2011-2016 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated May 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze has 5 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, the turbocharger oil feed line on the first-generation Cruze 1.4T develops leaks at the banjo fitting connections to the turbo and the engine block. The line uses crush washers that degrade over time, and the line itself can crack due to heat cycling. Oil drips onto the exhaust manifold, creating a burning oil smell and visible smoke from the engine bay. If the oil feed is severely restricted by a damaged line, the turbocharger bearings will be starved of oil and fail catastrophically within a few thousand miles.
Replace the turbo oil feed line and both banjo bolt crush washers ($30-$80 for parts). The repair takes 1-2 hours ($100-$250 labor) and requires removal of the engine cover and heat shields for access. Inspect the turbocharger for shaft play while the line is disconnected — excessive play indicates bearing damage from oil starvation. Use a new OEM-style braided line rather than reusing the original rigid line. After the repair, run the engine and check for leaks before reinstalling heat shields.
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On the 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T, the 1.4T engine in the first-generation Cruze has the PCV system integrated into the valve cover assembly. The PCV diaphragm ruptures, the check valve fails, or the valve cover gasket deteriorates, causing oil leaks, vacuum leaks, rough idle, and check engine lights. The failed PCV system creates excess crankcase pressure that pushes oil past seals and into the intake manifold. This is the same fundamental design flaw as the Equinox and Malibu 1.5T PCV system. GM released an updated valve cover with improved PCV components.
Replace the entire valve cover assembly, which includes the integrated PCV system ($80-$200 for parts). Labor is 1-2 hours ($100-$250). Use the updated GM valve cover design (GM part 55573746 or later revision) with the improved PCV diaphragm. After replacement, check the intake manifold and intercooler for oil contamination — clean any oil found. Also replace the valve cover gasket even if using the same cover, as the gasket is a common secondary leak source.
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On the 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T, the intake manifold on the 1.4T Cruze has variable-length intake runners controlled by an internal flap actuator. The actuator motor fails or the runner flaps stick due to carbon buildup and oil contamination (especially when the PCV valve cover has also failed). When the runners stick open or closed, the engine loses low-end torque, idles rough, and throws a check engine light. The plastic runner flap pivots can also break, sending debris into the intake port and potentially the cylinder.
Clean the intake manifold runner flaps with throttle body cleaner and check the actuator motor for proper operation ($100-$200 for cleaning). If the actuator motor has failed, replacement costs $80-$200 for the part and 1-2 hours of labor. If the runner flaps are broken or cracked, the entire intake manifold assembly must be replaced ($200-$400 for parts, $200-$400 labor). Address any PCV valve cover failures first, as oil contamination from a failed PCV system accelerates carbon buildup on the runner flaps.
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On the 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T, the 2011-2016 Cruze 1.4L turbo engine has chronic coolant leaks from the water outlet housing and thermostat housing. These plastic components crack from heat cycling. The turbo coolant feed and return lines also develop leaks at the crimped rubber-to-metal connections. Some owners report replacing the water outlet multiple times.
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On the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T, the first-generation Cruze with the 6T40 automatic transmission develops a shudder during torque converter lockup in the 25-45 mph range. The torque converter clutch friction material wears and generates debris that contaminates the fluid, worsening the shudder over time in a vicious cycle. The shudder feels like driving over a textured road surface and is most noticeable during gentle acceleration. The 6T40 in the Cruze sees more stress than in larger vehicles because the 1.4T engine produces torque at low RPM, keeping the converter locked more often.
Perform a complete transmission fluid exchange (not just a drain and fill) using ACDelco DEXRON VI ATF. Three drain-and-fill cycles with 500 miles of driving between each gives the best results. If the shudder persists after fresh fluid, the torque converter needs replacement ($800-$1,500 including labor). A TCM software update at the dealer can modify lockup behavior to reduce shudder. Change the 6T40 fluid every 30,000 miles to prevent the issue from developing.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with a 1.4L turbo engine, and manufactured between November 28, 2012, and March 7, 2014. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
AIR BAGS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's front air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with manual transmissions (MF3/MR5) and manufactured January 24, 2013, through August 1, 2013. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 1.4T Coolant Leak at Water Outlet and Thermostat Housing, Turbo Oil Feed Line Leak (1.4T LUJ/LUV), PCV Valve Cover Failure and Oil Leak (1.4T). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Cruze issues range from $50 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Reliability varies across model years of the Chevrolet Cruze. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze with 5 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
The 2011-2016 Cruze 1.4L turbo engine has chronic coolant leaks from the water outlet housing and thermostat housing. These plastic components crack from heat cycling. The turbo coolant feed and return lines also develop leaks at the crimped rubber-to-metal connections. Some owne… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
The turbocharger oil feed line on the first-generation Cruze 1.4T develops leaks at the banjo fitting connections to the turbo and the engine block. The line uses crush washers that degrade over time, and the line itself can crack due to heat cycling. Oil drips onto the exhaust m… Repairs typically run $50-$400. Severity: medium.
The 1.4T engine in the first-generation Cruze has the PCV system integrated into the valve cover assembly. The PCV diaphragm ruptures, the check valve fails, or the valve cover gasket deteriorates, causing oil leaks, vacuum leaks, rough idle, and check engine lights. The failed P… Repairs typically run $100-$450. Severity: medium.
The first-generation Cruze with the 6T40 automatic transmission develops a shudder during torque converter lockup in the 25-45 mph range. The torque converter clutch friction material wears and generates debris that contaminates the fluid, worsening the shudder over time in a vic… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: medium.
The intake manifold on the 1.4T Cruze has variable-length intake runners controlled by an internal flap actuator. The actuator motor fails or the runner flaps stick due to carbon buildup and oil contamination (especially when the PCV valve cover has also failed). When the runners… Repairs typically run $100-$800. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
