What is a common problem with a 2014 Chevy Cruze?

The most commonly reported problem with the 2014 Cruze is transmission trouble—rough shifting, hesitation, or even failure in some cars—along with oil consumption and electrical glitches. These issues show up across trims and are frequently cited by owners in consumer reviews and repair data.

To understand the scope, this article surveys the recurring problems reported by owners, outlines what to look for when buying a used Cruze, and offers guidance on diagnostics and repairs. While not every car will experience these issues, they are among the most frequently mentioned in consumer feedback and service histories.

Common problems reported by 2014 Cruze owners

Below are the issues most frequently cited by owners and repair databases for the 2014 Cruze.

• Transmission problems: rough shifting, hesitation, slipping, or, in some cases, transmission failure. Some models use a 6-speed automatic or an automated manual that can be prone to abrupt shifts or limp mode.


• Oil consumption and leaks: several owners report higher-than-expected oil use, particularly with the turbocharged 1.4L engine, and occasional leaks around gaskets or seals.


• Engine misfire and rough idle: intermittent misfires or rough running, often indicated by a check-engine light and codes pointing to ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors.


• Electrical and infotainment glitches: issues with the touchscreen, Bluetooth, sensors, dashboard gauges, or battery-related electrical faults.


• Cooling system issues: leaks or failures related to the thermostat housing, water pump, hoses, or radiator components that can lead to overheating warnings if not addressed.


• Turbos and boost-related problems (1.4L turbo): occasional loss of boost, noise, or reduced power due to turbo or related sensor issues.


• Power steering and electrical assist concerns: rare instances of intermittent loss of power-assisted steering or warning lights related to electrical steering systems.

These items represent the problems most often cited in owner reports and repair data. They do not affect every 2014 Cruze, but the pattern has been persistent enough to be notable for buyers and owners alike.

What to check when buying or owning a 2014 Cruze

If you’re evaluating a used 2014 Cruze or owning one, these checks help identify common risk areas and potential fixes.

• Test-drive for transmission behavior: listen for hard or delayed shifts, shudder, or sudden RPM changes while changing gears or under acceleration.


• Review maintenance history for oil changes and any notes about oil consumption or leaks, especially on turbo models.


• Inspect the engine bay for oil leaks around the valve cover, oil pan, and turbo lines, and check for misfire-related symptoms on startup or under load.


• Scan for fault codes and vehicle history: a diagnostic scan can reveal ignition, fuel, or sensor issues not evident on a casual inspection.


• Check cooling system components: look for signs of coolant leaks, listen for worrisome sounds from the water pump, and verify that the cooling fans operate correctly.


• Verify recalls and service campaigns: use the vehicle’s VIN to check with NHTSA and GM for open recalls or previous safety-related fixes.

Thorough inspection and a complete service history, along with a VIN check for recalls, can significantly reduce the chance of buying into a persistent issue.

Diagnostics and fixes

Transmission problems

Typical fixes range from software updates and sensor/solenoid replacements to more involved repairs. If the issue is severe, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary. A qualified technician should diagnose the exact cause and advise on the best course of action.

Oil consumption and leaks

Repairs may involve fixing leaks, replacing seals or gaskets, and addressing excessive oil burn if confirmed by consumption tests. In some turbo models, valve train components or piston rings may be implicated, potentially requiring more extensive engine work.

Electrical and infotainment issues

Diagnostics often focus on wiring harnesses, fuses, battery/charging system, and control modules. Software updates or component replacements (such as infotainment head units or sensors) are common remedies.

Recalls and service campaigns

There are multiple recall campaigns for various Cruze model years. Always verify the 2014 Cruze’s VIN against official databases to identify open recalls that may address safety-critical issues and certain drivetrain or electrical concerns.

Summary

The 2014 Chevy Cruze is most commonly associated with transmission-related problems, oil consumption or leaks, and electrical glitches, with turbo models occasionally showing boost-related symptoms. While many cars perform reliably, a thorough pre-purchase check—including test-drive diagnostics, service history review, and a VIN-based recall search—can help buyers avoid or mitigate these issues. Regular maintenance and timely addressing of symptoms as soon as they appear are key to keeping a Cruze of this vintage on the road.

Is a 2014 Chevy Cruze a good car to buy?

A 2014 Chevy Cruze can be a decent car if you value a comfortable and quiet ride, a solid build, and a stylish design, especially if you can find a diesel model for its excellent fuel efficiency. However, it has potential drawbacks, including below-average performance from the gasoline engines, reliability concerns like issues with the PCV valve, and a less-than-perfect rating in certain IIHS crash tests. Ultimately, whether it's a good car depends on your priorities and the specific vehicle's condition.
 
Positives

• Comfortable and quiet ride: The Cruze is known for its smooth and refined ride, making it great for long commutes. 
• Solid build: It has a substantial, well-built feel for a compact car, and the interior is one of the quietest in its class. 
• Stylish design: Many consumers like the car's sharp and non-gimmicky interior and exterior design. 
• Fuel efficiency: The diesel model, in particular, offers excellent fuel economy, often exceeding its EPA ratings on the highway. The Eco model also provides good fuel economy. 
• Spacious trunk: It offers a surprisingly large trunk for a compact sedan. 
• High safety rating: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2014 Cruze a 5-star overall safety rating. 

Potential negatives

• Performance: Gasoline engine options have been described as having lackluster performance and some turbo lag. 
• Reliability issues: Some owners have reported problems with the PCV valve, which can cause an oil smell inside the cabin. Coolant line issues have also been mentioned. 
• IIHS rating: The Cruze received a "Marginal" rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test, so it is not eligible for an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" award. 
• Tight rear seat: While comfortable for two, the back seat can feel tight, and the middle position is not ideal. 
• Value: Some consumers have noted that value is a weaker point of the vehicle. 

What goes wrong with a 2014 Chevy Cruze?

The most common issue in the 2014 Chevy Cruze had to deal with issues in the engine. Many drivers reported extensive failure in the engine of the Cruze. Common troubles included a noisy engine system, engine misfiring, hesitation, engine light issues, rough idling and staling, and more.

What year to avoid Chevy Cruze?

Years to avoid for a Chevy Cruze include the initial 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 models due to widespread issues like transmission and engine problems, coolant leaks, and electrical failures. The 2016 model should also be approached with caution as it was the first year of a new generation and had some reliability concerns.
 
This video discusses the common problems with the first generation Chevy Cruze: 56sAlex The Car DoctorYouTube · Oct 27, 2023
Years to avoid

• 2011-2014: This first generation is plagued with issues, particularly with transmission and engine failures, coolant leaks, and electrical problems. The 2011 model is often cited as particularly problematic. 
• 2016: As the first year of the second generation, it had some growing pains and reliability issues, including problems with the redesigned Ecotec engine and overall build quality. 

Potentially problematic years 

• 2017-2018: While better than earlier years, some owners still report issues, including transmission problems, leaks, and electrical issues.
• 2013: This model year is noted for significant electrical problems with systems like tire pressure sensors and infotainment, in addition to transmission issues. 

What this means for potential buyers

• Check maintenance history: A well-maintained Cruze from one of these years might still be a good purchase, but a poorly maintained one is more likely to cause major problems down the line. 
• Inspect carefully: Be especially thorough during a pre-purchase inspection, looking for signs of the common problems listed above. 
• Prioritize later models: If possible, it is best to stick to the later models, particularly the final 2019 model year, which is generally considered the most reliable. 

What is the biggest problem with the Chevy Cruze?

wanted Talk about a common problem with the Chevrolet Cruze 1.4 turbo (a14net) A common problem with the Chevrolet Cruze is that the quarry gas system fails. The intake manifold dries out this valve, which is shown in the photo. Symptoms include fluctuating speed, loss of power, oil leaking from the cap and much more.