This page covers 3 recalls, 108 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze.
32–37 mpg combined
6.4–7.4 L/100km
Compact 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
Powertrain and engine issues dominate complaints filed by 2018 Chevrolet Cruze owners. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe hesitation or failure to accelerate when pulling away from a stop, with several noting the vehicle enters traction control mode unexpectedly, making it difficult to get moving. Some report the car stalling or cutting out after the auto stop-start system disengages, and a recurring theme involves reduced engine power warnings appearing on the dashboard. On the engine side, cylinder misfires come up across multiple reports, with owners describing shaking, rough running, and the check engine light illuminating. A handful of reports point to low compression in cylinder 1 as a diagnosed outcome, sometimes leading to complete engine failure. The PCV valve shows up in several reports as part of the diagnostic picture when owners chase driveability problems.
108
Total Complaints
17
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze has 3 recalls, the most serious being a fuel leak risk on LS trim vehicles equipped with a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire, where a rear-impact crash or rollover can allow gasoline to escape and potentially ignite.
A separate powertrain concern involves the automatic transmission's start-stop accumulator, which may be missing bolts on its endcap. This can cause transmission fluid to leak and, if the problem progresses, the vehicle can lose drive power entirely. On the brake side, the rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating that allows gas pockets to form inside them, reducing rear braking force and extending stopping distances.
At a glance
What can fail
The endcap on the start-stop transmission accumulator may be missing bolts, which could affect transmission operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the accumulator endcap and replace it if bolts are missing, at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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
Rear brake caliper pistons may have inadequate coating, allowing gas pockets to form and reducing rear brake performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will bleed the brake system to remove gas pockets and restore brake performance at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In a rear-impact crash or rollover, the fuel tank vapor pressure sensor can be damaged, causing the fuel tank to leak gasoline.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective lock-ring on the fuel tank to shield the vapor pressure sensor from damage during a crash.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
