Owners have filed 934 complaints
about the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 73
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Cruze. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 80
15.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 62
37% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2013 compares with every other Chevrolet Cruze
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1147.8%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
417.4%
Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm)
28.7%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
28.7%
Solenoid/Actuator
14.3%
Camera
14.3%
Speedometer/Odometer
14.3%
Blind Spot Detection
14.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
599.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
649.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
6910.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
12418.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
11517.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
9614.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
11016.8%
150,000+ miles
192.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2013peak 27Jun 2026
Recalls on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
16V502000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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 Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
14V417000
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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.
Risk: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
14V372000
AIR BAGS
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.
Risk: 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.
14V151000
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
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.
Risk: 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.
13V452000
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
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.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20153031 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the inner tie rod attachment to the steering gear may not have been tightened to specification. With this condition, the tie rod can separate from the steering gear without warning, which could result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the entire steering gear assembly.
Recall 201427417,144 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles, insulation on the engine block heater power cord may become damaged if the cord is handled during very cold days (temperatures below -25C). This could create an electrical shock hazard, which could result in personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the block heater cord.
Recall 20142504,066 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver's (frontal) airbag inflator was built with an incorrect part which could cause the inflator to rupture during a deployment. In a crash, this may cause airbag components to separate, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. In some cases, the airbag may not inflate. Failure of the driver airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver's (frontal) airbag.
Recall 201410026,760 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the passenger side halfshaft could fracture and separate. If this were to occur while the vehicle is being driven, it could result in a loss of motive power. If this were to occur while the vehicle is parked on an incline without the parking brake applied, it could result in unintended vehicle movement. Both situations could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace affected halfshafts. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 2013323. Some vehicles that were inspected and/or repaired under the previous recall will need to be re-inspected and repaired if necessary.
Recall 20140161,598 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 202 - Head Restraints. If subjected to load in the highest adjustment position, the rear seat head restraints may move to the next lower adjustment position, being displaced in excess of what is allowable in the standard. Correction: No corrective recall action is required as this technical non-compliance is deemed to be non-safety related.
Recall 20133231,093 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, the passenger side halfshaft could fracture and separate. If this were to occur while the vehicle is being driven, it could result in a loss of motive power. If this were to occur while the vehicle is parked on an incline without the parking brake applied, it could result in unintended vehicle movement. Both situations could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace affected halfshafts.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Ripley, CAFire
STEERING
Car caught on fire under hood
NHTSA complaint #11588307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ripley, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car caught on fire under hood
NHTSA complaint #11588307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ripley, CAFire
ENGINE
Car caught on fire under hood
NHTSA complaint #11588307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesCramerton, NCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while her husband was reversing from a parking space with her in the front passenger seat, he depressed the brake pedal but the brake pedal failed to respond, causing the vehicle to continuously reverse. The contact stated that her husband continuously depressed the brake pedal until it responded; however, the vehicle hit the rear passenger side bumper of a parked unoccupied vehicle. The contact stated that it was a fender bender. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries sustained. The contact contacted the police and filed a report. The contact stated that her husband was able to continue driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11491599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, ILCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hi, I have had my car for a total of 8 years so far. It was bought used, in perfect condition in the beginning. Years passed and I have gained many problems down the road. First, the valve had to be replaced, spent a little under $1K, car worked well, until it started leaking coolant. Second, the car started to jerk back if you were passing at least 60mph. You go above 65-70, the car would jerk back to where it felt as if the whole bottom of the car fell off. You could press the gas pedal and it would barely go, it felt as if you were pushing the car with your own hands from the back, as if it lost power to move forward. Third, why does my coolant leak? Why is it that I have to put coolant in it at least every other week? The fan is EXTREMELY loud as well, as if it's overheating.
NHTSA complaint #11472763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, ILCrash
ENGINE
Hi, I have had my car for a total of 8 years so far. It was bought used, in perfect condition in the beginning. Years passed and I have gained many problems down the road. First, the valve had to be replaced, spent a little under $1K, car worked well, until it started leaking coolant. Second, the car started to jerk back if you were passing at least 60mph. You go above 65-70, the car would jerk back to where it felt as if the whole bottom of the car fell off. You could press the gas pedal and it would barely go, it felt as if you were pushing the car with your own hands from the back, as if it lost power to move forward. Third, why does my coolant leak? Why is it that I have to put coolant in it at least every other week? The fan is EXTREMELY loud as well, as if it's overheating.
NHTSA complaint #11472763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Hobbs, NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hh
NHTSA complaint #11746413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hobbs, NM
ENGINE
Hh
NHTSA complaint #11746413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hobbs, NM
SERVICE BRAKES
Hh
NHTSA complaint #11746413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delta Junction, AK
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact felt ill and pulled over to the side of the road. The contact stated that a passerby stopped and found the contact unconscious inside the vehicle. The ambulance was called to the scene, and the contact was taken to the hospital. The doctor determined that the contact had 27% of carbon monoxide inside the body. The contact received oxygen to expel the carbon monoxide. The vehicle remained near the walking trail where the contact had pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. Prior to the issue, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and went into LIMP Mode. The contact stopped by Auto Zone for a diagnostic test. The contact was unsure what code was found. The doctor believed that the carbon monoxide poisoning was related to the vehicle. The insurance company was notified, and a claim was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11720805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
When I accelerate my rpm goes up but car dosent move as speed says and takes for me to let off the gas to speed up , and my steering when I turn it pulls away n it keep popping up service traction and going off
NHTSA complaint #11698432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
STEERING
When I accelerate my rpm goes up but car dosent move as speed says and takes for me to let off the gas to speed up , and my steering when I turn it pulls away n it keep popping up service traction and going off
NHTSA complaint #11698432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delano, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car over heats at least over 300 degrees. Afraid that my vehicle is In danger of catching fire due to the high temperature causing tension belt and hose components to melt.
NHTSA complaint #11694002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delano, CA
ENGINE
My car over heats at least over 300 degrees. Afraid that my vehicle is In danger of catching fire due to the high temperature causing tension belt and hose components to melt.
NHTSA complaint #11694002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spokane, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I’ve had the thermostat housing fail twice now. And now it leaking again for the third time!! Now the service stabilitrak light is on, but it only happens when the car is idling. This happened to me before while driving and I replaced the spark plugs and the coil pack. I know on other models the valve cover failed as well but I don’t see a recall on that, or the thermostat housing issues…. I just don’t get whyyyyy if people are having all the same issues why not recall it!!???
NHTSA complaint #11684044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spokane, WA
ENGINE
I’ve had the thermostat housing fail twice now. And now it leaking again for the third time!! Now the service stabilitrak light is on, but it only happens when the car is idling. This happened to me before while driving and I replaced the spark plugs and the coil pack. I know on other models the valve cover failed as well but I don’t see a recall on that, or the thermostat housing issues…. I just don’t get whyyyyy if people are having all the same issues why not recall it!!???
NHTSA complaint #11684044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waseca, MN
AIR BAGS
For the airbag the car was sold to me without a working airbag. It’s in the steering wheel (I have been told this by a Chevrolet dealership) and the part that is broken is the part that will make it inflate in case of crash. This is scary to me. I was just in my first (and hopefully only) accident a month before in a more steely car and while no airbags were deployed it still hurts. The second issue is with the fuel pump or sensor - the coding is very unsure but the dash (including the mechanical gauge) says the car will go from half tank to empty on an 8 mile drive. It has no leaks on the underside and I had it into the mechanic twice. The second time because it stumbled and stalled at a stop light. Before dying - half tank. August 6th they just scanned it with their computer I got no paperwork from them. On the 15th I didn’t get any paperwork either. I will include the shop’s number.
NHTSA complaint #11681926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waseca, MN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
For the airbag the car was sold to me without a working airbag. It’s in the steering wheel (I have been told this by a Chevrolet dealership) and the part that is broken is the part that will make it inflate in case of crash. This is scary to me. I was just in my first (and hopefully only) accident a month before in a more steely car and while no airbags were deployed it still hurts. The second issue is with the fuel pump or sensor - the coding is very unsure but the dash (including the mechanical gauge) says the car will go from half tank to empty on an 8 mile drive. It has no leaks on the underside and I had it into the mechanic twice. The second time because it stumbled and stalled at a stop light. Before dying - half tank. August 6th they just scanned it with their computer I got no paperwork from them. On the 15th I didn’t get any paperwork either. I will include the shop’s number.
NHTSA complaint #11681926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 157,454. The contact later discovered that the title mileage was 189,000.
NHTSA complaint #11680644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocala, FL
ENGINE
This is the second time that we have experienced over heating issues. Currently the car has been out of commission for over a year and half. Every since we purchased the car used it has over heated. The first time of course the head gasket was blown. We paid $1200 to have it fixed. Still ran hot we replaced the water pump. After a year same issues. Car has been parked as we do not have the money to repair it. I have read about 6 pages of the same complaint. I do believe that it is time for GM to issue a recall. We are currently making payments on a car that we are unable to drive. We have spent almost as much as we paid for the car. Again this is not good. Seems like this car was doomed from the start.
NHTSA complaint #11679789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,212 milesHastings, NY
STEERING
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle also lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic control unit module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,212. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11666837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,212 milesHastings, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle also lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic control unit module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,212. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11666837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poland, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11664134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poland, IN
ENGINE
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11664134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, OR, OR
ENGINE
for some strange reason the engine has 150K miles on it and has been extremely well maintained however there is oil blowby coming from the oil filler cap which coats the entire engine belts will slip and cause drivability issues this oil vapor can also coat the front wheel brake discs and soak the pads causing braking failure to occur GM said they are aware of this problem however they do not have a recall to replace the engine or causing issue with the vehicle and i would be better off buying a new GM vehicle rather then worry about this insignificant issue since no accidents have occurred I Maintain my vehicles to the gills something like this is very concerning since this is my wifes car and out child travels in this car what can the NHTSA do to make GM correct this issue on this chevy cruze?
NHTSA complaint #11656565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tolleson, AZ
ENGINE
Check engine light is on and the low fuel efficiency which will cause the system to fail and the vehicle to shut down while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11654444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesCommerce City, CO
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the Engine Control Module (ECM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.
NHTSA complaint #11645065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesCommerce City, CO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the Engine Control Module (ECM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.
NHTSA complaint #11645065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Attleboro, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to express my concern regarding a serious issue with my 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. Recently, I noticed that my car's engine was overheating, which I initially thought was due to a problem with the coolant or radiator. However, on [XXX], my vehicle suddenly broke down while I was driving on the highway. I had my car towed to a mechanic, who informed me that this particular model of the Chevrolet Cruze, specifically from the years 2011-2015, is known to have severe engine overheating problems. The mechanic also mentioned that in cases like mine, the engine is often seized and sent to the junkyard. After researching further and reading through numerous online reviews from other Cruze owners, I discovered that engine overheating is a common and recurring issue for many of them. This leads me to believe that this problem may be more widespread and could potentially be a defect in the design or manufacturing of the engine. Given the severity of this issue and the impact it has on vehicle safety, I kindly request that you consider issuing a recall for the engines in the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Cruze models, similar to the actions taken for other vehicle recalls, such as the Hyundai Sonata. I hope that Chevrolet will take steps to address this issue and ensure that owners like myself do not have to face costly repairs or the loss of their vehicle due to an engine failure that appears to be inherent in these models. I would greatly appreciate your attention to this matter and hope for a positive resolution, such as a recall or another form of support for owners dealing with this serious engine problem. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely [XXX] , [XXX] 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT Plate - [XXX] Vin - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11626368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Attleboro, MA
ENGINE
I am writing to express my concern regarding a serious issue with my 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. Recently, I noticed that my car's engine was overheating, which I initially thought was due to a problem with the coolant or radiator. However, on [XXX], my vehicle suddenly broke down while I was driving on the highway. I had my car towed to a mechanic, who informed me that this particular model of the Chevrolet Cruze, specifically from the years 2011-2015, is known to have severe engine overheating problems. The mechanic also mentioned that in cases like mine, the engine is often seized and sent to the junkyard. After researching further and reading through numerous online reviews from other Cruze owners, I discovered that engine overheating is a common and recurring issue for many of them. This leads me to believe that this problem may be more widespread and could potentially be a defect in the design or manufacturing of the engine. Given the severity of this issue and the impact it has on vehicle safety, I kindly request that you consider issuing a recall for the engines in the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Cruze models, similar to the actions taken for other vehicle recalls, such as the Hyundai Sonata. I hope that Chevrolet will take steps to address this issue and ensure that owners like myself do not have to face costly repairs or the loss of their vehicle due to an engine failure that appears to be inherent in these models. I would greatly appreciate your attention to this matter and hope for a positive resolution, such as a recall or another form of support for owners dealing with this serious engine problem. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely [XXX] , [XXX] 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT Plate - [XXX] Vin - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11626368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apple Creek, OH
POWER TRAIN
Transmission messed up only own the car for 7 months
NHTSA complaint #11624046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.