2013 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 731 |
| 2012 | 864 |
| 2013 | 585 |
| 2014 | 698 |
| 2015 | 251 |
| 2016 | 247 |
| 2017 | 201 |
| 2018 | 109 |
| 2019 | 20 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
36% of complaints: engine — 210 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Car caught on fire under hood
NHTSA ODI report, 20240512
I HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED FOR OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION ON MAY 25.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130708
20% of complaints: electrical system — 117 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Car caught on fire under hood
NHTSA ODI report, 20240512
19% of complaints: power train — 111 distinct reports on file.
CRASH13% of complaints: steering — 74 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Car caught on fire under hood
NHTSA ODI report, 20240512
11% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 62 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with manual transmissions (MF3/MR5) and manufactured January 24, 2013, through August 1, 2013.
Remedy: General Motors has notified owners. Dealers will replace the half shaft assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 15, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13276.
Campaign 13V452000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with a 1.4L turbo engine, and manufactured between November 28, 2012, and March 7, 2014.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right half shaft, as needed, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. GM will send an interim letter to owners in May 2014.
Campaign 14V151000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's front air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14305.
Campaign 14V372000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014.
Campaign 14V417000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V502000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Chevrolet Cruze — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (210 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (117 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (111 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V452000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V151000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V372000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V417000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V502000 (electrical system, power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.