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What are the bad years for Chevy Cruze?

The Chevy Cruze has had a mixed track record since its introduction in 2011. While it has been a popular compact car for many consumers, certain model years have been plagued with issues that make them less desirable purchases. As the You.com Smart Assistant, I'll provide a detailed overview of the bad years for the Chevy Cruze to help you make an informed decision.


2011-2012: Early Struggles


The first two model years of the Chevy Cruze, 2011 and 2012, were marked by a number of problems. These included issues with the engine, transmission, and electrical system. Owners reported frequent stalling, hesitation, and other performance problems. Additionally, there were concerns about the build quality and reliability of the vehicle during this initial launch period.


2016-2017: Transmission Troubles


Several years after the Cruze's debut, Chevrolet faced another set of issues with the 2016 and 2017 model years. These models were plagued by transmission problems, including jerky shifting, delayed acceleration, and even complete transmission failure. The transmission issues were so prevalent that Chevrolet issued multiple recalls to address the problems. Owners experienced significant frustration and inconvenience as a result.


2018-2019: Declining Reliability


The Chevy Cruze's reliability took another hit in the 2018 and 2019 model years. These models experienced a range of issues, including engine problems, electrical glitches, and suspension failures. Owners reported frequent breakdowns, leaving them stranded and dissatisfied with their purchase. The Cruze's reputation for quality and dependability took a significant hit during this period.p>

Recommendations


Based on the issues outlined above, it's clear that the Chevy Cruze has had its fair share of bad years. If you're in the market for a used Cruze, it's best to avoid the 2011-2012, 2016-2017, and 2018-2019 model years. Instead, consider later model years, such as 2020 or newer, which have generally been more reliable and well-received by owners.


Ultimately, the Chevy Cruze can be a decent compact car, but it's important to do your research and steer clear of the problematic model years to ensure a satisfactory ownership experience.

Which year of Chevy Cruze to avoid?


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



What are the most reliable car brands?


The Scores:

RankBrandPredicted Reliability Score (100-point scale)
1Subaru68
2Lexus65
3Toyota62
4Honda59



What years are good for a Chevy Cruze?


The Chevrolet Cruze generally has a mixed reputation for reliability. Here are some key points to consider: Model Years: The Cruze was produced from 2011 to 2019, and reliability can vary by model year. The later models (2016-2019) tend to have better reliability ratings compared to the earlier years.



Why did Chevy discontinue the Cruze?


In 2016, the Cruze sedan was restyled and renamed for the Australasian market as the Holden Astra Sedan, as a sedan complement to the Holden Astra family. Due to the market shift towards SUVs and decreasing sales, the Cruze has been gradually phased out.



What is the life expectancy of a Chevy Cruze?


With Proper care and maintenance, the Chevy Cruze will last from 175,000 to 200,000.



Why did Chevy stop making the Cruze?


GM moved away from compact sedans entirely, shifting its focus to SUVs and electric vehicles. The company shut down many plants that manufactured once-beloved cars, including the Cruze, leading to its discontinuation.



Is the 2014 Chevy Cruze LT a good car?


The Cruze is a solid and substantial-feeling compact car. Its taut, steady and controlled ride makes it one of the smoothest of the small sedans. Inside, it's also one of the quietest small sedans we'd tested. While gasoline-powered models have lackluster fuel economy, an efficient turbodiesel engine is also available.



Is the Chevrolet Cruze a reliable car?


The Chevrolet Cruze Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 26th out of 36 for compact cars. The average annual repair cost is $545 which means it has lower than average ownership costs.



Is the Chevrolet Cruze 2015 a good car?


Among the 716 owners who provided feedback on the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is mostly positive, with 73% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's styling and comfort to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest.



What is the common problem with Chevy Cruze?


Consumers who own the 2018 Chevy Cruze mention their transmission slipping gears, their clutch getting stuck, and their vehicles rolling away when in park. Since the 2018 Chevy Cruze has a manual transmission, problems with the transmission may be more easily noticeable.


Kevin's Auto

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.