What year of Chevy Cruze to avoid?
When it comes to the Chevrolet Cruze, the 2011 model year is one to steer clear of. This compact car, which was introduced in 2010, faced a number of issues and problems during its second year on the market, making it a less-than-ideal choice for potential buyers.
Engine and Transmission Troubles
The 2011 Chevy Cruze was plagued by reports of engine and transmission problems. Many owners experienced issues with the car's 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, including stalling, hesitation, and a lack of power. Additionally, the six-speed automatic transmission was prone to jerky shifting and premature wear, leading to costly repairs.
Electrical and Electronic Glitches
The 2011 Cruze also suffered from a range of electrical and electronic issues. Owners reported problems with the car's infotainment system, including freezing, crashing, and loss of functionality. There were also reports of electrical gremlins, such as dashboard lights flickering, doors not locking properly, and electrical components failing unexpectedly.
Safety Concerns
In addition to the mechanical and electrical problems, the 2011 Chevy Cruze raised some safety concerns. The car received a "Marginal" rating in the small overlap front crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), indicating a higher risk of injury in certain types of collisions.
Reliability and Resale Value
The combination of these issues led to the 2011 Chevy Cruze being rated as one of the least reliable compact cars in its class. This, in turn, negatively impacted the car's resale value, making it a less attractive option for used car buyers.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2011 Chevy Cruze is a model year to avoid due to its numerous problems, including engine and transmission issues, electrical glitches, and safety concerns. Prospective Cruze buyers would be better off considering other model years or even alternative compact car options that have a stronger track record of reliability and customer satisfaction.
Should I buy a used Chevy Cruze?
Known to be Safe and Reliable
The Chevy Cruze has consistently received top safety ratings from agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. You can feel confident buying a used model knowing that the brand has an established reputation for safety.
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.
What is the lawsuit against the Chevy Cruze?
Per previous GM Authority coverage, a lawsuit filed against General Motors over an alleged emissions defeat device installed in diesel-powered Chevy Cruze units was dismissed in July 2023. Now, it appears as though the case has been closed indefinitely.
What year is a good year for Chevy Cruze?
There's a very clear dividing line in terms of value and reliability between the two Cruze generations. The later cars, built from 2016 to 2019, are much more reliable than the earlier ones, and they come with nicer features, roomier interiors, and the option of a practical hatchback body style.
What are the pros and cons of a Chevy Cruze?
Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo
Likes: Intuitive infotainment system, roomy for passengers, easy-folding rear seat. Dislikes: Few standard features, even cruise control is optional. The Cruze sedan and hatchback have nearly identical interior head- and legroom measurements.
What is the best and worst year for the Chevy Cruze?
The reliability of the Chevy Cruze varies by model year, but it has a competitive rating overall. Its best models are those from 2015 to 2019, while various issues such as transmission failures and engine problems make the 2011 to 2015 model years less desirable.
What is the most common problem with a Chevy Cruze?
The top problems that plague the Chevy Cruze include engine problems, cracked pistons, and electrical failures.
Is insurance high on a Chevy Cruze?
As of 2024, average Chevrolet Cruze insurance rates at Lemonade range from roughly $57 to $60 a month (learn more about the methodology here).
Is Cruze a high maintenance car?
The average annual repair cost is $545 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. The frequency and severity of repairs are both fairly average when compared with all other vehicles.
Is a 2015 Chevy Cruze a good car to buy?
Edmunds says. Although the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze doesn't dominate the small car class, it's on equal footing with most competitors and certainly worth a look if you're shopping for a fuel-efficient compact sedan with solid credentials in most areas.
