2013 Chevrolet Cruze: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has 585 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag *first generation (2009-2016) issues:.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

585
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
54
Crash reports
8
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
210
electrical system
121
power train
112
steering
74
electronic stability control (esc)
62

Recalls affecting the 2013 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.

equipment:electrical

Campaign 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; C

power train:axle assembly:axle shaft

Campaign 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, t

air bags

Campaign 14V372000

General 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.

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