Chevrolet Cruze years to avoid and best years
Newer Chevrolet Cruze years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2012 has the most complaints per year, at 95 (865 complaints). 2012 through 2014 are in that same range. From 2016 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 2 (from 21 complaints), 2018 at 17 (from 109 complaints), and 2015 at 20 (from 252 complaints). On the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 121 of 865 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
Chevrolet Cruze reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Chevrolet Cruze. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 → Fewest | 2 | 21 | 2 | Powertrain | 33.1 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 17 | 109 | 3 | Powertrain | 33.6 |
| 2017 → | 22 | 201 | 2 | Engine | 33.4 |
| 2016 → | 23 | 250 | 4 | Engine | 30.9 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 20 | 252 | 4 | Engine | 29.9 |
| 2014 → | 57 | 702 | 10 | Engine | 29.9 |
| 2013 → | 62 | 586 | 5 | Engine | 29.5 |
| 2012 → Most | 95 | 865 | 7 | Engine | 29.5 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan, Hatchback
- Oil
- 5W-30 (1.8L); 5W-30 (1.4L turbo where equipped) · 4.2 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 215/60R16 to 225/45R18 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 12V-288 covers certain 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles: spilled or dripping oil may collect in the engine shield near hot surfaces and ignite. Recall 13V-360 covers certain 2011-2012 Cruze vehicles with the 1.4L turbo and electric vacuum brake assist pump: the pump may not activate, reducing brake assist on some starts. Recall 14V-151 covers certain 2013-2014 Cruze vehicles with the 1.4L turbo: the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
- Body styles
- Sedan, Hatchback
- Oil
- 0W-40 or 5W-30 (1.4L turbo; dexos1) · 4.2 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 195/65R15 to 225/40R18 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 20V-668 covers certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles among other GM models: the start/stop transmission accumulator end cap may have missing bolts, which can lead to a transmission fluid leak and possible loss of propulsion. Recall 18V-576 covers certain 2018-2019 Cruze vehicles: rear brake caliper pistons may have insufficient coating, reducing rear brake performance.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Cruze years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 2 (from 21 complaints), 2018 at 17 (from 109 complaints), and 2015 at 20 (from 252 complaints).
Which Chevrolet Cruze year has the most owner complaints?
2012 has the most complaints per year, at 95 (865 complaints). 2012 through 2014 are in that same range. On the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 121 of 865 complaints name Engine.
How do Chevrolet Cruze owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Chevrolet Cruze years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2016 on, complaints per year fall.
When did Chevrolet stop selling the Cruze in the US?
The US catalog ends with the 2019 model year.
What engine oil does a Chevrolet Cruze use?
5W-30 (1.8L); 5W-30 (1.4L turbo where equipped)
What does NHTSA recall 12V-288 cover on the Chevrolet Cruze?
Recall 12V-288 covers certain 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles: spilled or dripping oil may collect in the engine shield near hot surfaces and ignite.