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, Oct 3, 2021
Coolant keeps having leaks after going to dealership to replace it. It had the same problem and dealer said it’s not covered now have to pay 800 dollars for same issue 5 months later. Coolant system not working might blow engine. Happens randomly when driving to warning lights come up and a lot of smoke starts coming out of car.
Other or unspecified, Sep 1, 2021
There is a consistent plastic burning smell, usually when the AC or heater is on. I have replaced the AC unit, and this still happens. Smoke sometimes appears on the driver's side through the vents. I have taken the vehicle in a few times for this, and they can never find anything. The last repairs I had done replaced wires, pipes, and connectors.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 6, 2021
The whole head shot off while driving. Now the car is making a farting noise when I accelerate or if u sit idle for longer than 15 mins. No oil leak but I’m using an additional $200 in oil between oil changes
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 23, 2021
IN REGARDS TO TSB # 16-NA-015 ENGINE STALL OR STUMBLE. IGNITION COIL WIRE FRETTING.THIS PROBLEM IS DANGEROUS AND CAN HAPPEN AT ANY GIVEN TIME WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING AND DTC CODES. (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT) . WHEN THE CARS STALL YOU HAVE NO POWER STEERING AND NO POWER BRAKES AND COULD AND WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF IT HAS`NT HAPPENED AS OF YET .RESULTING IN INJURY AND OR DEATH. WITH MINIMAL RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THIS IS A KNOWN AND ONGOING GLOBAL ISSUE THAT G.M. HAS KNOWN ABOUT SINCE 1-21-2016.ALL THESE CARS NEED TO BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED PRIOR TO ANYBODY LOSING THERE LIFE.
Service brakes, May 18, 2021
When in reverse on brakes do not engage properly-no braking action.. This same issue was addressed by a recall of 2012 models but GM has not issued a recall for 2013 models even though online research shows this is a common problem.
Engine, May 10, 2021
THE PROBLEM I'M HAVING IS WHEN I HAVE MY HEAT TURNED ON I WILL GET A SMELL OF LIKE BURNT OIL COMING THROUGH MY AIR VENTS. I WAS TOLD IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE CRANKSHAFT BUT THE LAST TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS SOMETHING WITH THE VALVE COVER GASKET. I CAN SMELL IT MORE ONCE I HAVE COME TO A STOP AFTER DRIVING.
Electrical system, May 5, 2021
WHEN KEY LEFT IN IGNITION, CAR OFF, IT TRIES TO START ITSELF REPEATEDLY. SAW THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED BY OTHERS FOR YEARS BUT NO RECALL. IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED TO STOP SHORTS. WHY NO RECALL? CAR WAS PARKED, TURNED OFF.
Power train, Apr 8, 2021
MY VEHICLE STARTED LOSING PRESSURE UPON HAVING IT CHECKED I WAS INFORMED THAT THE TURBINE IN THE ENGINE WAS DEFECTIVE AND BLOWING OUT THE OLD FROM MY INJUN MY CAR IS RENDERED USELESS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS TURBINE WAS PART OF CHEVY'S RECALL IN MY CAR HAVING BEEN AT CHEVY DEALERSHIPS IT WAS NEVER ADDRESSED. I NEED MY CAR FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IT IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 5, 2021
AT RANDOM TIMES, MY STEREO WILL GO BLANK, NO SOUND, NO BLINKER SOUNDS, NOTHING. AT THE SAME TIME, THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABITRAX WILL START FLASHING ON AND OFF. MY POWER STEERING WILL CUT OFF AS WELL. THIS WILL HAPPEN A FEW TIMES WHILE DRIVING THEN IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. THEN RANDOMLY ON A DIFFERENT DAY, IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN.
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.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 28, 2021
IT'S BEEN SITTING FOR AWHILE NOW. I'VE REPLACED THE ENGINE, THE BATTERY, THE ALTERNATOR, THE STARTER, THE THERMOSTAT AND THE TENSIONER BELT. ALL BRAND NEW AND IT'S STILL NOT STARTING UP . IT ACTS LIKE IT WANTS TO START OVER BUT DOESN'T, EVEN WITHOUT THE KEYS IN IGNITION, IF I HOOK UP SPARK PLUGS IT ACTS LIKE IT WANTS TO START EVEN WITHOUT THE KEYS IN IGNITION
Engine, Mar 27, 2021
I WAS DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND NOTICED MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEAR AND WENT AND GOT A CHECK ENGINE DIAGNOSIS DONE AND POPPED AS A CODE P2076 WHICH IS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD TUNING VALVE POSITION SENSOR/ SWITCH CIRCUIT RANGE/PERFORMANCE. WHICH ISN'T THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS CAME ON. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP IT HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE AND WAS COVERED BY THE WARRANTY BUT NOW I'M SURPASSED THE WARRANTY AND JUST FEEL LIKE THIS SHOULDN'T BE AN ISSUE ONCE AGAIN.
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
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 3, 2021
MY 20 YR OLD DAUGHTER BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MAY 2020. SHE HAD IT 1 WEEK AND ENDED UP BROKEN DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE INTERSTATE, 3-1/2 HRS AWAY AT SCHOOL BECAUSE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT OUT. 2 WEEKS AND A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER, I AM ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE SHE COULDN'T STAY AND WAIT FOR IT, AND WE WOULDN'T LET HER TAKE IT UNTIL WE KNEW IT WAS RIGHT. ANOTHER 4 WEEKS LATER, REPLACED THE MOTOR AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER AGAIN, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON WITHIN 2 WEEKS AND LEAVES ME STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY ONCE AGAIN! THIS TIME THE READING SHOWED ONLY AN O2 SENSOR SO MY HUSBAND CHANGED IT. THE CAR RAN FINE FOR A WHILE, THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. NOT LONG AFTER THIS, THE STABILITRAK WARNING LIGHT ALSO CAME ON AND SO THERE ARE 13 ERROR CODES COMING UP! WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A CHEVROLET FAMILY, BUT NOT ANYMORE! THIS HAS RUINED US! AND WHEN/IF WE CAN GET IT RUNNING WELL ENOUGH TO GET RID OF IT, IT IS GONE! THE ERROR CODES ATTACHED ARE FROM JULY & SEPTEMBER 2020. I DIDN'T GET A PICTURE THE LAST COUPLE OF TIMES THAT MY HUSBAND CHECKED IT. GENERAL MOTORS THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS. AND THAT'S JUST THE ONES WHO ACTUALLY TAKE THE TIME TO HUNT THE NHTSA DOWN AND FILE A COMPLAINT. NOT EVERYONE WILL DO SO! I PERSONALLY KNOW OF AT LEAST ONE OTHER PERSON IN MY HOMETOWN (OF LESS THAN 20,000) THAT OWNS A 2013 CRUZE THAT IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS! I KNOW WE ARE JUST LITTLE PEOPLE TO YOU. BUT THESE ARE OUR LIVES! IF WE COULD AFFORD TO DRIVE A HIGH-PRICED, TOP-OF-THE-LINE VEHICLE, TRUST ME, WE WOULD!
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 3, 2021
MY 20 YR OLD DAUGHTER BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MAY 2020. SHE HAD IT 1 WEEK AND ENDED UP BROKEN DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE INTERSTATE, 3-1/2 HRS AWAY AT SCHOOL BECAUSE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT OUT. 2 WEEKS AND A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER, I AM ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE SHE COULDN'T STAY AND WAIT FOR IT, AND WE WOULDN'T LET HER TAKE IT UNTIL WE KNEW IT WAS RIGHT. ANOTHER 4 WEEKS LATER, REPLACED THE MOTOR AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER AGAIN, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON WITHIN 2 WEEKS AND LEAVES ME STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY ONCE AGAIN! THIS TIME THE READING SHOWED ONLY AN O2 SENSOR SO MY HUSBAND CHANGED IT. THE CAR RAN FINE FOR A WHILE, THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. NOT LONG AFTER THIS, THE STABILITRAK WARNING LIGHT ALSO CAME ON AND SO THERE ARE 13 ERROR CODES COMING UP! WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A CHEVROLET FAMILY, BUT NOT ANYMORE! THIS HAS RUINED US! AND WHEN/IF WE CAN GET IT RUNNING WELL ENOUGH TO GET RID OF IT, IT IS GONE! THE ERROR CODES ATTACHED ARE FROM JULY & SEPTEMBER 2020. I DIDN'T GET A PICTURE THE LAST COUPLE OF TIMES THAT MY HUSBAND CHECKED IT. GENERAL MOTORS THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS. AND THAT'S JUST THE ONES WHO ACTUALLY TAKE THE TIME TO HUNT THE NHTSA DOWN AND FILE A COMPLAINT. NOT EVERYONE WILL DO SO! I PERSONALLY KNOW OF AT LEAST ONE OTHER PERSON IN MY HOMETOWN (OF LESS THAN 20,000) THAT OWNS A 2013 CRUZE THAT IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS! I KNOW WE ARE JUST LITTLE PEOPLE TO YOU. BUT THESE ARE OUR LIVES! IF WE COULD AFFORD TO DRIVE A HIGH-PRICED, TOP-OF-THE-LINE VEHICLE, TRUST ME, WE WOULD!
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 19, 2021
CAR HAS LEAKED OIL AND COOLANT SINCE I GOT IT. CONSTANTLY OVER HEATS. LOSS OF POWER. ENGINE REVS AND JUMPS. CONSTANT REPLACEMENTS NOTHING WORKS.
Air bags, Jan 28, 2021
THE CAR AT RANDOM WILL HAVE A MESSAGE COME UP THAT SAYS AIRBAG SENSOR. THE CAR SHUTS DOWN ON YOU AND WILL NOT START UNTIL CAR IS PUT IN PARK, RAISE HOOD, THEN ROLL DOWN DRIVER WINDOW IN TRAFFIC. THIS SOMETIMES WORK FIRST TRY BUT NOT ALWAYS. THIS CAUSE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. IF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS I COULD POTENTIALLY BE LEFT PARALYZED. SINCE I'VE HAD A CERVICAL FUSION
Engine, Jan 14, 2021
I HAVE HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE VALVE COVER GASKET NEEDING TO BE REPLACE DUE TO OIL LEAKAGE TWICE WITHIN A YEAR. I WILL START NOTICING BURT OIL SMELL ONLY ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THERE HAVNT BEEN ANY LEAKAGE ON THE GROUND AS FAR AS I SEE. THIS CAN'T POSSIBLY BE NORMAL. I CURRENTLY HAVE TO PUT MY CAR IN THE SHOP FOR THIS ISSUE.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 29, 2020
THE CAR HAS SOME KIND OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND I TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND GET PROBLEMS FIXED, AND WITHIN A MONTH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN, AND THERE ARE NEW PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. WHEN THOSE PROBLEMS GET FIXED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN WITHIN A MONTH. THIS IS A CYCLE THAT KEEPS GOING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AT DIFFERENT TIMES, USUALLY WHILE DRIVING. I BELIEVE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS CAUSING CASCADING FAILURES IN DIFFERENT SYSTEMS.
Engine, Dec 16, 2020
VEHICLE LEAKS COOLANT FROM WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 15, 2020
STARTING SMELLING A VERY STRONG SMELL EVERYTIME I WOULD TURN ON THE HEATER AND AIR. HAD THIS SMELL ONE TIME BEFORE AND COST ME RIGHT AT $700.00 DOLLARS TO FIX. NOW THIS IS GOING TO COST ME RIGHT AT $1500.00 DOLLARS TO FIX. THE SMELL IS MAKING ME SICK TO MY STOMACH. CAN'T BELEIVE THIS IS HAPPENING.
Engine, Dec 9, 2020
[XXX]. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS OVERHEATING. I CHANGED THE HOSES, THERMOSTAT, THERM. HOUSING, 3 SENSORS, WATER PUMP, SPARK PLUGS, COOLANT. NOW MY CAR WILL NOT EVEN START. IT CRANKS BUT WILL NOT FIRE. WHAT CAN I DO. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Visibility/wiper, Nov 25, 2020
WHILE DRIVING TODAY, IT BEGAN TO RAIN, MY DRIVER SIDE WIPER WAS WORKING, THEN 3 MINS INTO IT BEING ON, IT STOPPED. CAR HAS ~87500K MILES. I ACCESSED THE WIPER ARM LINKAGE, AND IT HAD THE DRIVER ARM BUSHING HAD WORN OUT.
Engine, Nov 18, 2020
JUNE 2020 - CAR BEGAN POPPING UP WITH THE ALERT "A/C OFF DUE TO HIGH ENGINE TEMP" - UPON CHECKING THE CAR HAD COOLANT SO REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT. JULY 2020 THE ISSUE KEPT OCCURRING AND I BEGAN HAVING TO PUT COOLANT IN THE VEHICLE EVERY FEW DAYS. TOOK TO ANOTHER SHOP WHO SAID IT WAS LEAKING FROM A HOSE - REPLACED HOSES. AUG 2020 - ISSUE CONTINUED AND THEN STOPPED HOLDING WATER ALL TOGETHER - HAD TO REPLACE WATER PUMP, REZ, THERMOSTAT, AND VARIOUS BELTS/HOSES - DROVE THE CAR FOR THREE DAYS WHEN THE MESSAGE POPPED UP AGAIN. TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT (DESPITE IT BEING 1 OWNER CAR) "SOMEONE" HAD PUT STOP LEAK IN IT AND IT MADE THE THERMOSTAT STICK. THEY FLUSHED THE ENGINE AND REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT AGAIN AND THE CAR DROVE FOR 1 WEEK BEFORE THE ISSUE KEPT OCCURRING. THIS TIME IT STARTED HAVING TROUBLE CRANKING AND CAUSED A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. SO NOW AFTER 8 MONTHS AND $3,500 I HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING THAT COULD POSSIBLY MAKE IT OVERHEAT/HAVE A COOLANT ISSUE AND HAD THE ENTIRE ENGINE REBUILT - HOPEFULLY THIS TIME IT FIXES THE ISSUE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.