Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Chevrolet Cruze owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The check engine warning light illuminated shortly after the vehicle was purchased. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking erratically, and the engine was abnormally loud. In addition, the RPM was elevated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that there was electrical power to the vehicle; however, the engine failed to crank. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was purchased, and diagnosed with a computer system failure. …
The car overheated out of nowhere. Oil busted out of the compartment it's supposed to be held in and got all over my mechanical parts inside the vehicle. My car caught on fire from the bottom where the engine and transmission are. The car started rattling and giving me warnings to get out of the vehicle because the vehicle was unsafe. It gave me the warning that the engine is idle, Engine locked up, and also an coolant issue. The car didn't have issues before this. I literally had to jump out of the car with my family. The warning light for the engine and coolant came on. There hasn't been In problems prior to this other than changing a sensor. The insurance was notified and don't have a solution. We're trying to figure out what to do because it's not driveable. Going to contact Chevy dealer or GM as well.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of engine oil was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, oil was leaking from the engine compartment onto the floor of the garage. The vehicle had been serviced on multiple occasions for the failure by an independent mechanic who replaced the oil pan and oil reservoir however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V288000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruz. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot (H). Upon checking the coolant level, the contact discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir; however, the failure returned, and the coolant immediately leaked out of the vehicle. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir a second time and drove to an independent mechanic. A diagnostic test was performed that showed that a cracked tube under the coolant had caused a gasket to blow, leading to the coolant leak. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM increased and there was a burning oil odor on the interior of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped and parked the vehicle. The contact performed an inspection under the hood and when the oil cap was removed, the contact noticed a whistling sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed intake manifold. The contact was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood and a burning odor was detected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with oil leakage from the valve cover gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnosis with the dealer. The vehicle had a Manufacturer Recall N202299080 (Special Coverage Camshaft Cover Replacement) performed in 2019. However, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 25-35 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear and then stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who changed the engine oil however, the failure persisted. The contact was informed that there might be an engine failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Due to OnStar 2G sunsetting their services at the end of this year, all makes of General Motors vehicles did not comply to any of the customers requests to upgrade their module to 4G services, although upon researching, all Canadian GM vehicles did get the upgrade well over 7 years ago. This is well beyond a concern with GM and OnStar customers. With the NHTSA as a safety liaison and protecting the consumer, if a module upgrade can be applied in a vehicle that is on the same assembly parts, platform, electrical components...and be denied from the United States? The NHTSA should realize that this will be frivolous law suits because of neglect and safety concerns with GM and OnStar in the United States.
Real bad oil leak my oil been leaking for months and a intake manifold code P2076 I really need this problem fix. I done spend a lot of money getting this car repaired everytime I get this Chevy Cruze out the shop something else wrongs I can't out no more money into this car too many car problems I haven't drove this car in 3 weeks because I was driving somewhere and white smoke started coming out the tailpipe bad somebody called the fire department and police on me that's how bad the smoke was coming out the tailpipe mind you I had just got the car out the shop i had got code P0303 fix this car cost me alot of money I got alot of repairs done on this car
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
General motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from October 2, 2009, through May 31, 2012. Spilled or dripping oil (such as after an oil change) May collect in the engine shield (bellypan) near hot engine or exhaust system surfaces.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the engine shield to prevent fluid from contacting the shield. Also, on vehicles with a manual transmission, dealers will apply a protective tape to the electronic power…
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fire
In a June 21, 2012 letter to NHTSA, General Motors LLC. (GM) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in approximately 413,148 model year (MY) 2011 through 2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured from October 2, 2009 through May 31, 2012 (Recall 12V-288).
Chapman Chevrolet / Cruze Engine Recall
NHTSA opened AQ12-002 to determine whether Chapman Chevrolet of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C.Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations.The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and non-compliances with Federal Motor Vehicle…
Engine complaints in other Cruze years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
NHTSA has 295 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 40% of the model year's 732 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › crankcase (pcv) (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Chevrolet Cruze engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 12V-288 (engine and engine cooling, Jun 22, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Cruze engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 17 fires and 6 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.