2011 Chevrolet Cruze Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 5%of 732 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 26,206miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 5% of the 732 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 26,206 miles. 4 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.
“When my car is in park, and I take it out of park to accelerate, the engine revs up and it jumps out of gear. If I am sitting idly at a stop light, it does the same thing. I have taken it to the dealership and they told me; after performing all the required test, nothing was wrong with it. If I am turning and once I accelerate after the turn, it looses power.”
NHTSA complaint #10520304, filed 2013-06, 44,221 miles“While driving 45miles an hour the A/C shut off and the speed was replaced by an error that showed that the A/C was shutting down due to engine levels. However the level was not high. The check engine light came on. I took the car into the dealership however they are unable to pin point the problem or determine the code for the light. The vehicle will not pass inspection and therefore I am unable to drive the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10608143, filed 2014-07, 28,686 miles“I was driving at 30 MPH and looking to change lanes. I backed off the throttle to let one car pass. Just when there was an opening in traffic and I was ready to accelerate, the computer took full control of the vehicle. The vehicle downshifted to first gear and rapidly slowed to 10 MPH. At this point there was no longer an opening in traffic and I had to come to a complete stop in the middle of the road and wait for another opening in traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10415920, filed 2011-07, 200 miles“When using the heater in my Cruze there is an odor of antifreeze inside the cab. When the heater is used for more than 10 - 15 minutes at a time, the odor got so strong that it caused headache, dizziness, and nausea. I took the car in for repair and was informed that GM had sent a memo because it was a common problem. They performed the repairs recommended by GM which was to replace weatherstripping around the heater core and replace a tube at the overflow tank. …”
NHTSA complaint #10483702, filed 2012-11, 20,000 miles“Once again my car has an engine cooling problem. This is the 2nd time this happened, the first was about 2 months ago. I was driving the car and the fan was making a loud noise, check engine light came one I called onstar asap they verified I was correct and sent a tow truck to pick up my car. I smell antifreeze all the time in the car and they antifreeze just disappears the dealership does not know where it's going. I'm seriously thinking about trading in my Cruze because of these problems, which never get fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10475871, filed 2012-09, 26,400 milesRelated recalls
- 12V288000Jun 22, 2012General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through may 31, 2012. Spilled or…Covers: Chevrolet Cruze 2011–2012
Related service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10250505Feb 7, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10250503Feb 7, 2024This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10250272Jan 30, 2024This service bulletin provides a information and diagnostic steps/tips for vehicles that are slow to heat up in cold temperatures.
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10247192Dec 8, 2023This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10244273Oct 6, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
257 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
193 complaintsElectrical system
96 complaintsOther or unknown
80 complaintsElectronic stability control
75 complaintsBrakes
74 complaintsVehicle speed control
70 complaintsSteering
48 complaintsFuel system
43 complaintsAir bags
40 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 28, 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