2017 Chevrolet Cruze transmission & drivetrain problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

27 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze, 20% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 42,000 mi.

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints
27
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
42,000 mi

Specific components reported

Transmission & Drivetrain covers: transmission shifting, slipping, axles, driveshaft, transfer case.

ComponentComplaints
Power train26
Power train:clutch assembly1

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints across Chevrolet Cruze years

26201128201222201332201412201519201627201723201882019
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year. The 2017 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k310k–30k330k–60k360k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Nov 18, 2025CAEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
    My 2017 Chevy Cruze had the throttle body replaced by STG Auto Group in Montclair, CA. A few months after the repair, my car began shaking violently and then shut off in the middle of the street while I was driving on 11/17/2025 This created a serious safety hazard for me and other drivers. When I took the vehicle to a local auto zone once the vehicle turned on , they told me the throttle body “needs cleaning,” but a new throttle body should not get dirty within a few…
    NHTSA complaint #11700010 · source
  2. Filed Nov 17, 2025VATransmission & Drivetrain
    Apparently there is a TSB from GM regarding the end for updated/replacement of parts concerning the hydraulic piping, slave cylinder and accumulator. My clutch became spongy then stuck on the floor. This happened unexpectedly (reservoir full) while driving and almost caused an accident. Apparently GM doesn't take enough accountability to update the failure before or after failure. Reporting this hoping it will eventually force a recall!
    NHTSA complaint #11699905 · source
  3. Filed Jan 26, 2025MOEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Slave cylinder failure. At approximately 125,000 miles, the slave cylinder began to fail. Clutch pedal would only come back up about half way, and would need to be pulled the rest of the way up. Associated problem is difficulty putting car into gear. Took vehicle to dealership for other warranty work and asked to investigate. Dealership ignored request. Took back separate time for other faulty parts and was ignored again. Other part failure was turbo waste gate. Internal…
    NHTSA complaint #11638575 · source
  4. Filed Dec 7, 2024PATransmission & Drivetrain
    Once my Chevrolet Cruze equipped with the 1.6liter diesel engine and 9T50 transmission reached 120,000 miles it stopped shifting into the 9th speed. I had Jones Chevrolet (local GM dealer) flush the transmission at their request. Apparently the transmission filter is basically impossible to replace unless pulling the transmission out and taking the transmission apart. This problem still exists and after doing some research it seems that GM knows of the problem and changed…
    NHTSA complaint #11629407 · source
  5. Filed Jun 24, 2024WITransmission & Drivetrain
    The slave cylinder failed in the manual transmission. When it failed, the petal went to the floor and did not return. In a panic I was trying to engage it, the vehicle was rolling without control of the drivetrain. I pulled into a driveway and rolled out into traffic when trying to put it in reverse and was not able to move the vehicle. Yes you can inspect it currently being repaired for $1500
    NHTSA complaint #11596269 · source
  6. Filed Apr 23, 2024NJElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    To whom it may concern, I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding my recent experience with my 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. It has come to my attention that there is a known issue with the piston in the engine of this model, and unfortunately, I have fallen victim to it. This issue has caused significant inconvenience and expense for me. As a loyal Chevrolet customer, I expect better quality and reliability from your vehicles. I urge you to address…
    NHTSA complaint #11584805 · source
  7. Filed Jul 24, 2023CAEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
    Based off my mechanic's assessment and that of a Chevrolet dealership, one of the cylinders in my Chevy Cruze is no longer firing. The dealership believes at least one of the pistons needs to be replaced. The car is available for inspection. The car is unreliable to drive, as I drove up a freeway incline it slowed to a dangerously low speed for freeway driving. The dealership has confirmed they believe it is an issue with the piston but will not confirm without charging…
    NHTSA complaint #11534172 · source
  8. Filed Jul 13, 202342,000 miCAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with the Auto START/STOP feature; however, while at a complete stop, the engine turned off but failed to restart. The contact shifted into park (P) and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving between 35-65 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jolted and hesitated to respond.…
    NHTSA complaint #11532083 · source
  9. Filed Jul 5, 2023CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Car very suddenly started having slow acceleration, and vibration felt during acceleration. Check engine light on with StabiliTrak warning message on dashboard. Rough idle and vibration felt in cabin. Difficulty accelerating at traffic light and car seemed to almost stall at one point. Diagnosed at the dealer with cracked pistons in engine with code P0300 for random misfire. 2017 Chevy Cruz has passed the power train warranty by 1 year. Mileage odometer reading is about…
    NHTSA complaint #11530514 · source
  10. Filed May 28, 2023FLTransmission & Drivetrain
    The clutch pedal got stuck while driving. There is a factory defect with this vehicle's Clutch Slave Cylinder and it's a huge safety hazard since it can happen at any time on all the manual transmission models. This is a known issue that hasn't been addressed by GM
    NHTSA complaint #11524203 · source
  11. Filed Dec 23, 2022MITransmission & Drivetrain
    Clutch pedal does not return, cannot change gears. Chevy issued a TSB, however they do not warranty the repair. The problem is with a clogged orifice which is a engineering defect. This is a well know problem and is extremely dangerous. I assume enough people haven't died yet from this issue for a recall.
    NHTSA complaint #11498668 · source
  12. Filed Nov 21, 2022OHTransmission & Drivetrain
    Chevy Cruze 2017 manual transmission clutch pedal stuck to the floor while driving preventing changing of gears. Was able to lift pedal with toe, but was still not fully able to then depress clutch to get the car in gear. Pumping the pedal helped loosen and eventually allowed it to work normally temporarily. For the past year, occasionally the clutch would be slow to return after depressing, but did not cause any safety issue and since it could not be reproduced for dealer,…
    NHTSA complaint #11494507 · source

Other 2017 Chevrolet Cruze problem areas

  • Engine (57)
  • Electrical System (19)
  • Other / Unknown (17)
  • Brakes (16)
  • Body & Structure (13)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (11)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (8)
  • Lighting (8)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (6)
  • Airbags (5)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (4)
  • Steering (3)
  • Wheels & Tires (3)
  • Visibility & Wipers (2)
  • Suspension (1)

Back to all 2017 Chevrolet Cruze problems →

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. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology