Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Chevrolet Cruze owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
HVAC blend door lever, which controls the function of properly moving the air from floor to vent to defrost, broken, resulting in inability to properly switch to defrost mode for safe operation of vehicle and driver visibility. Included are pictures of manufacturer original part, and newly designed aftermarket part. While the part has been redesigned to correct the original manufacturing design (new part is GM 13263335), no recall has been issued for this matter. This poses consequences to consumers, and replacing the part requires a complete removal of the dash, at an estimated cost to consumer of $1,000, as quoted by GM dealership in Mankato, MN.
It began raining and turned wipers on and driver side quit working and it was coming a downpour almost. I ended up bumping guard rail causing a few hundred dollars worth of damage to my car
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. While driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking at the water pump. The water pump was replaced. The issue persisted and the heater and defogger were inoperable. The vehicle was then diagnosed with no coolant and the thermostat housing was replaced. The check engine warning indicator illuminated again. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a leak was found at the water pump. The pump was replaced again. While driving 65 MPH, the check engine indicator illuminated again. The dealer performed a diagnostic test and a p0411 code was found. This time, the air check valve was replaced. The contact stated that the heater was inoperable. The contact checked the coolant and found no coolant in the vehicle. …
I am writing to request an investigation into Chevrolet Cruze heater blend door actuator failures. The issue is a small plastic gear that strips out and does not allow the blend door to cycle from windshield defrost / dash vents / and floor vents. This is a high safety concern in cold / rainy weather driving due to the vehicle operator is unable to adjust the bled door to defrost the windshield. This in turn allows the windshield to become fogged, (or frosty in extreme cold) which leads to very poor visibility. I have a professional youtube channel that shows the issue in detail the link is https://youtu.be/i5pdaia0p-8 quotes to repair this issue range from $800.00 to $1500.00. Being this failure can lead to an accident caused from poor visibility from an obvious design flaw, to cut corners and save money, this needs to be looked at. …
The windshield wiper linkage failed via a ball joint failure in the wiper mechanism. This caused the driver side wiper to become free moving, staying attached to the car. When it failed, it wound up getting pinned against the driver side door, forcing me to exit the vehicle via the passenger side. This failure occurred when I was driving through western md on interstate 68 near grantsville, md, during a light snow and salting operations were underway. I was using the wipers and washer fluid to keep the windshield clear of salt. After this failure, I used cable ties to tie the loose wiper arm to the attached wiper arm, therefore disabling my wipers until we got to our destination, two hours further down the road. I had to stop every 10-15 minutes to clear the salt off of the windshield. I replaced the part, but have the OEM part available for inspection, if requested. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. While driving approximately 75 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the failure was unable to be determined. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced under a safety recall related to the electrical system and the technician stated that the water pump was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The technician also informed the contact that the water pump housing was cracked and needed to be replaced, but was not repaired. When the heater was activated, an odor of antifreeze and fuel emitted inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,000.
The windshield defrost does not work like it is supposed too. When I put it on defrost and the heat on full blast, it will only heat the passengers side of the vehicle and not the drivers side of the vehicle which is a huge safety concern. On the driver's side there is cold air coming out of the vents which prevents the drivers side of the windshield to not defrost. When I drive, it only seems to get worst so I pull over and try to scrape the ice off as best as I can so I can properly see. This is a huge concern when it comes to upstate new york winters, especially when we have ice storms which is when I first encountered the issue. It fails to defrost the inside and outside of the windshield on the driver's side. This is a huge safety concern as it impairs visibility.
The defrost doesn't work on the drivers side. When I turn the settings to defrost, the face vents turn on full power. Ive tried all of the different settings (face, feet, face and feet, defrost and feet, etc) and the defrost wont work on any of them. This causes my window to fog up and ice over on the drivers side. While im driving! Its not only annoying , it's extremely dangerous and unsafe when drivig during the winter months. There is nothing in the vents. I checked. I tried to take pictures to show how I have no visibility. It's alot worse in person.
When the climate control system is placed in defrost mode the air does not blow out the defroster vents and the windshield does not clear. This is a safety hazard especially in michigan with all the weather changes. There are many reports on line with videos of a gear on the defrost door stripped/broken, these reports go back years to current. Seems GM does not plan to authorize a recall for this safety issue. I checked with local Chevy dealer and Chevy customer service was told there is no recall related to this issue.
During the winter the defroster will not clear any of the windows, front and side. Happens when temperature is at 34 degrees and below. Put system in defrost + heat feet front windshield and all side windows fog up. Place in defrost only clears windshield not side total, no clear in back side windows. Have to run fan on almost full when in defrost only. Happens in motion and static. First dealer would not fix, second dealer has been working on it for 4 years
Window & Wiper complaints in other Cruze years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, 5% of the model year's 587 complaints. The component named most often is rearview mirrors/devices › exterior (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Chevrolet Cruze window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Cruze window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.