Before you buy
This 2013 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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2013 Chevrolet Cruze Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2013 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. 6 trims analysed.
2013 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 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has 500 owner complaints, 41 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Cruze
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 500
- Crash-related complaints
- 41
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 37
- 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 2013 Chevrolet Cruze problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. 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 2013 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 2013 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 2013 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 5 recalls on record. 41 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 5 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 500 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 5 federal recall campaigns
- 41 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 2013 Chevrolet Cruze complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 221 | 6 | 6 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 114 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 81 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 75 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 60 | 5 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 55 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 41 | 25 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 33 | 8 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 32 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 28 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 21 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | 8 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 3 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
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 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I PURCHASED THE CAR WITH MY STUDENT FINANCIAL AID MONEY AS SOON AS I GOT 5 CAR A FEW BLOCKS AWAY AND THE CAR STARTED BOILING.THEN THE KEY IGNITION SYSTEM SAID USE POCKET TRANSMITTER THAT DIDN'T WORK .I PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY I HAVE A MECHANIC THAT'S WHY I PURCHASED THE CAR I WAS…
I’d like to report this vehicle and its engine as I did not know I could before we have had this car since 2015 This engine has chronic repeated issues that Chevy would patch once under “special coverages” or “extended warranty” and it fails again and again but they only honor …
Hh
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 call…
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
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.
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 …
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 hopefu…
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…
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 …
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 …
Unknown
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 …
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.
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 an…
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 whil…
Vehicle randomly powers up and tries to start with the key in the ignition. Service theft deterrent message displayed at times while trying to start.
Transmission messed up only own the car for 7 months
The engine in my 2013 chevy cruze failed due to the head gasket, and it causes the car to overheat. Chevrolet issued a recall on some 2013 and 2014 Cruze models for head gasket problems. The gasket in these models is known to fail and that can completely destroy the motor. When a…
Have been told it’s the catalytic converter but when driving it loses power and stalls. It has almost caused wrecks. Ever since I got this vehicle it’s been one thing after another and the more I look online about the issues with my vehicle, the more I realize that thousands and …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze.
Safety recalls
2013 Chevrolet Cruze recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. 5 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
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
AIR BAGS
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2013 Chevrolet Cruze buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 41 crash-related complaints, and 5 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 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?▾
#1: Engine Problems (221 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (114 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (81 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, NHTSA complaints include 41 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 25 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 5 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 2013 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.