Chevrolet Cruze 2009-2016 (2009–2016)
Generation-specific owner insights from 28+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2009–2016 Cruze?
3,629
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2009–2016
37
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner discussions about this generation are predominantly negative, with the cooling system and turbocharger reliability being the most frequent complaints.
22 problems reported (2 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 15 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentCooling system leaks (water pump, thermostat housing, coolant outlet, reservoir, hoses, turbo lines)
- Very frequentPlastic cooling system components cracking and degrading over time
- RecurrentPCV system failure requiring valve cover replacement
+ 19 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentTurbocharger failure or leaks
- RecurrentHead gasket failure
- RecurrentTransmission problems including solenoid failure requiring full teardown
- RecurrentElectrical issues related to negative battery cable causing Stabilitrak messages, radio problems, loss of steering assist
- IsolatedOil filter housing leaking internally causing coolant-oil mixing
- IsolatedWater intrusion into trunk from improperly sealed third brake light (2016)
- IsolatedTransmission slipping or bucking when stopped
- IsolatedStarting problems (no start, start then shut off)
- IsolatedFuel leak concerns
- IsolatedSpark plug gap issues causing starting problems
- IsolatedOil pan and camshaft actuator o-ring leaks on 1.4L turbo
- IsolatedCoolant consumption on 1.8L engine
- IsolatedBluetooth audio quality issues
- IsolatedUSB port insufficient amperage for charging
- IsolatedHeater use significantly reducing fuel economy
- IsolatedCracked valve head
- IsolatedCatalytic converter failure (on a high-mileage example)
- IsolatedWater pump recall on some 2011 models
- IsolatedFront axle mount recall (2013)
The version owners recommend
The 1.8L naturally aspirated engine version is consistently described as more reliable than the 1.4L turbo. Owners with the 1.8L report zero problems at 21k, 43k, and 80k miles. The 2013 model year received the most positive reliability mentions, with one owner reporting 150k miles with only a PCV-related valve cover replacement. The 2011 first-year model is described as worse than average, with the 2012 being average and 2013 better than average.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan models, Mitsubishi models and Subaru XV.
Is a 2009–2016 Cruze right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owner discussions about this generation are predominantly negative, with the cooling system and turbocharger reliability being the most frequent complaints. Many owners describe the car as unreliable and expensive to repair, with some reporting cascading failures that led them to sell the vehicle. A minority of owners report trouble-free ownership, particularly with the naturally aspirated 1.8L engine and later model years, but these positive experiences are consistently outnumbered by accounts of coolant leaks, PCV failures, and transmission problems.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners frequently advise buying a Honda Civic or Toyota instead, citing better reliability and resale value. One owner described the Cruze as having "no resale value" compared to a 10-year-old Civic. Another suggested a 2017 Nissan or Mitsubishi would be more reliable at similar mileage. The Subaru XV was mentioned as a replacement choice by an owner seeking better snow capability and easier entry. Several owners recommended buying an older, pre-2004 vehicle outright because they are "easy and cheap to fix" compared to the Cruze.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend avoiding the 1.4L turbo models entirely, with multiple comments stating "steer clear from the turbo models" and noting that turbo engines require meticulous maintenance that many owners neglect. The 1.8L non-turbo version is the preferred configuration. For model years, 2013 appears to be the sweet spot, while 2011 is considered the least desirable first-year model. The manual transmission is mentioned positively by one owner who regretted not getting it.
General recommendations
Owners strongly advise against purchasing this generation unless it is priced very low and the buyer understands the risks. Those considering a purchase should verify whether the cooling system components: water pump, thermostat housing, coolant outlet, hoses: have been replaced, as these are the most common failure points. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is essential, as several owners reported buying cars with pre-existing issues that had been masked. The 1.8L engine version is the safer choice, and 2013 or later model years are preferable to 2011-2012 examples.
Remarks
Owners frequently describe the Cruze's cooling system as "made out of shitty plastic that crumbles over time." Several owners reported spending thousands of dollars chasing one problem after another before giving up and selling the car at a significant loss. One owner reported a $3,000 turbo replacement cost on a 2014 model, while another was quoted $3,000-$5,000 for a transmission solenoid repair on a 2017 (which shares the generation's reputation). A positive outlier reported an Australian 2016 model with 200,000 km as "very reliable" despite coolant leaks. The 2011 model year is specifically called out as worse than average, consistent with first-year production issues. Analysis based on approximately 28 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 490 | 4 | engine |
| 2015 | 252 | 4 | engine |
| 2014 | 702 | 10 | engine |
| 2013 | 586 | 5 | engine |
| 2012 | 865 | 7 | engine |
| 2011 | 732 | 7 | engine |
| 2010 | 2 | 0 | air bags |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2016 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 18V304000
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."
2016 · seats:front assembly:head restraintcampaign 17V057000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. A bracket used in the driver or front passenger seat-back recliner mechanism may have been incorrectly welded to the seat-back frame, as a result, in the event of a crash, the head-restraints may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints."
2016 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 16V498000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Cruze vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to May 26, 2016. The headlight assemblies are not marked with a three-digit identifier code used to properly aim the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."
2016 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 16V502000
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."
2015 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 16V502000
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."
2015 · parking brakecampaign 15V113000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured February 4, 2015, to February 9, 2015. The left-rear or right-rear parking brake cable brackets may not have been properly fastened during the assembly process. As a result, the fastening bolts may back out completely, causing the parking brake bracket to separate and the parking brake to not hold the vehicle in place. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
2015 · seat belts:front:anchoragecampaign 15V876000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured September 24, 2014, to May 29, 2015. In the affected vehicles, one of the driver-side seat belt assembly bolts may not be properly tightened.
2015 · steeringcampaign 15V442000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured November 8, 2013, to March 12, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the inner tie rod may not be tightened to specification allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear.
2014 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 16V502000
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."
2014 · equipment:electricalcampaign 14V417000
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.
2014 · steeringcampaign 15V442000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured November 8, 2013, to March 12, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the inner tie rod may not be tightened to specification allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear.
2014 · power train:axle assembly:axle shaftcampaign 14V151000
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.
15 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.