Here Are The Chevy Cruze Years To Avoid
We've identified five Chevy Cruze years to avoid. See which years (and which Cruze years are safe to buy used) so you can focus your car search around reliability.
The Chevy Cruze is a compact car that was created as an affordable option for the average consumer. It began production in 2008 and is still in production today, serving many drivers. There are many Chevrolet models on the market, both new and used. Unfortunately, there are some Chevy Cruze years to avoid.
As with most cars, not every year of the Chevy Cruze is worth your money. It’s vital to understand which Chevy Cruze years to avoid and which ones you can feel safe investing your cash in. We here at CoPilot can help you find the Chevy Cruze that fits your life and keeps you safe on the road with minimal repairs.
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Quick Answer - Avoid Chevy Cruze Year Models 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
The Chevy Cruze began production in 2008 as an affordable vehicle, and it’s still going strong today. However, there are some distinctive Chevy Cruze years to avoid. If you want to stay safe when investing in a Chevy Cruze, stay away from the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 models of this vehicle.
The most prominent issue that arose with these cars is transmission failure and engine problems. The 2011 vehicle stands out as one of the most prominent Chevy Cruze years to avoid, bringing to light a variety of expensive issues. Steer clear of these to get a solid deal with your vehicle.
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Which Models of the Chevy Cruze Are Safe to Buy Used?
There are models of the Chevy Cruze that are a waste of money for any driver. However, there is good that comes with bad. Several Chevy Cruze models will work well for you on the road and keep you safe at the same time.
According to carcomplaints.com, the best years for the Chevy Cruze include:
- 2008 Chevy Cruze
- 2009 Chevy Cruze
- 2010 Chevy Cruze
- 2016 Chevy Cruze
- 2017 Chevy Cruse
- 2018 Chevy Cruze
- 2019 Chevy Cruze
- 2020 Chevy Cruze
- 2021 Chevy Cruze
These stand out as the best choices for the Chevy Cruze, boasting considerable features and excellent customer reviews.
Out of these vehicles, the 2016 Chevy Cruze has the most issues. The most prominent is engine problems, followed closely by electrical issues. Still, these problems seem minor in comparison to the Chevy Cruze years we recommend you stay away from for the best results.
You can feel confident selecting any of the cars listed above. Although the Chevy Cruze isn’t perfect by any means, these vehicles will impress any driver. Keep in mind the Chevy Cruze years to avoid and select one of these as your next drive.
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Which Models of the Chevy Cruze Are Not Safe to Buy Used?
If you want an incredible Chevy Cruze, any of the cars above will work well for you. However, there are still some distinctive Chevy Cruze years to avoid. It’s critical to understand what these years bring so you can keep clear from the features that might prove dangerous or costly in your life.
According to carcomplaints.com, the worst years for the Chevy Cruze include:
- 2011 Chevy Cruze
- 2012 Chevy Cruze
- 2013 Chevy Cruze
- 2014 Chevy Cruze
- 2015 Chevy Cruze
These five models have the worst issues out of everything we’ve talked about above.
The worst year is the 2011 Chevy Cruze. Customers have reported many issues with this vehicle, from transmission failure to an overall scent of antifreeze drifting through the cabin of the vehicle. It also experienced engine problems, heating and cooling errors, and interior accessory troubles, among others.
The 2012 model of the vehicle dealt with transmission and engine problems, while the 2013 possessed electrical troubles. The 2014 and 2015 Chevy Cruze models also had extensive engine issues, which can be costly.
If you want to feel secure in the model you select, stay away from these vehicles. We especially recommend avoiding the 2011 and 2012 models of the Chevy Cruze, as they’re the most faulty of all. Steering clear of these will help you save money on repairs.
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Common Chevy Cruze Problems
The Chevy Cruze compact car has significant reliability issues that every potential buyer should know. Below are some of the most common Chevy Cruze problems:
- Transmission issues: Owners of the 2011-2014 Chevy Cruze models have struggled with the car’s transmission. In some cases, the transmission reportedly refuses to shift correctly. In the 2011 model year, transmission failure is the most reported issue, which is likely to result in a replacement.
- Engine problems: Many Cruze models, particularly the 2017-2018 years, were reportedly prone to engine issues such as failure, stalling, and even smoke under the hood. Several drivers have traced the problem to a damaged cylinder that leaked oil. In some instances, metal shrapnels may also contaminate the turbo injector.
- Coolant leaks: Frustrated owners of the 2011 Cruze have complained about the smell of antifreeze leaking into the interior. Sometimes, smoke was seen coming from under the hood. Even worse, the leak would cause the engine to overheat and automatically disable the A/C unit.
- Electrical issues: These issues have caused many drivers to be unable to start their cars. Some drivers complained about faulty radios and illuminated check engine lights.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE CHEVY CRUZE
Unfortunately, not all Chevy Cruzes are reliable. In fact, many Cruze model years have a history of mechanical issues. So which is the most reliable year of Chevy Cruze?
Problem Counts By Year
More problems arise in some years than others. Seeing this data in a chart can help give you a better idea of how the Chevy Cruze years compare to each other.
According to carcomplaints.com, the data surrounding the Chevy Cruze in terms of problems reported include:
** **
This data helps visualize what’s going on with each year.
Car complaints are an excellent way to analyze how consumers feel about various years. When deciding what Chevy Cruze years to avoid, looking at reported customer problems can help you determine your best bet. This data can help you determine which vehicle will work for you.
FAQs: Chevy Cruze Years To Avoid
Q: Which year of Cruze hatchbacks are best to avoid?
A: Like its compact sedan counterpart, the Chevy Cruze hatchback has less reliable specific years. Specifically, the 2011-2015 Cruze models, whether hatchback or compact sedan, have been identified as years to avoid due to prevalent issues.
Q: Are older Chevy Cruzes good compact cars?
A: While older Chevy Cruzes offered many benefits as compact cars, certain model years, particularly from 2011 to 2015, are known for significant reliability issues. Therefore, they should be approached with caution when considering a used Chevy purchase.
Q: Which is more reliable, a Cruze hatchback or a compact sedan?
A: Cruze hatchbacks and compact sedans are generally reliable across similar model years. The choice between hatchback and sedan should be based on personal preference and lifestyle needs, as both have similar mechanical components.
Q: What are the biggest problems with the Chevy Cruze compact car?
A: Major issues for the Chevy Cruze compact car include transmission failures, engine problems, coolant leaks, and electrical issues, particularly in the 2011-2015 model years.
Q: How does the Cruze compare to other compact sedans regarding reliability?
A: While the Chevy Cruze has improved over the years, certain model years lag in reliability compared to competitors. When considering a used compact sedan, it’s best to research and compare specific model years.
Are Chevy Cruzes typically reliable?
If you avoid certain model years, then the Chevy Cruze can be considered reliable. But you’ll need to know which ones. In short, skip the entire first-generation (2011-2015). You can learn more about the details in this article that covers the Chevy Cruze years to avoid. That leaves only a few model years as the more reliable choices.
How much does a used Chevy Cruze typically cost?
You can find a used Cruze for as little as $2,500, but this will be from its early years (the Cruze began U.S. production in 2011). These older examples have poor reliability (hence, the low price). You’ll want a newer Cruze if dependability is important. The 2019 Cruze (its last year in the U.S.) has a typical asking price of $17,328, based on CoPilot Price Pulse information. This figure includes a 41% premium due to tight supply in the used car market.
Is the Chevy Cruze a good car to purchase?
It depends. Buy the wrong Cruze model year, and you’ll have headaches and repair bills in the future. Yet, that leaves only a few options. Read the full story on the most reliable model years of the Chevrolet Cruze.
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