How much does it cost to replace a valve cover gasket on a Chevy Cruze?

Typical total costs to replace a valve cover gasket on a Chevy Cruze run roughly between $200 and $500, depending on engine type, location, and whether additional components are involved. In many cases, owners see bills around $300 to $400.

This article explains what drives the price, what to expect on the bill, and tips to manage costs if you’re facing this repair. We’ll look at Cruze engines commonly found in the model line, such as the 1.8L inline-four and the 1.4L turbo, and how their layouts influence labor time and parts needs.

What affects the price

Prices aren’t uniform. The final bill depends on several variables, including the engine configuration, the scope of the repair, and regional labor rates. Understanding these factors can help you budget and shop smart.

• Engine type and job scope: A simple gasket swap on a 1.8L engine may cost less than a full valve cover replacement on a 1.4L turbo, especially if tubes or PCV components must be replaced too.


• Labor rate and location: Shops in major metro areas or dealerships generally charge higher hourly rates than independent shops in smaller towns.


• Pre-existing conditions and accessibility: Seized bolts, damaged valve-cover hardware, or corroded components can add time and parts.


• Additional parts that may be required: PCV valve, valve cover grommets, and related seals can raise the parts bill if worn.


• Diagnostics and incidental work: If the leak is part of a broader oil-leak issue, some shops may perform extra disassembly or tests, increasing cost.

Prices vary widely by region and vehicle condition, but knowing these factors helps you anticipate the range and plan accordingly.

Typical cost breakdown

Here is a rough breakdown of how a Chevy Cruze valve cover gasket replacement typically gets priced. The figures reflect common U.S. service-shop estimates as of 2024–2025 and can vary by region and year.

1. Parts: Valve cover gasket kit, plus any seals or small components. Expect roughly $20–$60 for a gasket kit; replacing the valve cover itself, if needed, can add about $80–$250.


2. Labor: Time to remove the valve cover, replace the gasket, reseal, and reassemble. Typical labor runs about 1.5–2.5 hours at $75–$125 per hour, totaling roughly $110–$312 before taxes.


3. Tax and shop fees: Local sales tax and any shop-specific fees can add a modest amount to the final bill, often a few percent to around 10% depending on location.


4. Potential extras: PCV valve replacement, tube seals, or grommets if worn, which can add $10–$60 or more to parts and a little extra labor.

In practice, most Chevy Cruze gasket replacement jobs fall in the $200–$500 range, with typical bills around $300–$400 in many parts of the United States. If a full valve cover plus multiple components are replaced, or if other repairs are needed, the total can approach $600 or more.

Summary

Valve cover gasket replacement costs for a Chevy Cruze depend on engine type, the repair scope, and regional labor rates. Most repairs land in a few hundred dollars, but price variability means budgets can swing based on parts needs and difficulty. Shopping around for an itemized estimate and asking about labor time can help you avoid surprises and find the best value.

Is it worth fixing a valve cover gasket?

A faulty valve cover gasket is not a problem that will leave a vehicle stranded at the roadside. However, at the same time, you can't afford to ignore it for long. After a few dozen miles, the fault will begin to damage the engine and your maintenance costs will rise.

What year to stay away from Chevy Cruze?

The Chevy Cruze years to avoid are primarily 2011-2015, with particular issues noted for the 2013 and 2016 model years, due to common problems like transmission failure, coolant leaks, and engine issues. The 2016 model is also mentioned for engine problems, while the 2018 year is frequently cited for engine and electrical problems.
 
This video discusses the most common problems with the Chevy Cruze: 58sSteeveGMTECHYouTube · Jul 22, 2025
Years with most reported problems 

• 2011–2015: This first generation is widely cited as having the most issues, including transmission failure, coolant leaks, and engine problems like cracked pistons and faulty water pumps. 
• 2016: This year is specifically called out for engine issues, potentially related to the 1.4T engine. 
• 2018: Many owners have reported engine and electrical problems with this model year, along with a specific recall for transmission fluid leaks. 

Specific issues to look out for

• Engine: Common problems include cracked pistons, faulty water pumps, and coolant leaks, particularly on 1.4T engines. 
• Transmission: Harsh shifting and complete transmission failure are frequent complaints across several model years. 
• Cooling System: Leaks from plastic cooling components, especially around the 100,000-mile mark, can lead to overheating and engine damage. 
• Electrical: Electrical system failures, including issues with the ignition, lighting, and control modules, were common in several years. 

You can watch this video to learn about common Chevy Cruze problems and fixes: 59sAJS WoodworksYouTube · May 22, 2024
How to mitigate risks

• Check the vehicle history: Always get a vehicle history report and verify that all recall work has been completed. 
• Perform a pre-purchase inspection: Have a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle before buying to identify any existing or potential problems. 
• Be aware of mileage: Many of the common failures, such as water pump failure, occur at higher mileage (around 100,000 miles). 

How much to replace valve cover gasket Chevy Cruze?

The average cost for a Chevrolet Cruze Valve Cover Gasket Replacement is between $168 and $230.

Can I drive a car with a bad valve cover gasket?

Yes you can. There's no oil pressure inside the valve covers, only splash. Someone might have to add oil to make up for loss, and it can get messy. But driving with a leaking valve cover isn't harmful to the motor.