Home · 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Limited · Complaints

What 585 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Limited

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (585)Crash / fire / injury (59)Engine (210)Electrical system (121)Transmission & drivetrain (112)Steering (74)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (62)Brakes (50)Airbags (49)Speed control (38)Visibility & wipers (33)Fuel system (32)

210 of 585 complaints match · Engine · clear filters · page 1 of 9

Jun 25, 2026Electrical systemBrakesEngine

Hh

NHTSA ODI 11746413

Feb 26, 2026Engine

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact felt ill and pulled over to the side of the road. The contact stated that a passerby stopped and found the contact unconscious inside the vehicle. The ambulance was called to the scene, and the contact was taken to the hospital. The doctor determined that the contact had 27% of carbon monoxide inside the body. The contact received oxygen to expel the carbon monoxide. The vehicle remained near the walking trail where the contact had pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. Prior to the issue, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and went into LIMP Mode. The contact stopped by Auto Zone for a diagnostic test. The contact was unsure what code was found. The doctor believed that the carbon monoxide poisoning was related to the vehicle. The insurance company was notified, and a claim was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11720805

Oct 17, 2025Engine

My car over heats at least over 300 degrees. Afraid that my vehicle is In danger of catching fire due to the high temperature causing tension belt and hose components to melt.

NHTSA ODI 11694002

Aug 30, 2025Engine

I’ve had the thermostat housing fail twice now. And now it leaking again for the third time!! Now the service stabilitrak light is on, but it only happens when the car is idling. This happened to me before while driving and I replaced the spark plugs and the coil pack. I know on other models the valve cover failed as well but I don’t see a recall on that, or the thermostat housing issues…. I just don’t get whyyyyy if people are having all the same issues why not recall it!!???

NHTSA ODI 11684044

Aug 11, 2025Engine

This is the second time that we have experienced over heating issues. Currently the car has been out of commission for over a year and half. Every since we purchased the car used it has over heated. The first time of course the head gasket was blown. We paid $1200 to have it fixed. Still ran hot we replaced the water pump. After a year same issues. Car has been parked as we do not have the money to repair it. I have read about 6 pages of the same complaint. I do believe that it is time for GM to issue a recall. We are currently making payments on a car that we are unable to drive. We have spent almost as much as we paid for the car. Again this is not good. Seems like this car was doomed from the start.

NHTSA ODI 11679789

May 31, 2025Engine

Unknown

NHTSA ODI 11664134

Apr 24, 2025Engine

for some strange reason the engine has 150K miles on it and has been extremely well maintained however there is oil blowby coming from the oil filler cap which coats the entire engine belts will slip and cause drivability issues this oil vapor can also coat the front wheel brake discs and soak the pads causing braking failure to occur GM said they are aware of this problem however they do not have a recall to replace the engine or causing issue with the vehicle and i would be better off buying a new GM vehicle rather then worry about this insignificant issue since no accidents have occurred I Maintain my vehicles to the gills something like this is very concerning since this is my wifes car and out child travels in this car what can the NHTSA do to make GM correct this issue on this chevy cruze?

NHTSA ODI 11656565

Apr 14, 2025Engine

Check engine light is on and the low fuel efficiency which will cause the system to fail and the vehicle to shut down while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11654444

Feb 26, 2025EngineEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the Engine Control Module (ECM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

NHTSA ODI 11645065

Nov 20, 2024Engine

I am writing to express my concern regarding a serious issue with my 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. Recently, I noticed that my car's engine was overheating, which I initially thought was due to a problem with the coolant or radiator. However, on [XXX], my vehicle suddenly broke down while I was driving on the highway. I had my car towed to a mechanic, who informed me that this particular model of the Chevrolet Cruze, specifically from the years 2011-2015, is known to have severe engine overheating problems. The mechanic also mentioned that in cases like mine, the engine is often seized and sent to the junkyard. After researching further and reading through numerous online reviews from other Cruze owners, I discovered that engine overheating is a common and recurring issue for many of them. This leads me to believe that this problem may be more widespread and could potentially be a defect in the design or manufacturing of the engine. Given the severity of this issue and the impact it has on vehicle safety, I kindly request that you consider issuing a recall for the engines in the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Cruze models, similar to the actions taken for other vehicle recalls, such as the Hyundai Sonata. I hope that Chevrolet will take steps to address this issue and ensure that owners like myself do not have to face costly repairs or the loss of their vehicle due to an engine failure that appears to be inherent in these models. I would greatly appreciate your attention to this matter and hope for a positive resolution, such as a recall or another form of support for owners dealing with this serious engine problem. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely [XXX] , [XXX] 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT Plate - [XXX] Vin - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11626368

Oct 24, 2024Engine

The engine in my 2013 chevy cruze failed due to the head gasket, and it causes the car to overheat. Chevrolet issued a recall on some 2013 and 2014 Cruze models for head gasket problems. The gasket in these models is known to fail and that can completely destroy the motor. When a head gasket fails that allows the oil and the coolant to mix; and that will destroy the lubrication in your engine and cause the engine to fail. Pepboys repair shop-- has the repair invoice.

NHTSA ODI 11621806

Jun 7, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

I own 3 Chevy Cruze, a 2012, 2013 and 2016. They all partial power down or decelerate while driving. The local Chevy dealers has no recalls for this issue or any other for that matter. Please advise

NHTSA ODI 11593075

May 20, 2024Engine

Coolant loss and overheating requiring additional coolant. Warning of possible power loss due to overheating.

NHTSA ODI 11589706

May 17, 2024SeatsEngine

I'm looking into purchasing a Chevy Cruze 2013 Lt from a friend. I am researching and noticing some issues and recalls. I was wondering if this statement is true. Could you let me know more information about this? Thank you for your time. The issues I'm seeing are the turbocharge and coolant at the moment.

NHTSA ODI 11589343

May 12, 2024SteeringElectrical systemEngineFire

Car caught on fire under hood

NHTSA ODI 11588307

Apr 16, 2024Engine

Everything thing on this engine has failed. Oil and coolant leaks just keep happening now the head gasket started leaking.

NHTSA ODI 11583338

Jan 28, 2024Engine

2013 chevy cruze has so many coolant leaks coming from different locations. This vehicle should be on recall for this major problem. It is basically a lemon but doesn't quite meet requirements for lemon. So close though

NHTSA ODI 11568380

Jan 24, 2024SuspensionEngine

There is a leak that is causing the coolant reservoir tank to empty every couple of days. It appears that the coolant fumes are going inside the car. It has been taken to the repair shop on several occasions and has had the coolant reservoir replaced. However, the problems persists and the coolant fumes are making me ill from inhaling them. The car was taking in to a Chevrolet dealer December 2023 for an oil change and the service technician stated my car was “fine”. I asked about any possible leaks as I have observed spots in my parking spot. He assured me there were no problems with my car, but I persisted. He printed the service log and he determined the staff who completed the oil change had in fact noticed a leak, but the guy at the desk assured me there was not a problem. A few weeks have gone by and coolant continues to leak and the fumes are getting inside the cabin of the car. They are most noticeable when use the heater or the AC and the fumes can also be observed when I exit the car.

NHTSA ODI 11567402

Jan 10, 2024Electrical systemEngine

Vehicle, when parked in garage with key in the ignition, will start all by itself. There have been several times in the past when I could hear the car attempt to start itself unsuccessfully in the garage as well. I run down to remove the key from the ignition when this happens. Idling engine in an enclosed garage can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning to home owner and occupants. Removing key from ignition when parked alleviates problem however this has happened several times now both in and out of garage. One owner vehicle since new, no other keys or objects on key ring/fob when this has happened. Vehicle has 75k miles. Problem began at around 70k miles. Car has been garaged and well cared-for it’s entire life.

NHTSA ODI 11564586

Dec 5, 2023SteeringEngineFuel system

Traction control warning pops up and steering stops, even while driving. Motor shuts down and smells like fuel in water res.

NHTSA ODI 11558464

Nov 25, 2023Engine

Recall Bulletin: 14371B; water pump leaked causing a crack in the coolant reservoir, The dealership in charge of repair stated that the leak caused permanent engine damage and was now undrivable and needed a new engine. Coolant (anti-freeze) is very hazardous to your health and a coolant leak can cause your engine to overheat and cause damage to your vehicle (including reduced power to your engine). No, the temperature gauge remained at a neutral to cool temp at all times, despite the dealership claiming that the engine was running hot and therefore causing the damage (engine damage = unable to retain pressure).

NHTSA ODI 11556749

Oct 9, 2023Engine

The car overheated in the Spring of 2023 and was towed to a repair shop. The shop determined the thermostat went bad. It was replaced. The car broke down on the interstate on October 1 and had to be towed again. The shop determined the head gasket had blown due to coolant and oil mixed in cylinders. They advised the head gasket could be sent to a machine shop to repair (at a cost of $3k), but no guarantee it won't happen again due to the history of the 2013 Chevy Cruze engines. The recommended replacing the engine instead at a cost of $6,000.

NHTSA ODI 11549062

Aug 29, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The Water pump failed causing my car to almost stall out and overheating losing power and almost causing me to get hit

NHTSA ODI 11541330

Aug 28, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the RPM was rising. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and suggested a full diagnostic test be performed. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11541116

Aug 17, 2023Engine

Was driving engine started to rattle, smoke out the tail pipe, check engine came on with a code that reports a rattle, with loss of engine power in the middle of the road nearly causing an accident. Mechanic reported internal engine failure. Oil and timing belt was change recently at direction of the maintenance schedule.

NHTSA ODI 11539131

Older →

Working with the data? Download all 585 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 26, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Limited verdict →