2011 Chevrolet Cruze: common problems and reliability

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has 731 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag *first generation (2009-2016) issues:.

Safety record for the 2011 model year

731
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
38
Crash reports
20
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
257
power train
193
electrical system
96
service brakes
76
electronic stability control (esc)
75

Recalls affecting the 2011 Cruze

electrical system:ignition

Campaign 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.

power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)

Campaign 11V273000

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 6, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 27, 2011 AND EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR

fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting

Campaign 12V289000

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 AND 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2, 2009, THROUGH MAY 14, 2012. ATTACHMENT WELDS FOR THE FUEL TANK STRAP SECONDARY BRACKETS MAY HAVE BEE

steering

Campaign 11V221000

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES. DURING MANUFACTURING THE STEERING WHEEL COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY FASTENED AND MAY DETACH FROM THE STEERING COLUMN.

What owners say across generations

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. This generation is frequently described

  • *First Generation (2009-2016) Issues:
  • Coolant system leaks/failures — leading to overheating and potential engine destruction. Very frequent.
  • Turbocharger failures — around 90,000 miles (145,000 km). Very frequent.
  • Engine misfires — can lead to blown engine. Very frequent.
  • Oil leaks — from valve cover, oil filter housing, and other seals. Very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Cruze.

Typical used price

Used Cruze listings typically run $7,900–$10,775 across 2012 to 2019 model years.

Other Cruze model years