Avoid: 2014, 2012, 2011 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2010 (few owner reports) · Best recent: 2019
10 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 9 model years, the Chevrolet Cruze has 3,958 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 44 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. 2012 drew the most complaints (865), 2019 the fewest (21).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Chevrolet Cruze vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $6,848–$10,698.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2012 (865 complaints). Lowest: 2019 (21).
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment for the first-generation Cruze (model years approximately 2009-2016), with widespread reports of severe and frequent mechanical failures leading to high ownership costs and frustration.
Leading to overheating and potential engine destruction. Very frequent.
Around 90,000 miles (145,000 km). Very frequent.
Can lead to blown engine. Very frequent.
From valve cover, oil filter housing, and other seals. Very frequent.
Oil leaks leading to total failure, hard shifting. Very frequent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Cruze. Individual model years are broken down above.
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