Chevrolet Cruze Engine Problems
Owners have filed 1,260 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Chevrolet Cruze across 9 model years. The 2012 model year has the most (268). The words owners use most often: “water pump” (8% of reports).
- 1,260engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 35mention a crash
- 18mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $1,500typical repair cost reported by owners
- 38%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Water pump: mentioned in 107 of 1,260 complaints (8%)
- Engine power: mentioned in 66 of 1,260 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the Chevrolet Cruze at $1,500, and half of them between $870 and $4,050.
Based on 38 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2012–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 828 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 1,260 complaints, 35 mention a crash, 54 a fire, 18 an injury.
Chevrolet Cruze engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Cruze | 5 | 22% | — |
| 2018 Cruze | 27 | 25% | 13,000 |
| 2017 Cruze | 73 | 36% | 32,500 |
| 2016 Cruze | 102 | 41% | 66,248 |
| 2015 Cruze | 99 | 39% | 63,500 |
| 2014 Cruze | 217 | 31% | 65,000 |
| 2013 Cruze | 212 | 36% | 84,733 |
| 2012 Cruze | 268 | 31% | 67,000 |
| 2011 Cruze | 257 | 35% | 67,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2011, 2012
Problem: 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 engine or exhaust system surfaces. As a result, the oil and the engine shield may ignite and burn.
Risk: Either condition could result in an engine compartment fire, possibly causing injury or death.
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 electronic power steering wire harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge to the owner. The safety recall began on july 10, 2012. Owners may contact the chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I purchased the car with my student financial aid money as soon as i got 5 car a few blocks away and the car started boiling.then the key ignition system said use pocket transmitter that didn't work .i purchased a new battery i have a mechanic that's why i purchased the car i was confidant je could…
It started over heating and I had to replace multiple coolant lines/hoses from the thermostat, heater core, the reservoir, radiator. Ive replace the intake diaphragm. Thought since all the pieces that got hot and cracked or broke got replaced that the issue was gone. Then one day I drove 8 mins…
I was driving and the engine caught on fire. The flames came from the turbo gasket compartment not sure why or how it ignited. Thankfully the damage was not that extensive the car was towed to my residence and it is not drivable it won't start.
Iâd like to report this vehicle and its engine as I did not know I could before we have had this car since 2015 This engine has chronic repeated issues that Chevy would patch once under âspecial coveragesâ or âextended warrantyâ and it fails again and again but they only honor it 1 time…
car has been overheating run while i take the keys out doors will lock with keys in the ignition lots of lights will come on car will slow way down constantly adding antifreeze in it heat and air will stop working i have had trouble ever since i bought this a year ago
Frequently asked questions
Do all Chevrolet Cruzes have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 1,260 owner complaints about engine for the Chevrolet Cruze. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Cruze engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the Chevrolet Cruze?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,500 (half paid between $870 and $4,050), from 38 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Chevrolet Cruze?
The most frequent phrase is “water pump”, in 107 of 1,260 complaints, followed by “engine power” (66).
Other Chevrolet Cruze problems
See all Chevrolet Cruze problems.