2018 Chevrolet Cruze Transmission Problems

23 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze to NHTSA — 21% of all 109 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 53,000 miles. That ranks #8 of 9 Cruze model years for transmission complaints (a typical year has 97). One related recall has been issued.

23complaints
53ktypical miles
1related recalls
3crashes
0fires
3injuries

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    220%
  • 25k–50k
    220%
  • 50k–75k
    440%
  • 75k–100k
    110%
  • 100k–150k
    110%
  • 150k+
    00%

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.

119,000 miles · Nov 2021 · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that the vehicle shifted from park into reverse without warning. While the vehicle was idling, the driver exited the vehicle and the vehicle rolled and crashed into a telephone pole. The driver's side door was ajar and was ripped off during the crash. The contact sustained cuts and bruises but no medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire or air bag deployment. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

45,000 miles · Aug 2022 · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the clutch pedal remained on the floorboard and failed to disengage. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pumped the clutch pedal and veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided since the powertrain warranty had expired. The manufacturer referred the contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 64,900.

65,000 miles · Mar 2023

put car in PARK ,got out to check mail box 20 feet away [car door left open]. When retuning to car it began to slowly move backward.I ran around the back and tried to get in but was knocked down by the open door.I rolled away from the approaching wheel with minor scrapes. The car continued backing across the street,hit a pole then toward a group of people.I was able to alert them and all got out of the way. I have been working with GM to find out if this model,this transmission,or only this car has this slip from Park to Reverse problem.

Aug 2022 · crash · 1 injury

This Cruze is equipped with a manual 6 speed transmission. The initial incident involved complete loss of the clutch with the clutch pedal sticking to the floor. This and the driver could not get the vehicle into gear. The driver then reached down and pulled the clutch up from the flor and was able to resume some clutch function. No Malfunction indicator or engine light was visible. Dealer serviced the vehicle indicating a P08A8 code set after incident. Vehicle repair order/invoice 382676 Ewald Chevrolet Buick. 36833 E Wisconsin Avenue, Oconomowoc, WI 53066 [phone]. When I picked the vehicle up, I couldn't leave with it because when I depressed the clutch pedal the clutch engaged/disengaged all the way depressed or at the floor. The dealer replaced Part #55505687 PIPE, and 19353126 Fluid. …

Jan 2022

I was driving the car and the clutch was not engaging, went to the dealer and was advised to change the cylinder kit (GM part 24295457) and the pressure plate (GM part 55574768) and get charge almost 5k for the repair. The car has 50500 miles and has almost 3 years, the warranty is 5 years or 60000 miles, which I was in it. After I paid for the check up the dealer told me that is not part of the warranty. I did my research with my mechanic and said the cylinder kit was a manufacturer defect, and also was a recall on Europe with this type of car due to the type of the transmission (stick shift). Contact to GM headquarters and make a complaint, the answers from them as they contact the dealer and due to the car has an accident that was not reported they can not do anything with the repair. …

May 2021

Shortly after I merge onto a highway and pickup speed my cruze apears to be slipping gears. It does not do it every time but it appears to be happening increasingly often. It starts to shake violently, becomes hard to stear and refuses to excelerate even though the rpm's are rising significantly higher then they should be, leaving me going 35 - 40mph on a 65mph highway, it does not fully decelerate either. It happened the other day and the road speed was 65mph to start which my car wouldn't do then immediately became congested which is when I realized it wouldn't properly decelerate either, at least before I thought I coupd just pull over if it lasted to long. My car only has 22,000 miles on it and was certified pre-owned. It is regularly maintenanced as well. I have not taken it to be inspected just yet but that is my next step as I don't feel at all safe driving it in this condition.

Mar 2024

My transmission started acting up around 70,000 miles. I noticed symptoms like stalling when backing up, trouble coming to a stop from higher speeds, and an occasional stutter. My local transmission shop couldn't replicate the issue, as it was intermittent, and recommended an oil change. At 100,000 miles, the transmission began slipping, so I changed the oil again, only to find it was black and burnt. Now, at 139,000 miles, I changed the oil once more at 138,000 miles after experiencing issues with shifting into 8th and 9th gears and receiving a P2817 code. After speaking with several people on forums, I learned this is a common problem with these cars, and many recommend replacing the transmission as it often fails around this mileage. I also consulted another transmission shop, but they refused to service my car due to their past experience with these models.

Aug 2024

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.

Aug 2021

The clutch peddle is low without pressure. Mine and my kids was in danger when the clutch was not working when I had a green light. I could not get my car to go into gear. My husband thought that maybe there was air in the lines but he is unsure. After pumping the clutch several times,probably 100 times my husband was able to get me to safety. Problem was reproduced with my husband 2 days later when he was stuck in Atlanta traffic. I did have a warning that said something about trac suspension. I am unable to remember what popped up. This incident has happened 3 times. I think there should be a recall out.

Aug 2023

Related recalls

Power train › Automatic transmission

NHTSA recall 20V-668 · Oct 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020.

Transmission complaints in other Cruze years

20112012201320142015201620172018201919313711397373139238
Transmission complaints per model year, Chevrolet Cruze.

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?

NHTSA has 23 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, 21% of the model year's 109 complaints.

Is there a recall for 2018 Chevrolet Cruze transmission problems?

Yes — NHTSA recall 20V-668 (automatic transmission, Oct 29, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

At what mileage do 2018 Chevrolet Cruze transmission problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 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.