either condition could result in an engine compartment fire, possibly causing injury or death.
The free fix. Gm will notify owners, and dealers will modify the engine shield to prevent fluid from contacting the shield. Also, on vehicles with a manual transmission, dealers will apply a protective tape to the…
May 2011 · 2011 · Power TrainThe driver may not be able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited…
The defect. General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured from october 6, 2009, through april 27, 2011 and equipped with an automatic transmission for failing to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 102…
What can happen. The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the transmission shift linkage for correct installation and adjust the shift linkage system free of charge. The safety recall began on may 23, 2011. Owners may contact Chevrolet…
May 2011 · 2011 · SteeringThis could allow the shafts to separate, resulting in the loss of steering.
The defect. General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through april 21, 2011. The bolt attaching the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear input shaft may not have been properly installed.
What can happen. This could allow the shafts to separate, resulting in the loss of steering. Loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect, and if required, repair the intermediate shaft/steering gear assembly to assure the bolt is fully seated and the shaft properly assembled. This service will be performed free of…
Apr 2011 · 2011 · SteeringShould the steering wheel detach from the steering column while driving, the driver could lose the ability to…
The defect. General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. During manufacturing the steering wheel could have been improperly fastened and may detach from the steering column.
What can happen. Should the steering wheel detach from the steering column while driving, the driver could lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect to ensure that the steering wheel is assembled properly. This service will be performed for you free of charge. The safety recall began on april 7, 2011. Owners may contact…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 3,138 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 244 (7.8%)
- Fires
- 67
- Injury reports
- 123
- Fatality reports
- 1
Cruze problems by model year
The 2012 drew the most complaints of this generation, 865, most of them about the engine, and the 2015 the fewest, 252. A typical year drew about 702.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 732 | 579 | 55,000 | Engine (257) | 7 |
| 2012 | 865 | 716 | 54,000 | Engine (268) | 7 |
| 2013 | 587 | 415 | 51,000 | Engine (212) | 5 |
| 2014 | 702 | 483 | 53,000 | Engine (217) | 10 |
| 2015 | 252 | 173 | 55,000 | Engine (99) | 4 |
What Cruze owners reported
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and raising the foot off the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerated drastically. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally hesitated while accelerating and failed to immediately accelerate while depressing the accelerator…
2011 · 129,000 miles · Throttle and speed control
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while attempting to move the gear shifter, the vehicle hesitated while shifting into neutral(N) or drive(D) as intended, and there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the…
2014 · 45,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
The contact owned a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, a Chevrolet Impala crashed into the rear of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to fishtail and flip over several times and land upside down in the woods. The contact stated that the air bags deployed and exploded. The contact stated…
2014 · 14,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact stated that the key-fob failed to lock and unlocking of the failed intermittenly. The key fob was the original manufactured key fob. The dealer had been contacted, and the key fob was reprogrammed. The failure persisted. The dealer was contacted again, and it was diagnosed that the circuit board would slip…
2014 · 82,000 miles · Electrical system
Built from 2,366 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Cruze generations
- Cruze 2016–2019 331 reports with mileage, most about the engine