Power Train Problems of Chevrolet Cruze - part 1

Chevrolet Cruze owners have reported 481 problems related to power train (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Chevrolet Cruze based on all problems reported for the Cruze.

1 Power Train problem of the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 08/19/2025

The car is making a whistling sound, the check engine light is on and it has low power. Also wanting to stall.

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2 Power Train problem of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 07/01/2025

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shut off unintendedly and without warning. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not yet been contacted regarding the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 16v502000 (electrical system, power train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 129,000.

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3 Power Train problem of the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 03/05/2025

While sitting at a stop light the hydraulic clutch line failed causing the clutch pedal to stick to the floor. This issue prevents the clutch actuation preventing the the transmission from being disconnected from the engine. General motors bulletin number: pip5558c was found and appears to be the issue.

4 Power Train problem of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 02/26/2025

Transmission won’t shift into gear while driving and the brakes won’t engage when this happens, this will cause a wreck and hurt someone, the codes are showing po700 tcm code.

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5 Power Train problem of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 02/01/2025

Had a 3-5-r wave plate failure. Symptoms started at around 87,000 miles. Bouncing/jerking when put into reverse. 5th gear slams hard into gear when upshifting and downshifting, making it feel like I have been rear ended. Now 3rd gear is starting to shift hard like 5th. Soon I'll have no gears. Car has been both regular and preventative maintained so should not have such a massive failure at under 100k miles. Other vehicles with the same transmission (6t40) have been recalled due to similar issues, like the 1. 4 turbocharged Cruze, but not the 1. 8l Cruze for whatever reason. Now I have to pay $4k for a rebuild on something that Chevrolet should be liable to pay.

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6 Power Train problem of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 01/10/2025

My 2014 chevy Cruze has been having some major safety issues as of late. The powertrain has been one of the major components in this system that has failed. The engine has overheated 3 times in the last 3 months causing many safety concerns to others on the road as well as myself due to having to randomly pull over on the side of the road on the busy highway. The car has jolted many times due to losing power and causing my neck to have a severe pinched nerve. These issues are related mainly to the fluid cooling/management systems and related hoses. It is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been confirmed by independent service center. The engine light repeatedly goes on and off causing many issues to the car daily.

7 Power Train problem of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 12/14/2024

Car started jerking when put in reverse and slams hard into 5th gear only. Taken to transmission shop and they have no idea what's causing it. They said they've never seen something like this before, and said it doesn't feel like a major transmission failure. Car only had 98,000 miles on it when hard shifting started. Regularly maintained. Motor and trans mounts were checked and fine. More than normal amounts of metal in trans fluid when drain and fill was performed.

8 Power Train problem of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 12/04/2024

Well like everyone car has this nasty cloud of black grey smoke turns out I have a faulty catalytic converter. Not to mention the constant over heating. The change of the water pump thermostat multiple times. This is a nightmare. I drive with one eye on the road and the other on my needle gauge. I drive with my 2 kids and my biggest fear is catching fire. We inhale the smoke as we drive. Unfortunately this life is taking a toll on me. The stress of this car and always needing something is terrible. Get a new car right. Yeah if life was simple we wouldnt be struggling daily breathing in all thise chemicals.

9 Power Train problem of the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 12/02/2024

The check engine light came up, after having the code read it was discovered that the turbo charger was bad. My vehicle was fixed by the dealer. Prior to being fixed my vehicle was running rougher and accelerating at a slower speed.

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10 Power Train problem of the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 10/28/2024

Transmission messed up only own the car for 7 months.

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11 Power Train problem of the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 09/26/2024

I have been up there date for fixing this vehicle for the last 4 years when I bought it with 60k miles , I have replaced multiple parts so far from foil pump , wheel, coolant pipes and the container many times from constant leaking in the fuel pump, I have replaced the alternater twice by 70k miles , abs system failed many times and no one can fix it , lastly , my daughter was driving to school and while she was driving on the roundabout in the outer lane . She tried to turn the steering wheel t take the exit and everything got locked on her immediately from steering wheel and the break paddle caused he car shift to the curb and hit the side walk because it went out if control because the tire split out the wheel along with another piece from wheel behind the tire , almost killed my daughter on the seen . I had spent in this at least $10k and now it barely passed &100k just unbelievable. This car is piece of trash no safety in this car now I parked the car and I’m trying to think what to do with it. I will take it back to the gm and the chevy dealers and I’m complain because even the dealers for the gm and chevy are the worst people to deal with and the worst customer service. They’re not helpful at all. I have went to local shops. They do better job but the thing is this car is piece of crap replacing and go back. I am not spending any more penny on this car now I have to get a brand new car for my daughter to go to college she needs it better or don’t sell more cars. This has to be a trust immediately as my daughter career relying on transportation, and I am not claiming my insurance to fix the damage on my vehicle because my insurance will raise my premiums and there was no other car involved because she was on the roundabout on the side lane and she had to hit the curb because the car kept going and has no control but luckily she wasn’t going on the inside lane on the roundabout otherwise she’ll be hitting another vehicles from losing control.

12 Power Train problem of the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 08/11/2024

My transmission started acting up around 70,000 miles. I noticed symptoms like stalling when backing up, trouble coming to a stop from higher speeds, and an occasional stutter. My local transmission shop couldn’t replicate the issue, as it was intermittent, and recommended an oil change. At 100,000 miles, the transmission began slipping, so I changed the oil again, only to find it was black and burnt. Now, at 139,000 miles, I changed the oil once more at 138,000 miles after experiencing issues with shifting into 8th and 9th gears and receiving a p2817 code. After speaking with several people on forums, I learned this is a common problem with these cars, and many recommend replacing the transmission as it often fails around this mileage. I also consulted another transmission shop, but they refused to service my car due to their past experience with these models.

13 Power Train problem of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 07/11/2024

My car keeps telling me my trunk is open then it dings constantly going back and forth from tire monitor system to the trunk open. Then everytime I turn the car off I have to wiggle the battery cable to get my car to start and my power steering keeps going out. I'm aware there are recalls. For my car but beings my check engine light is on they r refusing to fix my car. I don't understand. I thought recalls were mandatory and had to be fixed. This car barely has 85,000 miles on it. I shouldn't be having all these issues. It's all electrical it seems like. I need help.

14 Power Train problem of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 07/10/2024

Was parked on a slight incline with the car completely off and keys out of ignition. My daughter, her cousin and I exited the car and were walking in front of it. As we got in front of it my car made a sound like it was about to start. The headlights came on and the entire vehicle jerked forward a bit. It almost hit us.

15 Power Train problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 06/25/2024

Component or system failed/malfunctioned: the turbocharger has been identified by a gm service center as the component that failed or malfunctioned. It is available for inspection upon request at the service center where the diagnosis was made. Safety risk: the safety of myself and others was compromised due to the vehicle stalling unexpectedly while driving. This resulted in potential rear-end collisions, as well as the inability to accelerate, posing a risk in traffic situations. Confirmation by dealer or independent service center: yes, the issue has been confirmed by a gm service center where the turbocharger was diagnosed as the problem. They provided a repair estimate of $2,170 for the turbocharger replacement. Inspections by manufacturer, police, insurance, etc. : the vehicle has been inspected by a gm service center, but it has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or other independent parties beyond the gm service center. Warning lamps, messages, symptoms: prior to the vehicle stalling, warning messages such as "service stabilitrak" appeared on the dashboard. These messages were accompanied by engine shaking, and the car did not respond to acceleration attempts. These symptoms first appeared just before each incident of stalling.

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16 Power Train problem of the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 06/21/2024

The slave cylinder failed in the manual transmission. When it failed, the petal went to the floor and did not return. In a panic I was trying to engage it, the vehicle was rolling without control of the drivetrain. I pulled into a driveway and rolled out into traffic when trying to put it in reverse and was not able to move the vehicle. Yes you can inspect it currently being repaired for $1500.

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17 Power Train problem of the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 06/07/2024

I own 3 chevy Cruze, a 2012, 2013 and 2016. They all partial power down or decelerate while driving. The local chevy dealers has no recalls for this issue or any other for that matter. Please advise.

18 Power Train problem of the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 06/03/2024

The vehicle needs the transmission bolts replaced has a recall need repaired as as possible. The automatic transmission jerk.

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19 Power Train problem of the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 04/22/2024

To whom it may concern, I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding my recent experience with my 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. It has come to my attention that there is a known issue with the piston in the engine of this model, and unfortunately, I have fallen victim to it. This issue has caused significant inconvenience and expense for me. As a loyal Chevrolet customer, I expect better quality and reliability from your vehicles. I urge you to address this matter promptly and take responsibility for the faulty piston in the engine of the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. I trust that you will take appropriate action to rectify this situation and restore my confidence in your brand. Case # 9-12557961076.

20 Power Train problem of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 04/16/2024

Various parts of the cooling system have failed on this vehicle multiple times even after under warranty repair (twice in as many years beginning in 2018) at a licensed dealership; and again several more times since, most recently this week. At no point did a Chevrolet/gm employee/representative alert me of known common issues, and they even incredulously asked me who did prior repairs when it was indeed, their dealership. In all, nearly every hose been replaced at least three times, reservoir tanks replaced, and thousands of dollars outside of warranty repairs have occurred on the same components. The vehicle has completely blown hoses while driving and filled the cabin with burning, noxious, and sweet smells, and fogged up the windshield with vaporized fluids. Coolant certainly leaks and works it way into the cabin. I was not made aware of any known issues though this appears it is a common problem with this vehicle. Issues with the battery/powder have also plagued this vehicle. It results in the "stabilitrak" failing randomly, electrical issues that causing power failures and disruptions to dashboard lights and components, sound system (including from the radio, to the sounds of the blinker and alerts), and engine power getting cut off. These incidents started occurring after about a year of purchasing the vehicle (certified used) in 2017. It appears the previous owner also faced these problems. I do not currently have paperwork of the repairs but they can be obtained. Date given is of the most recent incident with the first instance occurring in 2018. I also believe this vehicle may be a victim of the airbag defect, causing a possibly premature deployment of the side airs bags only during a front tire collision. Plastic pieces broke off and caused injuries to my scalp and shoulder, though the recall would not be issued for at least 2 years.

21 Power Train problem of the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 03/13/2024

Shortly after I merge onto a highway and pickup speed my Cruze apears to be slipping gears. It does not do it every time but it appears to be happening increasingly often. It starts to shake violently, becomes hard to stear and refuses to excelerate even though the rpm's are rising significantly higher then they should be, leaving me going 35 - 40mph on a 65mph highway, it does not fully decelerate either. It happened the other day and the road speed was 65mph to start which my car wouldn't do then immediately became congested which is when I realized it wouldn't properly decelerate either, at least before I thought I coupd just pull over if it lasted to long. My car only has 22,000 miles on it and was certified pre-owned. It is regularly maintenanced as well. I have not taken it to be inspected just yet but that is my next step as I don't feel at all safe driving it in this condition.

22 Power Train problem of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 03/04/2024

Internal transmission failure just started with the transmission coolant line coming off on the interstate and the car wouldn't go this can cause a major wreck an now the transmission is going out has been verified by jd byrider and has several coolant leaks.

23 Power Train problem of the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 02/24/2024

The bolts on the transmission accumulator needs to be replaced I see an unrepaired recall.

24 Power Train problem of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 01/25/2024

While driving home on the interstate after work, I was travelling at around 65 miles per hour, with the cruise control set at that speed. In an instant I lost all engine power and began to slow down very rapidly. A quick look to the rearview mirror to ensure nothing was approaching the rear of my vehicle, I found that I could see nothing except grey and white smoke behind me from all three mirrors. I was forced to remove myself from the highway for fear of causing an accident by blinding drivers with the smoke coming from my exhaust, and I was able to use the service road to get to the next fueling station. Upon arrival, I opened the hood and found that oil had sprayed out of every available portal in the engine, it exited through the vacuum lines, pressure sensors onto my alternator, saturated my serpentine belt as well as everything else ion the engine compartment. I noticed most of the oil came from a round hole behind the oil filler cap through a busted vacuum diaphragm that had blown out instead of regulating vacuum, indicating extreme positive pressure in the crankcase. As this was my mos in the army, I am experienced with dangers and risks involved in these situations, and I will give warning that if this happens during the right traffic situations, lives will be lost as a result of the smoke screen developimg when the oil hits the catalytic convertors combined with the rapid decline in speed without warning of any kind, and when it does happen, and it will, since there are 8 million of these vehicles on the road and counting, this complaint should serve as proper and fair warning od the damgers and risks with allowing this engine to remain in use without a warning system to indicate the tiny plastic check valve has been released from its position. I was fortunate enough that I only suffered a few curse words and horns blowing and flipping me the bird, but I have to admit I was afraid for my life and someone with less driving experience will have a bad outcom.

25 Power Train problem of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 12/27/2023

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the door locks were opening and closing independently. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was also flashing several unknown warning lights. The contact stated that the heater and the a/c were also functioning independently. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a constant failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission occasionally slipped out of gear, almost causing the vehicle to stall, making the steering wheel difficult to turn. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact replaced the 12-volt battery and the fuse box; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

26 Power Train problem of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 11/14/2023

Feel like it downshift first really fast before going in 5 th gear. Feel like you’re going to fly out the windshield. If seatbelt wasn’t on you would get whiplash. When driving in automatic it go in limp mode. Burning oil. Now.

27 Power Train problem of the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 11/11/2023

My engine light has been randomly coming on then off leaving many history codes. It's normally a diesel particulate filter code and I have paid hundreds replacing each sensor or part. So this time, carroll Buick of venice fla says the embedded code is saying I need an engine control module , same code. I'm still driving it they say it's safe to drive because the part $900. 00, plus labor, is backorder. I'm a bit over 100,000 miles and I have a lifetime power train warranty but it won't cover any electrical parts only greased literal parts of engine or transmission. I'm not certain it's true anymore they replaced everything so far over 2 years but I'm at theor mercy. Zurich warranty is not covering this and I'm shocked it went just b4 100k miles and now I'm at 107k. I feel chevy should own this issue since I've been told to keep driving it with the engine light on. I'm really scared but I need it to go to work please help thx.

28 Power Train problem of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 10/10/2023

Vehicle does not shift gears, jumpy, sluggish, disengages then jerks back into gear. Hazard when trying to pickup speed to accelerate into highway traffic. Does not engage in reverse gear at times, have to turn vehicle off, wait a few minutes then turn vehicle back on for reverse gear to engage. Sometimes when vehicle is in park, vehicle will not start, have to fidget with gear and key, sometimes for several minutes before it will register in park and allow you to start the vehicle. When on highway transmission will jolt and jerk making you think you have lost your transmission on the roadway. This is a major hazard for my daughter who drives this vehicle to college. I am aware of a lift plate that can be installed to fix this problem that has existed in all 2011 chevy Cruze s since they were manufactured. Nhtsa bulletin issued oct. 10, 2024 NHTSA id#11010651 manufacture communication #24-na-223 bulletin to all technicians for an alternative procedure for a lift plate that can be installed into the transmission to correct this problem. This needs to be a nationwide issued recall because of the endangerment people are being put in while driving these unsafe chevy Cruze with faulty transmission issues.

29 Power Train problem of the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 09/12/2023

Transmisson losing 9th gear, torque converter, front pump failing and wiping out valve body on the gm-9t50 9 speed automatic. Many owner experiencing same problems with no solution or upgrade from gm.

30 Power Train problem of the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 09/03/2023

Coming home from grocery shopping the night of sept 3, 2023 the radio kept turning off then coming back on. I was on the highway about 20miles from home radio still turning on and off about every 5mins (go black/blank then light back up) and I had felt when I would accelerate it would as I would slightly go up hill. Once I jad got about 4miles from my house the radio went off once again and dash warning light said "stabili trak" and head lights had went off then came back on again. I just was grateful I was not to far from home since it was dark out and the lights were now turning off too. The next morning (sept 4, 2023)since I did not have another vehicle and my son needed to get to football practice, I drove down the lane of my driveway and the dash warning light kept flashing, the window warning light said turn window on (so I rolled it back up and it turned off), radio kept turning on and off relentlessly, vehicle kept shutting off on me while driving before I even got down my driveway which is about 200 feet. I starred it back up and returned home. I made phones calls to drip it off in sussex NJ at service center where I had bought car as someone followed me(I did not have any problems the hour drive there/40miles) left a message on the voicemail regarding issue, checked to see of recalls though wasn't any. It was not safe to drive the way the car was, just with the only 1 warning dash signal in the middle of driving and headlights stop working them start to couldve caused accident then car turned off while I slowly drove down my driveway doing 7mph as well and I had my son in the car too. Very scary especially driving at night and that happens without much of a warning at 1st.

31 Power Train problem of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 09/02/2023

The car would randomly stop working while driving. One of the times it stopped, it stopped while driving on the freeway.

32 Power Train problem of the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 08/30/2023

Abs system is failure. Stability, traction control. Catalytic converter failure, mileage reading failure.

33 Power Train problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 08/10/2023

My vehicle gives the message "shift to park" even when it placed in park, making it impossible to lock and possibly causing the battery to run down. Continuing to restart the vehicle and placing in park until the message goes away has been my only resolution. The issue has been reproduced by an independent service center. They were unable to ascertain what was causing the issue. I am aware a recall was issued for this problem in earlier model chevy Cruzes. It seems my vehicle should have also been included in this recall. It is evident this has been a huge problems in gm vehicles and when it continues to affect later vehicles it should be addressed and corrected by the company.

34 Power Train problem of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 08/06/2023

Car started blowing out white smoke and tranny fluide out tailpipe and then loosing power as inside of car filled with burnt plastic smell and smoke. On 08-03-2023 I test drove car. Upon entering car I commented a out smell of car. Left lot with car at approx 6:30pm, on 08-06-2023 at approx 4pm incident occurred and now that smell is even stronger inside car. So leaves me to believe it was already an issue and a possible life threatning one at that. Possiblity of igniting a fire . Transmission fluid is very flammable when heat source of engine and fluide trapped by shield. So engine was shut down immediately and we got out of car till we knew it didnt ignite.

35 Power Train problem of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Failure Date: 08/06/2023

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle lost motive power after 45 minutes. The rpm increased, and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The driver was able to pull over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that after driving for 45 minutes, the vehicle lost power and went into limp mode. The transmission had seized in fifth gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the speed control sensor had failed. The contact was informed that the speed valve and transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.



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