2011 Chevrolet Cruze
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 732 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 10 Cruze model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 38 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 39 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignitionJul 5, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Campaign 16V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assistAug 15, 2013
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with 1.4L DOHC gasoline turbo engines and 6T40 front wheel drive automatic transmissions and equipped with an electric vacuum pump to provide supplemental vacuum for brake assist, when needed. In the affected vehicles, the pump may not activate, resulting in an intermittent reduction or loss of brake assist.
A loss of braking assistance will require extra pedal force and/or distance to bring the vehicle to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace a microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's recall number is 12213.
Campaign 13V360000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, mountingJun 22, 2012
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2, 2009, THROUGH MAY 14, 2012. ATTACHMENT WELDS FOR THE FUEL TANK STRAP SECONDARY BRACKETS MAY HAVE BEEN OMITTED.
THE FUEL TANK COULD COME LOOSE IN A CRASH, POSSIBLY ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE TANK. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR MISSING WELDS. IF THE VEHICLE IS MISSING WELDS, DEALERS WILL SECURE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS WITH FASTENERS. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 9, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE CHEVROLET OWNER CENTER AT 1-866-694-6546.
Campaign 12V289000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine coolingJun 22, 2012
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2, 2009, THROUGH MAY 31, 2012. SPILLED OR DRIPPING OIL (SUCH AS AFTER AN OIL CHANGE) MAY COLLECT IN THE ENGINE SHIELD (BELLYPAN) NEAR HOT ENGINE OR EXHAUST SYSTEM SURFACES. AS A RESULT, THE OIL AND THE ENGINE SHIELD MAY IGNITE AND BURN.
EITHER CONDITION COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ENGINE SHIELD TO PREVENT FLUID FROM CONTACTING THE SHIELD. ALSO, ON VEHICLES WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, DEALERS WILL APPLY A PROTECTIVE TAPE TO THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING WIRE HARNESS. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE TO THE OWNER. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 10, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE CHEVROLET OWNER CENTER AT 1-866-694-6546.
Campaign 12V288000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)May 6, 2011
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 6, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 27, 2011 AND EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, 'TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT,' AND FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, 'THEFT PROTECTION.' THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED. IF THE LINKAGE IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, THE PRNDL SHIFT LEVER MAY NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVER COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO PARK AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN PARK.
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE FOR CORRECT INSTALLATION AND ADJUST THE SHIFT LINKAGE SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 23, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Campaign 11V273000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, gear box, shaft sectorMay 6, 2011
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 21, 2011. THE BOLT ATTACHING THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT TO THE STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED.
THIS COULD ALLOW THE SHAFTS TO SEPARATE, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF STEERING. LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF REQUIRED, REPAIR THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT/STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY TO ASSURE THE BOLT IS FULLY SEATED AND THE SHAFT PROPERLY ASSEMBLED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 23, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Campaign 11V270000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringApr 6, 2011
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES. DURING MANUFACTURING THE STEERING WHEEL COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY FASTENED AND MAY DETACH FROM THE STEERING COLUMN.
SHOULD THE STEERING WHEEL DETACH FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO ENSURE THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS ASSEMBLED PROPERLY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FOR YOU FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Campaign 11V221000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
732 reports, newest first.
Engine, Oct 26, 2023
September 21, 2023 had taken my 2011 Chevy Cruze to a service center because i noticed an oil leak on my garage Floor. the service center replaced the intake manifold cover. Yesterday October 25, 2023 Major Oil Leak, had to pull over, engine was smoking badly. popped the hood and there was oil all over cover and most components around this area. i was told by a few good Samaritans that this oil leaking could potentially cause a fire. no warning lights, only a bad smell and seeing smoke.
Power train, Engine, Jun 6, 2023
Noticed a very hard transmission shift when accelerating from approximately 35 to 40 mph. Hard shifting in this vehicle has been observed over the past year. Milage is approximately 60,000 miles.
Power train, May 5, 2023
Transmission locked gears and would not accelerate causing a huge safety violation when it occurred on an interstate. Vehicle was just seen by a mechanic that deemed the car safe to drive and then the car proceeded to malfunction. Vehicle has history of a slipping transmission, with no diagnosis ever found.
Power train, Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while at a stop sign and accelerating, the vehicle hesitated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 54,057. The contact noted that the failure mileage was actually 45,057 and the failure speed was intermittent. After the vehicle was left with the dealer a second time, they found that there were two cylinders with low compression. The dealer presented the contact two options to remedy the issue. The contact paid to have the engine replaced with a remanufactured one from GM. The new engine has since been reinstalled, but it is unknown why the failure happened. The contact has reached out to the manufacturer to try to get some financial help with the repair costs.
Engine, Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who changed the engine oil however, the failure persisted. The contact was informed that there might be an engine failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Engine, Jan 14, 2023
Engine failed due to coolant system failure.
Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2022
I think even though it says no recalls on my mother's car I think it is part of this recall because it keeps happening after repaired correctly by her car repair person. She had it fixed twice for leaking antifreeze then after fixed twice it was fine for a bit then it blew all out and said overheating like what I read in this website link on recall. Know unable to drive it till fixed correctly https://www.vehiclehistory.com/questions/what-is-the-chevy-cruze-antifreeze-leak-recall-about-107459 so she needs it covered to get fixed permanently for good forever for free at here local gm.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, extra effort was needed to depress the brake pedal while stopping the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V360000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was 210,000.
Engine, Oct 24, 2022
Engine light and P2099 waste gate actuator pin on the turbo of the Cruze has malfunctioned. There was a recall for this exact issue and my vehicle year was included but not my VIN number. I have less than 95,000 miles on the car and this part should also be recalled on my vehicle as well. Many issues with the car: replaced water pump, replaced hoses, constant smell of coolant that dealership claims doesn't exist. Please help! Car is not driveable now. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10145482-9999.pdf
Power train, Air bags, Engine, Oct 6, 2022
Due to OnStar 2G sunsetting their services at the end of this year, all makes of General Motors vehicles did not comply to any of the customers requests to upgrade their module to 4G services, although upon researching, all Canadian GM vehicles did get the upgrade well over 7 years ago. This is well beyond a concern with GM and OnStar customers. With the NHTSA as a safety liaison and protecting the consumer, if a module upgrade can be applied in a vehicle that is on the same assembly parts, platform, electrical components...and be denied from the United States? The NHTSA should realize that this will be frivolous law suits because of neglect and safety concerns with GM and OnStar in the United States.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 6, 2022
I purchased a Car on 8-11& I didn’t pick it up until 8/13 of this year . On 8/14 The electrical went out of my middle Consol starting with the radio and then down to the heating and air-conditioning buttons along with the fact that the windows would not roll down or up . When you use the Bluetooth in the car the AC shuts down and I hear a roaring sound coming from the engine as well as whenever I stop the car just jumps. There is also a sound in the steering wheel whatever it’s turned right to left
Power train, Engine, Aug 31, 2022
Seven recalls!!! Chevy claims there are no recalls for this vin number. 7 is way to many!!! Not to mention their valve covers on this car are terrible, no wonder the engine catches fire, I’ve had it replaced 3 times. I’ve replaced cooling components multiple times an never got any recall notifications from Chevy!!!!!! Please help.
Engine, Aug 31, 2022
Valve cover, I’ve had the valve cover replaced 3 times, an yet it keeps needing replaced an oil is getting all over my engine.
Electrical system, Aug 8, 2022
The radio turns itself off, all the warning lights flash on the dash, and the car starts struggling to idle.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 28, 2022
Last month the car started ti show me this errors Stabili Trak Control and Traction Service Control, I keep getting them driving on the highway, every road I drive, the steering wheal just becomes stiff and its hard to maneuver , the Air Condition turns off itself and the car has a big vibration , like there is an earthquake outside, I have been calling General Motors to tell them about the problem but they are telling me there is nothing they can do. There are times when I get in the car trying to get to work and the car won't start, the car would show me the errors and would not clear for hours, it's a nightmare.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 1, 2022
I drive daily taking 2 freeways. I stopped at the traffic light and the car felt like shaking. Stabilitrack warning and traction control warning light and messages appeared on the screen and also the check engine light turned on, and ABS too. Break pedal was really hard to push and breaks were not working (i was not reducing speed at all) and it felt like the engine loose power and the car felt rough while driving. I was approaching to another traffic light and it was a red light so I prepared to decrease my speed and stop to wait for the green light. When I placed my foot and pressed the break pedal, it was hard. I was pushing it hard but the pedal did not respond, it was very hard and not moving at all and I was almost on the intersection, which always has heavy traffic with cars, 18 wheeler trucks and delivery trucks and more because its an industrial zone and Amazon and UPS are on this avenue along with other major companies. I could be involved and be responsible for a really bad crash if the light wouln't turn green on time. Fortunately it changed to the green light and I was in the very front. After this, I tried to go to the side if the road but there was a sidewalk and it was a no parking zone with no space/edge to park In case of emergency. I drove slowly with my emergency lights on and moved to the right lane until I found a space to stop. The car was shaking really bad, same lights on the dash were on and messages on the control panel did not change or disapear. The car was still moving when the engine suddenly stopped working while I was driving it. Music was playing and all lights worked so I knew it wasn't the battery. This situation was so scary that I was afraid to drive my car. I did not want to cause an accident resulting in injury to myself, others or any fatality. I've always taken my car to service and to be fixed in chevrolet. My car shook a little since 2020 and chevy guys don't know the reason. Total is about $2800 to get it fixed.
Power train, Jun 23, 2022
Gear shift stuck in park will not start. Has power.
Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2022
I have a massive oil leak and have changed all the parts and it's still has a massive oil leak only when driven what can be done to stop it please help running out of cashmony
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of engine oil was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, oil was leaking from the engine compartment onto the floor of the garage. The vehicle had been serviced on multiple occasions for the failure by an independent mechanic who replaced the oil pan and oil reservoir however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V288000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 27, 2021
As I was on the highway, I was unable to pick up speed without feeling resistance! After awhile I couldn’t go past 25 mph and my car eventually gave out before I made it home. I had to call a tow to have them tow me to my park lot! A couple days went by and my car was able to drive through the parking and park in different spots. I am not sure what the problem may be but I just bought this car and it has been causing unsafe issues for about a year now! Please help!
Engine, Dec 23, 2021
i have an oil leak coming from the valve cover gasket ,,it is a brand new genuine cover and gasket so oil is falling on the drive belt which breaks pretty quickly while driving I heard that it might be an issue with the pcv check valve inside the manifold Apparently many customers complaints about this issue and no recall yet
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 29, 2021
Every year there’s always a issue with oil leakage resulting into smoke coming out of my car, another thing is my car starts to hesitate literally once a year. This has been happening since I purchased my car in February of 2015
Engine, Oct 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood and a burning odor was detected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with oil leakage from the valve cover gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnosis with the dealer. The vehicle had a Manufacturer Recall N202299080 (Special Coverage Camshaft Cover Replacement) performed in 2019. However, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 22, 2021
Unknown. When stopping then going to accelerate again the engine acts like it’s in nuetrual and revs the engine up then causing it to jerk forward. This happens at almost every stop.
Electrical system, Oct 5, 2021
Negative battery cable shorting electrics while driving…