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2018
Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
GREEN CHOICE

Chevrolet Cruze Change Vehicle

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Big car virtues in a small package. The Cruze takes the best attributes of Chevrolet's accomplished Malibu and Impala, as well as the brand's familiar styling, and tucks them into a more maneuverable and fuel-efficient package. Boasting a comfortable ride, relatively roomy interior, and effortless power, it's a fully competitive entry that stands out in a class dominated by imported cars.
Alerts
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
GREEN CHOICE
2018
Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

Chevrolet Cruze

Reliability

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2018 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
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11*
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
Engine Minor
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
Transmission Major
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
Drive System
NA
Fuel System
NA
Electric System
NA
Climate System
NA
Suspension
NA
Brakes
NA
Exhaust
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
Body Integrity
NA
Body Hardware
NA
Power Equipment
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 329,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2020 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Chevrolet Cruze owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"The emission control system failed once under warranty rendering the vehicle undrivable."

Anonymous, ON (2018 Chevrolet Cruze Premier 1.6-L 4 Cyl diesel)

"Repeated check engine lights but with no real feel or effect on driving. In dealership several times, most recently the dealer reported need to order parts (still awaiting arrival)"

Anonymous, VA (2018 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel 1.6-L 4 Cyl diesel)

"Vehicle is diesel and DPF kept failing and requiring dealer service. They ended up replacing the entire exhaust system and that solved it."

Anonymous, TX (2018 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel 1.6-L 4 Cyl diesel)

"Engine lost some power, hesitated. GM gave tow,as it only had 300 miles on it."

Anonymous, PA (2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"DEF tank sensor failed"

Anonymous, TX (2018 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel 1.6-L 4 Cyl diesel)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Seals and/or weather-stripping

"air leaks from window weather stripping"

Anonymous, NY (2018 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"When AIR is set to recycle, ANY nearby outside odor gets sucked in just as if it was not set to recycle. Even a little squirt off window washer fluid is instantly smellable. I took the car to the shop to fix it, but they claim it's normal. But it's NOT normal. Every previous car I had was successful in blocking outside odors when recycle was set."

David K., NY (2018 Chevrolet Cruze 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Squeaks or rattles

"Car makes noise , like a spring that is rusty, when backing up and when going over bumps."

Anonymous, (2018 Chevrolet Cruze Unsure 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Wind noise

"seals around window are not tight"

Anonymous, NY (2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"The transmission went out of gear occasionally for approx. 3 months and then totally stopped working while I was driving and the carehad to towed to thedealer."

Anonymous, (2018 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Car was being serviced and clutch fluid was coming out the drain plug. After review drain lines were clogged and entire transmission needed to be replaced."

Anonymous, IL (2018 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Electronic ignition

"The Cruze has an ignition issue where it forgets the key. When this happens, only the dealer can reprogram the key. I wound up stranded, with a dealer who wouldn't make time to repair this vehicle on a Saturday. It had to be towed with cost to me to my primary dealership, which found the car found the key after sitting. My biggest issue is general build quality though - it's just not a quality car in any way, and I drastically regret my purchase"

Anonymous, ON (2018 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Spark plugs or wires failure

"Had my first routine service done at a CHEVROLET dealership (1.5 hours from home) and on the way home the car lost its normal acceleration. Took it to another CHEVROLET dealer (close by) and they found that a spark plug had gone bad."

Anonymous, FL (2018 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"Started 2 months, can still see behind but now includes back of vehicle, replacement at dealer didn't work."

Anonymous, (2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Software update fixes

"Updates didn't solve the problem."

Anonymous, OH (2018 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Sunroof

"Rubber seal on passenger side tore and had to be replaced"

Anonymous, ON (2018 Chevrolet Cruze Premier 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Windows

"windshield side supports so wide vision is impaired"

Anonymous, NY (2018 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Gear selector or linkage

"I ran over a dead deer and had some damage done to the underside of the car. While getting it fixed at a CHEVROLET dealer, they found that there was a gear selector warranty recall, which took about a week to fix due to a part being on back order."

Anonymous, FL (2018 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"I walked outside in the winter and the car had one of the decorative panels pop off. With no warning, reason or interaction from a person. It has yet to be repaired due to covid 19"

Anonymous, ON (2018 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Heater system

"failure of system to keep car cool in hot summer on driver side"

Anonymous, NY (2018 Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Fuel leaks

"Just had recall 06/01. Fire Hazard."

Anonymous, PA (2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

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This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all 17 trouble spots.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Oct 29 2020
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.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V668000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 194105
Hide Recall Details
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Aug 30 2018
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V576000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 210628
Hide Recall Details
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
May 10 2018
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS vehicles, equipped with a gasoline engine and a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire. The vehicles may leak gasoline following a rear-impact crash and a rollover. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a lock-ring on the fuel tank that will shield the fuel tank vapor pressure sensor from damage in a rear-impact crash, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18159.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V304000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 111966
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