NHTSA (USA)Critical
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
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.
The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze received an overall rating of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, it earned 5 stars, and in side pole testing, it also achieved 5 stars. The vehicle received 4 stars in both side crash and rollover tests. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this rating covers the Cruze through the model years shown.
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 transmission oil leak that can lead to a complete loss of drive power, and a fuel system defect on LS trim models that can allow gasoline to leak after a rear-impact collision or rollover, raising the risk of fire.
The transmission concern involves the start/stop accumulator, a component that helps manage power during the engine's automatic stop-start cycling. If bolts are missing from its endcap, transmission fluid can leak out, and the vehicle may lose the ability to move under its own power. The fuel system recall applies only to LS trims equipped with a tire inflator kit in place of a spare tire: in a rear-impact crash or rollover, the fuel system can breach and leak gasoline, which can ignite if it contacts a spark or hot surface. On the brake side, rear brake caliper pistons may have a coating that allows gas pockets to form inside, which can cause the piston to move inconsistently and reduce the stopping force the rear brakes deliver, leaving the driver with longer stopping distances than expected.
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
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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 →
Dealers will inspect the accumulator endcap and replace it if bolts are missing, at no cost to you.
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.