The 2013 Chevy Cruze is prone to overheating and there is always a coolant leak or something related to the coolant/antifreeze that is leaking or not correct. My Chevy Cruze has been leaking coolant profusely and so has my friends who had a Chevy Cruze as well. It is truly a pain to continuously refill the coolant so that the vehicle will not overheat. A recall needs to be in place immediately. I’ve heard this same story on Chevy Cruze a way too many times.
2013 Chevrolet Cruze complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2013 record →
The 2013 Chevy Cruze is prone to overheating and there is always a coolant leak or something related to the coolant/antifreeze that is leaking or not correct. My Chevy Cruze has been leaking coolant profusely and so has my friends who had a Chevy Cruze as well. It is truly a pain to continuously refill the coolant so that the vehicle will not overheat. A recall needs to be in place immediately. I’ve heard this same story on Chevy Cruze a way too many times.
The contact leased a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an alert appeared on the instrument panel indicating that the engine had overheated and to stop the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle and waited for approximately 10 minutes; however, after starting to drive, the warning light returned. The contact stated that smoke started coming from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the thermostat housing and coolant hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
I purchased 2013 chevy cruze in 2021. Starting with steering going out, all electrical power is affected. Radio comes on and off. Light comes on to check stab trak. Engine started while key in ignition but I wasn't in car. I can't afford to get a different car now a days. I'm disabled and need this car to get to my Dr appts But I'm afraid the vehicle will kill me, someone or worse. This vehicle needs a very very serious recall to fix this before someone is killed. That won't work!! FIX IT PLEASE I BEG YOU!!!
I have a blown gasket which is causing my engine to run hot which i can’t afford because the cost of fixing is very high , Also could cause my transmission to blow , car constantly runs hot, also jerks very hard
Valve cover gasket had to be replaced at about 65,00 miles. Multiple leaks from various locations Water pump leaked engine coolant aat 75,000 miles.
My coolant is leaking again. I have been having headache. I didn’t know that it was leaking again. I repaired last before this incident. Nov 2021. Something is wrong.
I have replaced the pvc valve cover 3times and the engine coolant housing 4 times with in 2years. The vehicle still leaks coolant even though all hoses connections and reservoir has been replaced. The ground cable has been replaced twice. The car warning dash comes on saying "service traction control" abs? The radio shuts off as well as all stereo lighting. When vehicle is at a stop it sometimes kicks, I thought I got tapped from the back that's how much of a jolt it does but no vehicle behind me. It's also sluggish when taking off.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while her daughter was exiting a parking lot at approximately 5 MPH, and making a right turn, she heard a sharp cracking sound from the passenger’s front side of the vehicle. The contact stated that her daughter drove only a few feet more when the front-end lowered down to the right. The contact’s daughter stated that the passenger’s side front wheel had detached from the vehicle and was laying on the roadway. The contact stated that her daughter was not aware of any warning light being illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the half shaft had fractured, causing the passenger’s side front wheel to detach from the axle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 14V151000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that soon after she purchased the vehicle while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed a white cloud of smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed smoke by the reservoir tank. The contact also noticed a leak coming from engine. The contact then stated that she noticed a burning odor throughout the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that anti-freeze leaked from two separate unknown parts of the hose and at the same time, there was a burning odor at the rear passenger’s side tire. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger’s side brake failed and needed to be replaced. The rear passenger’s side brake was replaced however, the failure recurred three times. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a ticking sound in the engine. The check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. On a separate occasion, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact stated that another vehicle was able to jumpstart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,830.
First incident. 4 hours into 8 hour road trip. Flashing check engine light. Stabilitrack failure. Misfire codes. Took it to 4 different shops in Las Vegas Nevada. Non would complete repair. Took it to dealer in Utah hour and 45 minutes away, jerking missfires loss of power and power steering, dealer offered to do repair for 1800$ :/. Repair completed. Drove 150 miles, codes popped back up to it into mechanic, reported coolant leak and misfires, replaced ign coil. Replaced spark plugs, fixed leaks. 1400$ 6 weeks later turbo seized, misfires shaking and in ability to drive faster than 35mph loss of power steering. Excessive coolant leak, repair 1170$ 3 weeks later misfire codes, loss of stabilitrack, and tc, replaced spark plugs, car is currently all over the road, pulls left then pulls right, car vibrates terribly when 55mph+ suspension in rear is almost completely defective, I can lift the car 3” with my bare hands… over active abs. 35mph no snow or ice, new brake pads 120 miles ago. Radio will turn on and off whenever it wants while driving. Car consistory idles between 750-1300* rpm. Car clearly has no sway bars. Horrible ticking and rattling noises. Chevy please buy back my car. I am concerned about my safety on a daily. Reach out to “Carvana for invoices, and contact me for the personal repairs cost”
While driving the light came one engine overheating a/c shut off. There was a leak of coolant. I was stranded on the side of the road. We had it brought to a mechanic. They repaired the problem. Within 3 days it started again, the mechanic thought it was a faulty part so replaced it. After a week it happened again. We had it repaired again. Now 2 months later it is happening again. Once again stranded on the side of the road This has happened 4 times in 2 months and looks to be a very common issue with a simple search online. Multiple parts replaced and still stranded9
Cracks in the diaphragm may have developed in the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) pressure regulator valve . This has caused my engine to run rough , especially when idle and have the engine trouble code for the fuel trim lean (PO171) displayed . I’ve noticed this recall in other 2013 Chevrolet Cruze but there is none for my VIN.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, she noticed smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. A message indicating that coolant was overheating was displayed. The contact veered to side of the road. The contact stated that her friend's father, an independent mechanic, met her on the side of the road and upon inspecting under the hood, he noticed that coolant was leaking, and the coolant hoses were fractured. The contact was able to drive to her residence, where the coolant hoses were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred three months later. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
•Catalytic Converter and yes •It’s a health safety hazard for me and others to breathe in strong exhaustion •Yes the problem was confirmed by two •Yes the vehicle was inspected by mechanics •Yes the check engine light
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while her husband was reversing from a parking space with her in the front passenger seat, he depressed the brake pedal but the brake pedal failed to respond, causing the vehicle to continuously reverse. The contact stated that her husband continuously depressed the brake pedal until it responded; however, the vehicle hit the rear passenger side bumper of a parked unoccupied vehicle. The contact stated that it was a fender bender. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries sustained. The contact contacted the police and filed a report. The contact stated that her husband was able to continue driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated the vehicle was overheating and suddenly stalling. The contact had to wait a while for the vehicle to cool down before being able to restart the vehicle to continue driving. The contact stated that the overheating alarm and idle engine chime was audible. The contact stated that the message to turn off the A/C was displayed even though the A/C was not activated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who replaced the thermostat and 3 coolant temperature sensors and the housing. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,813.
When i turn left or right stereo shuts off all my warning lights come on and steering gos out.and sometimes it shuts down.Almost got hit a cause it did this .This is a serious safety issue.Nobody can pin point the problem.then a code says open and close drivers window.If i get killed cause this car does this .and getting worse .chevy will be sued .can you get chevy to repair this possible faulty .problem.may a recall in electric system.
My car just shut off by itself while I was driving without any warning. My check engine light isn’t on and I just got my car out of the shop a few weeks ago, so I’m not sure why this happened. It is not safe and was definitely scary, being that I am pregnant and also had daughter with me.
HVAC blend door lever, which controls the function of properly moving the air from floor to vent to defrost, broken, resulting in inability to properly switch to defrost mode for safe operation of vehicle and driver visibility. Included are pictures of manufacturer original part, and newly designed aftermarket part. While the part has been redesigned to correct the original manufacturing design (new part is GM 13263335), no recall has been issued for this matter. This poses consequences to consumers, and replacing the part requires a complete removal of the dash, at an estimated cost to consumer of $1,000, as quoted by GM dealership in Mankato, MN.
When switching between drive and reverse, the brakes stop working/lock up. This mainly occurs when parking backward or backing out of parking spot. This has caused a very minor collision with a parked car and the need to use the E-brake on multiple occasions to stop from backing into cars. I have told the dealership about the issue when I first bought the car and they were either not able to reproduce or didn't test it. It has not been inspected that I know of. There was a recall for this exact problem but it is under different VIN numbers. There were no warning lamps or messages when this problem occurs.
Hi, I have had my car for a total of 8 years so far. It was bought used, in perfect condition in the beginning. Years passed and I have gained many problems down the road. First, the valve had to be replaced, spent a little under $1K, car worked well, until it started leaking coolant. Second, the car started to jerk back if you were passing at least 60mph. You go above 65-70, the car would jerk back to where it felt as if the whole bottom of the car fell off. You could press the gas pedal and it would barely go, it felt as if you were pushing the car with your own hands from the back, as if it lost power to move forward. Third, why does my coolant leak? Why is it that I have to put coolant in it at least every other week? The fan is EXTREMELY loud as well, as if it's overheating.
Vehicle overheats and cuts off. Vehicle does not retain coolant Vehicle does not accelerate. Throttle body has been changed 2x in 6 months. My daughter has been left in the dark while vehicle sparked while overheating.
Since June 2021 have had this car in to the mechanic 7 times for engine coolant system. Each time it has been replace. Just 2 weeks ago it started to buck while driving. No matter what speed I am at. There are times where I am at a red light and it acts like it wants to stall out. When I proceed to go from a red light there are times where it takes a few seconds before it actually starts to go while the gas pedal is pressed.
I just bought the car and it is over heating and the turbo is acting up high RPMs and not shifting correctly and shakes at 60 mph
ENGINE OVERHEATING, LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, COOLANT LEAKING, CAR WAS REPEATEDLY TRYING TO START ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT PRESSING THE START BUTTON OR HAVING FOOT ON BREAK (I WAS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE), SOUNDS LIKE IT STARTS TO CRANK OVER BUT WON'T START, DRAINED BATTERY COMPLETELY. MANY OTHERS WITH SAME MODEL AND YEAR HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THIS CAR
The car overheated constantly and was taken to a mechanic everytime. Mechanic tried a few things and to no avail. Warped head replaced and it continued to do it. Replaced the entire motor and the second motor now wont even start after it overheated. We had many people look at it and no one could figure out what the problem was. The car would turn off at times or lock up and you would have to pull off road https://www.cruzetalk.com/threads/engine-overheating-coolant-engine-not-starting.123329/ https://repairpal.com/have-2013-chevy-cruze-car-overheated-last-night-wont-start-help-please-593 https://www.vehiclehistory.com/questions/what-are-some-of-the-2013-chevy-cruze-overheating-problems-230053 https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/cruze/2013/consumer-reviews/ According to a ranking of 87 Chevrolet generations by their reliability ratings on ChevroletProblems.com, the first-generation Chevy Cruze sedans from 2011 to 2015 ranked dead last. What Chevy Cruze problems make this car the worst Chevrolet model to buy? https://www.motorbiscuit.com/why-the-cruze-is-the-worst-chevy-vehicle-to-buy/ "Coolant leaks related to engine and lower transmission. Found immediately after warranty ran out. Later incident, coolant reservoir emptied resulting from a leak." Anonymous, WI (2013 Chevrolet Cruze LS 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/cruze/2013/reliability/#body_integrity
Thermostat housing has been replaced 4 times, it is still over heating and wont allow ac to work. That keeps the fan running nonstop. As soon as its replaced it burns out in 1 day.
With no warning my car started to overheat while traveling home from the Eden rest stop in NC two weeks ago. I have replaced my thermostat and radiator/overflow cap. I never had any warning to let me know that my car was starting to overheat. My check engine light never came on! And my car just shut off on me when leaving work this afternoon in the middle of 5 o’clock traffic on Eastchester Dr in High Point, NC. I noticed that I had no coolant and there was no sign of leaks anywhere!
MULTIPLE INCIDENTS OF OVERHEATING SPANNING OVER THE PERIOD OF A FEW YEARS NOW: WATER PUMP, COOLANT HOUSING, VALVE COVER GASKET, AND MOST RECENTLY TURBO CHARGER COOLANT LINES HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED. HAVE NOT CONTACTED MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THE INFORMATION EVERYWHERE SAYS THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS OBVIOUSLY VERY COMMON PROBLEM! DOESN'T SEEM FAIR AT ALL. THIS ISSUE HAS LEFT ME STRANDED IN TRAFFIC, ON SIDE OF HIGHWAYS, HAVING TO CALL SOMEONE COUNTLESS TIMES, NOT TO MENTION THE REPAIR AND ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION FEES. I MEAN, WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE SOMETHING IMPORTANT ENOUGH TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR?!?!!
Water pump, cooling system. There’s a recall on this system already but not for my vin. The service bulletin describes 100% off issues im having yes manufacture will not help because my vin isn’t attached to service bulletin. Car over heat constantly, I’ve pretty much replaced the entire cooling system twice now. Airbags also faulty. The entire passenger side of vehicle was hit by fedex truck not long after being rear-ended and an adjuster claiming car 95% totaled,( yet still ended up rebuilding it) no airbags deployed in both situations
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the Blind Spot Detection system failed to recognize another vehicle while switching lanes. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing both side detection systems to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact stated that the side detection system warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and also made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated in 2020 he took the vehicle to Uptown Chevrolet (1101 E Commerce Blvd, Slinger, WI 53086: (262) 297-4471) and also made them aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure also affected the rear camera and there were multiple warning lights illuminated. The contact stated he had the vehicle repaired approximately 8 times in total. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Vehicle is consistently overheating and needing replacement parts to prevent overheating. Sept 2019 Chevy replaced the water outlet housing. June 2020 Chevy replaced the water pump because car was overheating Now the head gaskets are damaged and car is unuseable. Vehicle is consistently overheating every year and needed repairs. Vehicle does fit the criteria for 2013-2014 Chevy Cruze recall, however the car does not have a turbo engine.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the defroster became inoperable while driving in inclement weather. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,775. The VIN was not available.
Complete engine failure whole driving under normal conditions. Vehicle had all old changes. Engine blown at 98452 miles
Countless oil leaks - replaced the valve cover /gasket and solenoids and countless other parts to stop the oil leak when it was coming from the intake manifold PVC system - I even replaced the turbocharger.
The car keeps telling me it’s overheating but it is not and it’s leaking out antifreeze
After MANY repairs, kept my car WELL maintained. I've had MANY issues with the thermostats (replaced over 5 times) replaced sensors multiple times, replaced hoses and belts according to manufacturers recommendation. Replaced the valve cover. I now have a blown head gasket. I never drove my car without coolant, car had not overheated but the head gasket blew.
I bought this car approximately three months ago. It was a huge financial decision but one that had to be made for the safety of myself and my daughter. After doing much research there were no major mechanical recalls and the safety ratings were good so it seemed to be a reliable and safe choice. I was getting home one afternoon and when I put the car in park, smoke just started billowing out from under the hood. So I went to take a look and there was fluid leaked everywhere. At first I thought it was oil as I had just had my oil changed so I took it back to the mechanic for further inspection and he informed me it was the coolant outtake housing. He even said to me that they get so many cars like mine, Chevy Cruz’s, that come in with the same issue. I would also like to mention that when I bought the car it only had 62,000 miles and when this occurred it was at about 71,000. So I went online to do some research about the part and cost of labor and came across so many of the same complaints. There were even posts about this part on a discussion board on the GM website.
The contact was riding in a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while the driver was driving at an unknown speed, the driver crashed into another vehicle from the driver's side to the other vehicle's rear passenger side due to unable to focus. The contact mentioned the front passenger and the front side passenger air bags were the only air bags that deployed. The contact stated that she was the only one who sustained right wrist, thumb, and burnt arm injuries that needed medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The contact was aware that the vehicle was damaged. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was informed the air bags were Takata air bags and the injuries were caused by the air bags. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON STATING ISSUE WITH TURBO. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE YET GM IS COVERING SOME BUT NOT MINE. PER GM MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL YET I AM HAVING THE ISSUE.
The vehicle keeps going to A/C off due to vehicle running hot. I've gone to the dealer and various shops had the water pump, hoses, outlet housing, thermostat replaced. I still smell coolant leaking and burning off when I open the hood I see the engine and catalytic converter wet and drying off as the wetness evaporates; the smell stays inside the car. The effects of smelling coolant has to be toxic, has any studies been done on long term effects of smelling coolant? I spend a minimum of 3 hours a day in traffic. The problem started around 100k. I also have oil leaking on right axel and somewhere on the engine. I've noticed the1.4l turbo has the same problems why are there recalls on the 1.4L but not the 1.8L? I'm paying out of pocket to get the same repairs done, if the vehicle is unsafe for the 1.4L it should be unsafe for the 1.8L
Air Bag passenger rear impact sensor failed. Discovered due to warning light. Component replaced at dealership. Vehicle has 25,360 miles on it.
It began raining and turned wipers on and driver side quit working and it was coming a downpour almost. I ended up bumping guard rail causing a few hundred dollars worth of damage to my car
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while at a complete stop with her foot depressed on the brake pedal, the vehicle would intermittently lurch forward without warning. The contact stated that the parking brake was activated to stop the vehicle from inadvertently moving forward. The vehicle was not taken to be serviced or diagnosed. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Chevrolet has issued a recall on the Chevy Cruze for antifreeze that has been known to leak at the thermostat housing. My is doing that which is causing it to over heat. I contact them and they said my car don have that issue mean while I drive 2 blocks it starts to over heat.
Check-engine light comes on and stays; after repairs, it keeps flashing. "Traction control" message comes on and stays on. The air conditioning system keeps warning to be turned off, and heats up the car when not turned off. The care drives and dies while driving. The transmission is not consistent, takes much more time to accelerate. Breaks and fan replaced after a year of purchased and about 1,500 dollars have just been spent in repairs and the car still gives a check-engine light, shaking and about to die. Presently not in use. The safety issues for me and my family are high. I recently had to drive it with safety lights on and below 25 miles/hr to and from the mechanic. I have taken the car before two mechanics and it is still not resolved. The car is available for inspection upon your recall.
The dealership sold my family this vehicle that has been a total loss since 2018. My understanding on why it has a green title is because someone paid out of pocket to cover the repairs. It has also been in 2 other accidents in 2020. The dealership did not make us aware of it and have been avoiding my contact.
Car is leaking oil and coolant. They are mixing and running into the engine.thermostat housing needs replaced.
TSB # 16-NA-015 ENGINE STALL OR STUMBLE,IGNITION COIL WIRE FRETTING.I CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHY THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL.OTHER THAN G.M. NOT INTERESTED IN BEING RESPONSIBLE. MY CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING AND I HAD NO BRAKES AND NO STEERING.IT DONT TAKE A LOT OF THINKING AS TO WHAT CAN AND WILL HAPPEN WITHOUT BRAKES AND STEERING.MY CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE ABOVE ISSUE WAS CONFIRMED.THE TSB WAS ISSUED 1-21-2016 AND ALL 2011-2014 MAY BE AFFECTED.PLEASE ADVISE ME WITH A FOLLOW UP ON THIS MAJOR PROBLEM. THIS IS MY SECOND REPORT ON THIS WITH NO RESPONSE.THIS WONT GO AWAY BY IGNORING THE ISSUE.LETS TAKE CARE OF THIS BEFORE ACCIDENTS.
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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
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