Chevrolet Cruze Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Chevrolet Cruze options? We analyzed 10 model years (2010–2019) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Free VIN check
Found a Chevrolet Cruze? Check that exact car.
Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Chevrolet Cruze has 3,708 owner complaints and 44 safety recalls across model years 2010–2019. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2019 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Cruze
- Model years analyzed
- 2010–2019 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 3,708
- Safety recall campaigns
- 44
- Crash-related complaints
- 290
- Fire-related complaints
- 82
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (201 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2019 (20 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Chevrolet Cruze: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe CHEVROLET CRUZE has 3,708 NHTSA complaints and 44 recalls on record. 290 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 3,708 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 44 federal recall campaigns
- 290 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
44 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
STEERING
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
PARKING BRAKE
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
AIR BAGS
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2010–2019. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 3,708 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
3,708 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE SERVICE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE MENU BUTTON AND CLEARED THE WARNING INDICATOR. TEN MINUTES LATER, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS A DAILY OCCURRENCE EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR A CRASH BACK IN MAY OF 2015. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,456.
VEHICLE NOT TAKING OFF FROM STOP THEN RED LINES AND JERKS FORWARD . DEALERSHIP TRYING TO SAY IT IS THE ADAPTIVE MEMORY ON TRANSMISSION . THE CAR IS NOT TAKING OFF PROPERLY AND THEN LURCHES AND JERKS FORWARD. *TR
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.
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!
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
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.
Read 14 more owner reports
The vehicle needs the transmission bolts replaced has a recall need repaired as as possible. The automatic transmission jerk
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.
The bolts on the transmission accumulator needs to be replaced I see an unrepaired recall
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.
Transmission leak coming from the main seal on the transmission
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.
I was driving and the car slide and went up a small hill and came down hard ending locked there was no ice
The airbags did not deploy, and the driver hit the windshield.
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.
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.
Carvana
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.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that the front windshield defroster failed to operate properly causing the windshield to remain foggy. The failure caused a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 1,500.
THE WINDSHIELD THAT CHEVROLET PUTS IN THESE CARS IS NOT VERY CLEAR, I WORK IN THE GLASS INDUSTRY AND I NOTICE IT EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. YOU CAN SEE DISTORTION IN THE FILM OF THE LAMINATED GLASS. THEY REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD ONCE, AND I STILL SEE THE DISTORTION.
Showing 20 of 3,708 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Chevrolet Cruze
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Chevrolet Cruze, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Chevrolet Cruze has 3,708 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Chevrolet Cruze has 44 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 290 of the Chevrolet Cruze's 3,708 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Chevrolet Cruze vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Chevrolet Cruze vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Chevrolet Cruze has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
Compare
Buyers also compare
How does the Chevrolet Cruze stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Chevrolet Cruze by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Chevrolet Cruze.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Chevrolet Cruze reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
Poor. The Chevrolet Cruze has 3,708 NHTSA owner complaints and 44 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Chevrolet Cruze years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (201 complaints), 2018 (109 complaints), 2019 (20 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Chevrolet Cruze problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (1,253 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (754 complaints); POWER TRAIN (674 complaints).
Does the Chevrolet Cruze have recalls?
Yes — 44 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Chevrolet Cruze. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.