Chevrolet Cruze problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 1,130 owner complaints and 26 recalls on file for the Chevrolet Cruze (2011–2019). The 2014 Cruze has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints: 1,130
Recalls: 26
Model years: 9
Worst year: 2014

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Chevrolet Cruze model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Chevrolet Cruze years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

2014 Chevrolet Cruze — 252 complaints, 14 crashes, 8 fires; top problem: Engine
2016 Chevrolet Cruze — 138 complaints, 10 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Engine
2013 Chevrolet Cruze — 167 complaints, 8 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
2012 Chevrolet Cruze — 141 complaints, 7 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
2017 Chevrolet Cruze — 135 complaints, 5 crashes, 4 fires; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2019 (20 complaints).

Every Chevrolet Cruze model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2019 Cruze	20	3	1	1	2	Transmission & Drivetrain
2018 Cruze	79	10	0	6	3	Transmission & Drivetrain
2017 Cruze	135	5	4	2	2	Engine
2016 Cruze	138	10	1	8	4	Engine
2015 Cruze	99	9	0	2	4	Engine
2014 Cruze	252	14	8	10	10	Engine
2013 Cruze	167	8	2	3	5	Engine
2012 Cruze	141	7	2	5	7	Engine
2011 Cruze	99	6	3	5	7	Engine

Most common Chevrolet Cruze problem areas (all years)

Engine
573 complaints
Electrical System
216 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
197 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
116 complaints
Brakes
88 complaints
Airbags
83 complaints
Steering
76 complaints
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
67 complaints
Acceleration & Cruise Control
54 complaints
Visibility & Wipers
29 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Chevrolet Cruze received by NHTSA each month.

Chevrolet Cruze recalls

Recall 25V764000Nov 6, 20252,099 vehiclesModel years 2014
Risk: 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.
Recall 23V870000Dec 21, 202320,712 vehiclesModel years 2014
Risk: 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.
Recall 23V674000Sep 20, 20239,264 vehiclesModel years 2014
Risk: 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.
Recall 20V668000Oct 29, 2020194,105 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019
Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Recall 18V576000Aug 30, 2018210,628 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 18V304000May 10, 2018111,966 vehiclesModel years 2016–2018
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Recall 17V057000Jan 26, 201717,197 vehiclesModel years 2016–2017
Risk: In a crash, the seat-backs for the front seats may break, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
Recall 16V502000Jul 5, 20168,367 vehiclesModel years 2011–2016
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 16V498000Jul 1, 201632,913 vehiclesModel years 2016
Risk: Without the identification code, the headlights may be improperly aimed during service, reducing nighttime visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 15V876000Dec 23, 201515 vehiclesModel years 2015
Risk: An insufficiently torqued bolt may prevent the seat belt from holding the required load in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 15V442000Jul 10, 201510 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015
Risk: Separation of the tie rod from the steering gear could result in the loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 15V113000Feb 27, 20151,733 vehiclesModel years 2015
Risk: 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.
Recall 14V417000Jul 2, 20142,990 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014
Risk: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Recall 14V372000Jun 26, 201429,019 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014
Risk: 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 potentially seriously injure the vehicle occupants. Additionally, if the air bag does not inflate, the driver is at an increased risk of injury.
Recall 14V300000Jun 6, 201431,520 vehiclesModel years 2012
Risk: 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 injury.
Recall 14V151000Mar 31, 2014174,046 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014
Risk: 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 vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 14V092000Feb 21, 2014355 vehiclesModel years 2014
Risk: 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 vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Recall 13V452000Sep 23, 20133,161 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014
Risk: 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 vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 13V360000Aug 15, 2013292,879 vehiclesModel years 2011–2012
Risk: 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.
Recall 13V023000Jan 24, 20134,167 vehiclesModel years 2012
Risk: 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 injury.
Recall 12V522000Oct 31, 20122,949 vehiclesModel years 2012
Risk: 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.
Recall 12V289000Jun 22, 201253,239 vehiclesModel years 2011–2012
Risk: 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.
Recall 12V288000Jun 22, 2012413,148 vehiclesModel years 2011–2012
Risk: Either condition could result in an engine compartment fire, possibly causing injury or death.
Recall 11V270000May 6, 2011128,911 vehiclesModel years 2011
Risk: This could allow the shafts to separate, resulting in the loss of steering. Loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 11V273000May 6, 2011100,308 vehiclesModel years 2011
Risk: 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.

Other Chevrolet models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology