Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Unknown I purchased this vehicle in 2019 About 2 and half years now. This car engine is malfunctioning. When i am driving uphill the speed is not transitioning and it had caused other vehicles behind me to slow down. Second major problem is during the summer season the speed does not adjust easily . I would have to press on the gas so hardly to be able to proceed. The worst of all is when am at a traffic light and it turns green that I must proceed the car will not move. I get stuck for a short period and then i would pressed on the gas and all of a sudden you will hear a heavy noise. I drive without AC in summertime often because the car would be stuck, stuck i repeat on the road without moving if my AC is on. It is terrible i must turn off my AC to be able to drive and if i do not am at risk of getting hit by the car behind me. This has been so hard on me and i am really distressed.
I am leasing this vehicle and it continues to have warning light on staring the vehicle engine power reduced as I'm driving and holds back vehicle and also airbag restraining system light continues also to be on. This is not normal wear and tear and I read previous years had this issue as well. This is still an issue concerning of my safety. Paying for inconvenience
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle decelerated to 30-35 MPH. Additionally, the vehicle made abnormal rattling sounds and failed to exceed 30-35 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the knock sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred two months later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the knock sensors and the engine were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Zimbrick Chevrolet Service (1877 W Main St #200, Sun Prairie, WI 53590), where the knock sensors and the knock sensors terminal were replaced; however, the failure recurred. …
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and was slow to accelerate. The stabili-trak control warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to respond while driving uphill. There was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the coil pack, turbo boost, spark plugs, an oil change, ABS, brake booster, and air flow sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the low turbo boost. …
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Service Brake System" was displayed simultaneously. The vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that he applied more pressure to the brake pedal and the vehicle responded. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure recurred while driving to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump had seized, which fractured the camshaft. The mechanic diagnosed that the vacuum pump and the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000. …
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving over 50 MPH, the A/C unit turned off independently and the instrument panel displayed a message that the engine was overheating. Additionally, the engine power reduced message was displayed. The contact stated that after receiving message alerts on the instrument panel, the vehicle decelerated to 15-20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred on several occasions and the instrument panel displayed message alerts for the engine overheating and the engine power being reduced. The contact attempted to call local dealers but was not successful. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Related recalls (1)
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…
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Cruze years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (308), 2011 (295), 2013 (233), 2014 (233) and 2016 (108) model years. Engine complaints make up 36% of all complaints for the 2012.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Cruze engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 12V-288 (engine and engine cooling, Jun 22, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Cruze engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline › turbo/supercharger (5 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (5).
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.