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2018 Chevrolet Cruze

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Fewer warning signs than most model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze are lower than the model-year median of 250.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

61 reports with mileage · 48 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 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports3 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

109 reports
12,000 miles · May 10, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineFuel System, Gasoline

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle felt imbalanced and was shuddering. Additionally, the engine emitted abnormal knocking sounds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact then parked the vehicle a block away from his residence. The contact who is a …

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The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle felt imbalanced and was shuddering. Additionally, the engine emitted abnormal knocking sounds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact then parked the vehicle a block away from his residence. The contact who is a certified independent mechanic, diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed. The contact also diagnosed that the fuel injector had melted and fused into the number one cylinder, causing the engine to misfire. The contact replaced the fuel injectors, the spark plugs, the fuel line, the fuel harness, and the vehicle software were flushed. However, the failure reoccurred. Upon further investigation, the contact became aware that the engine inside the vehicle was not the appropriate engine as it was 1.5 liter and its specifications indicated that it was an engine specifically designed for a Chevrolet Malibu while the vehicle was a Chevrolet Cruze. However, the original owner of the vehicle, who was the contact's neighbor, had never replaced the engine. The contact then determined that the failure was associated to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V642000 (Electrical System, Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). The contact notified the dealer where the vehicle was originally purchased and informed them that the engine installed was not the appropriate engine. The dealer disregarded the information and informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

NHTSA ODI #11464098

51,200 miles · May 9, 2022
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, his brake warning light had illuminated. The contact stated that he attempted to depress the brake pedal however, the brakes failed to engage, causing him to use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that he was ab…

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The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, his brake warning light had illuminated. The contact stated that he attempted to depress the brake pedal however, the brakes failed to engage, causing him to use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that he was able to pull off the road into a parking lot to evaluate the vehicle. The contact stated that after exiting the vehicle, he saw brake fluid leaking from the driver’s side rear brake caliber. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed back and remained at the residence. The contact stated that he then contacted the dealer, and manufacturer who advised him that the vehicle would not be covered for the repair. The failure mileage was 51,200.

NHTSA ODI #11463894

18,000 miles · Apr 29, 2022
Exterior Lighting

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 dete…

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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 ODI #11462754

Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2022
Power Train

This Cruze is equipped with a manual 6 speed transmission. The initial incident involved complete loss of the clutch with the clutch pedal sticking to the floor. This and the driver could not get the vehicle into gear. The driver then reached down and pulled the clutch up from the flor and was able to resume some clutch functi…

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This Cruze is equipped with a manual 6 speed transmission. The initial incident involved complete loss of the clutch with the clutch pedal sticking to the floor. This and the driver could not get the vehicle into gear. The driver then reached down and pulled the clutch up from the flor and was able to resume some clutch function. No Malfunction indicator or engine light was visible. Dealer serviced the vehicle indicating a P08A8 code set after incident. Vehicle repair order/invoice 382676 Ewald Chevrolet Buick. 36833 E Wisconsin Avenue, Oconomowoc, WI 53066 262-567-5555. When I picked the vehicle up, I couldn't leave with it because when I depressed the clutch pedal the clutch engaged/disengaged all the way depressed or at the floor. The dealer replaced Part #55505687 PIPE, and 19353126 Fluid. After driving the vehicle a few miles I called the dealer and asked them to open a case with Chevrolet because the clutch system did not feel the same. Inconsistent engage/disengage point of the clutch. While awaiting their return call I experienced a complete loss of clutch function again, similar to the original case pedal stuck to floor, and manually had to lift clutch pedal to regain some clutch function. This happened while driving/shifting in traffic, after pulling up the clutch the engine light lit. Returned it to dealer

NHTSA ODI #11456548

Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2022
EngineUnknown Or Other

I got my vehicle through a local dealership in town, in July of 2020 and only a couple months later my problems started. The vehicle started to vibrate violently and almost jerk back and forth on its own whenever I would drive it. And whenever I did come to a complete stop and accelerate the vehicle would hesitate a bit, it felt…

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I got my vehicle through a local dealership in town, in July of 2020 and only a couple months later my problems started. The vehicle started to vibrate violently and almost jerk back and forth on its own whenever I would drive it. And whenever I did come to a complete stop and accelerate the vehicle would hesitate a bit, it felt like I would have to really force it in order to keep driving. That same feeling would occur whenever I would have to drive on the highway it felt like I was pushing really hard on the gas in order to move. Which lead to my stability track message to appear on the dash as well as the check engine light. Then finally one day while I was driving and making a right turn to exit a shopping center my vehicle just stopped out of nowhere. I was unable to drive I tried putting it in neutral and reversing but nothing worked. I couldn't even take my keys out the ignition or turn off the vehicle I was completely stuck casing traffic on a busy street until what felt like five minutes later, I was able to turn it on and off and drive home. I then took my vehicle to the local Chevy dealership where they kept my car for a week even though no work was done to it. They wanted me to let them take apart my engine to determine what the problem was, and I was advised by multiple sources including my vehicle warranty to not let them do a tear down. The service consultant said they couldn't find a reason why my vehicle just stopped on me and blew it off as nothing. I then took it to a local mechanic in town where they replaced my air filter, spark plugs, and did a mass air flow clean. However only days later my check engine light appeared again along with the message to service the stability track. The jerking, vibrating feeling is still present when I drive also now whenever I turn on my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11454890

Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2022
Power Train

I made a prior complaint with tracking number 11360154. This same problem has occurred again, approximately 22,000 miles after the car was repaired the first time. The clutch is broken again and it broke at highway speed almost causing me to have a severe accident. THE CONSUMER STATED A LEAK OF THE HYDRAULIC FLUID CONTAMINATED …

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I made a prior complaint with tracking number 11360154. This same problem has occurred again, approximately 22,000 miles after the car was repaired the first time. The clutch is broken again and it broke at highway speed almost causing me to have a severe accident. THE CONSUMER STATED A LEAK OF THE HYDRAULIC FLUID CONTAMINATED THE CLUTCH. THE FRICTION DISC AND PRESSURE PLATE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ODI #11449460

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2022
Engine

Engine performance dropped noticeably, tire pressure system alert lighted, and stability track turned off. Then within a short period of time, some 30 minutes, the engine warning light activity (steady). All of this happened shortly after the 3-year warranty expired although I was having some engine roughness a few days before t…

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Engine performance dropped noticeably, tire pressure system alert lighted, and stability track turned off. Then within a short period of time, some 30 minutes, the engine warning light activity (steady). All of this happened shortly after the 3-year warranty expired although I was having some engine roughness a few days before three years. Made an appointment at the Chevy dealership and the issue was diagnosed to a misfire on cylinder #1. Apparently, the insulator around the center electrode of the spark plug separated and slipped down. After a bit of research and asking the dealer for Chevy TSB #PIP5657D, NHTSA TSB #10201263, I was startled to find this is a somewhat frequent-enough problem affecting a number of GM models using 1.4L engine as used in my Cruze. I had a forthright conversation with Chevy dealer that this was a warranty issue as my OnStar alerted me to an emissions system malfunction. I also called GM and ACDelco, the spark plug manufacturer, and they claimed nothing or no issues. This is a safety concern to me. Paid almost $400 to have four spark plugs replaced at 3-years and only 7,000 miles; ACDelco warrants the spark plugs for 7-years or 100,000 miles!. Unacceptable.

NHTSA ODI #11448403

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2021
Unknown Or Other

The radio stays on full bright after dimming the lights. Then when I stop at a red light and the car shuts off when I release the break my car jumps makes engine makes a it rev up like the switching of the gears or something. And when I am driving the speed limt and press the gas to speed up to pass a car the car does not go fas…

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The radio stays on full bright after dimming the lights. Then when I stop at a red light and the car shuts off when I release the break my car jumps makes engine makes a it rev up like the switching of the gears or something. And when I am driving the speed limt and press the gas to speed up to pass a car the car does not go faster the RPM' only go up like I am going to blow the motor u.i do not know anything about the

NHTSA ODI #11443027

Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2021
Tires

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 s…

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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 ODI #11441792

119,000 miles · Nov 16, 2021
EnginePower TrainCrashInjury

The contact owned a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving approximately 68 mph when the contact crashed into a deer, the brake pedal was depressed however the vehicle continued to move forward. The contact stated that he had placed the vehicle in park but the vehicle continued to drive, the contact had to contin…

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The contact owned a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving approximately 68 mph when the contact crashed into a deer, the brake pedal was depressed however the vehicle continued to move forward. The contact stated that he had placed the vehicle in park but the vehicle continued to drive, the contact had to continuedly press the ignition button for the vehicle to turn off. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact mentioned that the cruise control was activated at the time of the failure. The contact sustained scrapes on the arms but did not seek medical attention. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to a local tow yard where it was diagnosed as destroyed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI #11440672

Official recalls

3

20V668000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Oct 29, 2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

18V576000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper

Aug 30, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

18V304000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

May 10, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS vehicles, equipped with a gasoline engine and a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire. The vehicles may leak gasoline following a rear-impact crash and a rollover. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a lock-ring on the fuel tank that will shield the fuel tank vapor pressure sensor from damage in a rear-impact crash, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18159.

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.