Chevrolet Cruze Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Chevrolet Cruze model year (2011–2019) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Chevrolet Cruze Years to Avoid
7 recalls · 859 complaints
30 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 940
7 recalls · 726 complaints
39 reported injuries
2 reported deaths
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 835
10 recalls · 690 complaints
55 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 830
Best Chevrolet Cruze Years to Buy
2 recalls · 18 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 30
3 recalls · 106 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 134
2 recalls · 198 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 214
Found the right year? Verify that specific Cruze with a free VIN report.
Chevrolet Cruze — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 18 | 30 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 3 | 106 | 134 | Good |
| 2017 | 2 | 198 | 214 | Good |
| 2016 | 4 | 242 | 282 | Good |
| 2015 | 4 | 250 | 288 | Good |
| 2014 | 10 | 690 | 830 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 5 | 584 | 663 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 7 | 859 | 940 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 7 | 726 | 835 | Avoid |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Chevrolet Cruze Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2019Recent Cruze models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2019 stands out with just 30 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade Cruze units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Cruze models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Cruze should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze if possible. It has 7 recalls, 859 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is ENGINE. The overall problem score is 940 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Cruze to buy?+
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 30. It has only 2 recalls and 18 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Cruze has the fewest problems?+
The 2019, 2018, 2017 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Chevrolet Cruze Research
Check a Specific Chevrolet Cruze VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →