2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 109 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 10 Cruze model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 17 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 7 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 29, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Campaign 20V668000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperAug 30, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Campaign 18V576000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineMay 10, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS vehicles, equipped with a gasoline engine and a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire. The vehicles may leak gasoline following a rear-impact crash and a rollover. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a lock-ring on the fuel tank that will shield the fuel tank vapor pressure sensor from damage in a rear-impact crash, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18159.
Campaign 18V304000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
14 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 23, 2025
The car is making a whistling sound, the check engine light is on and it has low power. Also wanting to stall
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2025
I own a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, and the infotainment touchscreen system has completely frozen with the same error screen that many other Cruze owners have reported online. This is not simply a case of an unresponsive touchscreen — the system locks up with an identical error screen across multiple Cruze vehicles (different years and trims). The issue disables all touchscreen functions, including Bluetooth connectivity, media, phone integration, and certain vehicle settings. While FM radio may continue to play, the rest of the infotainment system is unusable. This creates both a safety concern and a defect pattern, because many modern vehicle functions are tied to the infotainment system. This is not a random failure — dozens of other Cruze owners have posted identical photos of the exact same frozen error screen on forums and complaint boards. That suggests a common underlying software or hardware defect, not isolated damage. The fact that it fails in the same way for so many vehicles indicates a systemic flaw that should qualify for a recall or manufacturer fix. General Motors has not provided any support or recall notice for this issue. Owners are being told to replace the entire infotainment unit at high personal cost, even though it is clearly a widespread design or programming defect. Approximate date of incident: [Insert when your screen froze first] Mileage at the time of incident: ~[Insert your odometer reading, e.g., 121,000 miles] Additional Notes: •Disconnecting/reconnecting the battery does not resolve the issue. •The error persists across resets, and no software update is available. •This is well-documented online, and the failure is identical across different Cruze vehicles, pointing to a recall-worthy defect.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2025
The infotainment touchscreen on my 2018 Chevrolet Cruze has become unresponsive and frozen on the startup warning screen. Because of this, I am unable to access basic functions such as Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto. The radio (FM) still works, but I cannot connect my phone for calls, navigation, or music. This issue is widely reported by many other Cruze owners, yet there is no recall or official fix from the manufacturer. The problem is a safety concern because I cannot use hands-free calling or navigation as intended. The dealer quoted me a $190 diagnostic fee and several hundred dollars for replacement, which feels unfair for what appears to be a common defect. I believe Chevrolet should address this issue through a recall or warranty support. Please investigate as this affects driver safety and usability.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 26, 2025
P0325 knock sensor multiple occurrences of sluggish performance causing safety risk when entering into traffic. This is the 3rd time I’ve replaced this sensor. And it’s very dangerous when it happens. This happens at the exact same time last year at the end of June beginning of July 2024 as well which made Chicago driving very dangerous.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, May 14, 2025
Service safety restraint system. Airbags are potentially at risk to not deploy if a wreck was to occur. This failure has caused the airbags to be shut off despite anyone sitting in the seats that is supposed to activate them on when weight is applied to the seat. Has not been inspected but I would like for it to be inspected on behalf of the Chevy dealership at their cost.
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the Auto START/STOP failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, there was a slightly shuddering noticeable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not repaired because the failure was related with an unknown recall; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Electrical system, Apr 18, 2024
tpms light 3 tirees affected to expensive to replace Chevrolet needs to inquire about the life of the tpms system on their vehicles should last longer than 5 years.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 22, 2024
UNKNOWN! I do not have much car knowledge but I do know that the transmission has blown in my 2018 Chevy Cruze two times and the shifter made a clicking noise that was very alarming. I have a video but the option to upload a file is only for pictures, I think the video is very crucial to understanding what I mean by clicking noise. The noise was would come randomly about 4 months after having the car. At the time I was [XXX] with no experience of even having my own vehicle and didn’t know I should have taken it back, now it’s too late because my warranty is up. This issue is common and many experts I’ve spoken to are aware that the Chevy cruzes have transmission issues. There was a recall for a “transmission bolt” I took my car to Chevy Cruze in Poughkeepsie New York for the recall and 18 days later my transmission blew. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 15, 2024
This is the second time the car will show reduced power and completely come to a slow speed without warnings. Previously GM had issues with the crude pedal and other systems related to the reduce I. Velocity. An investigation on either faulty parts is required as this is a major issue that can or could caused accidents. I had the issue looked and supposedly repair in December 2023 now the issues is back. I was driving in [XXX] and the speed reduced without warnings almost causing an accident. The repair has not even been 3 months and the car is faulty INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, May 4, 2023
Car has been having issues with the powertrain since purchased with 0 miles. The car will start flashing warning sensors but when taken into the dealer/mechanic everything is ok.. Car stopped today in the middle of a busy street and started shaking. Car will shake hard when it is stopped at times. It was taken to 2 different chevrolet dealers who said they forgot to check it
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Engine, May 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle felt imbalanced and was shuddering. Additionally, the engine emitted abnormal knocking sounds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact then parked the vehicle a block away from his residence. The contact who is a certified independent mechanic, diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed. The contact also diagnosed that the fuel injector had melted and fused into the number one cylinder, causing the engine to misfire. The contact replaced the fuel injectors, the spark plugs, the fuel line, the fuel harness, and the vehicle software were flushed. However, the failure reoccurred. Upon further investigation, the contact became aware that the engine inside the vehicle was not the appropriate engine as it was 1.5 liter and its specifications indicated that it was an engine specifically designed for a Chevrolet Malibu while the vehicle was a Chevrolet Cruze. However, the original owner of the vehicle, who was the contact's neighbor, had never replaced the engine. The contact then determined that the failure was associated to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V642000 (Electrical System, Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). The contact notified the dealer where the vehicle was originally purchased and informed them that the engine installed was not the appropriate engine. The dealer disregarded the information and informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Suspension, Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 7, 2020, crash
MY SON BOUGHT HIS CAR NOT EVEN HAPPEN IN A MONTH HE HIT A DEER HE SAID IT FELT WEIRD LIKE THE BRAKING SYSTEM WENT WEIRD NOT EVEN THINKING IT WENT TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND MY FATHER TOLD ME TO LOOK UP RECALLS AND IT WILL NOT LET ME LOOK IT UP IT'S IN THE VIN ISN'T RECOGNIZED BY GMC SO I'M CURIOUS ON WHAT'S GOING ON WITH HIS CAR IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS OR IF IT WAS MECHANICAL ISSUE I'D LIKE PAUL TO THE SIDE BRAKES FOR A WEIRD IT WAS IN WAYNE COUNTY OHIO ON ROUTE 585 AT THE END OF OCTOBER 2020
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 20, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO LOCK THE VEHICLE, SHE WAS STILL ABLE TO LIFT THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAPAUGH MOTORS (LOCATED AT 1435 MCNUTT ST, HERCULANEUM, MO 63048, 636-334-9048), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 9, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 60MPH, WITHOUT WARNING THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. THE DASH WENT COMPLETELY DARK. NO POWER, NO STEERING. DRIFTED TO SHOULDER. PUT IN PARK, TURNED KEY TO OFF THEN ON. VEHICLE STARTED. (NO WARNING OR SERVICE CODES) REPLICATED AGAIN ABOUT 10 MINS LATER. ON CITY STREET TRAVELING 35 MPH WITHOUT WARNING DASH WENT DARK AND CAR SHUT OFF. SAME PROCEDURE TO START. (NO WARNING OR SERVICE CODES) UNKNOWN WHAT CAUSED MASSIVE FAILURE. NO INDICATORS.