Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Chevrolet Cruze - part 1

I’m unsure if the person I bought this vehicle from had the codes wiped before selling to me, but there were no lights on dash for 3 days after minimal driving only to work and back, then all of a sudden the check engine light came on, and in the info box it would pop up saying “service stability system” - I took to o’reiley’s to see what it was for, apparently it was the ecm (electronic computer module) which essentially controls like everything. Days go by I don’t do anything more about it and drive as usual to work, and it starts overheating, and smoking like crazy, but doesn’t say it’s hot on my dash, so I had no idea how hot it got or anything. I got to work, worked my shift, and went to put coolant in before returning home- just to find that it was full and I didn’t need to put any in. Weird, right? ok well on my way home I’m going about 55mph on the highway and it suddenly just wouldn’t let me accelerate anymore and behaved as if I ran out of gas but I had over half a tank. When I came to a stop I turned the car off, and tried to turn it back on when it wouldn’t even turn over. I sat about 15 mins on the side of the highway before it actually started and I drove home. A week goes by, and now this ecm is effecting more and more- driving on the highway/streets it’s shifting really hard, immediately following that, my speedometer and rpm meter fall to “0” on the dash but the vehicle is still driving and the message pops up about the service stability system. I replaced my tire and now it’s telling me to service airbag system and the abs light is stuck on, as well as traction control and it’s just so weird. I just don’t feel safe in this car and after looking it up, apparently everyone with the make and model have very similar problems, but specifically searching by my VIN- apparently there’s no recalls and it’s just extremely frustrating and I don’t know what to do. If I fix the ecm will all these issues be resolved or will I waste $600-$800 replacing it?.

See all problems of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 🔎.

Was driving and my car literally wouldn't go forward. Prior to I had an oil change and I would smell burning oil.

See all problems of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 🔎.

I have replaced my whole engine and the cars fuel system. . My gas was backing into my oil along with the engine failing . . Has happened again. This car has been a nightmare and just keeps failing. Strong gas and oil burning smell then car starts smoking. Had to shut it off in the middle of the road.

See all problems of the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze 🔎.

Hh.

See all problems of the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze 🔎.

On may 25, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p. M. Central time, after the vehicle had been operated under normal conditions and subsequently parked, a fire originated within the vehicle’s engine compartment and/or under-hood area. Personnel from the milwaukee fire department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. An official fire investigation report is pending and is expected to be available within the coming week. The incident has been documented through photographs and video recordings, all of which have been preserved. The vehicle itself remains in its post-fire condition and has been retained for inspection. At this time, the precise cause and origin of the fire have not been determined, of which no warning lamps nor other symptoms of a problem prior to incident.

See all problems of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 🔎.

Engine replaced turbo charger. Purchased the vehicle on 5/16 and a week later the engine light came on. Took the vehicle to autozone and received a code of p0299. Call the dealership and got no response from the salesperson so I made an appointment for 5/27. Problem was dismissed as the engine light was no longer displayed. Told to return when the light reappeared. The car stalls and the acceleration was an issue, especially for a 19 year old inexperienced driver. This put her life and those around her in danger. Took the vehicle back on 6/5 and had to leave it. No vehicles available or offered while the car was in the shop. This time they scanned the vehicle and came up with the same p0299 code. Left the vehicle for a week and the cost for the engine replaced turbocharger and all single use parts related for the repair was $3010. 38 yes, the vehicle was presented as "as as. " however, the vehicle was also presented as if the maintenance and repairs were all completed and the vehicle was road ready and safe and this was not the case at all.

Recently my car's check engine light and the message "service stabilitrak" started coming up on my car, then my car started shaking while idling. I quickly took the car to my mechanic who assessed it, replaced my spark plugs, which did not solve the issue, and recommended I go to the dealership. In between these appointments my car was consistently shaking while idling and I would have difficulties accelerating especially after coming to a complete stop and often while making turns, this worsened after adding fuel to my car. The nearest Chevrolet dealership did a compression test and found that the psi in cylinder 1 was only 85, while the rest of the cylinders are 180 psi. They reported "internal engine damage causing misfire on cylinder 1" and quoted the repairs and replacement engine at $9500, almost double the value of the car if the engine was working. The codes p0300 "engine misfire detected" and p0301 "cylinder 1 misfire detected" were the two relevant codes in the report. However the car only has 49,860 miles on it. I see that other people have reported this issue as well and it continues to happen. Additionally, if the manufacturing issue or defect has not been rectified what are the chances of this happening again down the line with the same issue? this is a clear manufacturing defect in the engine of these cars that make them a safety hazard on the road. There is no telling when and where my engine may completely give out despite the car being low mileage and well taken care of. Gm and Chevrolet should and must rectify this issue.

See all problems of the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze 🔎.

The engine has excessive blow by from the oil filler cap. Having a misfire on cylinder number 1 and idling rough. There are several threads online concerning this issue being caused by worn pistons and piston rings.

Coming to a stop sign or red light the car won’t accelerate or will go in traction control making it difficult to move or not accelerate. Had 2-3 fuel leaks this year also having problems to keep the car going sometimes the max speed it will go is 20-40 miles n won’t go up unless u keep letting it slow down slowly n then accelerating n even after that it won’t make it above 60-70 miles it usually goes with no problem if its down hill since ur not pressing the gas or anything. Turning the air on also makes the car slow down other problems also is the gas running fast could just fill the tank n by the second day it will almost be over. Today the transmission gave up on me now I have no car to move around making it hard for me to go anywhere especially work since that’s how I make my money for living but with no car it’s a big problem.

See all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze 🔎.

Both catalytic converters and O2 sensor's have been replaced and I’m still getting a check engine light. Along with a multitude of other parts that I’ve had to replace. Like the turbo, gaskets, sensors multiple times….

My engine needed oil I checked the dip stick added the oil the next day my engine started leaking and over heating come to find out there’s a pcv issue the valve cover gasket along with multiple other seals need replaced I was unaware of anything wrong no indication of over heating I just smelled the heat and was able to see after popping the hood the radiator fan is now not working and gas is coming through the valves.

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze 🔎.

Have called about this starting 2020. Had 137000. Also previous owner since 99000mi. Drive train & turbo. Brake assist. Oil leaks, shutting off while driving. Now as of Saturday April 25 2026 car shut off while driving and has been towed to dealership. Car deemed lemon by gm. In 2020 car to have been replaced I have all service contact numbers as well as my receipts. Car is a death trap. Do better Chevrolet & gm.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The check engine warning light illuminated shortly after the vehicle was purchased. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking erratically, and the engine was abnormally loud. In addition, the rpm was elevated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that there was electrical power to the vehicle; however, the engine failed to crank. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was purchased, and diagnosed with a computer system failure. The contact was informed that the computer system needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that the computer system was being replaced with a used computer system. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

The primary failure is a total loss of engine power and electrical systems while the vehicle is in motion. The dealership (ray skillman southside Mitsubishi) has diagnosed this as a failed engine/body control computer system. The vehicle is currently located at the dealership's service center and is available for inspection. The vehicle has stalled/shut off completely while driving on four separate occasions. This resulted in an immediate loss of power steering and motive power, nearly causing collisions in traffic. A vehicle that loses all power without warning is a severe safety hazard to the driver, passengers, and other motorists on the road. Yes. The problem has been confirmed by the ray skillman service department. They have attempted to repair the issue 3 times without success and currently state that the vehicle is inoperable while they search for a used replacement computer component. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by the ray skillman dealership technicians. To date, no representative from the manufacturer (general motors) or insurance has performed an independent inspection, though a formal complaint has been initiated with the dealership's corporate management. There were no consistent warning lamps or symptoms prior to the failures. The vehicle would unexpectedly lose all power and shut down. These symptoms first appeared within the first 100 miles of ownership (purchased at 11,000 miles; current mileage approximately 11,800 the dealership has refused to provide a loaner vehicle and is currently attempting to resolve a recurring safety failure using a used/salvage electronic component rather than a certified new part, which I believe further compromises the safety of the vehicle.

Unknown. The car seems to stall or slip when accelerating as is misfiring. It cuts off in the middle of the streets after coming out of auto stop mode. Pcv valve keeps popping up as issue. I had the pcv changed O2 sensors checked cleaned throttle body and air filter changed. The car still gives same problem and engine power reduction keeps popping on dashboard.

The steering started to shake. The car seat started to shake as well. It felt very unsafe, but there was no serious injury. John from feldman Chevrolet in new hudson, michigan said that there is a "cylinder 1 misfire code". After the car started shaking, the engine light came on. John told us that the engine should be replaced.

-the engine experienced internal failure resulting in low compression in cylinder 1. The failure has rendered the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle and engine are currently available for inspection upon request. The issue was diagnosed and confirmed by both an independent mechanic and an authorized Chevrolet dealership. Both identified low compression in cylinder 1 due to internal engine failure. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent mechanic and an authorized Chevrolet dealership at the request of general motors. The vehicle became undrivable due to the engine issue. There were no significant prior warnings that would have indicated imminent internal engine failure. The check engine light turned on 2/9/26 and was first taken into a shop the next day, 2/10/26.

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact felt ill and pulled over to the side of the road. The contact stated that a passerby stopped and found the contact unconscious inside the vehicle. The ambulance was called to the scene, and the contact was taken to the hospital. The doctor determined that the contact had 27% of carbon monoxide inside the body. The contact received oxygen to expel the carbon monoxide. The vehicle remained near the walking trail where the contact had pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. Prior to the issue, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and went into limp mode. The contact stopped by auto zone for a diagnostic test. The contact was unsure what code was found. The doctor believed that the carbon monoxide poisoning was related to the vehicle. The insurance company was notified, and a claim was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Water pump failure with head gasket crack.

Constant overheating issues with coolant loss. I have changed so many parts in this engine to correct the issue and nothing is working. There are far too many complaints online with this specific model. Why hasn’t there been a recall on this issue? this is a safety concern especially when the engine loses power while driving.

Coolant system and engine fan.

Car is currently not drivable due to strong smell of gas coming from under the hood. Findings, gas is leaking into the engine and car will not crank. Diagnostic machine indicates poor fuel to fuel injector causing a gas leak within the engine.

Check engine light on car smoking when driven and smells like burning oil.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 25-35 mph, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear and then stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

My 2017 chevy Cruze had the throttle body replaced by stg auto group in montclair, CA. A few months after the repair, my car began shaking violently and then shut off in the middle of the street while I was driving on 11/17/2025 this created a serious safety hazard for me and other drivers. When I took the vehicle to a local auto zone once the vehicle turned on , they told me the throttle body “needs cleaning,” but a new throttle body should not get dirty within a few months. This suggests improper installation or a defective part. The problem returned even though the part was recently replaced. I immediately called the dealership who fixed it and the manager stated I’d have to wait to the following week for another inspection and that I can not be squeezed in . The vehicle is still unsafe to drive because it shakes and can stall unexpectedly. I am concerned because this issue has happened more than once and could have caused an accident. [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

A engine always seems to run hot smells like it's burning constantly leaks coolant even after repairing electrical problems reoccurring smells like weird chemicals inside of the car when you turn on smells like gasoline and coolant this occurs every day.

My turbocharger is failing. My car has 83,000 miles, but had to get a completely new engine at 37,000 miles. So the engine is less than 50,000 miles old. My check engine light has turned on and it’s is the turbo charger. General motors has a special coverage adjustment n232395330 that covers models with the same engine as the chevy Cruze. However, because the model is not listed they are refusing coverage under this adjustment. The adjustment specifically covers the turbocharger, a component or the engine. But since my model is not listed it is not covered despite having the same engine. My turbocharger began failing while I was driving on the grapevine in California. Luckily I was able to make it to my destination but had it failed over the grapevine that would have put me and my passengers in an unsafe situation. It is unacceptable that an engine with less than 50,000 miles on it which has been maintained with frequent oil changes be having this issue yet not be covered under an sca that acknowledges the issue just doesn’t list the model.

Repetitive coolant leak repaired 5+ times over 9 years; incurred costs over $x,xxx. Coolant (toxic) leak causes burn off in the engine compartment and the vapors from this are transferred into the cabin, posing a risk to driver and passenger health.

My car over heats at least over 300 degrees. Afraid that my vehicle is in danger of catching fire due to the high temperature causing tension belt and hose components to melt.

My son just purchased this car and nearly hit 100,000 miles. It started leaking oil in the engine area the valve cover gasket. It's drips all over the car causing it to smoke and smell.

Catalytic converters melted do to extreme engine temperatures no heat warning was given temperature gage never went off . Water pump has been replaced 4 times. Exhaust is now affected by melted catalytic converters.

I’ve had the thermostat housing fail twice now. And now it leaking again for the third time!! now the service stabilitrak light is on, but it only happens when the car is idling. This happened to me before while driving and I replaced the spark plugs and the coil pack. I know on other models the valve cover failed as well but I don’t see a recall on that, or the thermostat housing issues…. I just don’t get whyyyyy if people are having all the same issues why not recall it!!???.

My vehicle would jerk while driving and sometimes not want to even go at a stop light when it turned green. Check engine light has been on. Even when I was at a stop light it would just start jerking forward. I took it to an automotive repair shop after replacing multiple parts on the vehicle. Automotive shop ran a compression test and said it failed. Internal cylinder issue. So the vehicle barely runs and I just got it close to three years ago.

This is the second time that we have experienced over heating issues. Currently the car has been out of commission for over a year and half. Every since we purchased the car used it has over heated. The first time of course the head gasket was blown. We paid $1200 to have it fixed. Still ran hot we replaced the water pump. After a year same issues. Car has been parked as we do not have the money to repair it. I have read about 6 pages of the same complaint. I do believe that it is time for gm to issue a recall. We are currently making payments on a car that we are unable to drive. We have spent almost as much as we paid for the car. Again this is not good. Seems like this car was doomed from the start.

When I start my vehicle and go over a certain speed it show service abs system it also makes a grinding sound when breaking before that speed is hit it also has a wobbleing steering wheel when breaking at high speeds also when accelerating it will sometimes show engine power reduced after presing the gas pedal.