2018 Chevrolet Cruze

▲ Better than typical
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:27:17.403Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Cruze Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2018 highlighted. 2010: 2 complaints 2010 2011: 731 complaints 2012: 864 complaints 2012 2013: 585 complaints 2014: 698 complaints 2014 2015: 251 complaints 2016: 247 complaints 2016 2017: 201 complaints 2018: 109 complaints 2018 2019: 20 complaints 2019
2018: 109 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20102
2011731
2012864
2013585
2014698
2015251
2016247
2017201
2018109
201920

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 25%

25% of complaints: engine — 27 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING MY 2018 CHEVY CRUZE THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON, THE ENGINE LOCKED UP, AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT WAS DUE TO A FUEL LINE SPRAYING FUEL ON THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180817

POWER TRAIN 21%

21% of complaints: power train — 23 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
SERVICE BRAKES 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
STEERING 8%

8% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while making a turn, the vehicle went in another direction. While her son was driving at 2–3 MPH, making a turn, the vehicle went in another direction.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240220

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20180607 — fuel system, gasoline

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS vehicles, equipped with a gasoline engine and a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire. The vehicles may leak gasoline following a rear-impact crash and a rollover.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a lock-ring on the fuel tank that will shield the fuel tank vapor pressure sensor from damage in a rear-impact crash, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2018.

Campaign 18V304000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20181011 — service brakes, hydraulic

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018.

Campaign 18V576000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20201215 — power train

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020.

Campaign 20V668000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2018 Chevrolet Cruze — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (27 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (23 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 18V304000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V576000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V668000 (power train) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ▲ 2016 ▲ 2015

WORST YEARS

■ 2012 ■ 2011 ■ 2014

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze have?

3 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.