Chevrolet Cruze Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Chevrolet Cruze model year (2011–2019) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Chevrolet Cruze Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 718 complaints
18 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 763
7 recalls · 523 complaints
62 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 668
3 recalls · 540 complaints
36 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 621
Best Chevrolet Cruze Years to Buy
1 recall · 14 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 19
1 recall · 81 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 100
1 recall · 137 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 146
Found the right year? Verify that specific Cruze with a free VIN report.
Chevrolet Cruze — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 14 | 1 | — | 19 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 1 | 81 | 8 | — | 100 | Good |
| 2017 | 1 | 137 | 3 | — | 146 | Good |
| 2016 | 3 | 200 | 5 | — | 219 | Good |
| 2015 | 1 | 197 | 13 | — | 226 | Good |
| 2014 | 7 | 523 | 62 | — | 668 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 4 | 506 | 17 | — | 552 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 3 | 718 | 18 | — | 763 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 3 | 540 | 36 | — | 621 | Avoid |
All 9 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Chevrolet Cruze Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2019Recent Cruze models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2019 stands out with just 19 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Cruze should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze if possible. It has 3 recalls, 718 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 763 — 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 19. It has only 1 recall and 14 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Cruze has the fewest problems?+
The 2019, 2018, 2017 model years have the fewest documented problems. 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.
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