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2013 Chevrolet Cruze: common problems and reliability
· 2009-2016One of the weaker Cruze years.
586 owner complaints, most about engine. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 Cruze?The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has 586 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag cooling system leaks (water pump, thermostat housing, coolant outlet, reservoir, hoses, turbo lines).
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Cruze years only. How we score it
Is 2013 a good year for the Cruze?
Across the 10 Cruze model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2010) to 865 (2012). With 586 complaints, the 2013 Cruze sits above the model's median of 490.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2013 Cruze
electrical system:ignition
Campaign 16V502000General 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."
equipment:electrical
Campaign 14V417000General 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.
power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Campaign 14V151000General 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.
air bags
Campaign 14V372000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's front air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.
Show 1 more recall
power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Campaign 13V452000General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with manual transmissions (MF3/MR5) and manufactured January 24, 2013, through August 1, 2013. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
What owners report on the 2009-2016 Cruze
Owner discussions about this generation are predominantly negative, with the cooling system and turbocharger reliability being the most frequent complaints.
- 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
- RecurrentTurbocharger failure or leaks
- RecurrentHead gasket failure
Owner insights for the 2009-2016 Cruze. Read the full 2009-2016 owner report.
Typical used price
Used Cruze listings typically run $6,848–$10,698 across 2011 to 2019 model years.
Other Cruze model years
Compare every Cruze year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Cruze against its rivals
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