2013 Chevrolet Cruze Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine23127.4%
- Electrical12114.3%
- Powertrain (other)11213.3%
- Driver assistance9110.8%
- Steering748.8%
- Brakes505.9%
- Airbags495.8%
- Visibility333.9%
- Fuel system323.8%
- Body & structure131.5%
- Exterior lighting111.3%
- Suspension80.9%
- Other / unspecified80.9%
- Seat belts40.5%
- Tires & wheels30.4%
- Interior & seats30.4%
- Heating & air conditioning10.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hh
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact felt ill and pulled over to the side of the road. The contact stated that a passerby stopped and found the contact unconscious inside the vehicle. The ambulance was called to the scene, and the contact was taken to the hospital. The doctor determined that the contact had 27% of carbon monoxide inside the body. The contact received oxygen to expel the carbon monoxide. The vehicle remained near the walking trail where the contact had pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. Prior to the issue, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and went into LIMP Mode. The contact stopped by Auto Zone for a diagnostic test. The contact was unsure what code was found. The doctor believed that the carbon monoxide poisoning was related to the vehicle. The insurance company was notified, and a claim was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hh
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 157,454. The contact later discovered that the title mileage was 189,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission messed up only own the car for 7 months
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
When I accelerate my rpm goes up but car dosent move as speed says and takes for me to let off the gas to speed up , and my steering when I turn it pulls away n it keep popping up service traction and going off
Coming home from grocery shopping the night of Sept 3, 2023 the radio kept turning off then coming back on. I was on the highway about 20miles from home radio still turning on and off about every 5mins (go black/blank then light back up) and I had felt when i would accelerate it would as I would slightly go up hill. Once I jad got about 4miles from my house the radio went off once again and dash warning light said "Stabili Trak" and head lights had went off then came back on again. I just was grateful I was not to far from home since it was dark out and the lights were now Turning off too. The next morning (sept 4, 2023)since I did not have another vehicle and my son needed to get to football practice, I drove down the lane of my driveway and the dash warning light kept flashing, the window warning light said turn window on (so I rolled it back up and it turned off), radio kept turning on and off relentlessly, vehicle kept shutting off on me while driving before I even got down my driveway which is about 200 feet. I starred it back up and returned home. I made phones calls to drip it off in sussex NJ at service center where I had bought car as someone followed me(I did not have any problems the hour drive there/40miles) left a message on the voicemail regarding issue, checked to see of recalls though wasn't any. It was not safe to drive the way the car was, just with the only 1 warning dash signal in the middle of driving and headlights stop working them start to couldve caused accident then car turned off while I slowly drove down my driveway doing 7mph as well and I had my son in the car too. Very scary especially driving at night and that happens without much of a warning at 1st.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
When I accelerate my rpm goes up but car dosent move as speed says and takes for me to let off the gas to speed up , and my steering when I turn it pulls away n it keep popping up service traction and going off
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hh
I have a powerstop b992l brake shoe and hardware kit. The mfg date is 2023/12/04. The issue is that the drum adjusters are made in a way they do not turn freely, thereby the drums will not adjust. In the diagram pat b will not turn on part a. There are clear witness marks on the inside where the end fits on the ratchet pawl. I have the parts available for inspection as needed and can mail then as well as the box side with their information.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 the underside and I had it into the mechanic twice. The second time because it stumbled and stalled at a stop light. Before dying - half tank. August 6th they just scanned it with their computer I got no paperwork from them. On the 15th I didn’t get any paperwork either. I will include the shop’s number.
I wanted to file this because I feel this a safety concern. My vehicle has always been kept up on maintenance. One day out no where it started acting up my 2013 Chevy Cruze Ls. I had a shop come back after they did a diagnostic that is was a faulty throttle body sensor and Pcv. I have issues with it shutting off and I’ll have to coast it to stop.What I’m not understanding how can there be recalls for my vechicle same problems same make/model but it’s not showing my vehicle matching up with my Vin #.I do have all the supporting documents and paperwork stating these issues.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Broken mode select gear. Unable to change the heat to defrost and the windshield will not clear in cold weather.
Broken blend door in hvac box. No heat to defrost windows.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 the underside and I had it into the mechanic twice. The second time because it stumbled and stalled at a stop light. Before dying - half tank. August 6th they just scanned it with their computer I got no paperwork from them. On the 15th I didn’t get any paperwork either. I will include the shop’s number.
Traction control warning pops up and steering stops, even while driving. Motor shuts down and smells like fuel in water res.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
2013 CHEVY CRUZE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE GOING 30-40MPH HEAD ON. NO AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED . AIR BAG SERVICE LIGHT IS NOW ON.
THIS CHEV CRUZ RAMMED MY HONDA 2010 CIVIC AT 40+MPH IN THE RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL. THE CIVIC WAS TURNING LEFT INTO THE INTERSECTION AND WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. THE CIVIC DEPLOYED 4 AIRBAGS AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS WHILE THE CRUZ DID NOT DEPLOY AN AIRBAG AND HAD SLIGHT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS AND HAVE INCLUDED PICTURES AND WOULD LIKE YOUR INVESTIGATION AND OPINION IF THE 2013 CRUZ'S AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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, and the radio turned on and off as well…the car now will not turn on and acts as if battery is dead unless I use cables and have someone jump start my car…it definitely seems to be shorting out like the wiring isn’t working the way it should…I have now taken it to auto one and they tested battery and altinater and said both were in great condition, so I researched and have seen that my car make and model years from 2011-2015 have a recall on the negative battery cable not being crimped right enough but my car specifically isn’t included because it is past its warranty…which I’m sorry is ridiculous in every way no matter any warranty this was a mistake made by the manufacturer and it should be corrected on every car that is included in the years they specifically stated themselves they failed to do correctly when made…my car behaving this way and putting me and my family in danger is nothing that is our fault but the manufacturers and it should 100% be covered…I’m currently waiting to have it looked at by mechanic to reconfirm what I already know, and will know shortly that it is indeed the negative battery cable..I need this covered and corrected by dealer near me
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!!!
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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, but I persisted. He printed the service log and he determined the staff who completed the oil change had in fact noticed a leak, but the guy at the desk assured me there was not a problem. A few weeks have gone by and coolant continues to leak and the fumes are getting inside the cabin of the car. They are most noticeable when use the heater or the AC and the fumes can also be observed when I exit the car.
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 of power steering. Excessive coolant leak, repair 1170$ 3 weeks later misfire codes, loss of stabilitrack, and tc, replaced spark plugs, car is currently all over the road, pulls left then pulls right, car vibrates terribly when 55mph+ suspension in rear is almost completely defective, I can lift the car 3” with my bare hands… over active abs. 35mph no snow or ice, new brake pads 120 miles ago. Radio will turn on and off whenever it wants while driving. Car consistory idles between 750-1300* rpm. Car clearly has no sway bars. Horrible ticking and rattling noises. Chevy please buy back my car. I am concerned about my safety on a daily. Reach out to “Carvana for invoices, and contact me for the personal repairs cost”
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT LIGHT WOULD BLINK OCCASIONALLY AS I WAS DRIVING THINKING MY SEAT BELT WAS NOT LATCHING HOWEVER, IT WAS AND I CLEANED IT AS BEST AS I COULD. STILL WOULD COME ON, BLINKS, TURNS OFF, COMES ON AND THE SOUND WILL EVEN SOUND TO PUT MY SEAT BELT ON. ALL THIS WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION, WHETHER I'M DRIVING SLOWLY OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY OR DOWN THE INTERSTATE. *TR
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
LOOKING FOR A RECALL NOTHING ? A LOT OF ROAD NOISE FROM TIRES ON A 2013 CHEVY CRUZ WITH 31000 MILES
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 MONDAY WHEN I CAN CALL GOODYEAR AND CHEVROLET. WE WERE TRAVELING WITH OUR 7 MONTH OLD SON. I CAN'T BELIEVE THE WE RISKED HIS LIFE WITH THESE TIRES! A QUICK WEB SEARCH SHOWED ISSUES WITH CHEVY VOLTS WITH GOODYEAR ASSURANCE FUEL MAX ALSO. A SIDEWALL ISSUE AS WELL! THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .