VEHICLE BUYER'S GUIDE
Chevrolet Cruze2011–2019
Year-by-year buyer intelligence from NHTSA safety data — reliability, value, and which years to target or avoid.
Best Years to Buy a Chevrolet Cruze
Buyer Score combines reliability (65%) and depreciation value (35%) — higher is better.
Chevrolet Cruze Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 718 complaints
18 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
7 recalls · 523 complaints
62 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
3 recalls · 540 complaints
36 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Federal Defect Investigations
NHTSA investigations are the stage that precedes a recall. 2 past investigations into the Cruze became recalls.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Data current as of October 28, 2026.
Chevrolet Cruze — Year-by-Year Comparison
Every model year ranked by Buyer Score. Click any year for its detailed problem report.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability | Value | Buyer Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 14 | 1 | — | 62 | 77 | 67 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 1 | 81 | 8 | — | 62 | 71 | 65 | Good |
| 2017 | 1 | 137 | 3 | — | 59 | 64 | 61 | Good |
| 2016 | 3 | 200 | 5 | — | 52 | 57 | 54 | Good |
| 2015 | 1 | 197 | 13 | — | 51 | 50 | 51 | Good |
| 2014 | 7 | 523 | 62 | — | 37 | 44 | 39 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 4 | 506 | 17 | — | 37 | 39 | 38 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 3 | 718 | 18 | — | 37 | 35 | 36 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 3 | 540 | 36 | — | 37 | 32 | 35 | Avoid |
Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Deaths and injuries sourced from NHTSA complaint filings. Year links open full NHTSA problem reports.
Known Chevrolet Cruze Problems
Most frequently reported components across all model years, from NHTSA owner complaints.
Complaint counts across all model years. Numbers indicate frequency, not severity.
Shopping by Era
How each generation of the Cruze compares — best year within each era shown.
2018–Present
Modern safety tech, refreshed platforms, updated powertrains. Higher purchase price but lower reliability risk. Best pick in this era: 2019 (Buyer Score 67).
2013–2017
Mid-decade models in the depreciation sweet spot — typically 35–55% below original MSRP. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and recall completion. Best: 2017 (Buyer Score 61).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year Cruze to buy?+
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze scores highest on our Buyer Score (67/100) — combining a reliability score of 62/100 with a value score of 77/100. It has 1 recall and 14 NHTSA complaints on record.
Which Cruze years have the most problems?+
The 2012, 2014, 2011 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2012 Cruze leads with 3 recalls and 718 owner complaints.
What is the Buyer Score?+
The Buyer Score is a composite metric that combines reliability (65% weight) and depreciation value (35% weight). Reliability reflects recall and complaint severity. Value reflects how much of the vehicle's depreciation has already been absorbed by prior owners — a 4–6 year old vehicle typically sits in the sweet spot.
What are the most common Cruze problems?+
The most frequently reported Chevrolet Cruze issues involve: ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER. These are aggregated across all model years from NHTSA owner complaint filings. Frequency of complaints does not necessarily indicate severity.
Deep-Dive Research
A buyer's guide shows model-level risk. A VIN report shows the individual vehicle — accidents, odometer history, open recalls, and auction records.