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 and engine cooling, May 13, 2022
Thermostat housing has been replaced 4 times, it is still over heating and wont allow ac to work. That keeps the fan running nonstop. As soon as its replaced it burns out in 1 day.
Engine, May 13, 2022
The car overheated constantly and was taken to a mechanic everytime. Mechanic tried a few things and to no avail. Warped head replaced and it continued to do it. Replaced the entire motor and the second motor now wont even start after it overheated. We had many people look at it and no one could figure out what the problem was. The car would turn off at times or lock up and you would have to pull off road https://www.cruzetalk.com/threads/engine-overheating-coolant-engine-not-starting.123329/ https://repairpal.com/have-2013-chevy-cruze-car-overheated-last-night-wont-start-help-please-593 https://www.vehiclehistory.com/questions/what-are-some-of-the-2013-chevy-cruze-overheating-problems-230053 https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/cruze/2013/consumer-reviews/ According to a ranking of 87 Chevrolet generations by their reliability ratings on ChevroletProblems.com, the first-generation Chevy Cruze sedans from 2011 to 2015 ranked dead last. What Chevy Cruze problems make this car the worst Chevrolet model to buy? https://www.motorbiscuit.com/why-the-cruze-is-the-worst-chevy-vehicle-to-buy/ "Coolant leaks related to engine and lower transmission. Found immediately after warranty ran out. Later incident, coolant reservoir emptied resulting from a leak." Anonymous, WI (2013 Chevrolet Cruze LS 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/cruze/2013/reliability/#body_integrity
Engine, May 5, 2022
With no warning my car started to overheat while traveling home from the Eden rest stop in NC two weeks ago. I have replaced my thermostat and radiator/overflow cap. I never had any warning to let me know that my car was starting to overheat. My check engine light never came on! And my car just shut off on me when leaving work this afternoon in the middle of 5 o’clock traffic on Eastchester Dr in High Point, NC. I noticed that I had no coolant and there was no sign of leaks anywhere!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 18, 2022
MULTIPLE INCIDENTS OF OVERHEATING SPANNING OVER THE PERIOD OF A FEW YEARS NOW: WATER PUMP, COOLANT HOUSING, VALVE COVER GASKET, AND MOST RECENTLY TURBO CHARGER COOLANT LINES HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED. HAVE NOT CONTACTED MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THE INFORMATION EVERYWHERE SAYS THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS OBVIOUSLY VERY COMMON PROBLEM! DOESN'T SEEM FAIR AT ALL. THIS ISSUE HAS LEFT ME STRANDED IN TRAFFIC, ON SIDE OF HIGHWAYS, HAVING TO CALL SOMEONE COUNTLESS TIMES, NOT TO MENTION THE REPAIR AND ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION FEES. I MEAN, WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE SOMETHING IMPORTANT ENOUGH TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR?!?!!
Air bags, Engine, Mar 30, 2022
Water pump, cooling system. There’s a recall on this system already but not for my vin. The service bulletin describes 100% off issues im having yes manufacture will not help because my vin isn’t attached to service bulletin. Car over heat constantly, I’ve pretty much replaced the entire cooling system twice now. Airbags also faulty. The entire passenger side of vehicle was hit by fedex truck not long after being rear-ended and an adjuster claiming car 95% totaled,( yet still ended up rebuilding it) no airbags deployed in both situations
Back over prevention, Lane departure, Mar 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the Blind Spot Detection system failed to recognize another vehicle while switching lanes. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing both side detection systems to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact stated that the side detection system warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and also made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated in 2020 he took the vehicle to Uptown Chevrolet (1101 E Commerce Blvd, Slinger, WI 53086: (262) 297-4471) and also made them aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure also affected the rear camera and there were multiple warning lights illuminated. The contact stated he had the vehicle repaired approximately 8 times in total. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Engine, Mar 21, 2022
Vehicle is consistently overheating and needing replacement parts to prevent overheating. Sept 2019 Chevy replaced the water outlet housing. June 2020 Chevy replaced the water pump because car was overheating Now the head gaskets are damaged and car is unuseable. Vehicle is consistently overheating every year and needed repairs. Vehicle does fit the criteria for 2013-2014 Chevy Cruze recall, however the car does not have a turbo engine.
Visibility, Mar 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the defroster became inoperable while driving in inclement weather. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,775. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Feb 26, 2022, crash
Complete engine failure whole driving under normal conditions. Vehicle had all old changes. Engine blown at 98452 miles
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 15, 2022
Countless oil leaks - replaced the valve cover /gasket and solenoids and countless other parts to stop the oil leak when it was coming from the intake manifold PVC system - I even replaced the turbocharger.
Engine, Feb 12, 2022
The car keeps telling me it’s overheating but it is not and it’s leaking out antifreeze
Engine, Feb 2, 2022
After MANY repairs, kept my car WELL maintained. I've had MANY issues with the thermostats (replaced over 5 times) replaced sensors multiple times, replaced hoses and belts according to manufacturers recommendation. Replaced the valve cover. I now have a blown head gasket. I never drove my car without coolant, car had not overheated but the head gasket blew.
Engine, Jan 27, 2022
I bought this car approximately three months ago. It was a huge financial decision but one that had to be made for the safety of myself and my daughter. After doing much research there were no major mechanical recalls and the safety ratings were good so it seemed to be a reliable and safe choice. I was getting home one afternoon and when I put the car in park, smoke just started billowing out from under the hood. So I went to take a look and there was fluid leaked everywhere. At first I thought it was oil as I had just had my oil changed so I took it back to the mechanic for further inspection and he informed me it was the coolant outtake housing. He even said to me that they get so many cars like mine, Chevy Cruz’s, that come in with the same issue. I would also like to mention that when I bought the car it only had 62,000 miles and when this occurred it was at about 71,000. So I went online to do some research about the part and cost of labor and came across so many of the same complaints. There were even posts about this part on a discussion board on the GM website.
Air bags, Jan 25, 2022, crash
The contact was riding in a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while the driver was driving at an unknown speed, the driver crashed into another vehicle from the driver's side to the other vehicle's rear passenger side due to unable to focus. The contact mentioned the front passenger and the front side passenger air bags were the only air bags that deployed. The contact stated that she was the only one who sustained right wrist, thumb, and burnt arm injuries that needed medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The contact was aware that the vehicle was damaged. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was informed the air bags were Takata air bags and the injuries were caused by the air bags. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Jan 5, 2022
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON STATING ISSUE WITH TURBO. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE YET GM IS COVERING SOME BUT NOT MINE. PER GM MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL YET I AM HAVING THE ISSUE.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 31, 2021
The vehicle keeps going to A/C off due to vehicle running hot. I've gone to the dealer and various shops had the water pump, hoses, outlet housing, thermostat replaced. I still smell coolant leaking and burning off when I open the hood I see the engine and catalytic converter wet and drying off as the wetness evaporates; the smell stays inside the car. The effects of smelling coolant has to be toxic, has any studies been done on long term effects of smelling coolant? I spend a minimum of 3 hours a day in traffic. The problem started around 100k. I also have oil leaking on right axel and somewhere on the engine. I've noticed the1.4l turbo has the same problems why are there recalls on the 1.4L but not the 1.8L? I'm paying out of pocket to get the same repairs done, if the vehicle is unsafe for the 1.4L it should be unsafe for the 1.8L
Visibility/wiper, Dec 6, 2021, crash
It began raining and turned wipers on and driver side quit working and it was coming a downpour almost. I ended up bumping guard rail causing a few hundred dollars worth of damage to my car
Air bags, Dec 6, 2021
Air Bag passenger rear impact sensor failed. Discovered due to warning light. Component replaced at dealership. Vehicle has 25,360 miles on it.
Service brakes, Nov 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while at a complete stop with her foot depressed on the brake pedal, the vehicle would intermittently lurch forward without warning. The contact stated that the parking brake was activated to stop the vehicle from inadvertently moving forward. The vehicle was not taken to be serviced or diagnosed. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 5, 2021
Chevrolet has issued a recall on the Chevy Cruze for antifreeze that has been known to leak at the thermostat housing. My is doing that which is causing it to over heat. I contact them and they said my car don have that issue mean while I drive 2 blocks it starts to over heat.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 25, 2021
Check-engine light comes on and stays; after repairs, it keeps flashing. "Traction control" message comes on and stays on. The air conditioning system keeps warning to be turned off, and heats up the car when not turned off. The care drives and dies while driving. The transmission is not consistent, takes much more time to accelerate. Breaks and fan replaced after a year of purchased and about 1,500 dollars have just been spent in repairs and the car still gives a check-engine light, shaking and about to die. Presently not in use. The safety issues for me and my family are high. I recently had to drive it with safety lights on and below 25 miles/hr to and from the mechanic. I have taken the car before two mechanics and it is still not resolved. The car is available for inspection upon your recall.
Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2021, crash
The dealership sold my family this vehicle that has been a total loss since 2018. My understanding on why it has a green title is because someone paid out of pocket to cover the repairs. It has also been in 2 other accidents in 2020. The dealership did not make us aware of it and have been avoiding my contact.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 17, 2021
Car is leaking oil and coolant. They are mixing and running into the engine.thermostat housing needs replaced.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 16, 2021
TSB # 16-NA-015 ENGINE STALL OR STUMBLE,IGNITION COIL WIRE FRETTING.I CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHY THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL.OTHER THAN G.M. NOT INTERESTED IN BEING RESPONSIBLE. MY CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING AND I HAD NO BRAKES AND NO STEERING.IT DONT TAKE A LOT OF THINKING AS TO WHAT CAN AND WILL HAPPEN WITHOUT BRAKES AND STEERING.MY CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE ABOVE ISSUE WAS CONFIRMED.THE TSB WAS ISSUED 1-21-2016 AND ALL 2011-2014 MAY BE AFFECTED.PLEASE ADVISE ME WITH A FOLLOW UP ON THIS MAJOR PROBLEM. THIS IS MY SECOND REPORT ON THIS WITH NO RESPONSE.THIS WONT GO AWAY BY IGNORING THE ISSUE.LETS TAKE CARE OF THIS BEFORE ACCIDENTS.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 13, 2021
Loss of power when driving