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.
Power train, Jan 30, 2013
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE NEW AND I AM THE ONLY OWNER/ DRIVER. THE TRANSMISSION HAS ALWAYS BEEN JERKY AND LAGGING. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIME FOR SERVICE. WHEN YOU PRESS THE ACCELERATOR THERE IS A LAG BEFORE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES. IT IS NOT A SMOOTH RIDE. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS AT VERY HIGH RPM'S. WHEN IT DOES SHIFT IT IS VERY ROUGH! *TR
Steering, Jan 29, 2013
STEERING STICKS JUST LEFT OF CENTER, TYPICALLY AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, BUT ALSO AS LOW AS 40 MPH. STICK IS INTERMITTENT AND WEAK ENOUGH THAT IT DOES NOT CURRENTLY PRESENT A DANGER TO OPERATING THE VEHICLE SAFELY. STEERING MUST BE HELD STATIONARY FOR IN EXCESS OF 2-3 SECONDS JUST LEFT OF CENTER FOR THE STEERING TO STICK. WEAVING OR SWAYING THE CAR LEFT TO PROVIDE PROVIDES SMOOTH AND DIRECT STEERING INPUT. THE ISSUE HAS BECOME MORE INTERMITTENT WITH COLDER WEATHER, TYPICALLY REQUIRING LONGER DRIVES FOR THE ISSUE TO REAPPEAR. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 28, 2013, crash
2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, GIVING HER NO TIME TO REACT, WITH APPLYING THE BRAKE. THE CONSUMER HIT A PLANTER BOX, WHICH STOPPED HER FROM CRASHING INTO A WALL. *JB
Power train, Jan 26, 2013
I HAVE A 2011 CHEVY CRUZE LTZ AND I WAS JUST WONDERING IF IT WAS NORMAL IN THE COLD WEATHER THAT THE RPM GAUGE GOES ALL THE WAY UP TO 3500 RPMS BEFORE SHIFTING INTO THE NEXT GEAR? *TR
Power train, Jan 21, 2013
MY 2011 CHEVY CRUZE HAS AN ERRATIC SHIFTING TRANSMISSION. AT TIMES IT IS CONFUSED AND HUNTS FOR GEARS. AT OTHER TIMES, IT HAS BANGED INTO GEAR. MOST OF MY DRIVING IS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND NOT HIGHWAY DRIVING. THE SCARIEST PART IS THE LACK OF ACCELERATION AT TIMES WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS. SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, WHILE EXITING A SHOPPING CENTER, I ALMOST GOT HIT BY A BUS I WAS A LITTLE INTO THE ROAD AND HAD TIME TO GO BEFORE THE BUS GOT TO ME, BUT WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS, NOTHING HAPPENED! LUCKILY, THE BUS HAD ROOM TO GO AROUND ME! I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES ABOUT THIS SITUATION, BUT AM TOLD THERE IS NO NEW UPDATE OR TRANSMISSION REFLASH FROM GM. SO, I THOUGHT IT WAS TIME TO STEP THINGS UP BECAUSE I DID A LOT OF RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET CONCERNING THIS VERY TRANSMISSION ISSUE AND LACK OF ACCELERATION FOR THE 2011 CRUZE AND IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT OF MOST 2011 CRUZE OWNERS UNLESS THEY HAVE HAD SOMETHING CALLED A TRIFECTA TUNE DONE TO THEIR CARS, AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE. THEY CLAIM THIS PROCEDURE "CURES" THE SHIFTING PROBLEM. FIRST OFF, MY CAR IS A LEASE, SO I CANNOT MODIFY MY CAR IN ANY WAY. SECONDLY, WHY SHOULD I PAY HUNDREDS TO FIX SOMETHING THAT IS GM'S PROBLEM. ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, I CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE. FROM ABOUT JULY, 2012 TO NOV. I HAVE BEEN HOOKED UP WITH THREE DIFFERENT PEOPLE WHO WERE WITH THE EARLY RESPONSE TEAM IN THE BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER. THERE WERE A TON OF PHONE CALLS FROM THEM, BUT IT WAS ALL TALK AND NO ACTION EXCEPT FOR A NEW TCM THAT WAS INSTALLED IN AUG. AT 10,196 MILES. THAT DID NOTHING TO IMPROVE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING. I THEN CONTACTED GM CORPORATE ON NOV. 7TH TO EXPLAIN MY PROBLEM. FROM THEN UNTIL TODAY, JAN.21, 2013 I DEALT WITH A GENTLEMEN. FINALLY, ON JAN. 15, AN ENGINEER WAS SENT TO MY DEALER. CONCLUSION- LIKE EVERYONE ELSE WITH THIS PROBLEM- "OPERATING AS DESIGNED"! I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Jan 17, 2013
THERE IS KNOCKING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. A LETTER FROM CHEVY STATES THAT THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. #PIC5726 THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES FOR THIS STARTING AT ABOUT 16,000 MILES. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 1.5 MONTHS. TAKING THE CAR BACK TO SHOP ON 1/17/2013 FOR THE HEATER AND A GRINDING NOISE WHEN PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL DOWN.
Power train, Jan 16, 2013
THE CAR HAS PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION. IT POSES A SAFETY CONCERN ESPECIALLY WHEN CROSSING TRAFFIC AND OR PASSING ANOTHER CAR. YOU CAN BE DRIVING THE CAR AND IT WILL LITERALLY LOSE POWER- AND THEN YOU HAVE TO PRESS THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR- AND HOPE IT GOES. SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL SOUND AS IF IT IS IN IDLE MODE WHEN IN DRIVING THE CAR. WHEN YOU START THE CAR AND BEGIN DRIVING IT JERKS AND IT LUNGES- IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE BOUNCING AROUND. THE CAR STILL HAS ITS MANUFACTURES WARRANTY AND I HAVE HAD IT AT THE DEALER'S AUTO SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS- ONE GUY THERE BELIEVES SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR BUT IS NOT ABLE TO FIND WHAT IT IS. UNFORTUNATELY, I AM TOLD THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THAT IS THE "CHARACTERISTICS" OF THAT CAR DUE TO THE TURBO. I DISAGREED. I BELIEVE IT POSES A SAFETY ISSUE- I HAVE NEVER TOLD MY MOTHER BEFORE THE FOLLOWING ABOUT A CAR. "IF I DIE IN THIS CAR SHE BETTER START LOOKING AT GENERAL MOTORS." I HAVE NEVER FELT SO UNSAFE IN A CAR- AND THE MAIN REASON I PURCHASED THE CAR WAS FOR ALL ITS SAFETY FEATURES. IRONIC. I HAVE READ THE SAME COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB- UNFORTUNATELY IT WILL NOT BE ADDRESSED UNTIL SOMEONE IS EITHER DEAD OR SERIOUSLY INJURED FOR GM TO ADDRESS THESE COMPLAINTS. *TR
Power train, Jan 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE WITH THE GEAR SHIFTED IN PARK AND THE ENGINE IN OPERATION. THE CONTACT WAS STANDING ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND WITHIN SEVERAL MOMENTS, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RE-ENTER THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRAG HER UP AGAINST A CONCRETE POLE. THE CONTACT LANDED ON THE GROUND WHERE THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS AND THE VEHICLE THEN DROVE OVER HER LEFT FOOT. THE CONTACT'S LEFT ARM SUSTAINED A SEVERE FRACTURE TO THE RADIUS AND HUMERUS. THE CONTACT ALSO SUSTAINED NERVE DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FOOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER WHERE THE EXTERIOR BODY DAMAGES WERE REPAIRED. SOME TIME LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V273000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: GEAR POSITION INDICATION-PRNDL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine, Dec 26, 2012
WHEN HEATER IS IN USE GET A STRONG ANTIFREEZE SMELL IN THE CAR. ALSO GET A FILM ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDOWS. HAD BACK TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES. WE HAVE A 5 MONTH OLD THAT RIDES IN THE CAR, NOT SURE IF IT IS SAFE FOR HIM WITH THE COOLANT SMELL IN THE CAR. YOU HAVE TO WASH IN SIDE OF WINDOWS WEEKLY SO YOU CAN SEE AT NIGHT. *TR
Engine, Dec 23, 2012
WE HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE JUST 8 MONTHS AGO, WAS NOT PURCHASED NEW, BUT WAS NEW USED..STILL UNDER WARRANTY..WE RECEIVED THE RECALL. HAD AN OIL CHANGE AND DETAIL TO DO ANYHOW, SO TOOK IT IN TO WHERE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. THEY DID THE OIL CHANGE, SUPPOSED RECALL FIX AND SUPPOSED DETAIL. OUR VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AT THE TIME OF THE OIL CHANGE. 36000. AS WE DROVE, STARTED SMELLING BURNING OIL...NEVER OCCURRED BEFORE. OPENED HOOD AND NOTICED AN OIL LEAK BELOW THE VEHICLE INTO THE ENGINE SHIELD. BEING OUT OF WARRANTY BY THAT TIME, WE DID NOTHING. JUST FIGURED THEY DID AN IMPROPER OIL CHANGE AND IT WAS LEAKING. TODAY, WE DISCOVERED WHILE CHECKING THE OIL THAT IT HAD GAS IN THE OIL CHAMBER. IN PULLING THE DIP STICK OUT, IT LEAKED ALL OVER THE ENGINE..I QUICKLY SMELLED OF IT, SMELLED LIKE GAS. MY HUSBAND DRAINED IT, AS WE WERE FOUR HOURS FROM HOME, REPLACED THE OIL WITH NEW. WHEN WE RETURNED HOME, CHECKED OIL. 1/3 QUART OF GAS HAD CONTAINED ITSELF IN THE OIL CHAMBER ON OUR SMALL ROAD TRIP. SO, NOW WE HAVE A 2011. 43,000 MILE NEW CAR WITH GAS IN ENGINE OIL AND LEAKING.. ANY SUGGESTIONS?? *TR
Power train, Dec 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT NO COST TO THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,001.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 14, 2012
VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED WITH 18*** MILES ON THE ODOMETER. VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ERRATICALLY WHEN DRIVING IN CITY CONDITIONS. PROBLEM MAY CAUSE STALLING OF VEHICLE AT LOWER HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO SLIP AT SLOW SPEEDS. BEFORE SHIFTING, VEHICLE REGULARLY HITS MAXIMUM (RED LINE) RPM. POOR DOWNSHIFTING INTO LOWER GEARS CAUSES VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD AT LOWER SPEEDS. MOST NOTABLY FROM PARK TO DRIVE. ON ICY ROADS, THE HARD SHIFTING MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE TRACTION, RESULTING IN A CRASH, CAUSING FATALITIES OR INJURIES TO THE OCCUPANTS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO REPRODUCE CUSTOMER COMPLAINT. MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. CURRENT MILEAGE 28***. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 13, 2012
GAS TANK VENT HAS SHIFTED IN MY CAR. WHENEVER I PUMP GAS INTO THE CAR IT WILL ONLY ALLOW ME TO PUMP AT A SLOW SPEED. SEVERAL PUMPS HAVE NOT RECOGNIZED THE SPEED AND DID NOT AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF. CAUSING GASOLINE TO SPILL OUT OF MY CAR ONTO MY CLOTHES, VEHICLE AND GROUND. TO ME THIS IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. NOT ONLY DID I HAVE TO GO TO WORK SMELLING LIKE GAS, BUT I CARRIED THE FUMES INTO THE CAR WITH ME. SO THAT MY 2 YOUNG GRAND CHILDREN HAVE TO SMELL THE FUMES. *TR
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Dec 10, 2012
THE FIRST SAFETY ISSUE WAS NOTICED WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK OF OWNERSHIP. THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT INDICATED "OFF" WITH AN ADULT PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE AND IT REMAINS UNSOLVED. THE SECOND SAFETY ISSUE WAS NOTICED IN OCTOBER OR NOVEMBER 2012. THE CAR FILLS WITH AN ODOR OF ANTI-FREEZE WHEN THE HEATER IS IN USE. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE AND IT REMAINS UNSOLVED. I FEEL THESE ARE BOTH EXTREME SAFETY ISSUES THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS IT APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM IN MANY OF THE 2011 CRUZES. *TR
Service brakes, Dec 3, 2012, crash
I WAS IN STOP AND GO MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC GOING APROX. 10 MPH. I PRESSED THE BRAKE TO STOP SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE CAR LENGH AWAY FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE BRAKES FELT SOFT AND I HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDEL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR TO GET IT TO RESPOND. THE BRAKES DID NOT CATCH ALL THE WAY, THEY ONLY SLOWED THE CAR SLIGHTLY (TO APROX. 5MPH) AND I REAR-ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD THE BRAKES, FLUID, AND ELECTRICAL/COMPUTER COMPONENTS CHECKED, AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. *TR
Power train, Nov 30, 2012
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY HARD BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR, AND SECOND AND THIRD GEAR. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTING UP OR DOWN. THE OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE GET A WHIPLASH EFFECT EVERY TIME THE CAR SHIFTS BETWEEN THESE GEARS. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION TAKES TOO LONG TO FIND A GEAR RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE NOT ACCELERATING WHEN THE DRIVER COMMANDS IT. THE CAR HAS STALLED WHILE STARTING DRIVING AWAY FROM A RED LIGHT FROM A FULL STOP, REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN IN A CAR WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHILE IN MOTION THE CAR WILL SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND WILL NOT RESPOND TO THE DRIVERS PUSH ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT WILL THEN SLAM INTO GEAR, CAUSING A MORE VIOLENT WHIPLASH EFFECT THAN WHEN IT IS SHIFTING AS MENTIONED EARLIER IN THIS COMPLAINT. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THESE ISSUES AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS OPERATING NORMALLY. NO TRANSMISSION SHOULD OPERATE THIS WAY, AND NO OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN OPERATES AS BAD AS THIS 2011 CHEVY CRUZE. THE GM CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE HAVE OPENED MULTIPLE CASES AND TRIED TO HELP ME WITH THIS BUT THEY HAVE NOT FOLLOWED THROUGH WELL ENOUGH AND I AM STUCK WITH A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION IN THIS CAR. *TR
Power train, Nov 14, 2012
CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAPPENS INTERMEDIATELY. YOU LET UP ON THE BRAKES AND PRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR JUST CREEPS FORWARD AND DOES NOT ACCELERATE. OCCURS MOST OFTEN WHEN THE CAR IS COLD OR THE A/C IN ON AND/OR YOU ARE MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, HOWEVER, IT CAN OCCUR AT ANYTIME. THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR AT WHICH POINT THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE TOO QUICKLY AND THROWS THE VEHICLE INTO TRAFFIC. THE DATES AND MILEAGE GIVEN ABOVE ARE ESTIMATES ON MY PART. THE CAR HAS BEEN ACTING THIS WAY SINCE WE GOT IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 8, 2012
WHEN USING THE HEATER IN MY CRUZE THERE IS AN ODOR OF ANTIFREEZE INSIDE THE CAB. WHEN THE HEATER IS USED FOR MORE THAN 10 - 15 MINUTES AT A TIME, THE ODOR GOT SO STRONG THAT IT CAUSED HEADACHE, DIZZINESS, AND NAUSEA. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR AND WAS INFORMED THAT GM HAD SENT A MEMO BECAUSE IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. THEY PERFORMED THE REPAIRS RECOMMENDED BY GM WHICH WAS TO REPLACE WEATHERSTRIPPING AROUND THE HEATER CORE AND REPLACE A TUBE AT THE OVERFLOW TANK. HOWEVER, WHEN I USED THE HEATER THAT SAME NIGHT, I DISCOVERED THAT IT STILL EMITTED AN ODOR OF ANTIFREEZE, ALTHOUGH IT WAS NOT AS STRONG AS BEFORE AND I COULD USE THE HEATER FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME WITHOUT GETTING THE HEADACHE, DIZZINESS, AND NAUSEA. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE IN OPERATION AND SHE NOTICED THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED A READING OF 100 MPH. THE SIMILAR FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY AND WOULD FLUCTUATE IN THE MILES PER HOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THREE TIMES AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETECT THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM WAS REPROGRAMMED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHENEVER THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT WEIGHT WAS 120 POUNDS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Engine, Oct 17, 2012
HESITATION AT ANY SPEED, HAD TO DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME THING AND THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE, TOOK TO DEALER ON OCT 4TH AND DEALER SAID THAT IT NEEDED A NEW CYLINDER HEAD, GOT CAR BACK AND NOTHING WAS DONE, STILL DOING THE SAME THING AND CALLED TO COMPLAIN TO CHEVY WHICH CAN'T DO ANYTHING EITHER. *TR
Equipment adaptive/mobility, Oct 8, 2012
I AM VERY ANGRY THAT CHEVROLET HAS BEEN ALLOWED TO GREENLIGHT HACKSAWING THE CHEVY CRUZE'S ENGINE GUARD AS AN ACCEPTABLE FIX TO THEIR SAFETY RECALL. MY HUSBAND AND I ARE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE WITH ALLOWING OUR DEALERSHIP TO SAWZALL THE ENGINE GUARD APART. WE ARE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF OUR VEHICLE AFTER THIS PROCEDURE IS DONE THAN NOT HAVING IT DONE AT ALL. CHEVY FORUMS ARE LODGING COMPLAINTS OF INCREASED NOISE, TROUBLE WITH CONTROL AS WIND GOES INTO THE OPEN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BEING LEFT OPEN TO THE ELEMENTS. CHEVY SHOULD HAVE TO PROVIDE AN ACCEPTABLE RE-DESIGN OF THE ENGINE GUARD, AND FIX THEIR MISTAKE. WHY HASN'T THE NHTSA PRESSURED THEM TO TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY AND COME UP WITH A SOLUTION THAT DOES NOT HURT CHEVY CRUZE OWNERS? *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2012
EVER SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR I HAVE EXPERIENCED A HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION AT ALL SPEEDS. I HAVE ALSO TALKED TO A FEW PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT WITH THEIR CRUZE. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS EFFECT IS KNOWN AS TURBO LAG. THE DEALERS SAY THE TURBO CHARGER TAKES TIME TO CATCH UP WITH THE ROTATION SPEED OF THE ENGINE. I HAVE DRIVEN MANY CARS WITH TURBO CHARGE IN MY LIFE AS AN AUTO MECHANIC AND HAVE NEVER FELT THIS HESITATION ON ANY OF THEM. WHY WOULD A TURBO CHARGER LAG WHEN IT'S WHOLE PURPOSE IS TO ENHANCE ACCELERATION. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER FOR THE LAST RECALL AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK INTO THIS PHENOMENA WHILE IT WAS IN THE SHOP. THEY WROTE ON THE REPAIR ORDER THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE MY COMPLAINT DURING THE ROAD TEST. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE A HESITATION OF THIS SORT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER. I WILL CONTINUE TO COMPLAIN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THEIR STANCE SEEMS TO BE THAT THIS IS SOMETHING CHEVY CRUZE OWNERS ARE FORCED TO LIVE WITH. I'VE ALREADY HAD SOME CLOSE CALLS DUE TO THIS HESITATION. THANK YOU. *TR
Air bags, Sep 18, 2012
CPSC#I1290104A. 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE. CONSUMER STATED HE IS HAVING INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG CONTROL. *LN OCCASIONALLY, WHEN THE CONSUMER'S WIFE SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE LIGHT THAT SHOWED THE AIRBAG ENABLES DID NOT COME ON AND DISPLAYED OFF. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WENT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE FIRST TIME HE WENT TO THE DEALER, THE LIGHT WAS IN THE OFF POSITION AND HIS WIFE WAS SITTING IN THE SET. THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, IT WORKED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND THEN THE PROBLEM RETURNED. THE SECOND TIME, HE WENT TO THE DEALER, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 18, 2012
ONCE AGAIN MY CAR HAS AN ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THIS HAPPENED, THE FIRST WAS ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE FAN WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ONE I CALLED ONSTAR ASAP THEY VERIFIED I WAS CORRECT AND SENT A TOW TRUCK TO PICK UP MY CAR. I SMELL ANTIFREEZE ALL THE TIME IN THE CAR AND THEY ANTIFREEZE JUST DISAPPEARS THE DEALERSHIP DOES NOT KNOW WHERE IT'S GOING. I'M SERIOUSLY THINKING ABOUT TRADING IN MY CRUZE BECAUSE OF THESE PROBLEMS, WHICH NEVER GET FIXED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 22, 2012
2011 CHEVY CRUZE. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN BY ITSELF *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD SLOW DOWN AS IF IT WERE IN FIRST GEAR, INSTEAD OF HIGH GEAR.