Home FAQ

How long do 2013 Chevy Cruze last?

The 2013 Chevy Cruze is a compact car that is known for its reliability and longevity. On average, a well-maintained 2013 Chevy Cruze can last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles with proper care and maintenance.

Factors Affecting the Lifespan of a 2013 Chevy Cruze

Several factors can influence the lifespan of a 2013 Chevy Cruze, including:

Maintenance and Care: Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other recommended maintenance tasks can significantly extend the life of a 2013 Chevy Cruze. Neglecting these essential services can lead to premature wear and tear on the vehicle.

Driving Conditions: The type of driving conditions a 2013 Chevy Cruze experiences can also impact its longevity. Vehicles driven primarily in stop-and-go traffic or on rough roads may have a shorter lifespan compared to those driven on highways and well-maintained roads.

Mileage: The total number of miles a 2013 Chevy Cruze has accumulated is a key factor in determining its remaining lifespan. Vehicles with lower mileage tend to have a longer potential lifespan.

Owner Care and Usage: How the vehicle is driven and cared for by its owner can also significantly impact its longevity. Aggressive driving, towing heavy loads, and neglecting maintenance can all contribute to a shorter lifespan.

By following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and driving the vehicle responsibly, owners can maximize the lifespan of their 2013 Chevy Cruze.

Typical Lifespan of a 2013 Chevy Cruze

According to industry data and owner reports, a well-maintained 2013 Chevy Cruze can typically last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles. Some owners have even reported their Cruzes reaching over 300,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. However, it's important to note that the actual lifespan of a 2013 Chevy Cruze can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier.

By understanding the factors that can impact the lifespan of a 2013 Chevy Cruze and following the recommended maintenance schedule, owners can help ensure their vehicle provides reliable and long-lasting performance for many years to come.

How many miles will a 2013 Chevy Cruze last?

A 2013 Chevy Cruze's life expectancy is typically between 175,000 and 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, though some can last longer, potentially reaching 250,000 miles or more. Common issues to watch for include PCV failures, turbo problems, and coolant leaks, which can lead to significant repairs if not addressed. Regular maintenance, especially fluid changes and checking for coolant leaks, is crucial for extending its lifespan.

Expected lifespan

Average: The typical lifespan is between 175,000 and 200,000 miles, assuming consistent care and maintenance.
Long-term: With diligent maintenance and responsible driving, a Cruze can potentially reach 250,000 miles or more. There are cases of owners reporting even higher mileage on well-maintained vehicles.

Common issues and maintenance

PCV valve and intake manifold: These can fail and cause leaks or other issues. Upgrading the intake manifold to fix the PCV problem is a common suggestion.
Coolant leaks: Plastic cooling components, like the water outlet housing, are prone to cracking due to heat. These should be checked and replaced, ideally with upgraded aluminum versions, around the 100,000-mile mark to prevent overheating and potential head gasket issues.
Turbo and oil leaks: The turbocharger and associated parts, as well as the oil pan gasket, can be sources of leaks that require attention.
Water pump: This is another common part that may need replacement during the car's life.
Stabilitrak: Some owners report intermittent Stabilitrak issues, especially in cold weather, which can sometimes be helped with solutions like a catch can.

How to maximize its life

Perform regular oil changes: Adhere to recommended oil change intervals, and do so regularly.
Address coolant issues promptly: Regularly check for coolant leaks and replace plastic components proactively. Upgraded parts are recommended.
Follow the maintenance schedule: Stick to the manufacturer's recommended service schedule, especially for items like the timing belt (which should be replaced around 100,000 miles).

How reliable is a 2013 Chevy Cruze?

The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has a mixed reliability record, with some owners reporting good experiences while many others cite significant issues like engine and transmission problems. While some reviews give it average to good scores, common complaints include a faulty water pump, leaks in the air intake and cooling systems, and transmission problems. The potential for serious and costly repairs means its reliability is considered average at best.
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with the Chevy Cruze: 1mAlex The Car DoctorYouTube · Oct 27, 2023
Common issues

Cooling system leaks: Common leaks include the water pump, air intake manifold, and turbo oil cooling tube.
Engine problems: Some owners report issues such as a blown head gasket, oil leaks, rough idle, and the car turning off randomly.
Transmission problems: Surging, grinding, and transmission failure have been reported.
Electrical issues: Problems with the computer panel shutting off without warning have been noted.
Other issues: Some drivers have experienced gas smells from the exhaust and a lack of power.

Factors to consider

Maintenance is crucial: Owners who have had better experiences often emphasize the importance of regular maintenance, such as oil changes and transmission fluid changes every 30,000 miles, as this can help prevent some common issues.
Warranty information: The 2013 model came with a 3 years/36,000 miles basic warranty and there were five recalls associated with it.
Overall ratings: Reliability ratings from sources like RepairPal give it an average score, and consumer reviews are split between positive and negative experiences, suggesting that reliability can be a gamble.

What year of Chevy Cruze should you stay away from?

The Chevy Cruze model years to avoid are 2011 through 2015, with each of these models having prevalent transmission failure and engine problems.

What is high mileage for a Chevy Cruze?

The highest mileage for a Chevy Cruze is reported to be over 400,000 km (around 250,000 miles), with some owners reaching 300,000 miles or more through diligent maintenance. These high-mileage examples often feature the 1.4L turbo engine and owners attribute their longevity to consistent upkeep, including regular oil changes and timely part replacements, such as the timing belt.
This video discusses a Chevy Cruze with high mileage and the maintenance it has received: 59sMr Gray ManYouTube · Nov 20, 2016

Reported high mileage: Owners have reported reaching over 327,000 miles on a 2012 Eco model and 275,000 miles on another 2012 model. Other posts mention mileage well over 200,000 miles for various model years, including a 2014 diesel with 247,000 miles.
Maintenance is key: The owners of these high-mileage Cruzes emphasize the importance of proper and consistent maintenance, such as regular oil changes, replacing the timing belt every 100,000 miles, and addressing issues like PCV valve failures promptly.
Common issues: Some common issues on higher mileage models include coolant line leaks and the PCV valve, which is a known problem for the 1.4L turbo engine.

You can watch this video to see the maintenance being performed on a Chevy Cruze with high mileage: 51sCruzin Through LifeYouTube · Sep 2, 2024

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.