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: power train
23 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Feb 16, 2026
The steering started to shake. The car seat started to shake as well. It felt very unsafe, but there was no serious injury. John from Feldman Chevrolet in New Hudson, Michigan said that there is a "Cylinder 1 misfire code". After the car started shaking, the engine light came on. John told us that the engine should be replaced.
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
Power train, Mar 25, 2025
While sitting at a stop light the hydraulic clutch line failed causing the clutch pedal to stick to the floor. This issue prevents the clutch actuation preventing the the transmission from being disconnected from the engine. General Motors Bulletin number: PIP5558C was found and appears to be the issue.
Power train, Jan 3, 2025
Transmisson losing 9th gear, torque converter, front pump failing and wiping out valve body on the GM-9T50 9 speed automatic. many owner experiencing same problems with no solution or upgrade from GM
Power train, Dec 6, 2024
My transmission started acting up around 70,000 miles. I noticed symptoms like stalling when backing up, trouble coming to a stop from higher speeds, and an occasional stutter. My local transmission shop couldn’t replicate the issue, as it was intermittent, and recommended an oil change. At 100,000 miles, the transmission began slipping, so I changed the oil again, only to find it was black and burnt. Now, at 139,000 miles, I changed the oil once more at 138,000 miles after experiencing issues with shifting into 8th and 9th gears and receiving a P2817 code. After speaking with several people on forums, I learned this is a common problem with these cars, and many recommend replacing the transmission as it often fails around this mileage. I also consulted another transmission shop, but they refused to service my car due to their past experience with these models.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2024
Shortly after I merge onto a highway and pickup speed my cruze apears to be slipping gears. It does not do it every time but it appears to be happening increasingly often. It starts to shake violently, becomes hard to stear and refuses to excelerate even though the rpm's are rising significantly higher then they should be, leaving me going 35 - 40mph on a 65mph highway, it does not fully decelerate either. It happened the other day and the road speed was 65mph to start which my car wouldn't do then immediately became congested which is when I realized it wouldn't properly decelerate either, at least before I thought I coupd just pull over if it lasted to long. My car only has 22,000 miles on it and was certified pre-owned. It is regularly maintenanced as well. I have not taken it to be inspected just yet but that is my next step as I don't feel at all safe driving it in this condition.
Power train, Aug 3, 2023
The clutch peddle is low without pressure. Mine and my kids was in danger when the clutch was not working when I had a green light. I could not get my car to go into gear. My husband thought that maybe there was air in the lines but he is unsure. After pumping the clutch several times,probably 100 times my husband was able to get me to safety. Problem was reproduced with my husband 2 days later when he was stuck in Atlanta traffic. I did have a warning that said something about trac suspension. I am unable to remember what popped up. This incident has happened 3 times. I think there should be a recall out.
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
Power train, Mar 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the clutch pedal remained on the floorboard and failed to disengage. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pumped the clutch pedal and veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided since the powertrain warranty had expired. The manufacturer referred the contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 64,900.
Power train, Nov 1, 2022, crash
put car in PARK ,got out to check mail box 20 feet away [car door left open]. When retuning to car it began to slowly move backward.I ran around the back and tried to get in but was knocked down by the open door.I rolled away from the approaching wheel with minor scrapes. The car continued backing across the street,hit a pole then toward a group of people.I was able to alert them and all got out of the way. I have been working with GM to find out if this model,this transmission,or only this car has this slip from Park to Reverse problem.
Power train, Aug 16, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that the vehicle shifted from park into reverse without warning. While the vehicle was idling, the driver exited the vehicle and the vehicle rolled and crashed into a telephone pole. The driver's side door was ajar and was ripped off during the crash. The contact sustained cuts and bruises but no medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire or air bag deployment. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
Power train, Mar 14, 2022
This Cruze is equipped with a manual 6 speed transmission. The initial incident involved complete loss of the clutch with the clutch pedal sticking to the floor. This and the driver could not get the vehicle into gear. The driver then reached down and pulled the clutch up from the flor and was able to resume some clutch function. No Malfunction indicator or engine light was visible. Dealer serviced the vehicle indicating a P08A8 code set after incident. Vehicle repair order/invoice 382676 Ewald Chevrolet Buick. 36833 E Wisconsin Avenue, Oconomowoc, WI 53066 262-567-5555. When I picked the vehicle up, I couldn't leave with it because when I depressed the clutch pedal the clutch engaged/disengaged all the way depressed or at the floor. The dealer replaced Part #55505687 PIPE, and 19353126 Fluid. After driving the vehicle a few miles I called the dealer and asked them to open a case with Chevrolet because the clutch system did not feel the same. Inconsistent engage/disengage point of the clutch. While awaiting their return call I experienced a complete loss of clutch function again, similar to the original case pedal stuck to floor, and manually had to lift clutch pedal to regain some clutch function. This happened while driving/shifting in traffic, after pulling up the clutch the engine light lit. Returned it to dealer
Power train, Jan 30, 2022
I made a prior complaint with tracking number 11360154. This same problem has occurred again, approximately 22,000 miles after the car was repaired the first time. The clutch is broken again and it broke at highway speed almost causing me to have a severe accident. THE CONSUMER STATED A LEAK OF THE HYDRAULIC FLUID CONTAMINATED THE CLUTCH. THE FRICTION DISC AND PRESSURE PLATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Power train, Engine, Nov 16, 2021, crash
The contact owned a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving approximately 68 mph when the contact crashed into a deer, the brake pedal was depressed however the vehicle continued to move forward. The contact stated that he had placed the vehicle in park but the vehicle continued to drive, the contact had to continuedly press the ignition button for the vehicle to turn off. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact mentioned that the cruise control was activated at the time of the failure. The contact sustained scrapes on the arms but did not seek medical attention. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to a local tow yard where it was diagnosed as destroyed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000. The VIN was not available.
Power train, Engine, Aug 12, 2021
My vehicle is available for inspection. As of now and luckily no one has been at risk including myself with my vehicle, I fear this will not be the case anytime soon. I saw there was a recall for my year make and model of car that is not associated with my specific VIN number. I am aware that my car could be connected to the other vehicles and their VIN numbers that are associated with this recall. This could lead to a much better issue if and when we discover that there are other VIN numbers with the same year, make and model as mine. I am getting my car checked tomorrow to get this confirmation. There were no warning lamps that showed, but my car is now making consistent rattling, whooshing, and clacking noises associated with the engine. It is becoming so loud that my fear of it exploding has now become so high.
Power train, May 28, 2021
I was driving the car and the clutch was not engaging, went to the dealer and was advised to change the cylinder kit (GM part 24295457) and the pressure plate (GM part 55574768) and get charge almost 5k for the repair. The car has 50500 miles and has almost 3 years, the warranty is 5 years or 60000 miles, which I was in it. After I paid for the check up the dealer told me that is not part of the warranty. I did my research with my mechanic and said the cylinder kit was a manufacturer defect, and also was a recall on Europe with this type of car due to the type of the transmission (stick shift). Contact to GM headquarters and make a complaint, the answers from them as they contact the dealer and due to the car has an accident that was not reported they can not do anything with the repair. The accident was 2 years ago and the damage is only the body and does not involve the engine, powertrain, or even the frame of the car. In the resolution, they blame the accident for do not take a look or responsibility of their product.
Power train, Apr 3, 2021
THE CLUTCH KEEPS STICKING TO THE FLOOR AND NOT DISENGAGING. PREVENTS THE CAR FROM GOING INTO A GEAR OR DISENGAGING A GEAR. THIS HAPPENED ON AN OFF RAMP FROM THE HIGHWAY61 ONTO HWY 47
Power train, Nov 14, 2020
MANUAL TRANSMISSION CAR. CLUTCH PEDAL BEGAN ACTUATING MUCH POWER IN TRAVEL, EVENTUALLY THE PEDAL STICKS TO THE FLOOR. THIS PREVENTS THE SHIFTER FROM BEING TAKING INTO OR OUT OF GEAR IN NORMAL FASHION. CAN EITHER LEAVE THE CAR STRANDED IN TRAFFIC OR HINDER EFFORTS TO STOP IN AN EMERGENT SITUATION.
Power train, Oct 21, 2020
WHEN TURNING MY VEHICLE IT WOULD MAKE LOUD CREAKING NOISES. THIS PROGRESSED TO MAKING LOUD CREAKING NOISES WHILE GOING OVER BUMPS, THROUGH DIPS, AND TURNS. IT WOULD HAPPEN AT ANY SPEED, BUT ESPECIALLY WHILE GOING SLOWLY THROUGH PARKING LOTS.THIS GOT MUCH WORSE OVER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE ENTIRE REAR AXEL THEN HAD TO BE REPLCED OR IT WOULD HAVE FAILED, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE ISSUES WAS RAPIDLY GETTING WORSE. I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET ALMOST $1,800. NOW, IT HAS ONLY BEEN 3 MONTHS AND THIS ISSUE IS HAPPENING AGAIN.
Power train, Sep 25, 2020
WITH ONLY 12,100 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL AND CLUTCH SUDDENLY FAILED UPON A FALSE START AND THEN MADE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. REPAIRS REQUIRED A NEW FLYWHEEL AND A CLUTCH HYDRAULIC COMPONENT REPLACEMENT. THE FAILURE APPEARED TO HAPPEN QUICLY WITH THE FALSE START WHILE PARKED, BUT SUBSEQUENT DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CLUTCH WAS UNRELIABLE AND CAUSED AN UNSAFE CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE COULD STALL IN TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS, BECAUSE IT WAS A SHORT DRIVE FROM WHERE THE FAILURE HAD OCCURED.
Power train, Sep 25, 2020
AT 15,000 MILES MY MANUAL TRANSMISSION BEGAN MAKING NOISES AT HIGHER RPMS UNDER LOADS. VIBRATIONS WERE FELT AT THE CLUTCH PEDAL WHEN SHIFTING. VIBRATIONS FELT THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE WHEN ACCELERATING AT HIGHER ENGINE LOADS. THIS WAS AT BOTH HIGHWAY AND CITY DRIVING. THE DEALERSHIP INVESTIGATED AND FOUND THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY AND THE FLYWHEEL HAD SOME KIND OF DAMAGE. ALL PARTS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY INCLUDING THE SLAVE CYLINDER WHICH HAS A HISTORY OF FAILING. THE SLAVE CYLINDER ALREADY HAS SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS AGAINST IT. THE LIST OF PARTS REPLACED ARE THE CLUTCH DISC, THROWOUT BEARING, PRESSURE PLATE, PILOT BEARING, FLYWHEEL AND SLAVE CYLINDER.
Power train, Service brakes, Sep 21, 2020
WHEN DRIVING MY 2018 CHEVY CRUZE I HAD MULTIPLE INSTANCES WHERE THE CLUTCH PEDAL WOULD GO TO THE FLOOR AND NOT RELEASE, AND THE TRANSMISSION COULD NOT BE SHIFTED INTO GEAR. GENERAL MOTORS HAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) ON THE ISSUE STATING THAT CONTAMINATION OF THE HYDRAULIC FLUID CAUSES THE ISSUE AND IT IS ONLY A WARRANTY REPLACEMENT FOR GASOLINE CARS (THE DIESEL MODELS ARE NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY IN THE TSB) IF THE CAR IS STILL WITHIN THE 5-YEAR, 60,000 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT AFFECTS OPEL/VAUXHALL ASTRA CARS IN THE UK AND EUROPE AS THEY SHARE THE SAME PARTS (OPEL/VAUXHALL USED TO BE OWNED BY GM AND USED THE SAME POWERTRAIN). THE SAFETY RECALL IN EUROPE CONSISTED OF REPLACING SEVERAL TRANSMISSION AND BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS AS THE BRAKES SHARE THE SAME HYDRAULIC RESERVOIR AS THE CLUTCH. GM IS IGNORING THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM IN THE USA AND REFUSING TO FIX THE ISSUE AS A PRODUCT RECALL. THEY HAVE IT AS A TSB THAT IS ONLY A WARRANTY REPAIR IF THE PROBLEM OCCURS BEFORE THE WARRANTY RUNS OUT ON THE AFFECTED CARS. *JS
Power train, Jun 24, 2020
MY CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE AT TIMES CAUSING ME TO GIVE IT MORE GAS WHICH THEN CAUSE THE CAR TO REV UP TO A HIGH RPM (4000-5000) AND THEN LURCH FORWARD. ALSO, AT TIMES WHILE TRYING TO MAINTAIN SPEED, MY CAR WILL JERK BACK AND FORTH UNTIL I GIVE IT MORE GAS SO IT UP SHIFTS. MY CAR IS UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY AND IT SEEMS THAT THE DEALERSHIP IS TRYING TO BRUSH IT OFF BECAUSE THE COMPUTER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WHICH PROMPTED ME TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH GM WHICH STILL INS'T RESOLVED. *TR