Chevrolet Cruze Complaints (2011)

733 consumer complaints on file.

#11774000October 27, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 - 60 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal became stiff and pushed back, requiring three to four attempts to respond and causing an extended stopping distance. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on several occasions. In addition, the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the microswitch inside the power brake vacuum pipe assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V360000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762968September 9, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and raising the foot off the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerated drastically. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally hesitated while accelerating and failed to immediately accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Occasionally, the vehicle lurched forward suddenly. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 129,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745175June 19, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
i’m unsure if the person i bought this vehicle from had the codes wiped before selling to me, but there were NO lights on dash for 3 days after minimal driving only to work and back, then all of a sudden the check engine light came on, and in the info box it would pop up saying “service stability system” - i took to o’reiley’s to see what it was for, apparently it was the ECM (electronic computer module) which essentially controls like everything. days go by i don’t do anything more about it and drive as usual to work, and it starts overheating, and smoking like crazy, but doesn’t say it’s hot on my dash, so i had no idea how hot it got or anything. i got to work, worked my shift, and went to put coolant in before returning home- just to find that it was full and i didn’t need to put any in. weird, right? ok well on my way home i’m going about 55mph on the highway and it suddenly just wouldn’t let me accelerate anymore and behaved as if i ran out of gas but i had over half a tank. when i came to a stop i turned the car off, and tried to turn it back on when it wouldn’t even turn over. i sat about 15 mins on the side of the highway before it actually started and i drove home. a week goes by, and now this ecm is effecting more and more- driving on the highway/streets it’s shifting really hard, immediately following that, my speedometer and rpm meter fall to “0” on the dash but the vehicle is still driving and the message pops up about the service stability system. i replaced my tire and now it’s telling me to service airbag system and the abs light is stuck on, as well as traction control and it’s just so weird. i just don’t feel safe in this car and after looking it up, apparently everyone with the make and model have very similar problems, but specifically searching by my VIN- apparently there’s no recalls and it’s just extremely frustrating and i don’t know what to do. if i fix the ECM will all these issues be resolved or will i waste $600-$800 replacing it?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740259May 26, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased my car in 2020 and have had this issue recently come up. I have coolant that is vanishing from my car but not dripping to the floor. I've learned since then that there was a recall on my car for my water pump which causes this exact issue which has caused a related check engine light to appear. It seems unfair to me that there's a recall on my car that was taken away after one year despite it still not being replaced, and purchasing my car not knowing of this recall not being done and the window closing I feel should be rectified. I will be notifying GM about this matter as well. Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739476May 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private in April 12th 2026. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 135,000 The contact stated that the next day when retrieving the title they noticed the mileage discrepancy. The contact spoke withe seller who then stated it was the same mileage they were told when they received the vehicle and had since replaced the engine therefore the engine mileage would not show at the DMV. The contact looked up the CarFax and saw the same mileage discrepancy with a mileage of over 300,000. When the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for an air bag recall, when the dealer confirmed mileage discrepancy. The contact sought out legal assistance.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728916April 2, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The check engine warning light illuminated shortly after the vehicle was purchased. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking erratically, and the engine was abnormally loud. In addition, the RPM was elevated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that there was electrical power to the vehicle; however, the engine failed to crank. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was purchased, and diagnosed with a computer system failure. The contact was informed that the computer system needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that the computer system was being replaced with a used computer system. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728928April 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
The primary failure is a total loss of engine power and electrical systems while the vehicle is in motion. The dealership (Ray Skillman Southside Mitsubishi) has diagnosed this as a failed engine/body control computer system. The vehicle is currently located at the dealership's service center and is available for inspection. The vehicle has stalled/shut off completely while driving on four separate occasions. This resulted in an immediate loss of power steering and motive power, nearly causing collisions in traffic. A vehicle that loses all power without warning is a severe safety hazard to the driver, passengers, and other motorists on the road. Yes. The problem has been confirmed by the Ray Skillman service department. They have attempted to repair the issue 3 times without success and currently state that the vehicle is inoperable while they search for a used replacement computer component. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by the Ray Skillman dealership technicians. To date, no representative from the manufacturer (General Motors) or insurance has performed an independent inspection, though a formal complaint has been initiated with the dealership's corporate management. There were no consistent warning lamps or symptoms prior to the failures. The vehicle would unexpectedly lose all power and shut down. These symptoms first appeared within the first 100 miles of ownership (purchased at 11,000 miles; current mileage approximately 11,800 The dealership has refused to provide a loaner vehicle and is currently attempting to resolve a recurring safety failure using a used/salvage electronic component rather than a certified new part, which I believe further compromises the safety of the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719712February 22, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle continues to overheat. The fan has been changed, the thermostat has been changed, the coolant reservoir has been changed, the cadilatic converter has been changed. Still running over hot. We continue to check oil and coolant levels, making sure they are where they need to be. Occasionally smoking.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699756November 17, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 25-35 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear and then stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697199November 3, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, STEERING
When I start my vehicle and go over a certain speed it show service abs system it also makes a grinding sound when breaking before that speed is hit it also has a wobbleing steering wheel when breaking at high speeds also when accelerating it will sometimes show engine power reduced after presing the gas pedal
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680047August 12, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shut off unintendedly and without warning. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not yet been contacted regarding the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V502000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 129,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675310July 22, 2025
ENGINE
The engine is leaking oil. There are clearly known issues with this engine such as oil leaks and engine fires. There was a previous recall on this issue that says complete but we are still having the same issue. The Chevrolet corporate office and dealerships do not want to take responsibility.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657618April 29, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM increased and there was a burning oil odor on the interior of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped and parked the vehicle. The contact performed an inspection under the hood and when the oil cap was removed, the contact noticed a whistling sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed intake manifold. The contact was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648672March 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that the brake lights, power locks, and windshield wipers were inoperable. The contact stated that the ignition key failed to disengage after turning off the vehicle. The contact had to hold a button underneath the steering panel to be able to remove the key. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the Body Control Module (BCM) needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639585January 30, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle does not shift gears, jumpy, sluggish, disengages then jerks back into gear. Hazard when trying to pickup speed to accelerate into highway traffic. Does not engage in reverse gear at times, have to turn vehicle off, wait a few minutes then turn vehicle back on for reverse gear to engage. Sometimes when vehicle is in park, vehicle will not start, have to fidget with gear and key, sometimes for several minutes before it will register in park and allow you to start the vehicle. When on highway transmission will jolt and jerk making you think you have lost your transmission on the roadway. This is a major hazard for my daughter who drives this vehicle to college. I am aware of a lift plate that can be installed to fix this problem that has existed in all 2011 Chevy Cruze s since they were manufactured. NHTSA Bulletin issued Oct. 10, 2024 NHTSA ID#11010651 Manufacture Communication #24-NA-223 Bulletin to all technicians for an alternative procedure for a lift plate that can be installed into the transmission to correct this problem. This needs to be a nationwide issued RECALL because of the endangerment people are being put in while driving these unsafe Chevy Cruze with faulty transmission issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639492January 29, 2025
AIR BAGS
I was hit side impact my airbags didn’t deploy in the car they deployed under the hood I was hit by a vehicle doing approximately 50 miles an hour the airbag that was supposed to go off went off under the hood instead of in the car
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11636288January 16, 2025
ENGINE
Watery oil looking liquid making puddles under car. Orange fluid seen pooling from above. Head gasket blown?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11625774November 17, 2024
ENGINE
Losing coolant seems like blown head gasket
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11605021July 29, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving home on the interstate after work, I was travelling at around 65 miles per hour, with the cruise control set at that speed. In an instant I lost all engine power and began to slow down very rapidly. A quick look to the rearview mirror to ensure nothing was approaching the rear of my vehicle, I found that I could see nothing except grey and white smoke behind me from all three mirrors. I was forced to remove myself from the highway for fear of causing an accident by blinding drivers with the smoke coming from my exhaust, and I was able to use the service road to get to the next fueling station. Upon arrival, I opened the hood and found that oil had sprayed out of every available portal in the engine, it exited through the vacuum lines, pressure sensors onto my alternator, saturated my serpentine belt as well as everything else ion the engine compartment. I noticed most of the oil came from a round hole behind the oil filler cap through a busted vacuum diaphragm that had blown out instead of regulating vacuum, indicating extreme positive pressure in the crankcase. As this was my MOS in the Army, I am experienced with dangers and risks involved in these situations, and I will give warning that if this happens during the right traffic situations, lives will be lost as a result of the smoke screen developimg when the oil hits the catalytic convertors combined with the rapid decline in speed without warning of any kind, and when it does happen, and it will, since there are 8 million of these vehicles on the road and counting, this complaint should serve as proper and fair warning od the damgers and risks with allowing this engine to remain in use without a warning system to indicate the tiny plastic check valve has been released from its position. I was fortunate enough that I only suffered a few curse words and horns blowing and flipping me the bird, but i have to admit I was afraid for my life and someone with less driving experience will have a bad outcom
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596438June 25, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruz. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot (H). Upon checking the coolant level, the contact discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir; however, the failure returned, and the coolant immediately leaked out of the vehicle. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir a second time and drove to an independent mechanic. A diagnostic test was performed that showed that a cracked tube under the coolant had caused a gasket to blow, leading to the coolant leak. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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