FaultScore report

2019 Chevrolet Cruze problems

Owners have filed 33 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.

C

52/100

CleanWorst

Measured against the other years of the Chevrolet Cruze, never against another car.

How this is worked out

The numbers

33

Complaints

7

Crashes reported

2

Fires reported

3

Injuries reported

10,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

71%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

NHTSA overall crash rating

From the agency's own crash tests

4

Safety recalls

2 US, 2 Canadian

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 3 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 3
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Cruze. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
36.4% 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

Click any bar to open that year's report.

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 6 18.2%

Median failure at 66,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 5 15.2%
Electrical System 4 12.1%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 3 9.1%

2 crashes, 1 fires

Brakes 3 9.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 3,500 mi

Airbags 3 9.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 91,000 mi

Other & Unspecified 2 6.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 10,000 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 6.1%

Median failure at 850 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 2 6.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 10,000 mi

Seat Belts 1 3.0%
Tires 1 3.0%
Fuel & Propulsion 1 3.0%

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 1 14.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 2 28.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 28.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 1 14.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 1 14.3%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

Frontal crash test of a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD

Side barrier crash test

Side pole crash test of a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD

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 2019 peak 3 Sep 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.

United States — NHTSA

20V668000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

Risk: 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.

18V576000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

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.

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase 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 2020520 22,911 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 2018461 19,385 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.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Plymouth, MA Crash

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, MA Crash

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, FL Crash 1 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, OH Crash Fire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Carvana

NHTSA complaint #11447696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Couboms, OH Crash Fire

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

Carvana

NHTSA complaint #11447696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 10,000 miles Leesburg, GA Crash 2 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.

Rockville, MD

AIR BAGS

An authorized Chevrolet dealer diagnosed an electrical problem on my 2019 Chevrolet Cruze and found that the HVAC case/condensate drain was disconnected. The dealer determined that condensate water had been draining into the passenger compartment instead of outside the vehicle. According to the dealer's written diagnosis, the water soaked the body wiring harness and damaged the Body Control Module (BCM) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) module. The problem initially presented through door-lock/electrical malfunctions. The dealer confirmed the water intrusion and resulting component damage during its inspection. I am concerned because the affected components include the body wiring harness, BCM, and SRS module. Damage to the SRS module potentially affects a vehicle safety/restraint system, and extensive water contamination of the wiring harness and control modules could cause additional electrical failures. The dealer stated that repair would require replacement of the body wiring harness, BCM and SRS module, removal of the front carpeting, treatment for moisture/mold contamination, and approximately 42 hours of labor. The dealer estimated the repair at $14,314 and stated that the repair cost exceeds the value of the vehicle. I do not know when or why the HVAC drain became disconnected. I am reporting this because an authorized Chevrolet dealer confirmed that a disconnected HVAC drain allowed water to enter the cabin and damage multiple electrical and safety-related modules. I believe NHTSA should determine whether similar water-intrusion failures have occurred in other vehicles of this model.

NHTSA complaint #11761407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rockville, MD

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

An authorized Chevrolet dealer diagnosed an electrical problem on my 2019 Chevrolet Cruze and found that the HVAC case/condensate drain was disconnected. The dealer determined that condensate water had been draining into the passenger compartment instead of outside the vehicle. According to the dealer's written diagnosis, the water soaked the body wiring harness and damaged the Body Control Module (BCM) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) module. The problem initially presented through door-lock/electrical malfunctions. The dealer confirmed the water intrusion and resulting component damage during its inspection. I am concerned because the affected components include the body wiring harness, BCM, and SRS module. Damage to the SRS module potentially affects a vehicle safety/restraint system, and extensive water contamination of the wiring harness and control modules could cause additional electrical failures. The dealer stated that repair would require replacement of the body wiring harness, BCM and SRS module, removal of the front carpeting, treatment for moisture/mold contamination, and approximately 42 hours of labor. The dealer estimated the repair at $14,314 and stated that the repair cost exceeds the value of the vehicle. I do not know when or why the HVAC drain became disconnected. I am reporting this because an authorized Chevrolet dealer confirmed that a disconnected HVAC drain allowed water to enter the cabin and damage multiple electrical and safety-related modules. I believe NHTSA should determine whether similar water-intrusion failures have occurred in other vehicles of this model.

NHTSA complaint #11761407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rockville, MD

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

An authorized Chevrolet dealer diagnosed an electrical problem on my 2019 Chevrolet Cruze and found that the HVAC case/condensate drain was disconnected. The dealer determined that condensate water had been draining into the passenger compartment instead of outside the vehicle. According to the dealer's written diagnosis, the water soaked the body wiring harness and damaged the Body Control Module (BCM) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) module. The problem initially presented through door-lock/electrical malfunctions. The dealer confirmed the water intrusion and resulting component damage during its inspection. I am concerned because the affected components include the body wiring harness, BCM, and SRS module. Damage to the SRS module potentially affects a vehicle safety/restraint system, and extensive water contamination of the wiring harness and control modules could cause additional electrical failures. The dealer stated that repair would require replacement of the body wiring harness, BCM and SRS module, removal of the front carpeting, treatment for moisture/mold contamination, and approximately 42 hours of labor. The dealer estimated the repair at $14,314 and stated that the repair cost exceeds the value of the vehicle. I do not know when or why the HVAC drain became disconnected. I am reporting this because an authorized Chevrolet dealer confirmed that a disconnected HVAC drain allowed water to enter the cabin and damage multiple electrical and safety-related modules. I believe NHTSA should determine whether similar water-intrusion failures have occurred in other vehicles of this model.

NHTSA complaint #11761407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Plymouth, MA Crash

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, MA Crash

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.

Houston, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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 miles Mc 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, FL Crash 1 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 miles Waynesboro, 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.