2011 Chevrolet Cruze
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 732
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2011
Opened by NHTSA
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 732 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 732 |
| 2012 | 865 |
| 2013 | 587 |
| 2014 | 702 |
| 2015 | 252 |
| 2016 | 249 |
| 2017 | 201 |
| 2018 | 109 |
| 2019 | 22 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
35% · 257 reportsShow complaint excerpts
It's been going off and on every since I first got the car I smell a burning smell and it loses power is stalls and the dealership keep telling me it's just air getting into it but I know it's my turbo because my neighbor has one her turbo went out...
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-02
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
September 21, 2023 had taken my 2011 Chevy Cruze to a service center because i noticed an oil leak on my garage Floor. the service center replaced the intake manifold cover.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-26
Power train
26% · 193 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated the transmission was reprogrammed, but the failure was not corrected when the vehicle lost power while accelerating at any speed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-05-25
The transmission failed and wouldn't go into 3rd gear. Safety of person driving was put at risk on an expressway on ramp, transmission refused to go into 3rd gear could have been rear ended as traffic was accelerating on ramp.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-06
Electrical system
13% · 98 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and speedometer/odometer.
Show complaint excerpts
The 2011 chevy Cruze was driven by our daughter, she was driving 35 MPH, when she noticed smoke coming out of the hood. She pulled over and in a matter of minutes the car was in flames.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-10
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH there was smoke coming from underneath the instrument panel. The vehicle was driven onto the side of the road and after she exit the vehicle it burst into flames.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-02
Service brakes
10% · 76 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Electronic stability control (esc)
10% · 75 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My 2011 chevy cruz the turbo went out on it replace the turbo replace the manifold replaced the line that goes into the oil pan I have a vacuum leak somewhere I can't find a vacuum leak there sounds like something is burning underneath the seats and...
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-04
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2011Complaint volume 732 complaints filed for this model year.
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2011-04-07Steering11V221000 General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. During manufacturing the steering wheel could have been improperly fastened and may detach from the steering column.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect to ensure that the steering wheel is assembled properly. This service will be performed for you free of charge. The safety recall began on April 7, 2011. Owners may contact…
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2011-05-17Power train11V273000 General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured from October 6, 2009, through April 27, 2011 and equipped with an automatic transmission for failing to…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission shift linkage for correct installation and adjust the shift linkage system free of charge. The safety recall began on May 23, 2011. Owners may contact…
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2011-05-23Steering11V270000 General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured from October 2, 2009, through April 21, 2011. The bolt attaching the intermediate steering shaft to the…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and if required, repair the intermediate shaft/steering gear assembly to assure the bolt is fully seated and the shaft properly assembled. This service will be performed free…
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2012-03-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-07-19 Engine compartment fire
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2012-07-09Fuel system, gasoline12V289000 General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured from October 2, 2009, through May 14, 2012. Attachment welds for the fuel tank strap…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for missing welds. If the vehicle is missing welds, dealers will secure the bracket attachments with fasteners. Repairs will be…
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2012-07-10Engine and engine cooling12V288000 General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured from October 2, 2009, through May 31, 2012. Spilled or dripping oil (Such as after an oil…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the engine shield to prevent fluid from contacting the shield. Also, on vehicles with a manual transmission, dealers will apply a protective tape to…
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2012-10-15Audit queryClosed 2014-10-20 Chapman Chevrolet / Cruze Engine Recall
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2013-10-07Service brakes, hydraulic13V360000 General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with 1.4L DOHC gasoline turbo engines and 6T40 front wheel drive automatic transmissions and equipped with an electric vacuum pump to provide...
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace a microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's recall number is 12213.
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2016-10-14Electrical system, power train16V502000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016.
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Chevrolet Cruze — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 257 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 193 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 98 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 11V221000 · Steering
- Recall 11V273000 · Power train
- Recall 11V270000 · Steering
- Recall 12V289000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 12V288000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 13V360000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 16V502000 · Electrical system, power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze have?
- 7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.