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2018 Chevrolet Cruze: common problems and reliability
· 2nd generationOne of the better Cruze years.
109 owner complaints, most about engine. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Cruze?The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze has 109 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag cracked pistons.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Cruze years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the Cruze?
Across the 10 Cruze model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2010) to 865 (2012). With 109 complaints, the 2018 Cruze sits below 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 2018 Cruze
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 20V668000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
Campaign 18V576000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 18V304000General 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."
What owners report on the 2nd generation Cruze
Owner sentiment on the second-generation Cruze is mixed but leans negative, with the strongest criticism aimed at the turbocharged 1.4L engine and the naturally aspirated 1.8L drawing comparatively favorable comments.
- RecurrentCracked pistons
- RecurrentCoolant leaks and cooling system failures, including plastic components and hoses
- RecurrentTurbocharger failure or replacement
- IsolatedWater leaking into the trunk from an improperly sealed third brake light (subject of a recall on a 2016)
- IsolatedTransmission solenoid failure requiring the transmission to be disassembled, with repair estimates of $3k-$5k
Owner insights for the 2nd generation Cruze. Read the full 2nd generation 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 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Cruze against its rivals
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