Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1240–25K
7825–50K
7650–75K
5775–100K
71100–150K
11150K+
417 reports with mileage · 169 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 211 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 121 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 112 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
54 crash reports8 fire reports25 injury reports
What owners actually said
586 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2021
Engine
Coolant keeps having leaks after going to dealership to replace it. It had the same problem and dealer said it’s not covered now have to pay 800 dollars for same issue 5 months later. Coolant system not working might blow engine. Happens randomly when driving to warning lights come up and a lot of smoke starts coming out of car.…
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Coolant keeps having leaks after going to dealership to replace it. It had the same problem and dealer said it’s not covered now have to pay 800 dollars for same issue 5 months later. Coolant system not working might blow engine. Happens randomly when driving to warning lights come up and a lot of smoke starts coming out of car.
NHTSA ODI #11435287
Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2021
Unknown Or Other
There is a consistent plastic burning smell, usually when the AC or heater is on. I have replaced the AC unit, and this still happens. Smoke sometimes appears on the driver's side through the vents. I have taken the vehicle in a few times for this, and they can never find anything. The last repairs I had done replaced wires, pip…
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There is a consistent plastic burning smell, usually when the AC or heater is on. I have replaced the AC unit, and this still happens. Smoke sometimes appears on the driver's side through the vents. I have taken the vehicle in a few times for this, and they can never find anything. The last repairs I had done replaced wires, pipes, and connectors.
NHTSA ODI #11431430
Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
The whole head shot off while driving. Now the car is making a farting noise when I accelerate or if u sit idle for longer than 15 mins. No oil leak but I’m using an additional $200 in oil between oil changes
NHTSA ODI #11428069
Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2021
Electrical SystemEngine
IN REGARDS TO TSB # 16-NA-015 ENGINE STALL OR STUMBLE. IGNITION COIL WIRE FRETTING.THIS PROBLEM IS DANGEROUS AND CAN HAPPEN AT ANY GIVEN TIME WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING AND DTC CODES. (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT) . WHEN THE CARS STALL YOU HAVE NO POWER STEERING AND NO POWER BRAKES AND COULD AND WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF IT HAS`NT HA…
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IN REGARDS TO TSB # 16-NA-015 ENGINE STALL OR STUMBLE. IGNITION COIL WIRE FRETTING.THIS PROBLEM IS DANGEROUS AND CAN HAPPEN AT ANY GIVEN TIME WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING AND DTC CODES. (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT) . WHEN THE CARS STALL YOU HAVE NO POWER STEERING AND NO POWER BRAKES AND COULD AND WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF IT HAS`NT HAPPENED AS OF YET .RESULTING IN INJURY AND OR DEATH. WITH MINIMAL RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THIS IS A KNOWN AND ONGOING GLOBAL ISSUE THAT G.M. HAS KNOWN ABOUT SINCE 1-21-2016.ALL THESE CARS NEED TO BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED PRIOR TO ANYBODY LOSING THERE LIFE.
NHTSA ODI #11421944
Mileage unknown · May 18, 2021
Service Brakes
When in reverse on brakes do not engage properly-no braking action.. This same issue was addressed by a recall of 2012 models but GM has not issued a recall for 2013 models even though online research shows this is a common problem.
NHTSA ODI #11417613
Mileage unknown · May 10, 2021
Engine
THE PROBLEM I'M HAVING IS WHEN I HAVE MY HEAT TURNED ON I WILL GET A SMELL OF LIKE BURNT OIL COMING THROUGH MY AIR VENTS. I WAS TOLD IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE CRANKSHAFT BUT THE LAST TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS SOMETHING WITH THE VALVE COVER GASKET. I CAN SMELL IT MORE ONCE I HAVE COME TO A STOP AFTER DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11415775
12,000 miles · May 5, 2021
Electrical System
WHEN KEY LEFT IN IGNITION, CAR OFF, IT TRIES TO START ITSELF REPEATEDLY. SAW THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED BY OTHERS FOR YEARS BUT NO RECALL. IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED TO STOP SHORTS. WHY NO RECALL? CAR WAS PARKED, TURNED OFF.
NHTSA ODI #11415312
99,898 miles · Apr 8, 2021
Power Train
MY VEHICLE STARTED LOSING PRESSURE UPON HAVING IT CHECKED I WAS INFORMED THAT THE TURBINE IN THE ENGINE WAS DEFECTIVE AND BLOWING OUT THE OLD FROM MY INJUN MY CAR IS RENDERED USELESS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS TURBINE WAS PART OF CHEVY'S RECALL IN MY CAR HAVING BEEN AT CHEVY DEALERSHIPS IT WAS NEVER ADDRESSED. I NEED MY CAR FIXED…
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MY VEHICLE STARTED LOSING PRESSURE UPON HAVING IT CHECKED I WAS INFORMED THAT THE TURBINE IN THE ENGINE WAS DEFECTIVE AND BLOWING OUT THE OLD FROM MY INJUN MY CAR IS RENDERED USELESS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS TURBINE WAS PART OF CHEVY'S RECALL IN MY CAR HAVING BEEN AT CHEVY DEALERSHIPS IT WAS NEVER ADDRESSED. I NEED MY CAR FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IT IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA ODI #11407012
55 miles · Apr 5, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSteering
AT RANDOM TIMES, MY STEREO WILL GO BLANK, NO SOUND, NO BLINKER SOUNDS, NOTHING. AT THE SAME TIME, THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABITRAX WILL START FLASHING ON AND OFF. MY POWER STEERING WILL CUT OFF AS WELL. THIS WILL HAPPEN A FEW TIMES WHILE DRIVING THEN IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. THEN RANDOMLY ON A DIFFERENT DAY, IT W…
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AT RANDOM TIMES, MY STEREO WILL GO BLANK, NO SOUND, NO BLINKER SOUNDS, NOTHING. AT THE SAME TIME, THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABITRAX WILL START FLASHING ON AND OFF. MY POWER STEERING WILL CUT OFF AS WELL. THIS WILL HAPPEN A FEW TIMES WHILE DRIVING THEN IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. THEN RANDOMLY ON A DIFFERENT DAY, IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #11406478
138,000 miles · Apr 4, 2021
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
I HAVE A 2013 CHEVY CRUZE 1.4L TURBO. THE PAST MONTH OR SO WHEN I AM DRIVING ON AN INCLINE OR HILL IT LOSES POWER AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES. ABOUT A WEEK AGO I WAS COMING HOME FROM CLASS AND MY CAR LOST POWER AND ALMOST GOT SMASHED BY A SEMI AND TODAY I…
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I HAVE A 2013 CHEVY CRUZE 1.4L TURBO. THE PAST MONTH OR SO WHEN I AM DRIVING ON AN INCLINE OR HILL IT LOSES POWER AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES. ABOUT A WEEK AGO I WAS COMING HOME FROM CLASS AND MY CAR LOST POWER AND ALMOST GOT SMASHED BY A SEMI AND TODAY IT LOST POWER AND ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED. HAVE HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND THEY CAN FIND THE PROBLEM.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:ignition
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's front air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike and potentially seriously injure the vehicle occupants. Additionally, if the air bag does not inflate, the driver is at an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14305.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with a 1.4L turbo engine, and manufactured between November 28, 2012, and March 7, 2014. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right half shaft, as needed, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. GM will send an interim letter to owners in May 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546. GM's number for this recall is 14079. This is an expansion of recall 13V-452. NOTE: Some vehicles subject to this recall were subject to the recall campaign initiated in 2013. Some of those vehicles were repaired using defective parts. Those owners will be advised that they must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign and that having the earlier recall completed did not remedy their vehicles.
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with manual transmissions (MF3/MR5) and manufactured January 24, 2013, through August 1, 2013. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: General Motors has notified owners. Dealers will replace the half shaft assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 15, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13276.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2013 Chevrolet Cruze Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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