What are the most common Chevrolet Cruze problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Diesel Particulate Filter Soot Loading and Failed Regeneration - Limp Mode, LE2 1.4T Cracked Piston / Broken Piston Ring Land - Cylinder 1 Misfire and Oil Consumption, Diesel SCR NOx Sensor #2 and DEF Injector Crystallization - P11D7 with Speed-Limit Countdown. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Diesel Particulate Filter Soot Loading and Failed Regeneration - Limp Mode and LE2 1.4T Cracked Piston / Broken Piston Ring Land - Cylinder 1 Misfire and Oil Consumption and Diesel SCR NOx Sensor #2 and DEF Injector Crystallization - P11D7 with Speed-Limit Countdown. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Cruze problems?
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Cruze issues range from $40 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Diesel Particulate Filter Soot Loading and Failed Regeneration - Limp Mode, typically costs $400-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Particulate Filter Soot Loading and Failed Regeneration - Limp Mode?
Cruze diesels driven on short trips never complete an active regeneration, so soot accumulates until the DPF restriction threshold is passed and the ECM drops the car into reduced power with a 'Diesel Particulate Filter Full' / Engine Power Is Reduced message and P2463. Once load… Repairs typically run $400-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2018 Chevrolet Cruze LE2 1.4T Cracked Piston / Broken Piston Ring Land - Cylinder 1 Misfire and Oil Consumption?
Gen 2 Cruze 1.4L LE2 engines, concentrated in 2016-2017 builds, crack pistons or break the second ring land, most often on cylinder 1. Compression on the affected cylinder collapses, oil gets past the rings, and the car sets a random or cylinder-specific misfire with visible oil… Repairs typically run $2,000-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel SCR NOx Sensor #2 and DEF Injector Crystallization - P11D7 with Speed-Limit Countdown?
On the Cruze diesel the downstream (post-SCR) NOx sensor and the DEF injector are a chronic pair. The DEF injector tip crystallizes so urea no longer atomizes into the exhaust stream; NOx reduction at the tailpipe falls short, and because the system has no direct way to measure D… Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2011-2019 Chevrolet Cruze Coolant Surge Tank Cracking and Pressure Cap O-Ring Failure?
The plastic coolant surge tank develops hairline cracks, most often at the upper hose nipple where the inner wall splits before the outside shows anything, and the two-stage pressure cap loses its lower O-ring seal. Because the 1.4T cooling system runs high pressure, a weak cap o… Repairs typically run $40-$250. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2019 Chevrolet Cruze Trunk Water Intrusion at Taillight Seal and Rear Spoiler Mounting Points?
Water pools in the spare tire well and soaks the trunk carpet. Two distinct paths are documented by owners: on Gen 1 sedans the leak tracks in around the taillight housing and its body rivets, which is why the drip appears to come off the lamp but actually originates above it (ad… Repairs typically run $50-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2019 Chevrolet Cruze HVAC Blend Door / Mode Actuator Gear Stripping - Clicking Dash and Split Temperature?
The plastic gears inside the HVAC air temperature and mode (defrost) actuators strip, so the door stops reaching its commanded position and the actuator motor hunts back and forth. The signature is a rapid clicking or ticking from behind the dash, usually when the temperature or… Repairs typically run $120-$450. Severity: low.
