2013 Chevrolet Cruze
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 586 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 10 Cruze model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 54 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 32 people were injured.
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
Equipment, electricalJul 2, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
Campaign 14V417000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJun 26, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's front air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike and potentially seriously injure the vehicle occupants. Additionally, if the air bag does not inflate, the driver is at an increased risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14305.
Campaign 14V372000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftMar 31, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with a 1.4L turbo engine, and manufactured between November 28, 2012, and March 7, 2014. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right half shaft, as needed, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. GM will send an interim letter to owners in May 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546. GM's number for this recall is 14079. This is an expansion of recall 13V-452. NOTE: Some vehicles subject to this recall were subject to the recall campaign initiated in 2013. Some of those vehicles were repaired using defective parts. Those owners will be advised that they must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign and that having the earlier recall completed did not remedy their vehicles.
Campaign 14V151000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftSep 23, 2013
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with manual transmissions (MF3/MR5) and manufactured January 24, 2013, through August 1, 2013. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
General Motors has notified owners. Dealers will replace the half shaft assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 15, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13276.
Campaign 13V452000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
75 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 4, 2021
I HAVE A 2013 CHEVY CRUZE 1.4L TURBO. THE PAST MONTH OR SO WHEN I AM DRIVING ON AN INCLINE OR HILL IT LOSES POWER AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES. ABOUT A WEEK AGO I WAS COMING HOME FROM CLASS AND MY CAR LOST POWER AND ALMOST GOT SMASHED BY A SEMI AND TODAY IT LOST POWER AND ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED. HAVE HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND THEY CAN FIND THE PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 22, 2021
HAS AN INTERNAL ENGINE AND COOLING PROBLEMS EXHAUST GAS ENTERING THE COOLING SYSTEM I BELIEVE HE KNEW ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND STILL SOLD ME THE CAR ANYWAY. I TOLD HIM THAT THE WATER IN THE TANK WAS BUBBLING AND HE SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. AND NOW THE ENGINE GASKET IS BLOWN AND THE CAR IS OVERHEATING
Other or unspecified, Mar 5, 2021
CAR CONTINUALLY OVER HEATS AND NOW THE TURBO BAD
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 15, 2020
THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD COOKS THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET CAUSING OIL LEAKS AND TURBO FAILURE BEFORE 75,000 MILES. OVERWHELMING SMELL OF BURNT ANTIFREEZE COMING FROM VENTS DUE TO COOLANT LEAK RIGHT OF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR. RANKED LOWEST POSSIBLE RELIABILITY RATING 40 OF 40
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 5, 2020
THE COOLANT IS LEAKING, MY ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND IT SAID MY ENGINE WAS HIGH IN TEMPERATURE.
Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2020
WHENEVER I REFUEL MY CAR I HAVE TO REV THE ENGINE FOR A COUPLE MINUTES OTHERWISE THE CAR WILL DIE.
Power train, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2020
I WAS JUST DRIVING ALONG UNDER NORMAL DRIVING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY RPMS WENT ALL THE WAY UP AND THE CAR WASN'T GOING ANYWHERE BUT COSTING TO A STOP ALONG WITH A LOUD BANGING SOUND. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 28MPH ON A STREET
Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2020
I LEFT MY KEYS IN THE IGNITION ONE NIGHT, WENT TO BED, AND WOKE UP TO MY HEADLIGHTS TURNING ON AND OFF. I THOUGHT SOMEONE WAS TRYING TO STEAL MY CAR, BUT WHEN I RAN OUTSIDE, THE CAR WAS LITERALLY STARTING ITSELF, TURNING ITSELF OFF, TURNING BACK ON, AND BACK OFF. I'M NOT SURE HOW LONG IT HAD BEEN DOING THAT, BUT THEN I STARTED IT UP MYSELF, AND TURNED IT OFF, THEN REMOVED THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION. IT WAS IN THE PARK POSITION.
Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2020
FIRST THE WATER PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED, THEN THE TURBO COILS HAD TO BE REPLACED $740, THEN THE SURGE TANK AND NOW THEY ARE SAYING MORE LEAKS AND WANTED TO DO SOME TEST THAT COST $65. SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT, AM I THE ONLY ONE THIS IS HAPPENING TO?
Other or unspecified, Jan 26, 2020
THE PLASTIC GEAR THAT RUNS THE DEFROSTER BROKE AND WE CAN'T SEE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE
Other or unspecified, Jan 12, 2020
TOOK CAR IN FOR OVERHEATING AFTER HAVING HI TEMP WORNING COME ON. CHECKED COOLANT LEVELS IT WAS LOW. DEAL REPARED CAR PER RECALL. UNFORTUNITLY MOTOR WAS DAMAGED DO TO OVER HEATING. DEALER RETURNED CAR WITH BAD MOTOR AFTER TESTING FOR HIDROCARBONS. CHARGED ME $800 EVEN WITH RECALL PARTS PROVIDED. CAR IS STILL UNDRIVABLE DO TO WATERPUMP LEAK. WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? LEMON LAW? DEALER WORK NOT PREFORMED? PLEASE ADVISE.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 15, 2019
THE OILS IS LEAKING IS THIS VEHICLE .. AND HOW IT WAS EXPLAINED IS THAT THE OIL IS ALSO LEAKING INTO THE TURBO .. WHICH IS CAUSING OIL TO BASICALLY BE PUSHED OUT INSTEAD OF AIR BEING BROUGHT IN FOR THE CAR TO GO THE CORRECT SPEED AND THE CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE
Other or unspecified, Nov 12, 2019
THE CAR SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED OF ONE SEVERAL ISSUES THAT HAPPENED EARLY ON IN THE PRODUCTION WITH A COOLANT LEAK SMELL PROBLEM IN THE CABIN, PARTICULARLY EVIDENT WHILE BRAKING TO A STOP. THE SMELL SEEMS TO BE LINKED TO A COOLANT LEAK IN THE HEATER CORE OR IN THE CONNECTIONS OF THE PIPES WITH THE EXCHANGER ITSELF. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS THE FUMES ARE POSSIBLY SLIGHTLY TOXIC AND, MOREOVER, IT INDICATES A LEAKAGE IN AN AREA AFTER THE FIREWALL THAT CAN LEAD TO SCALDING IF IT GETS IN CONTACT WITH A PERSON. EARLIER EVENTS ON THE CAR HAPPENED IN THE INITIAL PRODUCTION OF THE CRUZE AND TYPICALLY QUITE EARLY IN THE MILEAGE, BUT MY CAR SHOWED IT NOW AT 105000 MILES. AN IMPROVEMENT, BUT EVIDENTLY NOT A FULL FIX.
Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2019
DEFROST QUIT WORKING..AIR BLOWS OUT OF ALL OTHER VENTS BUT NOT DEFROST
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2019
THE LOCKS KEEP LOCKING & UNLOCKING, SOMETIMES AFTER GETTING THE FEELING THAT THE CAR WAS BUMPED, WHICH IT WASN'T. LATELY IT ALMOST STALLS THEN ACCELERATES TOO QUICKLY & MAKES A REVVING SOUND. I'M NOT DRIVING IT RIGHT NOW. THE BUMPING & LOCKS ON & OFF HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING OR WHILE STOPPED.I CAN'T GIVE A DATE. IT'S BEEN HAPPENING FOR COUPLE OF MONTHS. THANK YOU
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 20, 2019
WENT OUT AND STARTED CAR UP. CAR WAS SHAKING AND SERVICE STABILITRAC AND SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL WERE ON THE DASH SCREEN. THIS HAPPENED BACK IN DECEMBER AS WELL AND THEN THE CAR EVENTUALLY STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 21, 2019
MY VEHICLE REPEATEDLY RAN HOT EVERYTIME I WOULD DRIVE IT OVER A MILE ON THE ROAD. MY HUSBAND CHANGED THE THERMOSTAT, ALWAYS MADE SURE IT HAD COOLANT, CHECKED MY HOSES, AND REPLACED THE WATER PUMP. BUT EVENTUALLY IT BLEW A HEAD GASKET. WE NOTICED IT DID SO WHEN WE SEEN WATER HAD MIXED INTO THE OIL. SUPREME CHEVROLET REPLACED THE ENGINE AT 96,000 MILES IN NOVEMBER 2016 UNDER WARRANTY. I DROVE THE CAR ABOUT 54,000 MILES WITH THE REPLACED ENGINE AND IT TOO STARTED RUNNING HOT EVERYTIME I WOULD DRIVE IT ABOUT A MILE DOWN THE ROAD. THE DASH LIGHT WOULD SAY TURN A/C OFF AND IDLE ENGINE OR TURN OFF ENGINE DUE TO HIGH TEMPERATURE. WE CHANGED THE RADIATOR, THE HOSES, THE WATER PUMP, AND THE THERMOSTAT ON THE CAR AND IT REMAINED RUNNING HOT WITH HIGH TEMPERATURES UNTIL THAT ENGINE TOO BLEW A HEAD GASKET.THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT WARRANTY THE SECOND ENGINE ALTHOUGH IT ONLY HAS 67,000 MILES ON THE NEW ENGINE. AND NOW I AM LEFT WITH NO VEHICLE AND STILL OWE $6700.00 ON THE CHEVROLET CRUZE DUE TO THE FAULTY COOLANT SYSTEM.
Steering, Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 7, 2019
FOR SOME REASON WHEN I DRIVE MY CAR IT STARTS SHAKING SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS WHEN I START DRIVING OR WHEN I BRAKE I TRIED TO FIND THE PROBLEM AND IT LOOKS THAT IT IS THE DRIVE SHAFT. I THOUGH THAT IT IS SOMETHING THAT ONLY HAPPENED TO ME BUT I FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE MORE CARS INVOLVED IN THAT BUT MY CHEVY CRUZE 2013 LOOKS LIKE IT IS NOT NOT ONE OF THOSE. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT ?
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2018
THE CHEVY ECO CRUZE HAS BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS FROM THE START. I WAS DRIVING WITH THE AC ON AND CAME TO A SIGNAL LIGHT WHEN THE AC SHUTS OF & COMES BACK ON. ALSO AT THE SIGNAL LIGHT I THAUGHT I HAD GOTTEN A TAP FROM THE BACK FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE THE CAR JERKED. TURNED OUT NO CAR BEHIND ME BUT CAR STILL JERKS FORWARD WITH FOOT ALL THE WAY DOWN ON BRAKE PEDAL. NEXT IF I'M DRIVING AND SLOW DOWN TO MAKE, LET'S SAY A LEFT HAND TURN ONCE I MAKE THE TURN THE CAR IS SLUGGISH AS IF IT HAS TROUBLE PICKING UP SPEED. HAPPENS ALL THE TIME FROM A STOPPED POSITION OR IF I SLOW DOWN IT TAKES FOR EVER TO PICK UP MOMENTUM. MAKING IT SCAREY TO MERGE OR JUST BE ON THE ROAD. ALSO IF I TURN THE RADIO UP THE LIGHTS WILL DIE OR FADE SO I'VE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR BUT IT STILL DOES IT. IVE CHECKED CONNECTIONS WIRES YOU NAME IT.
Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2018
I STARTED THAT THERE WAS A PART THEY FIXED AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT I IT IS CALLED, BUT THE BLACK CAP THAT IS DIRECTLY BEHIND THE AREA WHERE YOU PUT THE MOTOR OIL IS WHERE THEY SAID IT WAS OPENED (IT HAD A BUBBLE OR IT HAS SMALL PART OF THE RUBBLE HAD CAME UP. SO PUT A NEW ONE IT. NOT DEALERSHIP ANOTHER WELL KNOWN GARAGE MACHANIC WHO HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS OVER 25 YEARS. I TOOK IT TOOK AUTO ADVANCE AND THE SAID THAT THEY DIDN'T FINISH SEALING THE GASKET ON THIS AREA. I DON'T WHAT'S GOING ON WITH MY THERMOSTAT EITHER.
Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2018
TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS SYSTEM EVER SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR. EVERY ATTEMPT TO FIX IT HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. WHEN THE DEALERSHIP RESETS IT, IT GOES WONKY AND DISPLAYS INCORRECT INFO ABOUT TIRE PRESSURE AND LOCATION OF TIRE WITH THAT PRESSURE. IT RECENTLY SHOWED THAT ONE OF MY TIRES HAD A NO DISPLAY READING AND A "SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM" ALERT. AND WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICING, THEY TOLD ME ITS NOT COVERED BY ANY WARRENTY (WHICH I HAVE THE EXTENDED WARRENTY). THIS SEEMS TO ME TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS IT IS APPARENTLY IMPORTANT TO THE SYSTEM TO DISPLAY IT ON MY SERVICING SCREEN (AND AFFECTS MY GAS MILEAGE THAT AFFECTS MY EMISSIONS)! SO WHY ISN'T IT COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURES WARRENTY? WHY HAVE IT THERE AT ALL THEN!?PERHAPS IT IS A JOB SECURITY THING JUST TO BRING IN REVENUE. ITS B***S*** I THINK!!!
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, May 3, 2018
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN GOING TO ANTI THEFT MODE AND TOOK IT IN THEY FOUND COOLANT RESERVOIR LEAKING THERMOSTAT LEAKING ALONG WITH THE DRIVE BELT HAS COOLANT ON IT CAUSING IT TO SQUEAK ACCORDING TO CHEVROLET CAR SEEMS LIKE WHEN I'M DRIVING IT IT FEELS LIKE ITS MOVING FWD ON IT'S ON WHEN I HAVE MY FOOT ON BRAKE AT A COMPLETE STOP. MY CAR IS AT 143,000 MILES ON IT
Other or unspecified, Mar 5, 2018
WHILE DRIVING IN MOTION GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH CAR LOST ALL POWER ALL OF SUDDEN, THIS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. THIS IS SERIOUS IT STALLS IN MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND IT MAY OR MAYNOT START BACK UP.
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2018
CONSUMER COMPLAINT. NOXIOUS ODOR FROM HEATER. CAUSES NASAL DISCOMFORT AND COUGHING FORCING MANUAL SHUTDOWN OF HEATER. HEATER IS OUTGASSING A CLOYINGLY SWEET SMELL THAT IS WIDELY DISCUSSED IN INTERNET FORUMS WITH NO SOLUTION. *JS
Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2018
RADIATOR LEEKING FLUID CAR OVER HEATING. WHEN CKED SAID THE PROBLEM WAS INTERNAL. THEN I HAVE TO PAY FOR EVERTHING THAT WAS CAUSED BY PROBLEM THAT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THEY WANT ME 2 PAY FOR HOSE AND OTHER THINGS, ALMOST $200. THE PROBLEM STARTED AFTER I HAD AN OIL CHANGE AT THIS LOCATION. MY HEATER WAS NOT GETTING HOT AND WHEN I CKED NO FLUID N RADIATOR. SO I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY DIDN'T TELL ME THAT WAS NOT PART OF 24 POINTS CHECK UNTIL TODAY. MY COMPLAINT IS WE HAVE 2 PAY FOHEY. WANT 2 LET U KNOW I WILL NOT BE THERE 2MORROW MORNING. HAVE 2 TAKE MY CAR 2 SHOP. DEPEND ON HOW LONG IT TAKE 2 FIX. WILL GET RENTAL, BUT WILL NOT KNOW TILL THEY CK IT OUT. WILL GIVE U A CALL WHEN I FIND OUT.R EVERYTHING THAT WAS CAUSED BY PROBLEM. IF IT IS A RECALL PROBLEM EVERYTHING THAT IT TAKE TO REPAIR SHOULD BE COVER. I AM AN CAREGIVE( CNA) NEED MY CAR FOR WORK INWHICH I HAVE MISSED 2 DAYS BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM THEN STILL HQVE 2 COME OUT OF MY POCKET. NOT SURE IF THIS PROBLEM HAVE DAMAGED MY MOTOR OR NOT.