NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic park lock lever may allow you to remove the ignition key even when the transmission is not in PARK, which can lead to unintended vehicle movement.
What the fix does
This page covers 7 recalls, 728 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.
26–29 mpg combined
8.1–9 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze draws a high volume of complaints, with engine and powertrain issues leading the pack by a wide margin. On the engine side, owners frequently report overheating, sometimes persisting even after replacing cooling system components, along with the check engine light illuminating, occasional smoking, and a "reduced engine power" warning appearing during acceleration. Powertrain complaints center on the transmission failing to shift into the correct gear, stalling while in motion, and the vehicle being unable to restart afterward. A notable cluster of owners also describes sudden, complete loss of engine power while driving, sometimes accompanied by electrical failures. Vehicle speed control complaints often tie back to these same symptoms, the accelerator pedal being depressed with little or no resulting acceleration, frequently alongside traction control warning lights. Some owners also report ABS warning messages, grinding during braking, and steering wheel wobble at higher speeds when braking.
728
Total Complaints
38
Crash-Related
20
Fire-Related
30
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has 7 recalls, with the most serious involving two separate steering failures: the steering wheel can detach from the column entirely, and the intermediate steering shaft can separate from the gear input shaft, both leaving the driver with no steering control.
Three recalls involve fire risk. Oil that spills or drips during an oil change can pool in the engine's underbody shield near hot exhaust surfaces and ignite. Separately, the fuel tank's mounting brackets may be missing attachment welds, which can allow the tank to break loose in a crash and leak fuel near ignition sources.
On the drivetrain side, automatic transmission models have two concerns: the gear position indicator may not accurately reflect the selected gear, which can allow the vehicle to roll away after the driver exits, and the electronic vacuum pump that assists the brake pedal can fail, requiring significantly more pedal force to stop the vehicle. There is also an ignition concern where the key can be removed without the transmission fully in Park, creating another rollaway risk when occupants are getting out.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic park lock lever may allow you to remove the ignition key even when the transmission is not in PARK, which can lead to unintended vehicle movement.
What the fix does
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will inspect and replace the key cylinder lock housing if necessary, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric vacuum pump that helps boost braking may fail to activate, causing occasional loss or reduction of brake assist power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace a microswitch in the brake vacuum pump assembly at no cost to restore proper brake assist operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The welds that attach the fuel tank strap secondary brackets may not have been installed, potentially allowing the brackets to come loose.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for missing welds and secure any loose bracket attachments using fasteners at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Oil spilled during oil changes can collect in the engine shield under the engine. If this oil contacts hot engine or exhaust surfaces, it may ignite and burn.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify the engine shield to prevent fluid buildup. On manual transmission vehicles, protective tape will be applied to the power steering wire harness.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt connecting the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear may not be fully tightened, potentially causing steering issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolt, ensuring the steering shaft is properly assembled. The repair is free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission shift linkage may not be properly installed, causing the gear position indicator to misalign with the actual transmission gear. The driver could shift to Park and remove the key while the transmission remains in a different gear.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the transmission shift linkage for correct installation and adjust the system at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering wheel may have been improperly fastened during manufacturing and could detach from the steering column.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and ensure the steering wheel is properly assembled. This service is free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.