2011 Chevrolet Cruze Problems
Used CHEVROLET CRUZE shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 500 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has 500 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2011 Chevrolet Cruze Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2011 Chevrolet Cruze trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2011 Chevrolet Cruze Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has 500 owner complaints, 26 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Cruze
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 26
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 35
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2011 Chevrolet Cruze problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
This CHEVROLET CRUZE year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- 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
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The CHEVROLET CRUZE has 500 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. 26 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 7 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 500 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 7 federal recall campaigns
- 26 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
Full breakdown
All 2011 Chevrolet Cruze complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 211 | 5 | 11 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 124 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 78 | 4 | 2 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 66 | 5 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 65 | 3 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 49 | 8 | 3 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 40 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 34 | 5 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 34 | — | 2 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 24 | 11 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and raising the foot off the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerated drastically. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally hesitated while accelerating and failed to immediately acce…
i’m unsure if the person i bought this vehicle from had the codes wiped before selling to me, but there were NO lights on dash for 3 days after minimal driving only to work and back, then all of a sudden the check engine light came on, and in the info box it would pop up saying “…
I purchased my car in 2020 and have had this issue recently come up. I have coolant that is vanishing from my car but not dripping to the floor. I've learned since then that there was a recall on my car for my water pump which causes this exact issue which has caused a related ch…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private in April 12th 2026. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 135,000 The contact stated that the next day when retrieving the t…
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The chec…
The primary failure is a total loss of engine power and electrical systems while the vehicle is in motion. The dealership (Ray Skillman Southside Mitsubishi) has diagnosed this as a failed engine/body control computer system. The vehicle is currently located at the dealership's s…
The vehicle continues to overheat. The fan has been changed, the thermostat has been changed, the coolant reservoir has been changed, the cadilatic converter has been changed. Still running over hot. We continue to check oil and coolant levels, making sure they are where they n…
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 25-35 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear and then stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. …
When I start my vehicle and go over a certain speed it show service abs system it also makes a grinding sound when breaking before that speed is hit it also has a wobbleing steering wheel when breaking at high speeds also when accelerating it will sometimes show engine power redu…
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shut off unintendedly and without warning. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle …
The engine is leaking oil. There are clearly known issues with this engine such as oil leaks and engine fires. There was a previous recall on this issue that says complete but we are still having the same issue. The Chevrolet corporate office and dealerships do not want to t…
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM increased and there was a burning oil odor on the interior of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped and parked the vehicle. The contact performe…
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that the brake lights, power locks, and windshield wipers were inoperable. The contact stated that the ignition key failed to disengage after turning off the vehicle. The contact had to hold a button underneath the steer…
Vehicle does not shift gears, jumpy, sluggish, disengages then jerks back into gear. Hazard when trying to pickup speed to accelerate into highway traffic. Does not engage in reverse gear at times, have to turn vehicle off, wait a few minutes then turn vehicle back on for revers…
I was hit side impact my airbags didn’t deploy in the car they deployed under the hood I was hit by a vehicle doing approximately 50 miles an hour the airbag that was supposed to go off went off under the hood instead of in the car
Watery oil looking liquid making puddles under car. Orange fluid seen pooling from above. Head gasket blown?
Losing coolant seems like blown head gasket
While driving home on the interstate after work, I was travelling at around 65 miles per hour, with the cruise control set at that speed. In an instant I lost all engine power and began to slow down very rapidly. A quick look to the rearview mirror to ensure nothing was approachi…
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruz. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot (H). Upon checking the coolant level, the contact discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact refilled the co…
The main seal
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.
Safety recalls
2011 Chevrolet Cruze recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. 7 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
STEERING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2011 Chevrolet Cruze buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 26 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. This CHEVROLET CRUZE year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?▾
#1: Engine Problems (211 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (124 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (78 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, NHTSA complaints include 26 crash-related reports and 13 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 28 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 7 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?▾
This CHEVROLET CRUZE year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Cruze reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.