In 2011 Chevrolet Cruze replaced Chevrolet Cobalt for the North American market. This compact car took on established leaders like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. It’s attractive styling, comfy interior along with fuel efficiency still attracts me. Initially it was popular but as time went it became unpopular due to it’s inconsistent reliability. In this post we are going to see which Chevy Cruze years to avoid and which are good one to buy.
Before that we need to have idea about two generations of Chevy Cruze:
- First generation which was in production in 2011-2015 which had some significant mechanical issues.
- Second generation, introduced in the 2016-2019 was majorly to fix the issue of first generation. it does fixed some previous problems but introduced new issues in its debut year.
Chevy Cruze Years to avoid
| Model Year | Primary Problems | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Transmission failure, coolant leaks, throttle body issues | Multiple | Highest number |
| 2012 | Transmission failure, coolant leaks, faulty fuel tank welds | 7 | 1,000+ |
| 2013 | Electrical issues, oil/coolant leaks, transmission problems | N/A | Significant |
| 2014 | Transmission issues, water pump failure, electrical problems | 7 | 1,000+ |
| 2015 | Minor transmission and cooling system issues | 4 | ~400 |
2011 Chevy Cruze
The 2011 Chevy Cruze was probably the most problematic model year. this model had highest complaints and most severe reliability issues. Even though it was debut model it had some catastrophic transmission failures often requiring complete replacement which was hectic back in the day. Another issue was persistent antifreeze smell inside the cabin you will still get this issue in 2011 model. this also had class-action lawsuit against General Motors.
2012 Chevy Cruze
Despite Reliability Concerns of 2011 model the 2012 was launched without significant fixes. This had more than 1,000 complaints and even seven recalls.
like 2011 the 2012 model also had transmission failures. The coolant leakage was not fixed too. additional problems like faulty fuel tank welds that created potential fire hazards and brake assistance failures. Overall, this was worst year for Chevy Cruze so you must avoid this year model.
2013 Chevy Cruze
After two back to back worst models Chevy launched 2013 and this time it had some improvements over its past models. but it has given rise to new problems like transmission issues alongside new electrical problems that included faulty sensors, computer malfunctions, and issues with the tire pressure monitoring system.
Owners reports from the back in the time reveals coolant leakage was there in this model too. But from previous model it had better handling and higher safety scores.
2014 Chevy Cruze
It was their third model and guess what? it still had same problems as that of 2011 model. primary issues for this model was transmission complications manifested as refusal to shift correctly, especially when downshifting. New problem for 2014 model was water pump failure which was causing overheating and loss of power. the problems were less significant than 2011 to 2012 models but still this year you should avoid buying.
2015 Chevy Cruze
Indeed it is most reliable first generation model but it still has some flaws. In this model there is less common transmission failure and coolant leakage but it was there. 2015 model had some good fuel efficiency which was appealed to mass buyers. overall, this is an good model but we should avoid this.
Problematic Second-Generation Year: 2016 Model
2016 Chevy Cruze
2016 model was the first model of second generation, it still had poor reliability rating of 1.0 out of 5.0. Multiple problems like trouble spots including the engine, cooling system, electrical systems, and brakes were their in this model. Most critical issue was cracked thermostat housing units that leaked coolant, potentially leading to engine overheating and damage. Some owners reported incidents of “burnt or cracked pistons” requiring complete engine rebuilds or replacements at relatively low mileage.
The 2016 model also suffered from electrical gremlins and exterior lighting issues that resulted in multiple recalls from Chevrolet. So, this model is still unreliable and you should avoid too.
Most Reliable Chevy Cruze Years
In the above article we have see which Chevy Cruze years to avoid and now we are going to discuss 2 models of Chevy Cruze which you can buy.
2017-2018 Models
Refined models from second generation model year 2017 and 2018 are significantly reliable and have made some real improvements. These models also have standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist (2017), and forward collision warning with low-speed automatic emergency braking (2018) which are now required in modern car.
While some of the 2017 model had problems like cracked pistons at lower mileage but they were limited to very small group and majority group did not even had this issue.
2019 Model
The 2019 Chevy Cruze was final and most reliable model of Cruze. In 2019 it was awarded J.D. Power’s #1 Compact Car rating for that year with a Quality & Reliability score of 87 out of 100. This has most standard features than any previous models. modern infotainment system, spacious seating and cargo area, and terrific fuel economy was sure with this model.
The 2019 Cruze stands as the safest choice for used car buyers seeking Cruze ownership without the reliability concerns of earlier models. Its EPA-estimated fuel economy reached 32 mpg combined (28 city/38 highway) for models with the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and six-speed automatic transmission.
Essential Buying Guide for Used Chevy Cruze
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
When considering a used Chevy Cruze, you should do thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic and the key points should have:
- Transmission functionality: Test drive extensively and check how the gears are shifting they are smooth r not. also check if there is any noise coming while gear transmissions.
- Cooling system inspection: this is the main point you should check when inspecting coolant leakage. see if there are any signs of coolant leaks and condition of thermostat housing and water pump. also watch if there is an overheating issue.
- Engine compression test: this is very important for 2016-2017 models to identify potential piston issues.
- Electrical system check: Test all electronics, including infotainment system, sensors, and warning lights . Maintenance records: Verify regular oil changes (critical for turbocharged models) and adherence to recommended service schedules.
