2019 Chevrolet Cruze
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 22 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 10 Cruze model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 4 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 3 people were injured.
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
Representative owner complaints: power train
7 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Sep 25, 2026
COMPONENT: Transmission control system / GM VT40 continuously variable transmission (CVT), RPO code MRG - a rare, fleet-only configuration for this model year, confirmed via the vehicle's factory build/RPO code list. WHAT HAPPENED: While stopped at a red light (engine idling just after an automatic stop-start restart, foot on brake only, no accelerator input), the check engine light came on along with an unusual mild jolt sensation from the drivetrain. Diagnostic codes P0700 (Transmission Control System - MIL Request) and P2714 (Pressure Control Solenoid D Performance/Stuck Off) were stored. Drove approximately 4 miles without further incident; vehicle has since been limited to short, low-speed use only pending repair. CONFIRMATION: An independent mechanic shop confirmed the codes, and pulled a transmission fluid sample showing visible metal debris up to several mm in size. Shop's assessment: internal transmission failure; recommended full transmission replacement (quoted approx. $7,800). Not yet inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance. SAFETY RISK: I located GM Technical Service Bulletin PIP5819B (later 24-NA-009), "VT40 Transmission Setting DTC P2714," describing this identical DTC/failure pattern - clutch regulator valve sticking, forward clutch piston damage, and/or primary pulley bearing bore wear - on other VT40-equipped GM vehicles (Malibu, Trailblazer, Encore GX). This bulletin is not listed as applying to the Cruze, despite the Cruze using the identical VT40/MRG unit per GM's own public confirmation of this fleet-only configuration. Secondary sourcing of this bulletin describes the failure as capable of causing sudden, complete loss of forward propulsion while driving. GM Customer Assistance Center case #108675675 was opened. GM stated the bulletins do not apply to this vehicle, and refused further discussion or assistance despite the transmission in question being the same as in the bulletins.
Power train, Engine, Apr 11, 2026
For a year I have had my car to the shop multiple times due to a musty smell inside my car. I have never been able to find any fluids or moisture inside the car, however, the inside of my windshield tends to get a weird film on it, I am constantly cleaning to keep visibility especially at night. None of the mechanics that I have taken it to were able to figure it out, and most of them could not smell The musky smell that I smelled. The car had approximately 40,000 mi on it when this started about a year ago, Maybe 8 months. Recently I have noticed that the coolant in my car is disappearing, I have kept a constant check on it and about once a week have had to add fluids to keep it from getting too low. I have had the coolant system checked out. I've had it flushed. They pressure tested the coolant tank and all tests passed and they could find no issues. However, when my father came to town he checked it out and there is coolant fluid leaking inside my car under the dash and it is dripping slowly on to the underpad of the carpeting and I assume drying up before it gets to a point where it is making a wet spot in the floor. Obviously after more research my father has told me that this has been a known issue with this model of car, however, there is not a recall that I can find with my VIN number. Obviously being stuck in a hot car in Florida, breathing in the fumes from a poisonous liquid is not healthy for me or anyone in my car. This is a safety issue not only for the fumes that I have been breathing, but foggy residue that collects on my windshield creates visual issues especially at night. This could cause me to have a major accident and possibly lose my life. I should not be struggling with a car that I treat like my baby. I have read that this is a design flaw due to the plastic connectors on the hoses, I would like Chevy to stand behind their vehicle and fix this issue for me. I never use the heater, because I live in Florida!
Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 4, 2024
The vehicle needs the transmission bolts replaced has a recall need repaired as as possible. The automatic transmission jerk
Power train, Feb 24, 2024
The bolts on the transmission accumulator needs to be replaced I see an unrepaired recall
Power train, Jan 8, 2023
Transmission leak coming from the main seal on the transmission
Power train, Engine, Apr 15, 2022
I was driving and the car slide and went up a small hill and came down hard ending locked there was no ice
Power train, Jan 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that in January of 2021 she had taken her vehicle to the dealer to be repaired due to a recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train). The contact stated that when she had taken her vehicle to be repaired, the dealer advised her that her vehicle was fine and that there were no problems with the vehicle. The contact stated that December 2021 , her son was driving her vehicle at approximately 55 MPH on the highway ,the vehicle had began to stall and loose power. The contact stated that her son was safely able to pull off to the side of the road, however, the vehicle was unable to start and had to be towed. The contact stated that she had the vehicle towed to the dealer, where it remains, where she was advised that her transmission was destroyed due to the same failure she had recently taken her vehicle in to be repaired due to the previous recall. The contact stated that the dealer advised her if she were to have her vehicle repaired, she would have to pay out of pocket. The contact stated that she then contacted the manufacturer and was advised that they would pay half of the cost of the repair, however she would be responsible for the remaining balance. The mileage failure was 66,000.