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
586 reports, newest first.
Engine, Nov 9, 2018
FROM ONSTAR: P0087 THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM IS NOT PERFORMING AS EXPECTED. AN ISSUE HAS BEEN DETECTED IN THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM WHICH MONITORS AND CONTROLS ENGINE TEMPERATURE TO MAINTAIN OPTIMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND AVOID OVERHEATING CONDITIONS. IF YOU ARE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS, PLEASE CHECK THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IF THE NEEDLE IS IN THE RED WARNING AREA, THE ENGINE IS TOO HOT. PULL OFF THE ROAD, STOP THE VEHICLE, AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE CONDITIONS: DRIVING 30MPH, ASPHAULT, WINTER WEATHER
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 3, 2018
WOW THIS IS THE BAD CAR EVER I HAVE A LOT FIRST AIR FLOW SENSOR BAD PVC VALVE 2 TIMES NEW
Engine, Nov 2, 2018
ENGINE OVERHEATING REGULAR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED EVERY 3,000 MILES COOLANT SYSTEM PLUGS REPLACED SPARK PLUGS REPLACED DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED (FIRESTONE) DEALERSHIP INSPECTED EMISSIONS TEST PASSED CAR'S ONBOARD DISPLAY REPEATEDLY DISPLAYS "A/C OFF DUE TO HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE" AND "ENGINE OVERHEATING - IDLE ENGINE" WHEN NOT UNDER LOAD AND OCCURS AT REGULAR HIGHWAY (55-75MPH) AND CITY (30-45MPH) SPEEDS. CEL FLASHES (3-5 SECONDS OF INTERVAL FLASH) RANDOMLY - SPARK PLUGS REPLACED LAST OCCURANCE.
Engine, Oct 29, 2018
EXACT SAME COOLANT SYSTEM PROBLEMS AS IN THE EARLIER MODEL CHEVY CRUZE RECALLS. FAULTY COOLANT SYSTEM, SPECIFICALLY A LEAKING WATER PUMP, INACCURATE THERMOSTAT AND LEAKING COOLANT FEED AND RETURN LINES TO THE TURBOCHARGER. SO FAR IT HAS COST ME CLOSE TO $1500 AT ONLY 110K MILES AND I STILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE BLOWN HEAD GASKET WHICH WAS THE RESULT OF THE COOLANT SYSTEM BEING UNABLE TO COOL THE ENGINE PROPERLY DUE TO THE BAD WATER PUMP. TOTAL LEMON, THIS WILL BE THE SECOND TIME THE HEAD GASKET IS BLOWN WITHIN TWO YEARS.
Steering, Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 29, 2018
VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING LOSING COMPLETE POWER AND STEERING! SO DANGEROUS AND DEADLY! TAKING THE CAR IN TODAY, CAR ALSO RIDING ROUGH AND MISFIRING. ALL MAINTENANCE DONE EVERY 3,000 MILES. THIS CAR HAS HAD ONE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER AND THIS LAST ONE COULD HAVE KILLED MY TEENAGER DAUGHTER! IT STOPPED ON HER 5 TIMES ON THE FREEWAY!
Engine, Oct 16, 2018
MY 2013 CHEVY CRUZE LT HAS AN ISSUE WITH THE TURBOCHARGER. IT APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE AMONG CHEVY CRUZES. THE CODE I BELIEVE IT GIVES IS P0299. WHILE THE ACCELERATION AND POWER ALWAYS SEEMED OFF SINCE PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE FIRST TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WAS AT ABOUT 71,400. I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT THE TIME. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN OCCASIONS WHEN I'M GOING UPHILL AND DESPITE THE SUFFICIENT HORSEPOWER, IT WON'T ACCELERATE AS IT SHOULD. AS A RESULT, THE TURBOCHARGER ISSUE HAS CAUSED THE CAR TO GO MUCH SLOWER THAN THE SURROUNDING CARS WHILE GOING UPHILL, WHICH CLEARLY SEEMS TO ENDANGER THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS AS WELL AS SURROUNDING CARS.
Engine, Oct 11, 2018
A/C OFF DUE TO EXTREME HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE CAM ON A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, I TOOK IT IN AND IT WAS FIXED SUPPOSEDLY. A WEEK LATER IT CAME ON AGAIN. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN 4 TIME NOW. AS OF TODAY IT IS STILL IN THE SHOP. THEY HAD TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER FOR SOME HELP AND STILL, EVEN A NEW COMPUTER AND THE LIGHT STILL COMES ON. THIS IS GETTING TO BE TOO MUCH. I HAVE TO GO TO WORK.
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.
Power train, Engine, Oct 4, 2018
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AIR LEAK CAME FROM VALVE COVER. APPARENTLY THE COVER AND MANIFOLD WENT BAD. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AND PERMANENT FIX ON THIS IMMEDIATELY. TOO MANY OF THESE CARS ARE BEING SOLD, TOO MUCH MONEY IS BEING MADE NOT TO HAVE A FIX FOR THIS. MY CAR IS 16,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. RIDICULOUS!
Service brakes, Oct 2, 2018
THE VEHICLE WILL OCASSIONALLY NOT STOP WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE BRAKES. I HAVE NOTICED IT OCCURS MOST OFTEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN REVERSE. THE BRAKE PEDAL ALSO GETS HARD. IT DOES NOT OCCUR ALL THE TIME.
Engine, Oct 2, 2018
VEHICLE DORMANT WATER INLET, DORMANT WATER OUTLET AND RESERVOIR HOSE ARE ALL FAULTY. CAR WILL LEAK COOLANT DUE TO ALL THREE ISSUES. THIS CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEATAND BEGIN TO SLOW ON ITS OWN WITH NO REGARD FOR LOCATION OR THE DRIVER. I.E. SLOWING ON THE HIGHWAY PLACING THE DRIVER AT RISK. THE DORMANT WATER OUTLET IS MADE OF TWO PLASTIC MOLDINGS THAT ARE BONDED OR PRESSED TOGETHER LEAVING A SEEM WHERE HOSES CONNECT THESE SEEMS ARE WEEK AND SEEM TO BE THE MAIN SOURCE OF PEOPLES ISSUE INCLUDING MINE. ALONG WITH THE COOLANT ISSUE THE VALVE COVER PURGE VALVE IS FAULTY ALSO CAUSING EXHAUST TO NOT EXIT THE ENGINE UNDER CERTAIN PSI CAUSES SQUEAKING AND POOR THROTTLE RESPONSE ALSO WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE PCV ITSELF TO FAULT OR BREAK.THIS ISSUE MAY BE THE SOURCE OF THE CAR PULLING WHILE STOPED AT A RED LIGHT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK FORWARD AND POSSIBLY MISFIRING THE ENGINE PISTONS. VEHICLE IS NOT WORTH THE VALUE PAID FOR. ALL ISSUE SEEM TO ARISE AFTER 36000 MILES AND AFTER 5 YEARS WHICH MEANS THESE MANUFACTURER DEFECTS ARE NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THERE ARE MORE ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. I AM SURE I WILL BE BACK HERE REPORTING MORE ISSUES. ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED BECAUSE IT SEEMS THAT ALL CHEVY WANTS IS MY MONEY AT THIS POINT.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 1, 2018
I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE RADIO TURNED OFF, I BARELY MADE IT BEFORE GETTING HIT. THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED AND I TURNED INTO THE FIRST PLACE I COULD. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TRIED TO START IT BUT THE BRAKE WAS LOCKED AND NOTHING WAS TURNING ON WHEN I PUSHED THE BUTTON. TRIED A FEW TIMES AND NOTHING. WHILE SITTING THERE FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES THE WHOLE DASH CAME ON AND I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR. THE RADIO HAD BEEN TURNING ON AND OFF A FEW TIMES ON THIS DRIVE BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. BUT THE RADIO HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR SOME TIME .
Steering, Sep 26, 2018
STEERING RANDOMLY COMPLETELY LOCKED IN MOTION. SEEMINGLY RANDOM ELECTRICAL PROBLEM REMEDIED ON ITS OWN AND REQUIRED SERVICE TECHNICIAN TO CHECK IT OUT TO ASSES SAFETY. CANT BE SURE OF THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE NOW.
Air bags, Sep 18, 2018
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ED BOZARTH CHEVROLET (303-751-7500, LOCATED AT 2001 S HAVANA ST, AURORA, CO 80014) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST. THE TECHNICIAN DID NOT DISCLOSE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS LATER INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V372000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED A TEN PERCENT DISCOUNT TOWARDS THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.
Engine, Sep 5, 2018
INFERIOR PARTS! THERMOSTAT HOUSING HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED BY DEALER DUE TO CRACK. NOW, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, FRONT CRANK SHAFT SEAL & COOLANT RESERVOIR NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. CHECK VALVE ON INTAKE MANIFOLD IS BAD. CRANK SHAFT SEAL MAKES CHIRPING NOISE WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING OR WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 4, 2018
THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS BAD ON A CAR THAT HAS 58,000 MILES ON IT. EVERY MECHANIC WE TOOK IT TOOK SAID IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. THE CAR HAS NO GET UP AND GO AND IT IDLES HARD.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 30, 2018
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR WILL NOT DIRECT AIR TO WINDSHIELD. THEREFORE WILL NOT DEFROST WINDSHIELD.
Engine, Aug 28, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE SERVICE, THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DISCOVERED COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (KEYES CHEVROLET, 5949 VAN NUYS BLVD, VAN NUYS, CA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THERMOSTAT AND COOLANT PIPE SEAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Engine, Aug 20, 2018
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND CAME TO A STOP IN THE STREET. SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERHOOD VERY HARD ALMOST LOOK TO BE ON FIRE. OIL SPILL EVERYWHERE. CAR IS IN SHOP NOW. THEY SAID IT IS A TURBO ISSUE, WHICH HE SAID IS VERY COMMON ON THE CRUZE. COULD CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 10, 2018
I SMELLED GAS LEAKING AND WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING I SAW GAS SPRAYING THE BACK OF MY CAR. IT APPEARED TO BE LEAKING FROM THE HOSE WHERE THE CONNECTER WAS NEXT TO WHAT MAY BE THE FUEL FILTER. THIS CAR IS 5 YEARS OLD WITH 30,375 MILES. I WAS TOLD THE PART IS ON THE NATIONAL BACK ORDER LIST WITH NO IDEAL WHEN IT WILL BE AVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 6, 2018
WHILE DRIVING A FEW TIMES CAR HAS STOPPED ON ME AND COUKD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHILE I WAS IN MOTION CAR JUST CEASED.
Engine, Aug 6, 2018
HI I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY TURBO AND I SEEN THAT GENERAL MOTORS HAD A RECALL IN 2014 ON CHEVY CRUZES TURBO I DIDN'T KNOW HAVE MY CAR AROUND THAT TIME AND I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF THERE WAS PREVIOUS OWNERS GOT THE RECALL BUT I READ ONLINE GENERAL MOTORS STOP SELLING THESE VEHICLES FOR A WHILE BECAUSE THE SAME ISSUES BUT THEY HAVE A RECALL ON IT'S THE SAME ISSUE I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH ON MY 2013 CHEVY CRUZE AND THE CAR IS NOT BACK THAT BUY WARRANTY BECAUSE IT'S 6 YEARS OLD THE TURBO OF THE CAR HAS A WHOLE CAR SMOKING YOU TURN IT ON IT FEELS LIKE THE WHOLE CAR IS GOING TO BLOW UP JON HALL TO GET DIAGNOSTIC WHICH IS $100 BUT I HAD ALREADY GOT IT DONE GNOSTICS FROM AUTOZONE BUT JON HALL CHEVROLET DON'T GO BY ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC WHICH BOTH CAME OUT TO THE SAME THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING GENERAL MOTORS BUT ALL THE VEHICLES ALL BUT BUT IT SEEMS AS IF CRUZES FELL THROUGH THE CRACKS IF YOU LOOK OUT ON THE ROAD THAT'S ALL YOU SEE IS TURBO CRUZES THE VEHICLE WAS SO EASY GIVING AWAY UNTIL EVERYBODY GOT ONE THE FAX SO I GUESS YOU JUST VICTIMS AT THE TIME I WAS JUST THANKFUL TO HAVE A CAR NO MATTER IF IT IS A 2013 THE PRICE TO FIX THAT TURBO IS RIDICULOUS JON HALL THEM CHARGE YOU FOR LABOR FEE 400 BUCKS I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO EVEN GET TO THE TURBO NOW THAT MY CAR IS HAVING TURBO FAILURE
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 2, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE FAN UNDERNEATH THE HOOD CONTINUOUSLY RAN AND THE "AIR CONDITIONER OFF TO HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE" INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE THERMOSTAT AND THE COOLING SENSOR WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Exterior lighting, Jul 31, 2018
FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB LENS COVERS HAVE MELTED. DEALER CLAIMS HE HASN'T SEEN PROBLEM BEFORE AND WANTS $500 TO REPLACE ENTIRE HOUSING UNIT. HAS TO BE PLENTY OF THESE PROBLEMS OUT THERE.
Air bags, Structure, Jul 30, 2018, crash
2013 CHEVY CRUZE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE GOING 30-40MPH HEAD ON. NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED . AIR BAG SERVICE LIGHT IS NOW ON.