PROBLEM GUIDE

2011–2015 Chevrolet Cruze Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated August 2026

585

complaints filed for the 2013 model year

2011–2015

Model years affected

$300 – $1,750

Typical repair cost, by problem

The most notable non-recall issue on this generation is coolant loss without a visible exterior leak — tied to check-engine codes P0101, P0172, P0299, and P1101, and in some reports, noticeable power loss on inclines. We don't yet have a repair-cost figure isolated to this specific failure, and because it may overlap with an open recall or service campaign for this generation, check your VIN before assuming it's a routine out-of-pocket repair.

Quick Scan: 5 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Coolant loss without a visible exterior leak

coolant needing periodic refills with no visible leak, sometimes with power loss on inclines

Check engine light: On

This is the single most-cited engine issue we found for this generation. Owners describe coolant that keeps needing to be topped off with no puddle or visible leak to explain it, engine overheating being described as "common and recurring," and oil blowby at the oil filler cap. Several reports tie it to specific check-engine codes — P0101, P0172, P0299, and P1101 — with power loss on inclines in some cases, which is why we've marked the check engine light as typically on for this one. One open question: a 'Recall 14417' has been cited for this same low-coolant-without-a-leak symptom, and there is an NHTSA Campaign 12V288000 for a related engine oil leak / fire hazard on 2012 models specifically. We haven't confirmed whether these are the same issue, related issues, or coincidentally similar — so if this sounds like your car, check your VIN for an open recall before assuming this is a standard out-of-pocket repair.

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Turbocharger failure

noticeable loss of power and engine performance issues, sometimes as early as 15,000 miles

Check engine light: On

This generation's turbocharged engine has a recurring failure pattern that shows up surprisingly early for some owners — as soon as 15,000 to 25,000 miles in the reports we found — usually described as a loss of power or general performance issues rather than a dramatic, obvious failure. Turbo underboost conditions typically trigger a check-engine code, which is why we've marked the light as typically on for this one. We don't yet have a repair-cost figure specific to a turbocharger replacement for this vehicle — if you're noticing reduced power relatively early in ownership, it's worth having the turbo system checked before assuming it's just normal engine wear.

as early as 15,000–25,000 mi

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Jerky or harsh automatic transmission shifting

harsh or jerky gear changes, sometimes moving in and out of gear while stopped with the brake applied

Check engine light: On

Owners describe jerky gear shifts and, in some reports, the transmission moving in and out of gear on its own while stopped with the brake held — NHTSA complaints separately describe 5th gear "slamming hard" into place. We found one documented full transmission rebuild at 62,227 miles costing $1,570, with a typical range of $1,250 – $1,750 reflecting the normal spread in labor rates and parts sourcing — a worst-case example rather than the typical outcome, since most transmission repairs for this vehicle run far cheaper (71% under $100). Transmission shift-quality issues commonly set a check-engine code, which is why we've marked the light as typically on here.

$1,250 – $1,75062,227 mi (rebuild case)

The $1,570 figure is a single documented worst-case rebuild, not a typical outcome. Most transmission repairs for this vehicle run well under $100.

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Control arm / ball joint failure

suspension noise or looseness, particularly over bumps

Check engine light: Off

One documented case: the passenger-side control arm failed at 46,000 miles, requiring replacement at a cost of $380 — we've widened that to a $300–$420 range to reflect the normal spread in labor rates and parts sourcing. This is a mechanical suspension fault, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light — the giveaway is usually noise or looseness in the suspension rather than any dashboard warning.

$300 – $42046,000 mi

based on a single documented case — treat as representative, not a guaranteed figure.

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We found several recall/campaign references in this generation's complaint data — including Campaign 12V288000 (engine oil leak / fire hazard, concentrated in 2012 models), Recall 14371B (head gasket), Campaign 16V502000 (ignition switch), and Campaign 14V151000 (half-shaft fracture) — but we haven't independently verified this as a complete list for the full 2011–2015 generation. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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