What is the recall on the Chevy Cruze water pump?
There isn’t a single, universal recall for the Chevy Cruze water pump. Across years and engines, multiple recall campaigns have addressed water-pump issues, and the exact remedy depends on your car’s VIN, model year, and engine.
This report outlines how water-pump recalls have appeared on the Cruze, what remedies have been offered, and how owners can verify eligibility. The information reflects current recall listings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and General Motors up to today.
Background on Cruze water-pump recalls
Water-pump related recalls have generally targeted coolant leaks, pump seal failures, overheating risks, and related cooling-system components. The Cruze generation spans several engines, including the 1.4L turbo and the 1.8L, among others. Each recall campaign has its own remedy and eligibility window, so the exact action depends on model year and VIN.
Common remedies in campaigns
Before looking at specifics, note that typical remedies in these campaigns have included replacing the water pump assembly, replacing related cooling components, flushing and refilling coolant, and sometimes software updates.
- Replacement of the water pump assembly due to leakage or wear
- Replacement or inspection of the thermostat and cooling hoses
- Coolant flush and refill to restore proper cooling system function
- Engine control software updates in some cases
These items illustrate typical actions but the actual remedy depends on the specific campaign applicable to your car.
How to verify if your Cruze is affected
To determine whether a recall applies to your vehicle, use official VIN-based lookups and contact a Chevrolet dealer for confirmation and service scheduling.
VIN-based recall check
Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the official recall databases to see active or completed campaigns specific to your car. The VIN is the most reliable way to confirm recall eligibility.
- Use the NHTSA recall site and enter your VIN to view all campaigns associated with your Cruze
- Review each recall's description to see whether it involves the water pump, cooling system, or related components
In all cases, you should verify with official sources to determine if a recall affects your vehicle and what the remedy entails.
Dealer verification and service options
You can also verify recalls by contacting your local Chevrolet dealer or using GM's Owner Center to search by VIN and schedule service if needed.
- Call or visit a dealer with your VIN to confirm recall applicability
- Ask for an appointment to inspect the cooling system and conduct any required repairs at no charge if the recall is active
These checks ensure you receive the correct remedy under the recall terms and avoid unnecessary service charges if the work is not required.
What to expect if a recall is active
The typical remedy includes replacing the water pump assembly and inspecting or replacing cooling-system components. You may also receive a coolant flush and refill, and possibly a software update. The service is usually performed at no cost to the owner when the recall is active and within coverage.
Summary
There isn’t a single Chevy Cruze water-pump recall; multiple campaigns have addressed water-pump issues across different model years. Because recalls are vehicle-specific, verify status using your VIN via NHTSA and GM to learn the exact remedy and eligibility. If a recall is found, contact a Chevrolet dealer promptly to schedule service at no charge.
What is the recall on the water pump on a 2014 Chevy Cruze?
There is no specific, formal "recall" for the 2014 Chevy Cruze water pump, but GM issued a service bulletin for a potential coolant leak from the water pump on 1.4L engines, which can lead to overheating. This service bulletin may have an extended warranty for replacement if the leak is from the weep reservoir or shaft seal. To check for recalls or other safety notices affecting your specific vehicle, use your VIN on the Chevrolet website or Safercar.gov.
What to do
- Check for recalls: Go to the Chevrolet or NHTSA website to check for any recalls specific to your vehicle's VIN.
- Check for service bulletins: See if your vehicle is covered by the service bulletin (SB-10079524) that addresses the potential water pump leak in 1.4L engines.
- Contact a dealer: If your vehicle is affected, contact an authorized Chevrolet dealer for the necessary repair, as recall-related repairs are typically free.
- Know your warranty: Recall repairs are generally free. However, repairs for issues with vehicles older than 10 years may be outside the statute of limitations and may not be covered.
Potential issues and symptoms
- Coolant leak: A leak from the water pump weep reservoir or shaft seal can cause a drip on the engine or the ground.
- Overheating: The loss of coolant can lead to engine overheating, which may trigger dashboard warnings like "Service Engine" or "Engine Hot".
- Reduced engine power: Overheating can lead to a reduction in engine power.
How much does it cost to replace a water pump in a Chevy Cruze?
A Chevy Cruze water pump replacement costs between approximately $375 and $1,628, depending on the model year, engine type, and where you have the service done. The higher end of this range is often seen in dealer repairs, while the lower end is possible with aftermarket parts and independent shops. The labor involved is a significant factor, as accessibility can vary, increasing or decreasing the time and cost of the job.
Factors affecting cost
- Vehicle age and engine: Costs vary significantly based on the specific year and engine in your Cruze. For example, a 2018 Cruze with a 1.4L turbo engine might cost around $1,181 to $1,628, while a 2013 model with a 1.8L engine could be closer to $718 to $1,000.
- Part type: The cost of the water pump itself can vary. Dealer parts are often more expensive but come with a manufacturer's warranty.
- Labor costs: Labor is a major component of the total cost. The time required to replace the pump depends on its location, as some are more difficult to access than others.
- Labor rate: Hourly rates for mechanics can vary significantly between dealerships, independent shops, and DIY labor.
Cost breakdown examples
- 2016 Chevrolet Cruze: A range of $375 to $787.
- 2017 Chevrolet Cruze: A range of $969 to $1,077 at a dealership.
- 2018 Chevrolet Cruze (1.4L Turbo): A range of $1,181 to $1,628.
- DIY (Do-It-Yourself): Potentially under $200 for the parts, but requires mechanical skill.
What to do
- Check warranty: See if your water pump is still covered under a warranty, as some models have an extended warranty for up to 10 years or 200,000 km.
- Get multiple quotes: Contact both dealerships and independent mechanics for price estimates to compare costs.
- Consider DIY: If you are comfortable with car repairs, replacing the water pump yourself can save on labor costs.
How to know if a Chevy Cruze water pump is bad?
What are 3 ways you can tell if a water pump is bad? Leaking or residue from the front of the engine, overheating, and whining or squealing noises from the engine can indicate a bad water pump.
Is there a recall on Chevy Cruze coolant leaks?
There is no single, overarching recall for a universal Chevy Cruze coolant leak, but there have been service bulletins and recalls for specific models and components, particularly the 1.4L engine in the 2011-2014 models. The most common issue is a coolant leak from the water pump, which can lead to engine overheating and can also cause a bad odor inside the cabin.
This video explains the most common coolant leaks in Chevy Cruze: 59sOne Trick TechnicianYouTube · May 4, 2025
Common causes and symptoms
- Water pump: Leaks often originate from the water pump's weep reservoir or shaft seal, causing drips on the engine or ground.
- Other components: Leaks can also come from hoses, the coolant reservoir, or even internal engine issues like a failing head gasket.
- Odor: A common complaint is a bad, sweet-smelling odor inside the cabin, which happens when leaking antifreeze vaporizes on the hot engine.
- Engine overheating: Loss of coolant can lead to the engine overheating, triggering dashboard warnings and potentially reducing engine power.
- Misfires: Internal leaks (like a head gasket issue) can cause coolant to enter a cylinder, leading to misfires, rough running, and steam from the engine.
What to do if you have a coolant leak
- Check for recalls: Use your vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website to see if a recall applies to your specific vehicle. You can also check the Chevrolet website or register at Safercar.gov to receive email notifications.
- Visual inspection: Look for visible leaks around hoses, the water pump, and the coolant reservoir.
- Get a professional diagnosis: A mechanic can pinpoint the exact source of the leak, whether it's external or internal.
- Schedule repairs: If your car is affected by a recall, the repairs will be covered at no cost by a dealership. If it's not a recall issue, the dealership can still diagnose and fix it, but you may be responsible for the cost.
This video shows how to diagnose a bad head gasket: 1mRepair GeekYouTube · Mar 30, 2023
