Chevrolet Cruze 2011–2015
1st generation (J300) — plus the MY2016 'Cruze Limited' carryover
NHTSA data through 13 August 20264,884 complaints, 3,648 with mileageMethod
- Reports with mileage
- 3,648
- Median of reported failures
- 55,000 mi
- Most-reported system
- Engine (21.5%)
- Recalls
- 21
Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 24,000 and 84,135 miles.
Figure 1 · Chevrolet Cruze 2011–2015 · 3,648 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 363 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 14 complaints (0.4%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 5,000
- 25%
- 24,000
- Median
- 54,997
- 75%
- 84,135
- 90%
- 115,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 363 | 10.0% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 174 | 4.8% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 148 | 4.1% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 101 | 2.8% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 137 | 3.8% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 119 | 3.3% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 112 | 3.1% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 159 | 4.4% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 187 | 5.1% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 129 | 3.5% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 195 | 5.3% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 181 | 5.0% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 132 | 3.6% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 177 | 4.9% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 140 | 3.8% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 123 | 3.4% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 165 | 4.5% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 99 | 2.7% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 113 | 3.1% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 81 | 2.2% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 113 | 3.1% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 52 | 1.4% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 67 | 1.8% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 59 | 1.6% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 62 | 1.7% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 37 | 1.0% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 60 | 1.6% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 30 | 0.8% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 37 | 1.0% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 11 | 0.3% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 26 | 0.7% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 3 | 0.1% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 9 | 0.2% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 11 | 0.3% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 6 | 0.2% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 9 | 0.2% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 7 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 14 | 0.4% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Owners filed 4,884 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011–2015 Chevrolet Cruze, and 3,648 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 24,000 and 84,135 miles. The median is 54,997 miles.
The most-reported areas are the engine (21.5% of complaints, typically around 69,000 miles), the electrical system (13.3% of complaints, typically around 50,000 miles), the transmission and driveline (11.8% of complaints, typically around 52,000 miles).
21 recall campaigns cover this generation.
If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.
How many miles does a 2011–2015 Chevrolet Cruze last?
Half of the failure reports on the 2011–2015 Chevrolet Cruze were filed by 55,000 miles and 90% by 115,000 miles — figures drawn from 3,648 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.
14 reports (0.4%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Cruze reached that mileage, not that it died there.
Before you buy a 2011–2015 Cruze: the 3-minute check
Generated from 3,648 mileage-tagged complaints, 21 recall campaigns, 4 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 21 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check engine (1.4l turbo) — pcv system on 2011–2015 cars. The PCV regulator diaphragm integrated into the plastic valve cover ruptures, and the intake-manifold check valve and corrugated PCV hose fail alongside it, creating an uncontrolled vacuum leak. Symptoms are a whistle…
- Check cooling system on 2011–2015 cars. Coolant/water outlet housing and thermostat housing crack and leak (commonly seen dripping under the throttle body onto the transmission); water pump leaks are also frequent and were covered to 10 years / 120,000 miles.
- Check electrical on 2011–2015 cars. Negative battery cable terminal was under-crimped at the factory and loosens over time, raising internal resistance. Produces flickering lights, radio/HVAC display cycling, and spurious ABS / Service Traction / Service…
- Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 24,000 and 84,000 miles, with a median of 55,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the engine and the electrical system are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The electrical system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 50,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
What fails, and when
Figure 2 · Chevrolet Cruze 2011–2015
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Brakes293 reports40,00013,000–70,000Brakes: 293 reports, median 40,000 miles, middle half 13,000 to 70,000 miles.
- Steering344 reports44,00021,000–68,000Steering: 344 reports, median 44,000 miles, middle half 21,000 to 68,000 miles.
- Electrical system650 reports50,00030,000–80,000Electrical system: 650 reports, median 50,000 miles, middle half 30,000 to 80,000 miles.
- Transmission and driveline575 reports52,00011,000–82,000Transmission and driveline: 575 reports, median 52,000 miles, middle half 11,000 to 82,000 miles.
- Problems owners could not categorise368 reports66,00035,000–93,000Problems owners could not categorise: 368 reports, median 66,000 miles, middle half 35,000 to 93,000 miles.
- Electronic stability control (esc)344 reports66,00042,000–90,000Electronic stability control (esc): 344 reports, median 66,000 miles, middle half 42,000 to 90,000 miles.
- Engine1,048 reports69,00037,000–97,000Engine: 1,048 reports, median 69,000 miles, middle half 37,000 to 97,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,048 | 21.5% | 69,000 | 37,000–97,000 |
| Electrical system | 650 | 13.3% | 50,000 | 30,000–80,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 575 | 11.8% | 52,000 | 11,000–82,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 368 | 7.5% | 66,000 | 35,000–93,000 |
| Steering | 344 | 7.0% | 44,000 | 21,000–68,000 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 344 | 7.0% | 66,000 | 42,000–90,000 |
| Brakes | 293 | 6.0% | 40,000 | 13,000–70,000 |
| Airbag system | 220 | 4.5% | 48,000 | 15,000–80,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 207 | 4.2% | 45,000 | 16,000–82,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 196 | 4.0% | 58,000 | 26,000–90,000 |
Where your car sits
Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.
Figure 3 · Chevrolet Cruze 2011–2015 · 3,648 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 55% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 78% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 91% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it below
The staircase tops out at 100%: the remaining 0.4% of reports (14) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
At 60,000 miles
55% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
In the reporting window
- Engine — middle half 37,000–97,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 30,000–80,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 11,000–82,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 35,000–93,000 mi
- Steering — middle half 21,000–68,000 mi
- Electronic stability control (esc) — middle half 42,000–90,000 mi
- Brakes — middle half 13,000–70,000 mi
At 90,000 miles
78% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Electrical system — median 50,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — median 52,000 mi
- Steering — median 44,000 mi
- Brakes — median 40,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Engine — middle half 37,000–97,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 35,000–93,000 mi
- Electronic stability control (esc) — middle half 42,000–90,000 mi
At 120,000 miles
91% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Engine — median 69,000 mi
- Electrical system — median 50,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — median 52,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — median 66,000 mi
- Steering — median 44,000 mi
- Electronic stability control (esc) — median 66,000 mi
- Brakes — median 40,000 mi
Which systems, and when
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 54,997 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The engine accounts for 21.5% of complaints (1,048 reports, 722 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 69,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 37,000 and 97,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 13.3% of complaints (650 reports, 487 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 50,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 30,000 and 80,000 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 11.8% of complaints (575 reports, 425 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 52,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 11,000 and 82,000 miles.
Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 7.5% of complaints (368 reports, 224 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 66,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 35,000 and 93,000 miles.
The steering accounts for 7.0% of complaints (344 reports, 278 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 44,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 21,000 and 68,000 miles.
Electronic stability control (esc) accounts for 7.0% of complaints (344 reports, 296 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 66,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 42,000 and 90,000 miles.
Differences between model years
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2012 model year drew the most — 1,353 complaints — while 2015 drew the fewest at 383. The median year sits at 1,099.
Recalls and what they cover
NHTSA records 21 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (7), the transmission and driveline (4), the steering (3). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Reported severity
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 4,884 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 403 (8.3%)
- Fires
- 109
- Injury reports
- 186
- Fatality reports
- 2
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Documented problems
Engine (1.4l Turbo) — Pcv System 2011–2015
The PCV regulator diaphragm integrated into the plastic valve cover ruptures, and the intake-manifold check valve and corrugated PCV hose fail alongside it, creating an uncontrolled vacuum leak. Symptoms are a whistle, rough idle, oil consumption, and in severe cases the crankcase vacuum blows out the rear main seal. All three components are known weak points across MY2011-2016.
Cooling System 2011–2015
Coolant/water outlet housing and thermostat housing crack and leak (commonly seen dripping under the throttle body onto the transmission); water pump leaks are also frequent and were covered to 10 years / 120,000 miles.
Electrical 2011–2015
Negative battery cable terminal was under-crimped at the factory and loosens over time, raising internal resistance. Produces flickering lights, radio/HVAC display cycling, and spurious ABS / Service Traction / Service StabiliTrak / power-steering messages, and can cause stalling. Covered by GM Special Coverage 14311 and Customer Satisfaction Program 46000, extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles.
Turbocharger 2011–2015
Wastegate and turbo bearing failures on the 1.4L LUJ producing loss of boost and a check-engine light.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1,115 | 885 |
| 2012 | 1,353 | 1,102 |
| 2013 | 934 | 650 |
| 2014 | 1,099 | 746 |
| 2015 | 383 | 265 |
Recalls (21) — is your car included?
Dec 2025 · 2014 · Air BagsAn inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit…
The defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld joint.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252530830. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 23V674 and 23V870.
Jul 2024 · 2014 · Air BagsAn inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit…
The defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators may rupture at the inflator weld joint. This recall is an expansion of Recall 23V-674.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 22, 2024. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232425640.
Jul 2024 · 2014 · Air BagsAn inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit…
The defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld joint.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 12, 2024. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232408490.
Oct 2016 · 2011–2015 · Electrical SystemIf the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta
What can happen. If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Jan 2016 · 2015 · Seat BeltsAn insufficiently torqued bolt may prevent the seat belt from holding the required load in a crash…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured September 24, 2014, to May 29, 2015. In the affected vehicles, one of the driver-side seat belt assembly bolts may not be properly tightened.
What can happen. An insufficiently torqued bolt may prevent the seat belt from holding the required load in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2016 Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15777.
Jul 2015 · 2014–2015 · SteeringSeparation of the tie rod from the steering gear could result in the loss of steering, increasing the risk of…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured November 8, 2013, to March 12, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the inner tie rod may not be tightened to specification allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear.
What can happen. Separation of the tie rod from the steering gear could result in the loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15386.
Mar 2015 · 2015 · Parking BrakeIf the parking brake bracket separates, the parking brake may not hold the vehicle, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured February 4, 2015, to February 9, 2015. The left-rear or right-rear parking brake cable brackets may not have been properly fastened during the assembly process. As a result, the fastening bolts may back out completely, causing the parking brake bracket to separate and the parking brake to not hold the vehicle in place. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left-rear and right-rear parking brake brackets bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15135.
Aug 2014 · 2013–2014 · EquipmentExposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
What can happen. Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
Jul 2014 · 2012 · Air BagsIf the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured December 5, 2011 to August 2, 2012, and Chevrolet Camaro vehicles manufactured December 1, 2011 to June 11, 2012. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM at 1-800-222-1020. Buick owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. Note: This is an expansion of recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023.
Jun 2014 · 2013–2014 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the air bag's inflator may rupture…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's front air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14305.
Jun 2014 · 2013–2014 · Power TrainIf the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop.
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with a 1.4L turbo engine, and manufactured between November 28, 2012, and March 7, 2014. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right half shaft, as needed, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. GM will send an interim letter to owners in May 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546. GM's number for this recall is 14079. This is an expansion of recall 13V-452. NOTE: Some vehicles subject to this recall were subject to the recall campaign initiated in 2013. Some of those vehicles were repaired using defective parts. Those owners will be advised t
Apr 2014 · 2014 · Power TrainIf a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollawa
What can happen. 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 o
The free fix. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Buick owners at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC owners at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number associated with this recall is 14048.
Oct 2013 · 2013–2014 · Power TrainIf the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop.
The defect. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with manual transmissions (MF3/MR5) and manufactured January 24, 2013, through August 1, 2013. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. General Motors has notified owners. Dealers will replace the half shaft assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 15, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13276.
Oct 2013 · 2011–2012 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA loss of braking assistance will require extra pedal force and/or distance to bring the vehicle to a stop…
The defect. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with 1.4L DOHC gasoline turbo engines and 6T40 front wheel drive automatic transmissions and equipped with an electric vacuum pump to provide supplemental vacuum for brake assist, when needed. In the affected vehicles, the pump may not activate, resulting in an intermittent reduction or loss of brake assist.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace a microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's recall number is 12213.
Feb 2013 · 2012 · Air BagsIf the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 13, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Jan 2013 · 2012 · Air BagsIf the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the…
The defect. General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Jul 2012 · 2011–2012 · Engine and Engine CoolingEither condition could result in an engine compartment fire, possibly causing injury or death.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. Either condition could result in an engine compartment fire, possibly causing injury or death.
The free 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.
Jul 2012 · 2011–2012 · Fuel System, GasolineThe fuel tank could come loose in a crash, possibly allowing fuel to leak from the tank.
The defect. General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through may 14, 2012. Attachment welds for the fuel tank strap secondary brackets may have been omitted.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for missing welds. If the vehicle is missing welds, dealers will secure the bracket attachments with fasteners. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on july 9, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.
May 2011 · 2011 · SteeringThis could allow the shafts to separate, resulting in the loss of steering.
The defect. General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through april 21, 2011. The bolt attaching the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear input shaft may not have been properly installed.
What can happen. This could allow the shafts to separate, resulting in the loss of steering. Loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect, and if required, repair the intermediate shaft/steering gear assembly to assure the bolt is fully seated and the shaft properly assembled. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on may 23, 2011. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or www.Gmownercenter.Com.
May 2011 · 2011 · Power TrainThe driver may not be able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited…
The defect. General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured from october 6, 2009, through april 27, 2011 and equipped with an automatic transmission for failing to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 102, 'Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect,' and federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, 'Theft protection.' These vehicles may have been built with a transmission shift linkage that is not properly installed. If the linkage is not properly installed, the prndl shift lever may not accurately r
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the transmission shift linkage for correct installation and adjust the shift linkage system free of charge. The safety recall began on may 23, 2011. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or www.Gmownercenter.Com.
Apr 2011 · 2011 · SteeringShould the steering wheel detach from the steering column while driving, the driver could lose the ability to…
The defect. General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. During manufacturing the steering wheel could have been improperly fastened and may detach from the steering column.
What can happen. Should the steering wheel detach from the steering column while driving, the driver could lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect to ensure that the steering wheel is assembled properly. This service will be performed for you free of charge. The safety recall began on april 7, 2011. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or at the owner center at www.Gmownercenter.Com.
What owners reported
I was driving home on a highway during rush hour. The traffic was very slow moving - about 10 MPH. After slowing to almost a complete stop, i pressed the accelerator and could not get the car over 3 MPH. I was able to get off an exit and pull over. When i turned the car off and back on again, the car would not move…
2011 · 3 miles · Transmission and driveline
the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and letting off the accelerator, the vehicle would downshift slowly or aggressively. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer and they advised him that they were unable to diagnose the failure and that the computer was…
2011 · 7 miles · Throttle and speed control
When at a stop and when i go to take off car rolls backward. This car has a automatic trans, but act like a stick trans, i bought this car new off lot. And first brakes keep locking up like something is in it. But if i roll backward it disengages . I've taken it to the dealer a couple of times due to this issue and…
2011 · 15 miles · Brakes
Engine seems to momentarily cutoff when accelerating after moving about 15 feet or less with accelerator in steady position from a stop after idling in gear. Dealer description hesitation, sometimes it does hesitate when pressing the accelerator but mostly seems to lose all power momentarily. Issue is repeatable and…
2011 · 20 miles · Transmission and driveline
Built from 3,648 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page