The 2018 Cruze is a reputable compact sedan with just a handful of recalls and few registered complaints. However, there are reported problems with the Cruze’s powertrain, which accounts for most of the complaints, with issues affecting the engine and six-speed manual transmission.
Key Points
- Three recalls have been issued for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze including missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator, insufficient coating on rear break caliper pistons, and a fuel leak after a rollover crash. Only 66 complaints have been registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- The model’s recalls raise safety concerns because of the risk of fuel leaking and catching fire and reduced braking performance, as well as the possibility of a transmission leak.
- A defective clutch in the six-speed manual Cruze is the most widespread problem with the 2018 Cruze, with owners reporting a loss of power, inability to shift gears, and hearing unusual noises.
- No recalls have been issued to address any of the car’s transmission or engine issues.
- Despite its recalls and other noted problems, the Cruze is regarded as a reliable and safe vehicle, earning a five-star safety rating on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2018, although this nameplate has had good and bad years.
Safety Concerns Prompted Two Recalls of the 2018 Cruze
The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze comes in four trims: L, LS, LT, and Premier and is equipped with two four-cylinder engines: a 153-horsepower turbocharged 1.4L or a 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.6L diesel.
Available transmissions include:
- Six-speed manual
- Six-speed automatic with the gas engine
- Nine-speed automatic with the diesel engine
Despite being a safe car with excellent crash test ratings, the 2018 Cruze has raised some safety concerns that prompted three recalls.
The first recall involved 2016-2018 Cruze LS vehicles with a gasoline engine and a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire. These vehicles may have increased fire risk and may leak gasoline following a rear-impact crash and a rollover.
GM addressed this recall by installing a lock-ring on the fuel tank to shield the unit’s vapor pressure sensor from damage in a rear-impact crash.
The second recall involves missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator end cap that could result in a transmission leak and loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of fire. GM replaced any missing bolts free of charge.
Customer Complaints Reveal Powertrain Issues That Create Dangerous Situations
Almost half of the 66 owner complaints registered with the NHTSA encompass engine and transmission problems.
The clutch in the six-speed manual has been the most problematic powertrain component, with a range of issues including the clutch not engaged to a complete loss of the clutch.
The main problem with the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is that no recalls exist for any reported clutch complaints. Some owners mention replacing the clutch under warranty only to later report that the problem recurred and persists.
There are a couple reports of the car catching fire after experiencing engine problems. In most cases, these failures occurred without the check engine light illuminating or any error message on the dashboard.
Still, several drivers that have experienced engine problems received a notification from OnStar stating that an issue with the StabilTrak stability control system was detected and required service.
Several Owner Complaints Mention Underlying Problems With the Cruze’s Braking System
There are 10 complaints registered with the NHTSA regarding brakes on the 2018 Chevy Cruze.
Drivers describe problems such as the brakes making squeaky noises, leaking fluid, and even failing entirely, resulting in crashes.
These braking problems point to an insufficient coating on the rear caliper pistons. This failure prompted a recall in August 2018, where General Motors recalled 210,628 vehicles from its 2018-2019 lineup.
The remedy involves bleeding the brake system of the affected vehicles for free.
Despite Some Powertrain Problems and Engine Issues, the 2018 Cruze is a Reliable Vehicle with Good Safety Ratings
While it’s true that the 2018 Chevy Cruze has some flaws that have led to a handful of recalls and customer complaints, this vehicle has good safety ratings.
Additionally, this Chevy model has strong customer reviews for reliability that put the Cruze as one of the best compact cars of 2018, just behind the Toyota Prius and Corolla.
Although 2019 was the final model year of production of the Cruze since Chevy decided to discontinue, this car was a best seller for many years, so there are plenty of Cruzes on the road.
Therefore, it won’t be hard to find parts for years to come should you consider buying one.
Photos: Chevrolet
