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 2018 Chevrolet Cruze owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving approximately 68 mph when the contact crashed into a deer, the brake pedal was depressed however the vehicle continued to move forward. The contact stated that he had placed the vehicle in park but the vehicle continued to drive, the contact had to continuedly press the ignition button for the vehicle to turn off. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact mentioned that the cruise control was activated at the time of the failure. The contact sustained scrapes on the arms but did not seek medical attention. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to a local tow yard where it was diagnosed as destroyed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruz. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ECM. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Product Emission Recall 18239. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 99,000.
Engine performance dropped noticeably, tire pressure system alert lighted, and stability track turned off. Then within a short period of time, some 30 minutes, the engine warning light activity (steady). All of this happened shortly after the 3-year warranty expired although I was having some engine roughness a few days before three years. Made an appointment at the Chevy dealership and the issue was diagnosed to a misfire on cylinder #1. Apparently, the insulator around the center electrode of the spark plug separated and slipped down. After a bit of research and asking the dealer for Chevy TSB #PIP5657D, NHTSA TSB #10201263, I was startled to find this is a somewhat frequent-enough problem affecting a number of GM models using 1.4L engine as used in my Cruze. …
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle felt imbalanced and was shuddering. Additionally, the engine emitted abnormal knocking sounds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact then parked the vehicle a block away from his residence. The contact who is a certified independent mechanic, diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed. The contact also diagnosed that the fuel injector had melted and fused into the number one cylinder, causing the engine to misfire. The contact replaced the fuel injectors, the spark plugs, the fuel line, the fuel harness, and the vehicle software were flushed. However, the failure reoccurred. …
Coming to a stop sign or red light the car won't accelerate or will go in traction control making it difficult to move or not accelerate. Had 2-3 fuel leaks this year also having problems to keep the car going sometimes the max speed it will go is 20-40 miles n won't go up unless u keep letting it slow down slowly n then accelerating n even after that it won't make it above 60-70 miles it usually goes with no problem if its down hill since ur not pressing the gas or anything. Turning the air on also makes the car slow down other problems also is the gas running fast could just fill the tank n by the second day it will almost be over. Today the transmission gave up on me now I have no car to move around making it hard for me to go anywhere especially work since that's how I make my money for living but with no car it's a big problem.
My vehicle is available for inspection. As of now and luckily no one has been at risk including myself with my vehicle, I fear this will not be the case anytime soon. I saw there was a recall for my year make and model of car that is not associated with my specific VIN number. I am aware that my car could be connected to the other vehicles and their VIN numbers that are associated with this recall. This could lead to a much better issue if and when we discover that there are other VIN numbers with the same year, make and model as mine. I am getting my car checked tomorrow to get this confirmation. There were no warning lamps that showed, but my car is now making consistent rattling, whooshing, and clacking noises associated with the engine. It is becoming so loud that my fear of it exploding has now become so high.
-The engine experienced internal failure resulting in low compression in cylinder 1. The failure has rendered the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle and engine are currently available for inspection upon request. The issue was diagnosed and confirmed by both an independent mechanic and an authorized Chevrolet dealership. Both identified low compression in cylinder 1 due to internal engine failure. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent mechanic and an authorized Chevrolet dealership at the request of General Motors. The vehicle became undrivable due to the engine issue. There were no significant prior warnings that would have indicated imminent internal engine failure. The check engine light turned on 2/9/26 and was first taken into a shop the next day, 2/10/26.
The vehicle first prompted that it had a recorded a misfire in cylinder 1. Changed the spark plugs and coil packs. Vehicle noted a misfire in cylinder 1gain and said service stabilitrak. Changed the pcv valves and other vacuum pieces on the valve cover along with the MAF sensor. Engine ran fine on test drive, then dumped oil on the ground as I was pulling back into the drive way. Gasket comes on the oil pan so that's getting replaced next. Then I have to check the fuel pressure sensors and fuel pump to see if they're failing because apparently GM has a points bulletin out about them not being so good. Plus hope the engine isn't ruined when it lost all its oil.
This is the second time the car will show reduced power and completely come to a slow speed without warnings. Previously GM had issues with the crude pedal and other systems related to the reduce I. Velocity. An investigation on either faulty parts is required as this is a major issue that can or could caused accidents. I had the issue looked and supposedly repair in December 2023 now the issues is back. I was driving in [redacted] and the speed reduced without warnings almost causing an accident. The repair has not even been 3 months and the car is faulty
My vehicle would jerk while driving and sometimes not want to even go at a stop light when it turned green. Check engine light has been on. Even when I was at a stop light it would just start jerking forward. I took it to an automotive repair shop after replacing multiple parts on the vehicle. Automotive shop ran a compression test and said it failed. Internal cylinder issue. So the vehicle barely runs and I just got it close to three years ago.
Engine complaints in other Cruze years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, 27% of the model year's 109 complaints. The component named most often is engine › oil/lubrication (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Chevrolet Cruze engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, though it has 3 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 2018 Chevrolet Cruze engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 19,000 miles, and 57% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury 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.