Chevrolet has been producing the Cruze for American markets since 2008. Since then, there have been nearly two dozen recalls. Knowing which recalls affecting your vehicle is essential so you can avoid buying a lemon and have necessary repairs completed as soon as possible.
Check out the active list below to ensure you are not risking your safety every time you get behind the wheel. Initiating a recall is costly, and automakers tend to avoid them unless there is an actual necessity. So, these should not be taken lightly.
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Table of Contents
Background on the Chevy Cruze
Chevrolet debuted the Cruze at the 2009 Paris Motor Show. It hit American and Canadian dealerships shortly after. The vehicle was Chevrolet’s answer to the 2008 recession. It offered consumers a new car with plenty of tech for an affordable price.
Generation One – 2009 to 2016
Despite being an affordable option, sales of the first-generation Cruze started slowly, with only around 25,000 the first year. In 2011 through 2016, though, there was an average of 200,000 Cruzes sold annually.
The first-generation Cruze came with gasoline and diesel engine options with a five or six-speed manual transmission standard and automatic six-speeds available on some models.
Generation Two – 2016 to 2018
The second-generation Chevrolet Cruze was a significant upgrade for the compact car. It received an upgraded exterior, back-up camera, and uConnect infotainment center. Chevy also gave standard trims a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Buyers could choose between four distinct trims; each adds upgrades to the base model unit. However, despite the redesign and giving the Cruze more standard features, the vehicle sales slowed to around 172,000 per year.
Generation Three – 2018 to 2020
Chevrolet redesigned the Cruze again in 2018 and gave the exterior a sleeker look. It also added even more space to the interior passenger compartment. The standard 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine was automatically outfitted with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the company added an option for a 1.6-liter turbocharged motor.
Despite Chevrolet recently updating the car, the company decided to remove it from its lineup at the end of 2019. So, the last model year is 2020.
Outstanding Chevrolet Cruze Recalls
2019/2020 Recalls
- Recall Number 20V668000Â began on December 15th, 2020. However, it covered vehicles manufactured in 2018 and 2019. It was the second recall due to missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator cap, which can cause the transmission to leak fluid and potentially catch fire.
2018 Recalls
- Recall Number # 18V304000 warns consumers of combustible gas tanks in some 2016 through 2018 models. The defect arises when something impacts the car from the back. In an accident, the fuel tank could leak the highly flammable liquid, and it could ignite.
- Recall Number 18V576000 recalls some 2018 and 2019 models for braking system issues. Some models have loose bolts on the start/stop accumulator cap, and a problem with the caliper pistons on the rear brake assembly could reduce the braking performance in others.
2017 Recalls
- Recall Number 17V057000 covers some 2016/2017 Cruzes for faulty front seat hear restraints. The headrests can detach from the seatbacks in an accident and injure the front or rear-seat passengers. Dealerships must complete these repairs for any covered vehicle owner for free, and it is a relatively simple fix.
2016 Recalls
- Recall Number 16V502000 covers specific Cruze models manufactured between 2011 and 2016. It was initiated when the NHSTA realized that the owners could remove the key without being in park. If that happens, the car could roll over the owner. It could also hit another vehicle or a person standing behind the car.
2015 Recalls
- Recall Number 15V113000Â covers a small group of vehicles managed in the five days between February 4th, 2015 and February 9th, 2015. On these particular cars, a technician may not have adequately tightened the parking brake components. Due to the error, the parking brake can detach from the vehicle rendering it useless.
2014 Recalls
- Recall Number 13V452000 notified vehicle owners of some 2013 and 2014 models with manual transmissions that might experience a drivetrain failure. The driveshaft could potentially separate from the axle assembly, causing the vehicle to slow and then come to a complete stop, or the car could unexpectedly move as a result of the parking brake not engaging.
- Recall Number 14V092000Â issued on February 21, 2014, covers 2014 model-year Cruzes with automatic transmissions. The affected cars are prone to shift cable adjuster disengagement, which can cause the driver issues changing gears.
- Recall Number 14V372000, issued by General Motors, LLC covers 2013 and 2014 models for airbag defects. Technicians may have used the wrong components to install the airbags. The error could result in an airbag failure, or the parts can break off and harm the passengers when the airbags deploy.
2013 Recalls
- Recall Number 13V452000 included 2013 Chevrolet Cruze models with manual transmissions. The report informed consumers that the driveshaft could separate from the axle assembly, leading to the drivetrain’s failure.
- Recall Number 13V360000Â states that Chevrolet recalls 2011 and 2012 models with 1.4-liter turbocharged engines due to a faulty vacuum pump needed for the brake assist feature. Without brake assist, the vehicle would become more challenging to control.
2012 Recalls
- Recall Number 12V289000 covers vehicles made from October 2009 to May 2012. In affected vehicles, A technician may not have used the second set of brackets on the fuel tank strap properly. The oversight could cause issues with the fuel tank moving in the event of a collision. If the tank moves, it could spill fuel, increasing the fire risk.
- Recall Number 12V288000 issued on June 22, 2012, includes 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet Cruzes. Consumers received notice that oil could collect in the engine compartment increasing, which could cause the engine shield to become flammable.
- Recall Number 12V522000 is the and states that particular 2012 model Cruzes have a shorting bar that can randomly connect with the airbag terminal. If that happens at the same time as a collision, it may prevent the airbag from deploying.
2011 Recalls
- Recall Number 11V221000Â includes some 2011 year-model Cruze cars. Chevrolet issued it after it became apparent that the steering wheel in these vehicles was improperly fastened and could detach from the steering column leaving the driver unable to control the car.
- Recall Number 11V270000Â sent out on May 6th, 2011, covers certain Cruze vehicles produced from 2009 to 2011. It indicates the possibility that the bolt connecting the steering gear input shaft to the intermediate steering shaft may not be fitted appropriately. If the two posts separate, the driver could lose steering control.
What Happens If Your Car Has a Recall?
When an automaker recalls a vehicle, they are responsible for notifying all registered vehicle owners at their last known address. The NHSTA also posts each recall on its site, and automakers have their own database.
If you have an updated address on your vehicle registration, you should receive a postcard or letter in the mail regarding the campaign.
It will give you details on what you need to do to resolve the problem, and if the manufacturer is still working on a solution, they may provide you with advice on how you can safely operate your vehicle in the meantime.
When there is a recall covering your car, it is vital to stay up-to-date on fixes and safety information. Automakers will send out bulletins regarding the recall periodically as they have more to share.
Who Pays For Repairs?
Generally, when the NHSTA or your automaker recalls your vehicle or a component of your car, it is the maker’s responsibility to fix it at their expense. That includes paying for or reimbursing the owner for the cost of parts and labor.
However, the dealership or manufacturer does not have to compensate you for your time or provide you with a rental while doing the repairs.
Sometimes a company may offer a buyback program. During these campaigns, the automaker gives consumers a specified amount over their car’s fair market value towards a new vehicle. Usually, it is 10 percent or $1,000.
FAQs
When searching for information on Chevy Cruze, consumers frequently ask other questions about the vehicle. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions.
Question: Does My Chevy Cruze Have a Recall?
Answer: Since Chevrolet started producing the Cruze, the company has issued a recall on every year-model. However, you need to conduct a VIN search to verify if any of the recalls apply to your specific trim and model. Some of the most significant recalls include:
• 500,000 Cruze models made from 2010 to 2012
• A stop-sale recall affecting 2012-2014 gasoline-powered Cruzes
• 174,046 2013 and 2014 Cruzes with 1.4-liter Turbo Engines
Question: How Do I Find Out If My Car Is On A Recall List?
Answer: There are a few ways that you can check to see if your vehicle is under a recall. You can perform a VIN check using the Chevrolet Recall tracker page.
You can also check for outstanding recalls on your car that have not been repaired on the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) recall page. Doing so is a good idea anytime you purchase a vehicle.
Question: How Many Miles Are Chevy Cruzes Good For?
Answer: The life expectancy for a new Chevy Cruze is around 150,000 miles. No matter what vehicle you purchase, your car’s longevity will depend on how well you maintain it. Part of maintaining your vehicle is making sure that you address recalls promptly. Failing to do so can be dangerous and result in further damage to your car.
Question: Do Chevy Cruzes Have a Lot of Problems?
Answer: The Chevy Cruze has had a lot of mechanical issues. Problems with the transmission that make it impossible to shift gears. It has also had issues with oil, gasoline, and coolant leaks. At best, these leaks can lead to engine or component failure, and there is also a possibility the fluids can be flammable.
Question: Is the Chevy Cruze Safe?
Answer: Despite the Cruze having an excessive number of recalls, it does receive an overall crash test rating from the NHSTA of five stars. That is the highest rating a vehicle can receive. So, as long as you keep up with safety recall repairs, the Cruze should be relatively safe in a front, side, or rear-impact crash.
Recall Statistics
While receiving a safety recall notice can be stressful, it is an indication that your vehicle manufacturer is taking consumer safety seriously. Nevertheless, if you are a Cruze owner or considering purchasing one of Chevrolet’s now discontinued compact cars, you probably want to know how it compares with other popular brands.
Honda Civic vs Toyota Corolla vs Chevy Cruze
If you are a Cruze owner or thinking about buying one, you are likely wondering how the Cruze compares to other popular vehicles in its class.
Using information regarding recalls from 1992 until today, we compared the Cruze to several other popular compact cars. During the 29-year period for which we have data, Honda has issued 53 recalls. That means there has been an average of 1.8 recalls per year.
During the same period, Toyota issued 59 recalls on the Corolla. That is an average of two per year. The Cruz was only on the market for 12 years. During that time, there have been 23 recalls. That is an average of 1.9 annually. So, it is on par with the rest of the automotive industry.
Find the right tire for you at Goodyear Tires. They offer a wide range of high performance car tires, SUV, passenger and 4x4 tires online.
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