This page covers 4 recalls, 584 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze.
26–30 mpg combined
7.8–9 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 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine and powertrain issues dominate complaints filed for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. On the engine side, owners frequently report coolant system failures, particularly the thermostat housing cracking or leaking, in some cases repeatedly on the same vehicle, leading to overheating. Rough idling, stalling, and warning lights including Service StabiliTrak and Service Traction Control come up across multiple reports, often appearing alongside coolant or ignition-related problems like worn spark plugs and coil pack failures. On the powertrain side, owners describe a sluggish or delayed throttle response where engine RPM climbs but vehicle speed doesn't follow until the driver releases the accelerator, suggesting a transmission or torque converter concern. Steering complaints round out the top three, with owners noting the wheel pulling to one side and recurring traction-related warning lights activating during turns or at low speed.
584
Total Complaints
54
Crash-Related
8
Fire-Related
25
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has 4 recalls, the most serious involving a fractured front axle shaft that can cause the vehicle to lose drive power and coast to a stop, and a driver's airbag inflator that can rupture and fail to deploy in a crash.
The axle shaft issue affects vehicles with the 1.4L turbo engine, and a separate filing covers manual transmission models specifically. In both cases, the right front half shaft can fracture and separate while driving, leaving the car without power and rolling freely until it stops. On the airbag side, the driver's front inflator was built with an incorrect part on certain vehicles, meaning that in a crash serious enough to trigger deployment, the inflator can rupture and the bag may not inflate at all, removing a key layer of crash protection. There is also an ignition concern: the electronic park lock can allow the key to be removed while the transmission is still out of Park, leaving the vehicle free to roll away while 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
Dealers will inspect and replace the key cylinder lock housing if necessary, at no cost to you.
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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 →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may have been made with an incorrect part, affecting its function.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver side air bag at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right front half shaft may fracture and separate on certain 2013–2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles with 1.4L turbo engines.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the right half shaft at no cost when parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right front half shaft may fracture and separate on affected 2013–2014 Chevrolet Cruze manual transmission vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the half shaft assembly at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
