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2013 Chevrolet Cruze Problems & Owner Complaints

585 NHTSA owner complaints
54 crash 8 fire 32 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~41.8 complaints per year on the road — ranking 2 of 7 Chevrolet Cruze years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, cited in 210 of 585 filed complaints (36%).

Electrical System is next (121 complaints, 21%), followed by Power Train (112), Steering (74), Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (62).

Across all complaints, 54 report a crash, 8 report a fire, 32 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 32 crash, 1 fire, 29 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 585.

Engine 210 8 crash 7 fire 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER SON WHO OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER GRANDDAUGHTER WAS PARKING THE VEHICLE, WHEN SHE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER WAS NOT AWARE IF ANY WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WHEN OPENED THE HOOD, SHE SAW FIRE AND SUSTAINED BURNS ON HER RIGHT HAND. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVERS STEPFATHER WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH WATER HOSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED BUT WAS NOT AWARE OF THEY FILED A FIRE REPORT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DRIVER DID NO…”
NHTSA complaint #11366999, 2020 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN GETTING READY TO CROSS OVER HWY TO GO NORTH BOUND. A TRUCK CAME OUT OF NOWHERE AND HIT MY DRIVER SIDE FRONT END. MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I GOOGLED IT AND SAW THERE IS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR AIR BAG. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR 2 WEEKS AGO. SHOULDN'T THE DEALER BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING RECALLS BEFORE SELLING THE CAR EVEN IT IS USED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10652435, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“GOT INTO A VERY MINOR FENDER BENDER AND THE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES. AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED BECAUSE I WASN'T GOING FAST ENOUGH. BUT YET MY CAR BURNED.”
NHTSA complaint #11001176, 2017 · crash · fire

Electrical System 121 4 crash 2 fire

“AFTER CHANGING OIL FILTER, OIL SPRAYED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES INTO DRIVE, CAUSING A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ALL OCCUPANTS WERE SAFE, BUT THE DAMAGE IS EXPENSIVE. WIRING HARNESSES, AS WELL AS MASTER CYLINDER WERE MELTED. THE TOP MOUNTED FILTER IS A PLEATED CARTRIDGE THAT SNAPS INTO A THREADED PLASTIC OIL FILTER CAP. A BLUE O-RING, INCLUDED WITH THE FILTER, SLIPS OVER THE PLASTIC OIL FILTER CAP, PAST THE THREADS. THE ISSUE SEEMS TO THAT TWO "GROOVES" EXIST AFTER THE THREADS TOWARDS THE END BY THE FLANGE. IF THE O-RING IS PLACED IN THE WRONG LOCATION (I.E. AL…”
NHTSA complaint #10554773, 2013 · fire

“Hi, I have had my car for a total of 8 years so far. It was bought used, in perfect condition in the beginning. Years passed and I have gained many problems down the road. First, the valve had to be replaced, spent a little under $1K, car worked well, until it started leaking coolant. Second, the car started to jerk back if you were passing at least 60mph. You go above 65-70, the car would jerk back to where it felt as if the whole bottom of the car fell off. You could press the gas pedal and it would barely go, it felt as if you were pushing the car with your own hands from the back, as if it…”
NHTSA complaint #11472763, 2022 · crash

“"TAKATA RECALL"- THE DASH LIGHTS CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE STREERING WHEEL LOCKS UP WHILE THE CAR IN DRIVING AT 70MPH. MESSASGE ABOUT THE ELECTRICAL STABILITY CONTROL POPS UP.”
NHTSA complaint #11112755, 2017 · crash

Power Train 112 1 crash

“MY CAR IS A DANGER THE ENGINE POWER SLOWS DOWN WHEN DRIVING CAUSING ANOTHER TO HIT IN THE BACK POWER STEERING LIGHT DISPLAYS, STABILIZE TRACT AND ENGINE POWER, I HAVE ALREADY HAD ONE HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT.I TOOK CAR TO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP HARBISON RD COLUMBIA SC THEY JUST HALF REPAIR IT SOMEONE MAY DIE IF CAR CONTINUE TO POWER DOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11217617, 2019 · crash

“Transmission messed up only own the car for 7 months”
NHTSA complaint #11624046, 2024

“I own 3 Chevy Cruze, a 2012, 2013 and 2016. They all partial power down or decelerate while driving. The local Chevy dealers has no recalls for this issue or any other for that matter. Please advise”
NHTSA complaint #11593075, 2024

Unknown Or Other 75 2 crash 1 fire

“GOT INTO A VERY MINOR FENDER BENDER AND THE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES. AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED BECAUSE I WASN'T GOING FAST ENOUGH. BUT YET MY CAR BURNED.”
NHTSA complaint #11001176, 2017 · crash · fire

“The dealership sold my family this vehicle that has been a total loss since 2018. My understanding on why it has a green title is because someone paid out of pocket to cover the repairs. It has also been in 2 other accidents in 2020. The dealership did not make us aware of it and have been avoiding my contact.”
NHTSA complaint #11437138, 2021 · crash

“My car over heats at least over 300 degrees. Afraid that my vehicle is In danger of catching fire due to the high temperature causing tension belt and hose components to melt.”
NHTSA complaint #11694002, 2025

Steering 74 4 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“THE STABLIC TRACT, THE ENGINE, THE ENGINE SLOWS DOWN, THE POWER STEERING, THE ENGINE MODULE HAS BLOWED I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR DAY 1, I BOUGHT FROM JDA AUTOMOTIVE ON GARNERS FERRY ROAD. I HAVE BEEN TAKING CAR TO CHEVROLET IN COLUMBIA,SC HARBISON . THEY REPAIRED RECALLS BUT SOON AS REPAIR THEY SEND A SIGNAL TO CAR TO TEAR UP .THE CAR COME TO COMPLETE STOP CAUSING ME TO NEED NECK BRACE IT ALSO IS TEARING UP THE THREAD ON TIRES. AND PEOPLE ARE BLOWING HORN AND ALSO HITTING ME IN BACK EVERYWHERE I GO I HAVE TO USE EMERGENCY BLINKING LIGHTS.”
NHTSA complaint #11317420, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY IN BALDWIN COUNTY, ALABAMA, WHEN SHE APPROACHED A RIGHT HAND CURVE (WHICH THE DRIVER WAS FULLY AWARE OF). DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES SO AS TO SLOW DOWN TO NEGOTIATE THIS CURVE, BUT WHEN THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THEY DID NOT RESPOND. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO LOSE POWER STEERING FUNCTION. IT APPEARED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, SIMILAR IN NATURE TO THE MOST RECENT IGNITION DEFECTS ON OTHER GM VEHICLES. DUE TO LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, THE VEHICLE WENT STRAIGHT OFF ROADWAY AND CRASHED CAUSING SIGNIFICANT PERSONAL INJURY TO THE DRI…”
NHTSA complaint #10604304, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD. CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 35MPH. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON ME AND I COULD NOT TURN AT A CURVE CAUSING ME TO SLAM ON BRAKES AND SLID OFF OF A DIRT ROAD INTO A DITCH AND TREE LINED AREA. DO HAVE POLICE REPORT AS WELL.”
NHTSA complaint #10849912, 2016 · crash

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 62 5 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“THE STABLIC TRACT, THE ENGINE, THE ENGINE SLOWS DOWN, THE POWER STEERING, THE ENGINE MODULE HAS BLOWED I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR DAY 1, I BOUGHT FROM JDA AUTOMOTIVE ON GARNERS FERRY ROAD. I HAVE BEEN TAKING CAR TO CHEVROLET IN COLUMBIA,SC HARBISON . THEY REPAIRED RECALLS BUT SOON AS REPAIR THEY SEND A SIGNAL TO CAR TO TEAR UP .THE CAR COME TO COMPLETE STOP CAUSING ME TO NEED NECK BRACE IT ALSO IS TEARING UP THE THREAD ON TIRES. AND PEOPLE ARE BLOWING HORN AND ALSO HITTING ME IN BACK EVERYWHERE I GO I HAVE TO USE EMERGENCY BLINKING LIGHTS.”
NHTSA complaint #11317420, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY VEHICLE LOOSES POWER, ENGINE LEAKS, HAVE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT PROBLEMS WITH THE KEY IN THE SWITCH....THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING AND CAUGHT ON FIRE THAN LOOSES POWER ALL THE TIME. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR BECAUSE I TRAVEL WITH MY FAMILY I HAVE THREE CHILDREN.”
NHTSA complaint #10747079, 2015 · crash · fire

“MY CAR IS A DANGER THE ENGINE POWER SLOWS DOWN WHEN DRIVING CAUSING ANOTHER TO HIT IN THE BACK POWER STEERING LIGHT DISPLAYS, STABILIZE TRACT AND ENGINE POWER, I HAVE ALREADY HAD ONE HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT.I TOOK CAR TO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP HARBISON RD COLUMBIA SC THEY JUST HALF REPAIR IT SOMEONE MAY DIE IF CAR CONTINUE TO POWER DOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11217617, 2019 · crash

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Service Brakes 50 12 crash 1 fire 5 injury

“I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH ON A CITY STREET WHEN THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES THE FIRST TIME I HIT THE BRAKE AND THE CAR STOPPED THE NEXT TIME I HIT THE BRAKE IT WAS HARD AND DIDN'T STOP THE CAR CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND I THINK IT SHOULD HAVE, CAUSING MY HEAD TO SLAM INTO THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING ME TO BITE MY TONGUE IN HALF. I HAVE CONTACT CHEVROLET AND GM MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING THEY LITERALLY HAVE NOT CARED ONE BIT. I BELIEVE THEIR IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM OR THE VACUUM SYSTEM IN…”
NHTSA complaint #11203353, 2018 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS AND DID NOT MOVE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED. BRUISES TO THE FACE, NECK, AND LEG. ADDITIONALLY THE DRIVER'S LEFT HAND WAS OVEREXTENDED. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,042.”
NHTSA complaint #10986179, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY IN BALDWIN COUNTY, ALABAMA, WHEN SHE APPROACHED A RIGHT HAND CURVE (WHICH THE DRIVER WAS FULLY AWARE OF). DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES SO AS TO SLOW DOWN TO NEGOTIATE THIS CURVE, BUT WHEN THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THEY DID NOT RESPOND. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO LOSE POWER STEERING FUNCTION. IT APPEARED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, SIMILAR IN NATURE TO THE MOST RECENT IGNITION DEFECTS ON OTHER GM VEHICLES. DUE TO LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, THE VEHICLE WENT STRAIGHT OFF ROADWAY AND CRASHED CAUSING SIGNIFICANT PERSONAL INJURY TO THE DRI…”
NHTSA complaint #10604304, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Air Bags 49 32 crash 1 fire 29 injury

“I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH ON A CITY STREET WHEN THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES THE FIRST TIME I HIT THE BRAKE AND THE CAR STOPPED THE NEXT TIME I HIT THE BRAKE IT WAS HARD AND DIDN'T STOP THE CAR CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND I THINK IT SHOULD HAVE, CAUSING MY HEAD TO SLAM INTO THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING ME TO BITE MY TONGUE IN HALF. I HAVE CONTACT CHEVROLET AND GM MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING THEY LITERALLY HAVE NOT CARED ONE BIT. I BELIEVE THEIR IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM OR THE VACUUM SYSTEM IN…”
NHTSA complaint #11203353, 2018 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, A SECOND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK, BACK, AND HEAD INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10892452, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE - AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT. DRIVER HIT HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL. (ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON OTHER VEHICLE (AUDI S4.)) TOLD BY INSURANCE ADJUSTOR HE TYPICALLY DOES NOT SEE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT ON CHEVY CRUIZE AS THE SENSORS ARE HIGH ON THE INTERNAL FRAME.”
NHTSA complaint #10884858, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 38 4 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“THE STABLIC TRACT, THE ENGINE, THE ENGINE SLOWS DOWN, THE POWER STEERING, THE ENGINE MODULE HAS BLOWED I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR DAY 1, I BOUGHT FROM JDA AUTOMOTIVE ON GARNERS FERRY ROAD. I HAVE BEEN TAKING CAR TO CHEVROLET IN COLUMBIA,SC HARBISON . THEY REPAIRED RECALLS BUT SOON AS REPAIR THEY SEND A SIGNAL TO CAR TO TEAR UP .THE CAR COME TO COMPLETE STOP CAUSING ME TO NEED NECK BRACE IT ALSO IS TEARING UP THE THREAD ON TIRES. AND PEOPLE ARE BLOWING HORN AND ALSO HITTING ME IN BACK EVERYWHERE I GO I HAVE TO USE EMERGENCY BLINKING LIGHTS.”
NHTSA complaint #11317420, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY VEHICLE LOOSES POWER, ENGINE LEAKS, HAVE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT PROBLEMS WITH THE KEY IN THE SWITCH....THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING AND CAUGHT ON FIRE THAN LOOSES POWER ALL THE TIME. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR BECAUSE I TRAVEL WITH MY FAMILY I HAVE THREE CHILDREN.”
NHTSA complaint #10747079, 2015 · crash · fire

“I WAS PARALLEL PARKING MY CAR AND WHEN I PUT IT IN PARK I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THE CAR MADE A REVVING SOUND AND WENT IN REVERSE. I THEN HIT THE BRAKE, AND THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND MADE THE SAME NOISE. IT WENT INTO THE CAR BEHIND ME, AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. FINALLY AFTER THAT I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE CAR BACK OUT OF PARK TO GO REVERSE SO THAT I CAN GET MY CAR AWAY FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT (THAT I HIT) AND THEN I PARKED IT SUCCESSFULLY. PROBABLY THE SCARIEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED BECAUSE I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL OVER MY VEHICLE. WHEN I TELL MY FAMILY/FRIENDS ABOUT THE INCI…”
NHTSA complaint #10593240, 2014 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 29

“For the airbag the car was sold to me without a working airbag. It’s in the steering wheel (I have been told this by a Chevrolet dealership) and the part that is broken is the part that will make it inflate in case of crash. This is scary to me. I was just in my first (and hopefully only) accident a month before in a more steely car and while no airbags were deployed it still hurts. The second issue is with the fuel pump or sensor - the coding is very unsure but the dash (including the mechanical gauge) says the car will go from half tank to empty on an 8 mile drive. It has no leaks on th…”
NHTSA complaint #11681926, 2025

“Traction control warning pops up and steering stops, even while driving. Motor shuts down and smells like fuel in water res.”
NHTSA complaint #11558464, 2023

“Thermostat keeps alerting me that it's overheating, while constantly guzzling anti-freeze and water. There's no obvious leak, completely dry under the car. The car will shut its self off.”
NHTSA complaint #11518275, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling 24

“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle also lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic control unit module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,212. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11666837, 2025

“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the Engine Control Module (ECM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11645065, 2025

“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle started shaking and the engine overheated. The contact veered to the side of the road and antifreeze was added to the reservoir. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was leaking antifreeze while parked or while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated and cleared independently when the engine cooled down. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failu…”
NHTSA complaint #11521540, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 22 1 crash

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11442882, 2021 · crash

“Broken blend door in hvac box. No heat to defrost windows.”
NHTSA complaint #11598714, 2024

“Broken mode select gear. Unable to change the heat to defrost and the windshield will not clear in cold weather.”
NHTSA complaint #11598815, 2023

Structure 13 11 crash 4 injury

“2013 CHEVY CRUZE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE GOING 30-40MPH HEAD ON. NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED . AIR BAG SERVICE LIGHT IS NOW ON.”
NHTSA complaint #11114473, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TRAVELING WEST AND AN EAST BOUND VEHICLE TURNED IN FRONT OF ME. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS TICKET FOR FAILURE TO YIELD AND ACCIDENT CAUSING BODILY INJURY. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY I SUSTAINED INJURIES TO MY CHEST, HIT MY HEAD ON DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW AND MY LEFT SHOULD AND RIBS WERE THROWN IN TO THE DOOR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10663948, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN GETTING READY TO CROSS OVER HWY TO GO NORTH BOUND. A TRUCK CAME OUT OF NOWHERE AND HIT MY DRIVER SIDE FRONT END. MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I GOOGLED IT AND SAW THERE IS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR AIR BAG. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR 2 WEEKS AGO. SHOULDN'T THE DEALER BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING RECALLS BEFORE SELLING THE CAR EVEN IT IS USED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10652435, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Exterior Lighting 11 1 crash 1 injury

“TRAVELING WEST AND AN EAST BOUND VEHICLE TURNED IN FRONT OF ME. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS TICKET FOR FAILURE TO YIELD AND ACCIDENT CAUSING BODILY INJURY. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY I SUSTAINED INJURIES TO MY CHEST, HIT MY HEAD ON DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW AND MY LEFT SHOULD AND RIBS WERE THROWN IN TO THE DOOR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10663948, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The cars first started telling me randomly that it needed service to the stabilitrak and the. Would disappear, the next component was the anti theft activated and after turning car off..next time I tried to turn on, it acted as if battery was dead and locked my key in ignition. Fixed itself a couple hours later. Next time it gave me issues all of these components started to come on at same time while also causing power steering to come on and go out in the middle of driving which could have caused a horrible wreck (didn’t thank god) and also started flickering lights inside and outside of car,…”
NHTSA complaint #11568925, 2024

“I purchased 2013 chevy cruze in 2021. Starting with steering going out, all electrical power is affected. Radio comes on and off. Light comes on to check stab trak. Engine started while key in ignition but I wasn't in car. I can't afford to get a different car now a days. I'm disabled and need this car to get to my Dr appts But I'm afraid the vehicle will kill me, someone or worse. This vehicle needs a very very serious recall to fix this before someone is killed. That won't work!! FIX IT PLEASE I BEG YOU!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11514714, 2023

Visibility 11

“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the defroster became inoperable while driving in inclement weather. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,775. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11456069, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFF WYLER EASTGATE AUTO MALL (1117 OH-32, BATAVIA, OH 45103, (513) 752-3447) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11104232, 2018

“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 ENGI…”
NHTSA complaint #10980936, 2016

Suspension 8 1 crash 1 injury

“I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN GETTING READY TO CROSS OVER HWY TO GO NORTH BOUND. A TRUCK CAME OUT OF NOWHERE AND HIT MY DRIVER SIDE FRONT END. MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I GOOGLED IT AND SAW THERE IS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR AIR BAG. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR 2 WEEKS AGO. SHOULDN'T THE DEALER BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING RECALLS BEFORE SELLING THE CAR EVEN IT IS USED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10652435, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“There is a leak that is causing the coolant reservoir tank to empty every couple of days. It appears that the coolant fumes are going inside the car. It has been taken to the repair shop on several occasions and has had the coolant reservoir replaced. However, the problems persists and the coolant fumes are making me ill from inhaling them. The car was taking in to a Chevrolet dealer December 2023 for an oil change and the service technician stated my car was “fine”. I asked about any possible leaks as I have observed spots in my parking spot. He assured me there were no problems with my car,…”
NHTSA complaint #11567402, 2024

“First incident. 4 hours into 8 hour road trip. Flashing check engine light. Stabilitrack failure. Misfire codes. Took it to 4 different shops in Las Vegas Nevada. Non would complete repair. Took it to dealer in Utah hour and 45 minutes away, jerking missfires loss of power and power steering, dealer offered to do repair for 1800$ :/. Repair completed. Drove 150 miles, codes popped back up to it into mechanic, reported coolant leak and misfires, replaced ign coil. Replaced spark plugs, fixed leaks. 1400$ 6 weeks later turbo seized, misfires shaking and in ability to drive faster than 35mph loss…”
NHTSA complaint #11501287, 2023

Seat Belts 4 3 crash 5 injury

“VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE - AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN ACCIDENT. DRIVER HIT HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL. (ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON OTHER VEHICLE (AUDI S4.)) TOLD BY INSURANCE ADJUSTOR HE TYPICALLY DOES NOT SEE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT ON CHEVY CRUIZE AS THE SENSORS ARE HIGH ON THE INTERNAL FRAME.”
NHTSA complaint #10884858, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUSING THE FRONT END TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF A THIRD VEHICLE. NEXT, A FOURTH VEHICLE MADE CONTACT WITH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUSING THE FRONT END TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE A SECOND TIME. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE SEAT BELTS MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT SECURE THE OCCUPANTS. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END AND WAS DESTROYED. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE CHECK AIR BAG WARNING SENSOR ILLUMINATED AND A STRANGE OD…”
NHTSA complaint #10703463, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I WAS STOPPED IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND REAR-ENDED (I'VE ATTACHED THE CRASH REPORT FROM THE IN STATE POLICE). MY SEAT BELT DID NOT ENGAGE AND MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING ME TO HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL RESULTING IN ABRASIONS AND TWO BLACK EYES. THIS SEEMS TO BE EITHER A SERIOUS DESIGN PROBLEM OR A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. REGARDLESS, THE SENSORS THAT CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TO LOCK SHOULD NOT BE IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR AS THEY THEN PROVIDE NO PROTECTION FROM A REAR END COLLISION.”
NHTSA complaint #11047218, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Wheels 4

“I WAS JUST DRIVING ALONG UNDER NORMAL DRIVING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY RPMS WENT ALL THE WAY UP AND THE CAR WASN'T GOING ANYWHERE BUT COSTING TO A STOP ALONG WITH A LOUD BANGING SOUND. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 28MPH ON A STREET”
NHTSA complaint #11341900, 2020

“ALL THE WHEEL HUBS WENT BAD AT 40K MILES. THEY ALL MADE VERY LOUD VIBRATIONS WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 25-75. THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO LAST 300K. NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY.”
NHTSA complaint #10852500, 2015

“VEHICLE BEGAN WITH SQUEAKING NOISE AS I DROVE HOME AND WHEN HAVING IT CHECKED OUT, I WAS TOLD I NEEDED NEW STRUTS AND THE TIRES HAD WORN OUT DUE TO STRUTS. THE VEHICLE IS A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE LT WITH GOOD DRIVING AND 37,000-40,000 HIGHWAY MILES. NEVER HAD STRUTS WEAR OUT ON A VEHICLE THIS EARLY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10694616, 2015

Fuel System 3 1 crash

“BACKING OUT OF DRIVE--SEAT BELT ON-CAR SPED UP AT RAPID ACCELERATION--NO CONTROL-RAN INTO TELEPHONE POLE--BRAKED NO RESULTS. CAR CIRCLED IN ROAD AND CROSSED ROAD--TRIED SHIFTING. NO RESULT TURNED OFF IGNITION JUST AS CAR WAS TO STRIKE A BIG TREE . CAR STOPPED. PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR BADLY DAMAGED WHERE I HIT POLE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10554584, 2013 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.”
NHTSA complaint #10618166, 2014

“DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY @ 65 MPH OUR 2013 CHEVY CRUZE DIED SUDDENLY. AS WE COASTED, I TRIED STARTING IT AND IT STARTED AND WE CONTINUED. A FEW MINUTES LATER IT DID THE SAME THING, WE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, STOPPED, AND AGAIN IT RESTARTED. WE CONTINUED OUR 3 HOUR JOURNEY HOME WITHOUT ANY OTHER INCIDENTS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10615796, 2014

Tires 3

“LOOKING FOR A RECALL NOTHING ? A LOT OF ROAD NOISE FROM TIRES ON A 2013 CHEVY CRUZ WITH 31000 MILES”
NHTSA complaint #10981155, 2017

“WE HAVE APPROXIMATELY 28000 MILES ON OUR 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. TODAY, WE WERE RETURNING FROM A TRIP TO SEE FAMILY ABOUT 70 MILES AWAY AND SUFFERED A TIRE FAILURE. THE TIRE RIPPED IN THE SIDEWALL. I REPLACED IT WITH THE SPARE AND DRIVE CAREFULLY AVOIDING HIGHWAYS ON THE ROUTE HOME. UPON ARRIVING, I PROMPTLY CHECKED THE OTHER TIRES. I ALSO SEE SIGNS OF A SIMILAR SIDEWALL FAILURE BEGINNING ON THE OTHER FRONT TIRE! I LUCKILY NOTICED THE TIRE PRESSURE DROPPING AND AVOIDED A BARI ONE BLOWOUT. AFTER SEEING THE OTHER FRONT TIRE I REALIZE WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE MADE IT HOME AND THE CAR IS PARKED UNTIL M…”
NHTSA complaint #10715497, 2015

“VEHICLE BEGAN WITH SQUEAKING NOISE AS I DROVE HOME AND WHEN HAVING IT CHECKED OUT, I WAS TOLD I NEEDED NEW STRUTS AND THE TIRES HAD WORN OUT DUE TO STRUTS. THE VEHICLE IS A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE LT WITH GOOD DRIVING AND 37,000-40,000 HIGHWAY MILES. NEVER HAD STRUTS WEAR OUT ON A VEHICLE THIS EARLY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10694616, 2015

Traction Control System 3

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RESTARTED ITSELF IMMEDIATELY. IN ADDITION, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS DISPLAYED TEMPORARILY. PELLEGRINO CHEVROLET IN WESTVILLE, NEW JERSEY WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NO LONGER UNDER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11073278, 2017

“WHILE I WAS DRIVING, MY STEREO SYSTEM WOULD LOSE ALL POWER. MY DISPLAY ON THE SPEED DISPLAY SHOWED "SERVICE STABILATRACK". MY ABS, BRAKE AND TRACTION LIGHTS CAME ON AND CONTINUED TO BLINK. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE PLACE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY SAID IT DIDN'T TRIGGER A CODE SO THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. I HAVE A VIDEO OF WHAT HAPPENED AS WELL, BUT IT DIDN'T HELP. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10641306, 2014

“CAR WAS JERKING, THEN STALLED, THEN STABLITRACK AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10638565, 2013

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that after his wife exited the vehicle and closed the front passenger’s side door, all the doors were erroneously locked, leaving the couple stranded outside of the vehicle. The tow truck service was called to the scene and was able the unlock the doors. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 85,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11539727, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS A REAR SEAT PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE REAR DOOR BUT THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE, BUT THE LOCKS REMAINED ENGAGED. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE VEHICLE FEATURE OR DEFECT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, THE REAR PASSENGERS WOULD BE TRAPPED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VIN, FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE...UPDATED 11-18-13 *BF”
NHTSA complaint #10536637, 2013

Back Over Prevention 1

“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the Blind Spot Detection system failed to recognize another vehicle while switching lanes. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing both side detection systems to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact stated that the side detection system warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The con…”
NHTSA complaint #11458037, 2013

Equipment 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A WARRANTY LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE BATTERY CONNECTIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE AIR CONDITIONING FAILED. THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10692560, 2015

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“THE VEHICLE SURGES WHEN FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE & IT IS BECOMING A STRUGGLE TO KEEP IN BRAKE MODE. FEELS AS IF CAR IS GOING TO TAKE OFF. ALSO, WHEN DEFROST IS ON, IT WILL TURN ITSELF OFF WITH WARNING FLASHING 'A/C OFF DUE TO HIGH ENGINE TEMP' AIR CONDITIONING IS NOT EVEN ON...THE HEAT IS. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE THAT GM CANNOT SEEM TO FIND WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10704429, 2013

Lane Departure 1

“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the Blind Spot Detection system failed to recognize another vehicle while switching lanes. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing both side detection systems to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact stated that the side detection system warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The con…”
NHTSA complaint #11458037, 2013

Seats 1

“I'm looking into purchasing a Chevy Cruze 2013 Lt from a friend. I am researching and noticing some issues and recalls. I was wondering if this statement is true. Could you let me know more information about this? Thank you for your time. The issues I'm seeing are the turbocharge and coolant at the moment.”
NHTSA complaint #11589343, 2022

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze draws about 41.8 complaints per year on the road, ranking 2 of 7 among the Chevrolet Cruze model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

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