2011 Chevrolet Cruze Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 75about this part
- Share
- 10%of 733 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,932miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 75 complaints about the brakes of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 10% of the 733 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,932 miles. 13 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving in a 25 MPH speed limit zone and when coming to a stop sign I was unable to apply the brakes as they would not go down and rode completely through an intersection. Thankfully I was able to get the vehicle to a stop after and apply the brakes with no accident or injury.”
NHTSA complaint #11063388, filed 2018-01, 96,000 miles“I bought the 2011 Chevrolet cruz in 2014, I used the car primarily for work so throughout the first few years I didn't notice anything strange as it remained parked most the time. When I did start driving it as a primary vehicle the first issue I had was the clutch and gear system seemed to be touchy when the car was in park, resorting to me using the emergency brake every time I would park it. At the time it didn't seem to be a big issue as it became a habit. …”
NHTSA complaint #11080755, filed 2018-03, 140,000 miles“I had noticed that my brakes were soft when stopping prior to this incident but had no success in determining the cause. Two times now, I was backing out of a parking spot and the car would not stop for at least 3-5 seconds after I applied complete pressure to the brakes. Fortunately, I had plenty of room behind me and there was no oncoming traffic either time. The brakes are still soft on stopping while in drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10649623, filed 2014-10, 36,000 miles“Backing out of drive down hill brakes got real hard, did stop after pushing hard. Also going down hill pushed brake didn't want to stop. We already had the micro switch replaced in feb of 2014.this happened after that .the dealership when we took it in said that was not covered.”
NHTSA complaint #10615367, filed 2014-07, 48,545 miles“Three weeks ago, I started hearing a noise from the back left tire. Two days ago the esp and traction light went on as well as the brake fluid light. Everything just started hitting at the same time. I think the car is rigged to have everything go bad once the warranty period is up. Would like to know if this is covered since so many people are having problems with it. I can't afford to fix it but this is my only means of transportation.”
NHTSA complaint #10672050, filed 2015-01, 69,900 milesRelated recalls
- 13V360000Aug 15, 2013General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with 1.4L DOHC gasoline turbo engines and 6T40 front wheel…Covers: Chevrolet Cruze 2011–2012
Related service bulletins
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 10253061Mar 4, 2024This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel…
- 10222777Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 13% |
| 2018 | 13 | 12% |
| 2017 | 19 | 9% |
| 2016 | 19 | 8% |
| 2015 | 18 | 7% |
| 2014 | 31 | 4% |
| 2013 | 50 | 9% |
| 2012 | 150 | 17% |
| 2011 | 75 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
257 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
193 complaintsElectrical system
96 complaintsOther or unknown
80 complaintsElectronic stability control
75 complaintsVehicle speed control
70 complaintsSteering
48 complaintsFuel system
43 complaintsAir bags
40 complaintsEngine cooling
39 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology