RoadVitals

2018 Chevrolet Cruze Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
109
Latest Jun 18, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
20

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 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

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.

29
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Coming to a stop sign or red light the car won’t accelerate or will go in traction control making it difficult to move or not accelerate. Had 2-3 fuel leaks this year also having problems to keep the car going sometimes the max speed it will go is 20-40 miles n won’t go up unless u keep letting it slow down slowly n then accelerating n even after that it won’t make it above 60-70 miles it usually goes with no problem if its down hill since ur not pressing the gas or anything. Turning the air on also makes the car slow down other problems also is the gas running fast could just fill the tank n by the second day it will almost be over. Today the transmission gave up on me now I have no car to move around making it hard for me to go anywhere especially work since that’s how I make my money for living but with no car it’s a big problem.

NHTSA ID 11736759 · filed May 9, 2026

Unknown. The car seems to stall or slip when accelerating as is misfiring. It cuts off in the middle of the streets after coming out of auto stop mode. Pcv valve keeps popping up as issue. I had the pcv changed o2 sensors checked cleaned throttle body and air filter changed. The car still gives same problem and engine power reduction keeps popping on dashboard.

NHTSA ID 11724389 · filed Mar 15, 2026
All 29 reports naming engine

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

23
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The steering started to shake. The car seat started to shake as well. It felt very unsafe, but there was no serious injury. John from Feldman Chevrolet in New Hudson, Michigan said that there is a "Cylinder 1 misfire code". After the car started shaking, the engine light came on. John told us that the engine should be replaced.

NHTSA ID 11718248 · filed Feb 16, 2026

The car is making a whistling sound, the check engine light is on and it has low power. Also wanting to stall

NHTSA ID 11682554 · filed Aug 23, 2025
All 23 reports naming powertrain (other)

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The car is making a whistling sound, the check engine light is on and it has low power. Also wanting to stall

NHTSA ID 11682554 · filed Aug 23, 2025

I own a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, and the infotainment touchscreen system has completely frozen with the same error screen that many other Cruze owners have reported online. This is not simply a case of an unresponsive touchscreen — the system locks up with an identical error screen across multiple Cruze vehicles (different years and trims). The issue disables all touchscreen functions, including Bluetooth connectivity, media, phone integration, and certain vehicle settings. While FM radio may continue to play, the rest of the infotainment system is unusable. This creates both a safety concern and a defect pattern, because many modern vehicle functions are tied to the infotainment system. This is not a random failure — dozens of other Cruze owners have posted identical photos of the exact same frozen error screen on forums and complaint boards. That suggests a common underlying software or hardware defect, not isolated damage. The fact that it fails in the same way for so many vehicles indicates a systemic flaw that should qualify for a recall or manufacturer fix. General Motors has not provided any support or recall notice for this issue. Owners are being told to replace the entire infotainment unit at high personal cost, even though it is clearly a widespread design or programming defect. Approximate date of incident: [Insert when your screen froze first] Mileage at the time of incident: ~[Insert your odometer reading, e.g., 121,000 miles] Additional Notes: •Disconnecting/reconnecting the battery does not resolve the issue. •The error persists across resets, and no software update is available. •This is well-documented online, and the failure is identical across different Cruze vehicles, pointing to a recall-worthy defect.

NHTSA ID 11682403 · filed Aug 22, 2025
All 14 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Purchased new in 2019 – 32k miles - Oil changes every 6 months. Lightly driven, no modifications, all original engine components and tune. Engine developed a significant miss. Several warnings on Stabilitrak, ABS, and P0300. Significant oil leak at front of engine, oil is splashed all over the passenger side of the engine compartment. There is significant ‘chugging’ of air and oil from the dipstick tube and from the oil filler cap. This condition indicates excessive pressure leakage to the crankcase that is caused by a crack or failure to the #1 piston which is a very, very, very common failure with an extensive and indisputably documented history with the 1.4 engine throughout the history of the Chevrolet Cruze since its introduction. Compression test shows cylinder #1 at about 80 PSI while cylinders 2, 3, and 4 are at 190 PSI. This proves that there is a catastrophic compression leak down into the engine crankcase causing the misfire P0300 and the resulting excessive crankcase pressure causing the oil leak at the front of the engine and the expelling of air and oil from the dipstick tube and from the oil filler cap. This needs to be a warranty repair and the cost covered 100% by GM as it is a known defect with this engine since it has been first been used in their cars. Refer to: GM Bulletin: 18-NA-171 - [XXX] GM Bulletin: PIP5490D - [XXX] GM Bulletin: PIP5421 - [XXX] Reading through the extensive volume of posts on the #1 piston failure, GM/Chevrolet should have acknowledged this and a recall should have been issued and the warranty extended to cover an piston and/or piston ring failures with the 1.4 engine no matter what year or what vehicle it was installed in. I have additional links documenting the frequency of the piston and/or piston ring failure in the 1.4 engine: INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11634068 · filed Jan 4, 2025

The rear brakes are gouging the rotors on both wheels. The car has less than 26,000 miles on it. Front brakes are still in excellent condition and and car is having no problem with braking except there is noise. Have not yet talked with anyone at a dealer. There is no indication of any problem except for the noise. However rear brakes and rotors will need to be replaced or braking will become an issue.

NHTSA ID 11629384 · filed Dec 7, 2024
All 13 reports naming brakes

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Purchased new in 2019 – 32k miles - Oil changes every 6 months. Lightly driven, no modifications, all original engine components and tune. Engine developed a significant miss. Several warnings on Stabilitrak, ABS, and P0300. Significant oil leak at front of engine, oil is splashed all over the passenger side of the engine compartment. There is significant ‘chugging’ of air and oil from the dipstick tube and from the oil filler cap. This condition indicates excessive pressure leakage to the crankcase that is caused by a crack or failure to the #1 piston which is a very, very, very common failure with an extensive and indisputably documented history with the 1.4 engine throughout the history of the Chevrolet Cruze since its introduction. Compression test shows cylinder #1 at about 80 PSI while cylinders 2, 3, and 4 are at 190 PSI. This proves that there is a catastrophic compression leak down into the engine crankcase causing the misfire P0300 and the resulting excessive crankcase pressure causing the oil leak at the front of the engine and the expelling of air and oil from the dipstick tube and from the oil filler cap. This needs to be a warranty repair and the cost covered 100% by GM as it is a known defect with this engine since it has been first been used in their cars. Refer to: GM Bulletin: 18-NA-171 - [XXX] GM Bulletin: PIP5490D - [XXX] GM Bulletin: PIP5421 - [XXX] Reading through the extensive volume of posts on the #1 piston failure, GM/Chevrolet should have acknowledged this and a recall should have been issued and the warranty extended to cover an piston and/or piston ring failures with the 1.4 engine no matter what year or what vehicle it was installed in. I have additional links documenting the frequency of the piston and/or piston ring failure in the 1.4 engine: INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11634068 · filed Jan 4, 2025

9/28/2024 abs light and traction control light came on my 2018 chevy Cruze LT along with steering assist reduced while driving home making car hard to steer above 50 mph and coming into curves Chevrolet needs to be made to recall and repair this problem, I have noticed a lot of Cruze owners having the same problem could be dangerous while driving without some previous indication or prior warranting.

NHTSA ID 11617114 · filed Sep 29, 2024
All 9 reports naming steering

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Shortly after I merge onto a highway and pickup speed my cruze apears to be slipping gears. It does not do it every time but it appears to be happening increasingly often. It starts to shake violently, becomes hard to stear and refuses to excelerate even though the rpm's are rising significantly higher then they should be, leaving me going 35 - 40mph on a 65mph highway, it does not fully decelerate either. It happened the other day and the road speed was 65mph to start which my car wouldn't do then immediately became congested which is when I realized it wouldn't properly decelerate either, at least before I thought I coupd just pull over if it lasted to long. My car only has 22,000 miles on it and was certified pre-owned. It is regularly maintenanced as well. I have not taken it to be inspected just yet but that is my next step as I don't feel at all safe driving it in this condition.

NHTSA ID 11577291 · filed Mar 14, 2024

Car has been having issues with the powertrain since purchased with 0 miles. The car will start flashing warning sensors but when taken into the dealer/mechanic everything is ok.. Car stopped today in the middle of a busy street and started shaking. Car will shake hard when it is stopped at times. It was taken to 2 different chevrolet dealers who said they forgot to check it

NHTSA ID 11520387 · filed May 4, 2023
All 8 reports naming driver assistance

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Service safety restraint system. Airbags are potentially at risk to not deploy if a wreck was to occur. This failure has caused the airbags to be shut off despite anyone sitting in the seats that is supposed to activate them on when weight is applied to the seat. Has not been inspected but I would like for it to be inspected on behalf of the Chevy dealership at their cost.

NHTSA ID 11660808 · filed May 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while making a turn, the vehicle went in another direction. While her son was driving at 2–3 MPH, making a turn, the vehicle went in another direction. The frame was rusted and secured with chicken wire. While her son was driving at 20 MPH and driving up the parking garage, the steering wheel was straight, but the wheel went towards the left, and he crashed into a pole. The vehicle was drivable. The air bags deployed and went to the floorboard. The ABS and stability track control. There were no reported injuries, police reports, or fire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 105, 000.

NHTSA ID 11572925 · filed Feb 20, 2024
All 8 reports naming airbags

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Coming to a stop sign or red light the car won’t accelerate or will go in traction control making it difficult to move or not accelerate. Had 2-3 fuel leaks this year also having problems to keep the car going sometimes the max speed it will go is 20-40 miles n won’t go up unless u keep letting it slow down slowly n then accelerating n even after that it won’t make it above 60-70 miles it usually goes with no problem if its down hill since ur not pressing the gas or anything. Turning the air on also makes the car slow down other problems also is the gas running fast could just fill the tank n by the second day it will almost be over. Today the transmission gave up on me now I have no car to move around making it hard for me to go anywhere especially work since that’s how I make my money for living but with no car it’s a big problem.

NHTSA ID 11736759 · filed May 9, 2026

Unknown. The car seems to stall or slip when accelerating as is misfiring. It cuts off in the middle of the streets after coming out of auto stop mode. Pcv valve keeps popping up as issue. I had the pcv changed o2 sensors checked cleaned throttle body and air filter changed. The car still gives same problem and engine power reduction keeps popping on dashboard.

NHTSA ID 11724389 · filed Mar 15, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2018 CHEVROLET CRUZE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ISSUE WITH THE PROJECTOR HEADLIGHT.

NHTSA ID 11502744 · filed Jan 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving various speeds at night, the headlights failed to provide adequate illumination to drive safely. The contact stated that the failure was more evident on dimly lit streets. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the headlight bulbs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was still evident with the side illumination. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

NHTSA ID 11462754 · filed Apr 29, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Noticed all 4 wheels are starting to rust on my 2018 Chevy Cruze. Owned many, many cars and have never had wheels rust. If this continues, over the years worried wheels will crack and accident will happen. I took car to Leader Automotive Service and they were aware of problem. Said they could coat each wheel for approximately $180.00. Why is this my problem when the manufacturer of the wheel should replace defective wheels. Thank you for listening.

NHTSA ID 11425248 · filed Jul 17, 2021

AT 13,500 MILES THE VEHICLE HAD THIS PROBLEM, THE TIRES WEAR IN A BIZARRE WAY THAT WE HAD TO BY NEW TIRES, WAS SO HARD TO DRIVE AND THE WORST OF IT THE PROBLEM APPEAR WITHOUT WARNING .

NHTSA ID 11301274 · filed Jan 22, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while making a turn, the vehicle went in another direction. While her son was driving at 2–3 MPH, making a turn, the vehicle went in another direction. The frame was rusted and secured with chicken wire. While her son was driving at 20 MPH and driving up the parking garage, the steering wheel was straight, but the wheel went towards the left, and he crashed into a pole. The vehicle was drivable. The air bags deployed and went to the floorboard. The ABS and stability track control. There were no reported injuries, police reports, or fire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 105, 000.

NHTSA ID 11572925 · filed Feb 20, 2024

Side Pillars are too thick it is hard to see oncoming traffic and almost caused an accident in so many times.

NHTSA ID 11437251 · filed Oct 18, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Coming to a stop sign or red light the car won’t accelerate or will go in traction control making it difficult to move or not accelerate. Had 2-3 fuel leaks this year also having problems to keep the car going sometimes the max speed it will go is 20-40 miles n won’t go up unless u keep letting it slow down slowly n then accelerating n even after that it won’t make it above 60-70 miles it usually goes with no problem if its down hill since ur not pressing the gas or anything. Turning the air on also makes the car slow down other problems also is the gas running fast could just fill the tank n by the second day it will almost be over. Today the transmission gave up on me now I have no car to move around making it hard for me to go anywhere especially work since that’s how I make my money for living but with no car it’s a big problem.

NHTSA ID 11736759 · filed May 9, 2026

MY SON BOUGHT HIS CAR NOT EVEN HAPPEN IN A MONTH HE HIT A DEER HE SAID IT FELT WEIRD LIKE THE BRAKING SYSTEM WENT WEIRD NOT EVEN THINKING IT WENT TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND MY FATHER TOLD ME TO LOOK UP RECALLS AND IT WILL NOT LET ME LOOK IT UP IT'S IN THE VIN ISN'T RECOGNIZED BY GMC SO I'M CURIOUS ON WHAT'S GOING ON WITH HIS CAR IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS OR IF IT WAS MECHANICAL ISSUE I'D LIKE PAUL TO THE SIDE BRAKES FOR A WEIRD IT WAS IN WAYNE COUNTY OHIO ON ROUTE 585 AT THE END OF OCTOBER 2020

NHTSA ID 11373539 · filed Nov 7, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

RADIO/INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM DISPLAY GOES FULL BRIGHT EVEN DURING NIGHT AND CANNOT BE DIMMED AND DESTROYS THE DRIVERS NIGHT VISION AND CAN ONLY BE RESET BY STOPPING THE CAR AND CYCLING THROUGH REVERSE, TO ACTIVATE REVERSE CAMERA. ALSO, REVERSE CAMERA OPERATION PUTS SCREEN IN FULL BRIGHT, WHICH AT NIGHT MAKES THE DISPLAY TOO BRIGHT TO USE, AND DISTRACTING TO THE DRIVER TRYING TO SAFELY OPERATE THE CAR IN REVERSE AT NIGHT. THIS APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH ALL 2016-2018 CHEVROLET CRUZE WITH THE 7' MYLINK INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM AS CAN BE SEEN IN THE ACTIVE ONLINE FORUM DISCUSSION OF THIS ISSUE: HTTPS://WWW.CRUZETALK.COM/FORUM/393-GEN2-AUDIO-ELECTRONICS/223897-HOW-DIM-7-MYLINK-DISPLAY.HTML GENERAL MOTORS FIX IS TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE FOR 13 SECONDS AFTER STOPPING AND BACK INTO DRIVE. THIS IS AFTER SIX MONTHS OF DEALING WITH THIS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT

NHTSA ID 11193176 · filed Apr 1, 2019

CAR FOGS THEN FROSTS UP . ALSS WHEN IT RAINS THE OUTER PART OF WINDOWS HAVE AN ADD FILM AND MAKE IT VERY HARD TO SEE AFTER THE WINDSHIELD WIPES THE RAIN OFF. VERY DANGEROUS CAR. I HAVE LOOKED AROUND AND ALL SEEM TO COMPLAIN ABOUT IT. HOW CAN THEY GET AWAY WITH THIS?

NHTSA ID 11192601 · filed Mar 30, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield wiper compartment inadvertently opened. There was a failure with the seat belts. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt was excessively loose, and the front passenger’s side seat belt was overly tight. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt assemblies had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,550.

NHTSA ID 11727253 · filed Mar 26, 2026

Service safety restraint system. Airbags are potentially at risk to not deploy if a wreck was to occur. This failure has caused the airbags to be shut off despite anyone sitting in the seats that is supposed to activate them on when weight is applied to the seat. Has not been inspected but I would like for it to be inspected on behalf of the Chevy dealership at their cost.

NHTSA ID 11660808 · filed May 14, 2025

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO LOCK THE VEHICLE, SHE WAS STILL ABLE TO LIFT THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAPAUGH MOTORS (LOCATED AT 1435 MCNUTT ST, HERCULANEUM, MO 63048, 636-334-9048), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 11290365 · filed Dec 20, 2019

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The tires installed August 2020 were 205/55R16 from GoodYear. They were the All Season Assurance Tires. They had travelled about 10,000 miles since install. On November 26, on I 95 SB near mile marker 3 (near GA state line), tread flew past wife’s window and the TPMS system indicated pressure in the right front tire at 1. This sudden issue could have caused a crash or injury. The vehicle is currently at the shop that installed the tires and is being investigated.

NHTSA ID 11441792 · filed Nov 27, 2021

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

Data on this page last refreshed .