Common failures of the Chevrolet Cruze: Solutions And Reliability!

With its stellar fuel economy and great cost of ownership, it’s no wonder the Chevrolet Cruze makes an excellent daily driver. But it is also not surprising that it manifests some breakdowns and problems. Read and find out in our article on common Chevrolet Cruze failures !

It has an expected residual value of 67% after five years, losing an estimated $2,700 off its original price.

How good is the Chevy Cruze?

Buyers give the Chevy Cruze a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 26th out of 36 compact cars. The annual repair and maintenance cost for the model is approximately $545 , which is slightly higher than the $530 average for compact cars.

Most Chevy Cruze owners tend to take their cars in for unscheduled repairs 0.4 times a year with a 12% chance of having a serious problem.

Meanwhile, the 2016 and 2017 Cruze redesigns received the highest reliability scores in surveys, with both model years scoring 88 out of 100. This puts the 2017 model second best behind the Toyota Prius and the 2017 Cruze. 2016 redesign ranked sixth in their respective classes.

Common Chevy Cruze Failures

Over time, the Chevy Cruze is bound to develop problems that could affect its driveability and quality due to damaged or worn parts. Below are common Chevrolet Cruze failures as reported by their owners through different model years:

1. Engine problems

Many 2018 Chevy Cruzes have been reported with a couple of engine problems. Owners of affected models have complained that their engines cut out while driving. The problem can be caused by a bad alternator, faulty sensors, or a lack of fuel.

Engine failure has also been another problem found in many 2018 redesigns. There have been instances where drivers notice their vehicles spluttering and emitting smoke from under the hood. Some owners have also reported that their engines died multiple times within the first two months of purchasing their cars.

Several drivers determined that their vehicle’s engine was misfiring due to a damaged cylinder leaking oil from under the car. In some cases, metal shrapnel has also contaminated the turbo injector, leading to more expensive repairs.

Be aware that inadequate lubrication, knocking, a blown head gasket, and the use of the wrong fuel can also lead to engine failure. So, if you are dealing with the same issue, make sure to have your vehicle checked out by a licensed mechanic immediately for an accurate diagnosis.

2. Problems with cracked piston

Many drivers of the 2017 Chevy Cruze have complained of a cracked piston causing their vehicles to idle rough or lose power under acceleration. Replacement of this part typically costs around $100 plus labor costs.

3. Electrical failure

Electrical failures have been a common complaint among drivers of the 2016 redesign. Some owners have reported being unable to start their cars, while others complained of faulty radios and an illuminated check engine light. These problems are usually caused by a dead battery, a stuck relay, a bad alternator, and a blown fuse .

4. Disadvantage of sudden changes

Some owners of 2011-2016 Cruze redesigns have complained that their transmissions slip and shift hard when changing gears. These problems can be caused by faulty software. Resetting the transmission controller and updating the transmission usually resolves drivability issues.

Faulty or damaged shift solenoids and valve bodies can also create the same problem . A new shift solenoid for the Cruze is typically around $40, while a valve body can cost anywhere from $200 to $800 plus labor costs.

5. Steering problems

Many owners of the 2014 redesign have complained of steering issues with their vehicles. Drivers of the affected model year have reported that their Cruze’s steering would bind at highway speeds and jerk when the power assist returned. There have also been reports of some drivers total loss of power steering , increasing the risk of accidents.

6. Problems with the water pump

Some 2014 Chevy Cruze drivers have reported having a faulty water pump that caused their engines to overheat and damage the head gasket. Bad seals, a loose drive pulley, damaged belts, and corrosion are the most common reasons a water pump can fail. A water pump replacement can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 plus labor costs.

7. Coolant leaks

Coolant leaks have been a widely reported problem with the 2011 Chevy Cruze. Owners of affected models have complained of the smell of antifreeze seeping into the cabin . Some of them have seen white smoke coming from under the hood. Others have also reported that their vehicle’s air conditioning unit was shutting off automatically because the leak was causing the engine to overheat.

Due to the high volume of complaints, a proposed class action lawsuit was filed against General Motors in 2014. The plaintiffs argued that many units of the 2011 redesign had a mechanical defect that caused coolant to leak from the radiator. They added that the problem persisted even after taking their vehicles to the dealer multiple times to have the problem fixed.

The lawsuit also claimed that the automaker issued two technical service bulletins (TSBs) about the refrigerant leaks, but General Motors did not inform the public. In 2016, General Motors was granted a motion to dismiss the proposed class action lawsuit.

8. Transmission failure

Transmission failure has been a commonly reported problem among 2011 Cruze owners. Drivers of affected units have complained of hearing rattling noises from their vehicles before their Chevy automatically shifted into reverse.

Some have also reported that their vehicles sometimes get stuck in drive or suddenly speed up and slow down. Factors that can cause transmission failure include a bad torque converter, bad clutch, low transmission fluid, and a bad transmission solenoid.

To complete

Despite being a reliable daily driver, problems caused by faulty parts can affect the performance and quality of the Chevy Cruze. To keep yours running for a long time, you need to stay on top of its repair and maintenance and keep an eye out for the most common problems your car may face in the future.