Which Chevy Cruze Years to Avoid and Which to Choose

The Chevrolet Cruze has been a popular compact car since its introduction in 2008. Its sleek design, comfortable interior, and impressive fuel economy make it easy to see why the Cruze has become a favorite among drivers. Not all model years are created equal. This article will examine which Chevy Cruze years to avoid and which ones are worth considering.

Which Chevy Cruze Years to Avoid and Why?

There are some years of the Chevy Cruze to avoid.

Here are the Chevrolet Cruze model years to avoid:

• 2015 Chevy Cruze
• 2014 Chevy Cruze
• 2013 Chevy Cruze
• 2012 Chevy Cruze
• 2011 Chevy Cruze

2011 Chevy Cruze Problems:

The 2011 Chevy Cruze is a popular car among budget-conscious drivers. It has been plagued with several mechanical issues that can be costly to fix. One of the most common problems reported by owners is transmission failure. This issue can cause the car to stall or jerk while driving, which can be dangerous. A problem that many Chevy Cruze owners have reported is a slow response from the transmission.

This means there may be a delay in shifting gears or accelerating, making driving frustrating and inefficient. These transmission issues, some drivers have experienced electrical problems such as faulty sensors or malfunctioning wiring. These issues can cause warning lights to appear on the dashboard, potentially leading to more serious problems if not addressed promptly. Some 2011 Chevy Cruze owners have reported an antifreeze odor inside their cars.

2012 Chevy Cruze Problems:

The 2012 Chevy Cruze has been a popular compact car for several years but has faced its fair share of issues. A major problem that drivers have experienced is transmission failure. Owners have reported transmission issues such as the car shaking or shuddering while driving, difficulty shifting gears, and complete transmission failure. In some cases, this issue requires a full replacement of the transmission, which can be costly.

Overheating problems are also common in the 2012 Chevy Cruze. The engine may overheat due to a malfunctioning thermostat or cooling fan, causing potential damage to other components of the car’s system. Engine losing power is another significant problem many owners have faced with their 2012 Chevy Cruzes.

2013 Chevy Cruze Problems:

The 2013 Chevy Cruze is not free from problems and complaints. One issue with this model is engine stalling, which can occur at any speed or time. This problem can be quite dangerous on highways and interstates with high-speed limits. Many owners reported repeatedly having to replace their battery or alternator to fix this issue.

A prevalent issue in the 2013 Chevy Cruze is power loss, which can happen while accelerating or cruising at high speeds. Drivers have complained about sudden drops in power while driving on highways, leading to unsafe conditions on the road. Transmission issues are another problem that drivers have faced with this car model. Some drivers experience jerky shifting between gears or hesitation when changing gears.

2014 Chevy Cruze Problems:

The Chevy Cruze 2014 has had its fair share of problems since its release. The most common issues reported by owners is inappropriate transmission shifting. Many drivers have complained about the transmission slipping or jerking when shifting gears. Some drivers have even experienced complete transmission failure, leaving them stranded on the side of the road.

Another problem that has plagued the 2014 Chevy Cruze is engine overheating. Various factors, including a malfunctioning cooling system or a faulty thermostat, can cause this. Many owners have also reported problems with their water pumps. The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant throughout the engine to prevent overheating.

2015 Chevy Cruze Problems:

Some owners have reported several vehicle issues, including engine stalling while driving, oil and coolant leaks, engine overheating, and more. Concerning problem drivers report is the engine stalling while in motion. This can happen suddenly and without warning, putting the driver at risk of an accident.

Some drivers have reported that restarting the vehicle solves the problem temporarily, but it may occur again soon after. A common issue is oil and coolant leaks; some drivers have noticed puddles under their cars or decreased fluid levels over time. These leaks can lead to further damage if left unaddressed. Engine overheating is another problem reported by some 2015 Chevy Cruze owners.

Chevy Cruze Problems Counts Per Year

According to carproblemzoo, around 5,061 problems have been reported for 10 Cruze models years to date. The problems counted by years are given in the chart below:

Model Year	Reported Problems
2010 Cruze	02
2011 Cruze	1,065
2012 Cruze	1,262
2013 Cruze	820
2014 Cruze	936
2015 Cruze	333
2016 Cruze	325
2017 Cruze	195
2018 Cruze	105
2019 Cruze	16

How Do You Find the Right Chevy Cruze for You?

With so many models, it can be challenging to determine which is perfect for you. With some research and an understanding of your needs, you can find the right Chevy Cruze that matches your lifestyle.
The year model is one factor to consider when looking for the right Chevy Cruze.

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze offers more advanced features, such as a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Meanwhile, if you are on a budget, you may want to look into older models like the 2010 Chevrolet Cruise that still offer reliable performance but at a lower price point.

Final Thoughts:

There are certain Chevy Cruze years to avoid and others worth considering. The 2011 and 2012 models have many reported issues, particularly with the engine. On the other hand, the 2014 to 2016 models have received positive reviews for their performance and reliability. It’s important to research and consider factors like maintenance history and mileage before purchasing. Ultimately, choosing a reliable year of the Chevy Cruze will save you time and money in the long run. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve – choose wisely!

FAQs: