Chevy Cruze Years to Avoid: A Detailed Guide for Potential Buyers

The Chevy Cruze has been a popular compact car choice since its introduction in 2011. Known for its fuel efficiency and affordability, it quickly became a favorite among those seeking a reliable daily driver. However, like any vehicle model, not every year of the Chevy Cruze has lived up to consumer expectations. In this guide, we’ll explore the Chevy Cruze years to avoid, common problems across different model years, and what potential buyers should consider when shopping for a used Chevy Cruze.

Overview of Chevy Cruze History

Introduced in the U.S. market in 2011, the Chevy Cruze was designed to replace the Chevy Cobalt as Chevrolet’s new compact car offering. The Cruze was marketed as a vehicle that combined the fuel efficiency of a compact with the comfort and features typically found in larger sedans.

• The first generation (2011–2015) was hailed for its design and handling but faced several reliability issues in its early years.
• The second generation (2016–2019) brought improvements, including better engine performance and safety features, but some models still had their share of problems.

The Chevy Cruze was eventually discontinued after the 2019 model year, but it remains a popular option in the used car market. Understanding the problems associated with specific years is essential if you’re considering buying one.

Common Problems Across All Chevy Cruze Models

Before diving into the specific Chevy Cruze years to avoid, it’s important to understand the common issues that have affected multiple model years. These problems, while not necessarily present in every vehicle, have been reported frequently enough to warrant attention.

1. Engine and Turbocharger Failures

The Chevy Cruze’s 1.4-liter turbocharged engine has been known for experiencing problems across several years. Common issues include engine stalling, turbocharger failures, and even total engine failure in some cases. These issues often stem from poor oil circulation, which can lead to overheating and subsequent engine damage.

2. Transmission Problems

Many Chevy Cruze owners have reported transmission issues, including rough shifting, transmission slippage, and complete transmission failure. These problems tend to be most prevalent in the earlier model years but have been reported sporadically across various years.

3. Electrical System Malfunctions

Another common issue with the Chevy Cruze is electrical system failures. Owners have frequently reported problems with the dashboard display, radio malfunctions, and even complete failure of the infotainment system. These issues can be frustrating for drivers and often require costly repairs.

4. Coolant Leaks and Overheating

Coolant leaks are a well-known problem in the Chevy Cruze, particularly in earlier models. Coolant leaks often lead to engine overheating, which can cause extensive engine damage if not addressed promptly. These leaks commonly occur around the water pump or radiator, leading to the need for regular maintenance and repairs.

Chevy Cruze Years to Avoid

While many Chevy Cruze models have been reliable, there are certain years that stand out as problematic. Below, we’ll detail the worst Chevy Cruze years based on consumer complaints, recalls, and reliability data.

1. 2011 Chevy Cruze

As the debut model, the 2011 Chevy Cruze came with a range of teething problems. Being the first in its generation, it experienced issues typical of early production cars. Some of the major complaints about this model year include:

• Transmission Problems: The 2011 model year was notorious for transmission failure and rough shifting. Many owners reported having to replace their transmission within the first few years of ownership, leading to significant repair costs.
• Engine Stalling: Engine stalling while driving was another common complaint, raising safety concerns for drivers. This was often due to engine sensor malfunctions or problems with the fuel system.
• Steering and Fuel System Recalls: In addition to these mechanical issues, the 2011 Chevy Cruze was subject to several recalls, including a significant one for problems related to the power steering and fuel system.

Overall, while the 2011 Cruze was a decent car in terms of design, its mechanical and reliability issues make it one of the worst Chevy Cruze years to consider.

2. 2012 Chevy Cruze

The 2012 Chevy Cruze carried over many of the issues from its predecessor. While some improvements were made, significant problems persisted, making this another year to avoid.

• Transmission Issues: Like the 2011 model, the 2012 Chevy Cruze faced widespread complaints about transmission performance, including hesitation and jerking when shifting gears.
• Electrical System Problems: Electrical system failures became more prevalent in this model year, with owners reporting problems ranging from dashboard warning lights to complete power loss in the infotainment system.
• Overheating and Coolant Leaks: Many 2012 Cruze owners also experienced problems with coolant leaks and engine overheating, which could lead to severe engine damage if not repaired quickly.

These recurring issues, along with a number of recalls for brake system failures and airbag malfunctions, make the 2012 Cruze another model year to avoid.

3. 2013 Chevy Cruze

The 2013 Chevy Cruze is widely considered one of the worst model years due to the sheer number of complaints and recurring issues.

• Airbag Malfunctions: One of the most serious problems with the 2013 Cruze was a recall for malfunctioning airbags, which raised significant safety concerns. Faulty airbags could fail to deploy in the event of a collision, posing a serious risk to drivers and passengers.
• Engine and Water Pump Problems: Engine stalling and water pump failures were also common in this model year. Coolant leaks around the water pump often caused the engine to overheat, leading to costly repairs.
• Turbocharger Failure: Many owners of the 2013 Chevy Cruze reported issues with the turbocharger, leading to loss of power and performance. Turbo failure could occur early in the vehicle’s life, often requiring expensive repairs or replacements.

The 2013 Chevy Cruze is consistently listed as a year to avoid due to these frequent and severe issues, making it one of the least reliable models in the Cruze lineup.

4. 2014 Chevy Cruze

The 2014 Chevy Cruze continued to experience problems similar to earlier models, though some improvements were made.

• Water Pump and Overheating Issues: Coolant leaks around the water pump and subsequent overheating continued to plague the 2014 model year. This was a common issue that led to expensive repairs for many owners.
• Transmission Shifting Problems: Rough and delayed shifting were once again common complaints, with owners experiencing issues with both automatic and manual transmissions.
• Recalls on Airbags and Brake Boosters: Safety-related recalls were also an issue in the 2014 model year, including one for faulty airbags and another for brake booster failures.

While the 2014 Cruze showed some improvement in terms of reliability, the recurring issues with engine overheating and transmission still make it a model year to approach with caution.

Notable Chevy Cruze Years for Reliability

Not all Chevy Cruze models are problematic. In fact, several years have proven to be reliable and trouble-free for most owners. If you’re considering purchasing a used Cruze, these are the model years that are generally considered safe bets.

1. 2015 Chevy Cruze

The 2015 Chevy Cruze marked a turning point for the model, with fewer recalls and consumer complaints compared to previous years. Improvements included:

• Better Fuel Efficiency: The 2015 model featured enhanced fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for drivers looking to save on gas.
• Fewer Recalls: While earlier models were plagued by numerous recalls, the 2015 Cruze had fewer issues overall, making it a more reliable option for buyers.
• Improved Transmission Performance: Many of the transmission problems that affected earlier years were resolved in the 2015 model.

2. 2017 Chevy Cruze

The 2017 Chevy Cruze, part of the second generation, offered significant improvements in terms of reliability and performance.

• Engine Improvements: The 2017 model featured a more reliable engine, with fewer reports of overheating or turbocharger failure.
• Enhanced Safety Features: This model also included more advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning, which helped boost its overall reliability and safety ratings.

3. 2018 Chevy Cruze

The 2018 Chevy Cruze was the final year before the model was discontinued in 2019, and it benefited from years of refinement.

• Smoother Transmission: Transmission issues were much less common in the 2018 model, with most owners reporting smooth and reliable performance.
• Reliable Engine: The 2018 Cruze’s engine was also one of the most reliable in the lineup, with fewer complaints of overheating or stalling.

Overall, the 2015, 2017, and 2018 Chevy Cruze models represent the best options for buyers looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient compact car.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Used Chevy Cruze

If you’re still considering a used Chevy Cruze, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and carefully inspect any vehicle you’re interested in. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

1. Check Vehicle History Reports

Always obtain a vehicle history report from a service like Carfax. This report will tell you if the car has been in any accidents, if it has had regular maintenance, and whether it has been subject to any recalls.

2. Verify Recall History

Given the number of recalls affecting certain Cruze model years, it’s essential to check whether the vehicle you’re interested in has had all necessary recall repairs completed. You can use Chevrolet’s official recall website to check the vehicle’s recall history.

3. Inspect for Recurring Problems

When inspecting a used Chevy Cruze, look out for signs of the common issues we’ve discussed, such as engine overheating, coolant leaks, and transmission problems. If possible, have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic before making your purchase.

4. Avoid Known Problem Years

If possible, avoid the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Chevy Cruze models, as these years have been shown to have the most reliability issues. Instead, focus on the more reliable years like 2015, 2017, and 2018.

Conclusion: Should You Still Consider Buying a Chevy Cruze?

The Chevy Cruze can be a solid choice for drivers looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient compact car. However, certain model years are best avoided due to widespread reliability issues, including transmission failures, engine overheating, and electrical malfunctions. By focusing on the more reliable model years, such as 2015, 2017, and 2018, and thoroughly inspecting any used vehicle, you can find a dependable Chevy Cruze that meets your needs.

If you’re considering purchasing a used Chevy Cruze, be sure to avoid the worst years (2011-2014) and always verify the vehicle’s recall and maintenance history.