Owners have filed 30 complaints
about the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 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 — 2
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Cruze. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
40% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
71% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2019 compares with every other Chevrolet Cruze
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
620.0%
Median failure at 66,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
516.7%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
310.0%
2 crashes, 1 fires
Brakes
310.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 3,500 mi
Electrical System
310.0%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
26.7%
Median failure at 850 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
26.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 10,000 mi
Airbags
26.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 91,000 mi
Other & Unspecified
13.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 10,000 mi
Seat Belts
13.3%
Tires
13.3%
Fuel & Propulsion
13.3%
1 crashes, 1 fires
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
114.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
228.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
228.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
114.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
114.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2019 Chevrolet Cruze 5 HB FWD
10.7% risk
2019 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD
10.7% risk
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 2019peak 3Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2019 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202052022,911 units in Canada
Powertrain
Issue: On certain vehicles, the start-stop accumulator in the transmission may be missing bolts. As a result, transmission fluid could leak and eventually cause the transmission to stop working. If this happens, there could be a loss of power to the wheels. Safety Risk: A transmission fluid leak onto a hot surface can create the risk of a fire. Additionally, a loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the transmission start-stop accumulator. It will be replaced if any bolts are found missing.
Recall 201846119,385 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, a problem with the rear brake system may cause gas bubbles to form in the brake fluid. This could cause a soft brake pedal feel and a reduction in brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will bleed the rear brakes.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Plymouth, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
The brakes system didnt seem to be stopping properly almost as if i had to push really hard on the brakes to get the car to stop. Finally today, I was 1.6 car lengths behind another vehicle whom slammed their brakes on for no reason and I had to do so as well. My car would not stop, the brakes would not work causing a major accident.
NHTSA complaint #11747783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plymouth, MACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The brakes system didnt seem to be stopping properly almost as if i had to push really hard on the brakes to get the car to stop. Finally today, I was 1.6 car lengths behind another vehicle whom slammed their brakes on for no reason and I had to do so as well. My car would not stop, the brakes would not work causing a major accident.
NHTSA complaint #11747783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The airbags did not deploy, and the driver hit the windshield.
NHTSA complaint #11454888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Couboms, OHCrashFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Carvana
NHTSA complaint #11447696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Couboms, OHCrashFire
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Carvana
NHTSA complaint #11447696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesLeesburg, GACrash2 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS STOPPED IN THE LEFT TURNING LANE ATTEMPTING TO CROSS A HIGHWAY. WHEN I TURNED LEFT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I PRESSED THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN BUT THE CAR WAS CREEPING. I COULD NOT CROSS THE HIGHWAY AND WAS STRUCK IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I WAS GIVEN A TICKET FOR FAILURE TO YIELD. I HIT A VEHICLE AND WAS CHARGED AT FAULT IN THE ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE IS A RENTAL CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11176137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Plymouth, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
The brakes system didnt seem to be stopping properly almost as if i had to push really hard on the brakes to get the car to stop. Finally today, I was 1.6 car lengths behind another vehicle whom slammed their brakes on for no reason and I had to do so as well. My car would not stop, the brakes would not work causing a major accident.
NHTSA complaint #11747783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plymouth, MACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The brakes system didnt seem to be stopping properly almost as if i had to push really hard on the brakes to get the car to stop. Finally today, I was 1.6 car lengths behind another vehicle whom slammed their brakes on for no reason and I had to do so as well. My car would not stop, the brakes would not work causing a major accident.
NHTSA complaint #11747783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Charlotte, FL
POWER TRAIN
For a year I have had my car to the shop multiple times due to a musty smell inside my car. I have never been able to find any fluids or moisture inside the car, however, the inside of my windshield tends to get a weird film on it, I am constantly cleaning to keep visibility especially at night. None of the mechanics that I have taken it to were able to figure it out, and most of them could not smell The musky smell that I smelled. The car had approximately 40,000 mi on it when this started about a year ago, Maybe 8 months. Recently I have noticed that the coolant in my car is disappearing, I have kept a constant check on it and about once a week have had to add fluids to keep it from getting too low. I have had the coolant system checked out. I've had it flushed. They pressure tested the coolant tank and all tests passed and they could find no issues. However, when my father came to town he checked it out and there is coolant fluid leaking inside my car under the dash and it is dripping slowly on to the underpad of the carpeting and I assume drying up before it gets to a point where it is making a wet spot in the floor. Obviously after more research my father has told me that this has been a known issue with this model of car, however, there is not a recall that I can find with my VIN number. Obviously being stuck in a hot car in Florida, breathing in the fumes from a poisonous liquid is not healthy for me or anyone in my car. This is a safety issue not only for the fumes that I have been breathing, but foggy residue that collects on my windshield creates visual issues especially at night. This could cause me to have a major accident and possibly lose my life. I should not be struggling with a car that I treat like my baby. I have read that this is a design flaw due to the plastic connectors on the hoses, I would like Chevy to stand behind their vehicle and fix this issue for me. I never use the heater, because I live in Florida!
NHTSA complaint #11730583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Charlotte, FL
ENGINE
For a year I have had my car to the shop multiple times due to a musty smell inside my car. I have never been able to find any fluids or moisture inside the car, however, the inside of my windshield tends to get a weird film on it, I am constantly cleaning to keep visibility especially at night. None of the mechanics that I have taken it to were able to figure it out, and most of them could not smell The musky smell that I smelled. The car had approximately 40,000 mi on it when this started about a year ago, Maybe 8 months. Recently I have noticed that the coolant in my car is disappearing, I have kept a constant check on it and about once a week have had to add fluids to keep it from getting too low. I have had the coolant system checked out. I've had it flushed. They pressure tested the coolant tank and all tests passed and they could find no issues. However, when my father came to town he checked it out and there is coolant fluid leaking inside my car under the dash and it is dripping slowly on to the underpad of the carpeting and I assume drying up before it gets to a point where it is making a wet spot in the floor. Obviously after more research my father has told me that this has been a known issue with this model of car, however, there is not a recall that I can find with my VIN number. Obviously being stuck in a hot car in Florida, breathing in the fumes from a poisonous liquid is not healthy for me or anyone in my car. This is a safety issue not only for the fumes that I have been breathing, but foggy residue that collects on my windshield creates visual issues especially at night. This could cause me to have a major accident and possibly lose my life. I should not be struggling with a car that I treat like my baby. I have read that this is a design flaw due to the plastic connectors on the hoses, I would like Chevy to stand behind their vehicle and fix this issue for me. I never use the heater, because I live in Florida!
NHTSA complaint #11730583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hartford, CT
SEAT BELTS
I am leasing this vehicle and it continues to have warning light on staring the vehicle engine power reduced as I'm driving and holds back vehicle and also airbag restraining system light continues also to be on. This is not normal wear and tear and I read previous years had this issue as well. This is still an issue concerning of my safety. Paying for inconvenience
NHTSA complaint #11657080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hartford, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am leasing this vehicle and it continues to have warning light on staring the vehicle engine power reduced as I'm driving and holds back vehicle and also airbag restraining system light continues also to be on. This is not normal wear and tear and I read previous years had this issue as well. This is still an issue concerning of my safety. Paying for inconvenience
NHTSA complaint #11657080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hartford, CT
ENGINE
I am leasing this vehicle and it continues to have warning light on staring the vehicle engine power reduced as I'm driving and holds back vehicle and also airbag restraining system light continues also to be on. This is not normal wear and tear and I read previous years had this issue as well. This is still an issue concerning of my safety. Paying for inconvenience
NHTSA complaint #11657080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VA
ENGINE
Timing chain rattles, due the the chain tensioner not having motor oil at early morning start-up. This causes the chain to be loose and eventually engine damage. Europe already issued recalls to this issue. They solved this issue by installing a seal, TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FOR CHEVROLET GMC OPEL FEBI BILSTEIN 181945.
NHTSA complaint #11641590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle needs the transmission bolts replaced has a recall need repaired as as possible. The automatic transmission jerk
NHTSA complaint #11592522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle needs the transmission bolts replaced has a recall need repaired as as possible. The automatic transmission jerk
NHTSA complaint #11592522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle needs the transmission bolts replaced has a recall need repaired as as possible. The automatic transmission jerk
NHTSA complaint #11592522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Meridian, MS
TIRES
When going in to get new tires, I was infomred the Primwall 205/55R16 I had had put on the car less than 2 years ago are now seperating. So far, the company is unwilling to replace them.
NHTSA complaint #11588491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
POWER TRAIN
The bolts on the transmission accumulator needs to be replaced I see an unrepaired recall
NHTSA complaint #11573766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesMc Connellsburg, PA
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the SRS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the air bag warning light had been illuminated for months prior to experiencing the new failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who failed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.
NHTSA complaint #11527009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omer, MI
POWER TRAIN
Transmission leak coming from the main seal on the transmission
NHTSA complaint #11500656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Germantown, MD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Unknown I purchased this vehicle in 2019 About 2 and half years now. This car engine is malfunctioning. When i am driving uphill the speed is not transitioning and it had caused other vehicles behind me to slow down. Second major problem is during the summer season the speed does not adjust easily . I would have to press on the gas so hardly to be able to proceed. The worst of all is when am at a traffic light and it turns green that I must proceed the car will not move. I get stuck for a short period and then i would pressed on the gas and all of a sudden you will hear a heavy noise. I drive without AC in summertime often because the car would be stuck, stuck i repeat on the road without moving if my AC is on. It is terrible i must turn off my AC to be able to drive and if i do not am at risk of getting hit by the car behind me. This has been so hard on me and i am really distressed.
NHTSA complaint #11470576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Germantown, MD
ENGINE
Unknown I purchased this vehicle in 2019 About 2 and half years now. This car engine is malfunctioning. When i am driving uphill the speed is not transitioning and it had caused other vehicles behind me to slow down. Second major problem is during the summer season the speed does not adjust easily . I would have to press on the gas so hardly to be able to proceed. The worst of all is when am at a traffic light and it turns green that I must proceed the car will not move. I get stuck for a short period and then i would pressed on the gas and all of a sudden you will hear a heavy noise. I drive without AC in summertime often because the car would be stuck, stuck i repeat on the road without moving if my AC is on. It is terrible i must turn off my AC to be able to drive and if i do not am at risk of getting hit by the car behind me. This has been so hard on me and i am really distressed.
NHTSA complaint #11470576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, OH
POWER TRAIN
I was driving and the car slide and went up a small hill and came down hard ending locked there was no ice
NHTSA complaint #11460898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, OH
ENGINE
I was driving and the car slide and went up a small hill and came down hard ending locked there was no ice
NHTSA complaint #11460898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The airbags did not deploy, and the driver hit the windshield.
NHTSA complaint #11454888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carlton, OR
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes on vehicle failed while driving down the freeway, when I needed to slow down to take my exit. Brakes were hard, and would not stop the vehicle. I shifted into neutral, and used the ramp to stop the vehicle. Car is currently at the Wilsonville Chevrolet for repairs. When I spoke with the Shop lead, he is aware of the problem, but stated my vehicle is not included in the recall for the same problem as other vehicles of the same make and model.
NHTSA complaint #11451834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesWaynesboro, GA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that in January of 2021 she had taken her vehicle to the dealer to be repaired due to a recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train). The contact stated that when she had taken her vehicle to be repaired, the dealer advised her that her vehicle was fine and that there were no problems with the vehicle. The contact stated that December 2021 , her son was driving her vehicle at approximately 55 MPH on the highway ,the vehicle had began to stall and loose power. The contact stated that her son was safely able to pull off to the side of the road, however, the vehicle was unable to start and had to be towed. The contact stated that she had the vehicle towed to the dealer, where it remains, where she was advised that her transmission was destroyed due to the same failure she had recently taken her vehicle in to be repaired due to the previous recall. The contact stated that the dealer advised her if she were to have her vehicle repaired, she would have to pay out of pocket. The contact stated that she then contacted the manufacturer and was advised that they would pay half of the cost of the repair, however she would be responsible for the remaining balance. The mileage failure was 66,000.
NHTSA complaint #11448961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Couboms, OHCrashFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Carvana
NHTSA complaint #11447696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Couboms, OHCrashFire
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Carvana
NHTSA complaint #11447696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Front window defrost loses function/power, where the front window fogs up and can't see road ahead. Vehicle must be fully restarted to re-engage the defrost function. Radio also has the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11428067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
