Chevrolet Cruze research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The Cruze is a comfortable, quiet compact car that replaced the Cobalt. The 2011-2015 models offer a 1.8L or 1.4L turbo engine, with a high-mpg Eco trim and a 2014-2015 diesel. The redesigned 2016-2019 models are lighter and roomier, with a 153-hp 1.4L turbo, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 2017+ hatchback and a 1.6L diesel rated up to about 52 mpg highway. Several early models have important recalls to confirm by VIN.

Model years covered: 2011–2019. The Cruze was sold in the U.S. for 2011-2019; U.S. production ended at Lordstown, Ohio, in March 2019. There are no 2020 or later U.S. Cruzes.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Quiet comfortable ride
Good highway fuel economy
Low purchase price
Diesel option with very high highway mpg
Smartphone integration 2016 and later
Hatchback versatility 2017 2019

Things to know before you buy

1.4 liter turbo cooling and pcv leaks should be checked
2011 2014 models have several recalls to confirm
2016 includes both new cruze and cruze limited
Diesels need emissions system checks
Discontinued after 2019
Resale values trail civic and corolla
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 1 (2011–2016)

The first-generation (J300) Cruze launched for 2011 as the Cobalt's replacement. Engines are a 1.8L four (about 136-138 hp) and a 138-hp, 148 lb-ft 1.4L turbo with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions, plus a roughly 151-hp 2.0L turbodiesel with a 6-speed automatic for 2014-2015. A 2015 refresh updated the front styling and cabin, and the car was sold as the Cruze Limited for 2016.

Buyer takeaway: Affordable and comfortable, but confirm all recalls (fire, brake assist, axle shaft, airbags) and check the 1.4L turbo for coolant and PCV leaks. The 2015 is the most refined; the Eco and diesel give the best highway mileage.

Generation 2 (2016–2019)

The second-generation Cruze (2016-2019) is lighter and roomier, with a 153-hp, 177 lb-ft 1.4L turbo, 6-speed manual or automatic, standard-or-available smartphone integration, a 5-door hatchback from 2017, and a 137-hp, 240 lb-ft 1.6L turbodiesel (9-speed automatic or 6-speed manual) for 2017-2019. The 2019 facelift dropped the manual; production ended in March 2019.

Buyer takeaway: The better choice for most buyers: more modern, roomier and more efficient. Choose a hatchback for cargo flexibility; confirm the 2018-2019 accumulator recall and check diesel emissions equipment if applicable.

Chevrolet Cruze by model year

2019 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2019 Cruze got a facelift and Chevrolet's newer infotainment system, and the manual transmission was dropped. Gas models use the 153-hp 1.4L turbo with a 6-speed automatic or, on some trims, a CVT (EPA lists both; about 30/38 mpg with the CVT). The diesel continues with the 9-speed. U.S. production ended in Lordstown in March 2019.

Engines: 1.4 liter turbo I4 153 hp 177 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbodiesel I4 137 hp 240 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic; CVT on some gas trims verify by VIN; 9 speed automatic diesel
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback

What changed:

Refreshed front and rear styling
Manual transmission dropped
New infotainment 3 system
Final US model year production ended march 2019

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Stop start accumulator recall completion; Diesel aftertreatment and DEF if diesel; 1.4 liter turbo coolant and oil leaks; Engine stop start operation; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Check engine light and stored codes; Transmission shift quality or clutch wear; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2018 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2018 Cruze sedan and hatchback continue with the 153-hp 1.4L turbo (about 29/40 mpg sedan automatic) and the 1.6L turbodiesel, now also offered in the hatchback. Some 2018-2019 Cruzes are in a recall for missing bolts on the transmission's stop-start accumulator, which can leak fluid, so confirm it by VIN.

Engines: 1.4 liter turbo I4 153 hp 177 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbodiesel I4 137 hp 240 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic; 9 speed automatic diesel; 6 speed manual diesel
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback

What changed:

Diesel available on hatchback
Some cars in stop start accumulator recall

2017 Chevrolet Cruze

For 2017 the Cruze added a 5-door hatchback and a 1.6L turbodiesel (137 hp, 240 lb-ft) offered with a 9-speed automatic or 6-speed manual; the diesel sedan is rated about 31/47 mpg automatic and 30/52 manual. Gas models use the 153-hp 1.4L turbo (about 30/40 mpg sedan automatic). The hatchback adds cargo flexibility.

Engines: 1.4 liter turbo I4 153 hp 177 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbodiesel I4 137 hp 240 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic; 9 speed automatic diesel; 6 speed manual diesel
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback

What changed:

New 5 door hatchback
New 1.6 liter turbodiesel with 9 speed automatic or 6 speed manual
Diesel sedan manual rated about 52 mpg highway

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Diesel aftertreatment and DEF if diesel; 1.4 liter turbo coolant and oil leaks; Engine stop start operation; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Check engine light and stored codes; Transmission shift quality or clutch wear; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2016 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2016 model year has two Cruzes. The redesigned Cruze is lighter and roomier, with a new 1.4L turbo (153 hp, 177 lb-ft), a 6-speed manual or automatic, about 30/40 mpg with the automatic, and available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The older first-generation car continued as the Cruze Limited with the 1.8L or 138-hp 1.4T. Confirm which by VIN.

Engines: 1.4 liter turbo I4 153 hp 177 lb ft; Cruze limited 1.8 liter or 1.4 liter turbo 138 hp
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; Cruze limited first generation sedan

What changed:

All new second generation sedan
New 153 hp 1.4 liter turbo
Apple carplay and android auto available
Lighter and roomier
Previous generation sold as cruze limited

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; 1.4 liter turbo coolant and oil leaks; Engine stop start operation; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Check engine light and stored codes; Transmission shift quality or clutch wear; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2015 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2015 Cruze got a refreshed front end with a more angular look similar to the Malibu, plus interior and infotainment updates. Engines carry over: 1.8L, 138-hp 1.4L turbo (about 26/36 mpg automatic) and the 2.0L turbodiesel (about 27/44 mpg). It is the most polished first-generation Cruze.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 about 136 138 hp; 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbodiesel I4 151 hp
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic; 6 speed automatic diesel
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Refreshed front styling similar to the malibu
Updated interior and infotainment
Onstar 4g lte availability verify by equipment
Last full year of first generation

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Diesel aftertreatment if diesel; Coolant leaks water pump thermostat housing and hoses; Valve cover pcv and oil leaks on 1.4 liter turbo; Check engine light and stored codes; Turbo hesitation or boost issues; Transmission shift quality or clutch wear; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2014 Chevrolet Cruze

For 2014 Chevrolet added the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, a 2.0L turbodiesel (about 151 hp) with a 6-speed automatic, rated about 27/44 mpg. Gas models keep the 1.8L and 138-hp 1.4L turbo. Some 2014s are in axle-shaft, driver-airbag and roof-rail airbag recalls, so run the VIN before buying.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 about 136 138 hp; 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbodiesel I4 151 hp
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic; 6 speed automatic diesel
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

New 2.0 liter clean turbo diesel with 6 speed automatic
Diesel rated about 27 44 mpg
Axle and airbag recalls on some cars

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Axle shaft recall completion; Airbag recall completion; Diesel aftertreatment if diesel; Coolant leaks water pump thermostat housing and hoses; Valve cover pcv and oil leaks on 1.4 liter turbo; Check engine light and stored codes; Turbo hesitation or boost issues; Transmission shift quality or clutch wear; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2013 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2013 Cruze continues with the 1.8L or 138-hp 1.4L turbo and a 6-speed manual or automatic (about 26/36 mpg for the 1.4T automatic). Chevrolet's MyLink touchscreen became available. Some 2013-2014 cars were recalled for a right front axle shaft that could fracture and for a driver airbag inflator, so check the VIN.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 about 136 138 hp; 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover
Mylink infotainment available
Right front axle shaft recalls on some cars

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Axle shaft recall completion; Airbag recall completion; Coolant leaks water pump thermostat housing and hoses; Valve cover pcv and oil leaks on 1.4 liter turbo; Check engine light and stored codes; Turbo hesitation or boost issues; Transmission shift quality or clutch wear; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2012 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2012 Cruze carries over the 1.8L (LS) and 138-hp 1.4L turbo engines with a 6-speed manual or automatic; the 1.4T automatic is rated about 26/36 mpg and the Eco manual about 28/40. 2011-2012 Cruzes were recalled for an engine shield that could trap spilled oil and catch fire, and 1.4T automatics for a brake-assist fault, so confirm both remedies.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 about 136 138 hp; 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover
Covered by 2011 2012 engine shield fire and brake assist recalls

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Engine shield fire recall completion; Brake assist recall completion 1 4t automatic; Coolant leaks water pump thermostat housing and hoses; Valve cover pcv and oil leaks on 1.4 liter turbo; Check engine light and stored codes; Turbo hesitation or boost issues; Transmission shift quality or clutch wear; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2011 Cruze replaced the Cobalt as Chevrolet's compact sedan, built in Lordstown, Ohio. The LS uses a 1.8L four-cylinder (about 136-138 hp); LT, LTZ and Eco use a 138-hp, 148 lb-ft 1.4L turbo. Both offer a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. The Eco manual is EPA-rated about 28/40 mpg. Several first-year recalls apply, so check the VIN.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 about 136 138 hp; 1.4 liter turbo I4 138 hp 148 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

All new compact sedan replacing the cobalt
Built in lordstown ohio
Eco trim rated up to about 40 mpg highway
Ten standard airbags

Known issues and what to check

2011-2012 Engine Shield Fire and Brake-Assist Recalls (2011–2012)
Recall 12V-288 covers 2011-2012 Cruzes: spilled or dripping oil could collect in the engine shield (bellypan) near hot surfaces and ignite; dealers modify the shield. Recall 13V-360 covers 2011-2012 Cruzes with the 1.4L turbo and 6-speed automatic, which could lose power brake assist. A 2011 steering-wheel attachment recall (11V-221) also exists.
What to do: Confirm these recalls were completed before buying a 2011-2012 Cruze.
Right Front Axle Shaft Recalls (2013-2014) (2013–2014)
Some 2013-2014 Cruzes were recalled because the right front axle (half) shaft could fracture: 13V-452 for certain manual-transmission cars and 14V-151 for certain 1.4L turbo cars. A fractured shaft causes loss of power to the wheels, and a parked car could roll if the parking brake is not set.
What to do: Confirm the axle-shaft recall is completed on an affected 2013-2014 Cruze.
Airbag Recalls (2012-2014) (2012–2014)
Airbag campaigns cover specific Cruze builds: 2012 driver-airbag shorting-bar recalls (12V-522, 13V-023), a 2013-2014 driver airbag inflator recall (14V-372), and 2014 roof-rail (side curtain) airbag inflator recalls (23V-674, 23V-870, 25V-764). Some of these remedies were issued recently.
What to do: Run the VIN and have any open airbag recall repaired before regular use.
1.4L Turbo Cooling-System and PCV/Oil Leaks (2011–2019)
The 1.4L turbo engine family is known for coolant leaks (water pump, thermostat housing, coolant outlet and hoses) and for PCV-system and valve-cover problems that cause oil leaks, a whistle at idle or lean codes, especially on first-generation cars. GM service information addresses PCV-related conditions on these engines.
What to do: Check coolant and look for oil or coolant residue; documented cooling-system or valve-cover repairs are a plus.
Transmission Stop/Start Accumulator Recall (2018-2019) (2018–2019)
Recall 20V-668 covers certain 2018-2019 Cruzes: the transmission stop/start accumulator end cap may be missing bolts, allowing transmission fluid to leak. Dealers inspect and replace the accumulator if needed, at no charge.
What to do: Confirm this recall is complete on a 2018-2019 Cruze.
Diesel Emissions Equipment and Maintenance (2014–2019)
Cruze diesels (2.0L in 2014-2015, 1.6L in 2017-2019) use a diesel particulate filter and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). Short-trip driving, skipped maintenance or DEF/sensor faults can trigger warnings, reduced power or costly repairs. Diesel parts and repair expertise can be harder to find for this low-volume model.
What to do: Scan for emissions codes and review service records before buying a Cruze diesel.
Cruze Generation, Cruze Limited and Engine Disambiguation (2011–2019)
The 2016 model year includes both the redesigned second-generation Cruze and the first-generation Cruze Limited. Engines vary: 1.8L (2011-2016), 138-hp 1.4L turbo (2011-2016), 153-hp 1.4L turbo (2016-2019), and diesels in 2014-2015 and 2017-2019.
What to do: Confirm generation, engine and transmission by VIN before comparing prices or specs.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, transmission and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies.

Similar vehicles to consider

Questions this guide answers

What generation is this Chevrolet Cruze?
Is this a Cruze or a Cruze Limited?
What engine and transmission does this Cruze have?
What fuel economy does the Cruze diesel get?
What recalls should I check on a 2011-2014 Cruze?
Does the 1.4L turbo have coolant or PCV problems?
When did the Cruze hatchback arrive?
Why was the Cruze discontinued?
What should I inspect on a used Cruze?
What similar vehicles should I consider?