The Chevrolet Cruze offers impressive safety ratings and fuel economy, but it has been notoriously plagued with multiple issues during its production run. With a history of over 40 recalls, we take a closer look at which years of the Cruze to avoid.
Key Points
- The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze was the most problematic model year for the automaker, with seven recalls over issues including faulty airbags and brake failure.
- The 2011 Cruze had similar complaints and recalls issued to the 2012 model year, with many of the complaints reported involving transmission failure under 100,000 miles, and oil and coolant leaks causing overheating issues.
- The most recalls the Cruze has received in any year has been seven, including the 2014 Chevy Cruze, which saw new problems arise, including a recall for the airbag inflator and two recalls involving the drive axle fracturing.
2011 and 2012 Chevy Cruze Model Years Share Several Hazardous Issues, Like Potential Brake Failure, Engine Fires
As Chevrolet’s entry-level economy sedan, the Cruze has a lot to offer at first glance for its below-$20,000 base MSRP. The compact car holds consistent five-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ratings and good safety standing with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), as well an EPA-estimated city/highway combined fuel economy rating of almost 40 mpg.
Although the Chevrolet Cruze started off as a promising addition to the Chevy lineup, it quickly became the source of many problems for the automaker. At present, the NHTSA has reported 683 complaints and seven recalls for the 2011 Cruze, and 789 complaints and seven recalls issued for the 2012 model. Because of this, early years of the Cruze should be avoided–specifically 2011 through 2014 models.
2011 and 2012 Models Face Potential Engine Fires
Both the 2011 and 2012 model years for the Chevy Cruze were recalled due to issues involving engine fire hazard. Chevrolet states that the design of the engine shield could trap oil or other engine fluids near the hot engine or exhaust system surfaces, resulting in a potential fire.
To fix this, Chevrolet dealers will modify the engine shield. This recall impacted over 400,000 vehicles between the 2011 and 2012 model years. An investigation by the NHTSA found 25 confirmed instances of engine fire as a result of this issue, with at least four other fires caused by other issues.
Possible Brake Failure Leads to Recalls for 2011 and 2012 Chevy Cruzes
The 2011 and 2012 Chevy Cruze models were also recalled over possible brake failure. Cruze models equipped with the 1.4-liter gasoline turbo engine and 6T40 front wheel drive automatic transmission, may face a loss of braking assistance that will require extra pedal force and/or distance to bring the vehicle to a stop. Affecting almost 300,000 vehicles, dealers will replace a microswitch to remedy the issue.
Owner Complaints Focus On Engine and Transmission Issues
Owners of the 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet Cruze models collectively agree the engine and transmission are not good. Car Complaints reported many owners experiencing issues with the transmission hesitating, slipping, or disengaging completely, and ultimately resulting in complete failure in vehicles with under 100,000 miles. Additionally, several owners posted on Reddit expressing their disappointment with the 2012 Cruze as a result of experiencing issues like coolant leaks and failure of the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) value.
2014 Chevrolet Cruze May Lose Power Over Faulty Drive Axle, and Airbags May Not Deploy, Among Other Concerns
Prior to its mid-cycle refresh, Chevrolet added a turbo diesel engine option to the Cruze in 2014. Despite encouraging fuel economy ratings, the Chevy Cruze continued to have significant issues during the 2014 model year. There has been 554 complaints filed with the NHTSA, as well as seven recalls issued by Chevrolet.
Drive Axle Failure May Cause 2014 Model to Lose Power and Coast to a Stop
The Cruze continued to experience issues that compromise vehicle safety, including failure of the drive axle. Affecting 2014 Cruze models with the 1.4-liter turbo engine, Chevy states that if the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle could lose power and coast to a stop, or unexpectedly move when at a stop without the parking brake applied. Chevy will inspect and replace the right half shaft as needed.
Inflator Malfunction in 2014 Models Could Result in Airbags Not Inflating and/or Shrapnel Hitting Occupants in an Accident
The 2014 Chevy Cruze has another significant safety issue involving its airbag inflator. Chevy recalled approximately 30,000 vehicles for being manufactured with an incorrect part that could cause the airbag inflator to rupture in the event of a crash, resulting in the airbag not inflating. The rupture could also cause metal fragments to strike and potentially seriously injure the vehicle occupants. The automaker will replace the driver-side airbag. A lawsuit was filed against Chevrolet and its airbag manufacturer because of this issue.
2016 Cruze Has Four Recalls, Nearly 200 Complaints Over Problems Ranging from Misaligned Headlights to Vehicle Rollaway
The 2016 model year introduced the Chevrolet Cruze’s second-generation, which lasted through 2019, when the model was discontinued. The generation saw the debut of a new standard power plant, a 1.4-liter turbo with direct injection, which enhances performance and efficiency.
Despite Chevy’s efforts to improve the Cruze’s reliability, however, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze has several problems associated with it. The 2016 model has four recalls and nearly 200 complaints over moderate to serious problems that range from incorrectly aligned headlights to the potential for vehicle rollaway.
Fuel May Leak in a Rollover Crash in Some 2016 Models
Chevrolet recalled 2016 Chevy Cruze models due to risk of a gasoline leak following a rollover crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal safety standards. To mitigate the dangerous condition, dealers will shield the fuel tank vapor pressure sensor from damage in a rear-impact crash.
Consumers Complain that the 2016 Cruze Reportedly Has Stalling Issues
In addition to the recalled issues, owners have reported other problems with the 2016 Chevy Cruze models. Multiple complaints by Cruze owners on the forum Cruze Talk cite issues with their vehicle stalling. One owner noted the issue was occurring when the Cruze’s auto stop/start function was engaged. Another stated that when this condition occurred, they needed to shift their Cruze into Park in order to restart the vehicle.
Is the Chevy Cruze a Reliable, Recommended Car Despite Some Recalls and Owner Complaints?
Given the extensive issues found on the first-generation Chevrolet Cruze, 2011-2015 model years should be avoided. Although the second-generation Cruze currently has less problems than its predecessor, more could arise as the 2016-2019 model years continue to age and accrue mileage.
Despite both generations having good safety ratings, the issues noted above can create hazardous driving conditions that could increase the risk of a crash. For those looking for a compact economy sedan that is reliable and affordable, consider alternatives comparable to the Chevrolet Cruze.
Photos: Chevrolet
