Chevrolet Cruze Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a Chevrolet Cruze? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Chevrolet Cruze — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019Best | Excellent | 1 | 10 | 3 | 1 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2018 | Good | 1 | 77 | 12 | 8 | — | Power Train | Full report → |
| 2017 | Good | 1 | 133 | 5 | 3 | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2016 | Good | 2 | 191 | 8 | 5 | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2015 | Good | 2 | 197 | 17 | 13 | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2014 | Avoid | 6 | 511 | 55 | 56 | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2013 | Avoid | 2 | 500 | 34 | 17 | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2012Worst | Avoid | 5 | 714 | 55 | 18 | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2011 | Avoid | 4 | 535 | 30 | 36 | — | Engine | Full report → |
9 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Chevrolet Cruze Problems
Based on 2,868 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
Cruze Years to Avoid
Best Cruze Years to Buy
Years with fewest complaints and recalls.
Chevrolet Cruze Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Chevrolet Cruze Reliability
What year Cruze has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 714 complaints and 5 safety recalls. See the full 2012 report for specific defects.
Is the Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
The Chevrolet Cruze has accumulated 2,868 owner-filed complaints and 24 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. The 2019 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Cruze.
What are the most common Cruze problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Engine (623 reports), Electrical System (370 reports), Power Train (340 reports), Unknown Or Other (240 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my Cruze has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Chevrolet Cruze VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free Chevrolet Cruze VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily