Chevrolet brand mark

Is the 2011–2019 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

4.6/ 10
Buy with caution

On our documented-fault scoring the Chevrolet Cruze rates 4.6 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 3 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around cooling, engine and turbo. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.

Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless

What the score is built from

Critical
0
High
3
Medium
3
Low
2

Weak points cluster around cooling, engine, turbo, transmission.

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The faults that decide it

CoolingHigh

1.4T coolant leaks (thermostat housing, water outlet, hoses) and overheating.

Typically appears
60,000+ miles
What to inspect
Check coolant level and look for leaks; confirm any cooling-component replacements.
Typical repair
Head gasket / cooling system repair · £900–£2,600
ElectricalHigh

Flickering dashboard lights, radio cutting out, or intermittent loss of electric power steering.

Typically appears
40,000-70,000 miles
What to inspect
Open the bonnet and firmly wiggle the negative battery cable near the terminal. Look for loose crimping or listen for electrical arcing.
Typical repair
Steering rack / column repair · £400–£1,500
Engine / LubricationHigh

Oil mixing with coolant or a strong smell of burning oil from the engine bay.

Typically appears
60,000-100,000 miles
What to inspect
Remove the coolant expansion tank cap to check for mayonnaise-like sludge, and shine a torch below the exhaust manifold heat shield for oil weeping from the cooler.
Typical repair
Cooling component replacement · £220–£750
EngineMedium

PCV/valve cover diaphragm failure causing rough running and oil loss.

Typically appears
70,000+ miles
What to inspect
Watch for a whistle, rough idle and oil consumption.
Typical repair
Oil leak trace & seal / gasket · £180–£700
TurboMedium

1.4T turbo wear.

Typically appears
90,000+ miles
What to inspect
Listen for turbo whine and check for smoke.
Typical repair
Turbocharger replacement · £750–£2,200

Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.

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