Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 while at a stop sign and accelerating, the vehicle hesitated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 54,057. The contact noted that the failure mileage was actually 45,057 and the failure speed was intermittent. After the vehicle was left with the dealer a second time, they found that there were two cylinders with low compression. The dealer presented the contact two options to remedy the issue. The contact paid to have the engine replaced with a remanufactured one from GM. The new engine has since been reinstalled, but it is unknown why the failure happened. …
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shut off unintendedly and without warning. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not yet been contacted regarding the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V502000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 129,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while attempting to leave a parking lot, the gear shifter was shifted to drive but the transmission remained in reverse. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The VIN was not available.
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.
Vehicle does not shift gears, jumpy, sluggish, disengages then jerks back into gear. Hazard when trying to pickup speed to accelerate into highway traffic. Does not engage in reverse gear at times, have to turn vehicle off, wait a few minutes then turn vehicle back on for reverse gear to engage. Sometimes when vehicle is in park, vehicle will not start, have to fidget with gear and key, sometimes for several minutes before it will register in park and allow you to start the vehicle. When on highway transmission will jolt and jerk making you think you have lost your transmission on the roadway. This is a major hazard for my daughter who drives this vehicle to college. I am aware of a lift plate that can be installed to fix this problem that has existed in all 2011 Chevy Cruze s since they were manufactured. NHTSA Bulletin issued Oct. …
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.
The transmission failed and wouldn't go into 3rd gear. Safety of person driving was put at risk on an expressway on ramp, transmission refused to go into 3rd gear could have been rear ended as traffic was accelerating on ramp. The issue was reproduced at a transmission repair shop. Vehicle has been repaired at a transmission shop after being towed to their facility as it was undriveable. There were NO warning lights or messages prior to failure. Car seemed a little sluggish before but not really a warning at all before catastrophic failure of transmission.
Seven recalls!!! Chevy claims there are no recalls for this vin number. 7 is way to many!!! Not to mention their valve covers on this car are terrible, no wonder the engine catches fire, I've had it replaced 3 times. I've replaced cooling components multiple times an never got any recall notifications from Chevy!!!!!! Please help.
Transmission locked gears and would not accelerate causing a huge safety violation when it occurred on an interstate. Vehicle was just seen by a mechanic that deemed the car safe to drive and then the car proceeded to malfunction. Vehicle has history of a slipping transmission, with no diagnosis ever found.
I drive daily taking 2 freeways. I stopped at the traffic light and the car felt like shaking. Stabilitrack warning and traction control warning light and messages appeared on the screen and also the check engine light turned on, and ABS too. Break pedal was really hard to push and breaks were not working (i was not reducing speed at all) and it felt like the engine loose power and the car felt rough while driving. I was approaching to another traffic light and it was a red light so I prepared to decrease my speed and stop to wait for the green light. When I placed my foot and pressed the break pedal, it was hard. …
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from October 6, 2009, through April 27, 2011 and equipped with an automatic transmission for failing to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission shift linkage for correct installation and adjust the shift linkage system free of charge. The safety recall began on May 23, 2011.
Transmission complaints in other Cruze years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
NHTSA has 193 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 26% of the model year's 732 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Chevrolet Cruze transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 11V-273 (gear position indication (prndl), May 6, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Cruze transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.