What year did Chevy Cruze have a backup camera?

The backup camera on the Chevy Cruze began appearing as an option with the 2012 model year in the United States, and by the mid-2010s it was widely available across more trims. By 2018, federal rules required backup cameras on all new cars, so Cruzes from 2018 onward come with a rear‑view camera as standard equipment.

The question touches on how a popular compact car evolved with one of the era’s most common safety features. The Cruze’s path mirrors broader industry shifts: early optional availability, gradual expansion across trims, and a late-2010s push to standardize rear visibility systems across all new vehicles sold in the United States. regional variations exist, and exact packaging can differ by year and market.

Timeline of backup-camera availability on the Chevy Cruze (U.S. market)

Below is a concise year-by-year outline of when a rearview camera appeared on Cruze models and when it became standard.

• 2012 model year: Rearview camera offered as an optional feature on select Cruze trims.


• 2013–2015: Availability expanded to more trims and packages, but not universal across all Cruze models.


• 2016: For many US Cruze models, the rearview camera became standard on more trims, reflecting a broader trend toward safety features becoming baseline equipment.


• 2018 model year and later: Federal safety rules required backup cameras on all new vehicles, so Cruzes sold in the U.S. from 2018 onward have a backup camera as standard equipment.

Note: Availability and standard status could vary by trim, option packages, and regional markets. Always verify with the dealer or a vehicle’s window sticker for a specific model year.

How to verify a backup camera on a used Cruze

When shopping for a used Cruze, it’s important to confirm whether the backup camera is present and functioning, especially for model years around 2012–2017 when configurations varied.

• Inspect the rearview camera lens near the license plate area for cleanliness, damage, or obstruction.


• Turn on the car, shift into reverse, and observe the infotainment display to ensure the camera feed appears and is clear with any on-screen guidelines.


• Check the owner’s manual or window sticker for confirmation of a rearview camera for that trim/year, and, if possible, verify via the vehicle’s VIN with a dealer.


• Test other related safety features in tandem, since cameras are often packaged with parking assist or display functions that may differ by year.

Careful verification helps ensure you’re getting the intended level of safety equipment, particularly for older Cruze models that predate the 2018 standardization.

Summary

In short, the Chevy Cruze offered a rearview backup camera starting as an optional feature in the 2012 US model year, with broader availability through the mid-2010s and as standard on all new Cruzes from 2018 onward due to federal safety requirements. When buying a used Cruze, confirm the camera’s presence and operation for the specific year and trim, as configurations varied before 2018.

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). 

Does a 2013 Chevy Cruze have a backup camera?

A 2013 Chevy Cruze may have a backup camera, as it was an available feature for the 2013 model year, but it was not standard on all trims. It was included with certain options packages, such as the Technology Package or the LT Driver Convenience Package, and on higher trim levels like the LTZ. 
You can watch this video to see an example of a 2013 Chevy Cruze with a backup camera: 57sMills Motors Buick GMC Ltd.YouTube · Oct 10, 2017

• Check the trim and options: The availability of a backup camera depends on the specific trim level (like LS, LT, or LTZ) and whether it was equipped with optional packages. 
• Look for the display: If the car has a backup camera, it will have a touchscreen display that shows the camera feed when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. 
• Physical camera location: The camera itself is typically a small lens located on the back of the car, often above the license plate or near the Chevrolet emblem. 
• Not all models have it: Some 2013 Cruzes, even those with a touchscreen, do not have a backup camera, as it was an optional feature, not a standard one across all models. 

What year did they start putting backup cameras into cars?

The first car with the potential for a backup camera was probably the 1956 Buick Centurion concept car, with a rear-mounted camera that sent images to a dashboard screen. But it would be another 35 years before the first production model with a backup camera debuted: the 1991 Japanese-market Toyota Soarer coupe.

Does a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze have a backup camera?

Yes, the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze is equipped with a backup camera, but it was an optional feature on certain trims and not standard on all models. It was available as part of convenience or technology packages for the LT and LTZ trims.
 
You can watch this video to see how the backup camera works in a 2015 Chevy Cruze: 58sIsland FordYouTube · Sep 5, 2019

• Standard on higher trims: Some higher-end trims, such as the LTZ, came with the camera as part of a package or standard feature. 
• Optional on lower trims: On other trims like the LT, the backup camera was often included in an optional package, such as the Convenience or Technology package. 
• Location: The backup camera is typically located in the trunk lid, near the Chevrolet badge and license plate lights.