2011 Chevrolet Cruze Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 257about this part
- Share
- 35%of 732 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 257 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 35% of the 732 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 13 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My vehicle was recalled for the valve cover gasket which may leak oil and drop down causing a fire. I was told by the dealership that this was fixed upon taken it to a mechanic because the oil was dripping down causing smoke and the part that it was dripping on was red hot which was the coil wire. Was in fact not fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #11322420, filed 2020-04, 117,000 miles“The 'AC off due to high engine temp' warning keeps coming on, the AC won't work and the temp gauge goes back to zero. We have had the engine coolant temp sensor replaced and the radiator temp sensor replaced also and we are still having this issue! Along with the dash and power steering goes out randomly while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11337079, filed 2020-07, 160,000 miles“I just bought my Cruze and the check engine light was on due to needing a mass air flow sensor. The engine was hesitating on pulling out from red lights and stop signs, and going down the highway when you accelerate to a faster speed. So I had the sensor replaced and it did not resolve the issue, but the check engine light went out.”
NHTSA complaint #11241912, filed 2019-08, 98,000 miles“My lighting has been messed up since I bought the car. All my lights randomly dim, my break lights flicker like there is an electrical problem. My turbo has something wrong with it, but no codes. The car doesn't accelerate like it's supposed to. All this occurs when moving. Breaks obviously whenever hit the breaks.”
NHTSA complaint #11292525, filed 2020-01, 100,000 miles“The car is hesitating after stopping whether its a light or sign also has while in motion which almost got me hit! !t1here is also a burning smell at times! I have had it looked at within the month and they said it was a sensor , no-one seems to know what to do ! Bou8ght this car from honda in anderson indiana!! Its had problems the whole time I've had it1 ill never buy another Cruze”
NHTSA complaint #11383175, filed 2020-12, 89,300 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 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.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This 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…
- 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.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 5 | 22% |
| 2018 | 27 | 25% |
| 2017 | 73 | 36% |
| 2016 | 102 | 41% |
| 2015 | 99 | 39% |
| 2014 | 218 | 31% |
| 2013 | 212 | 36% |
| 2012 | 268 | 31% |
| 2011 | 257 | 35% |
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
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 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 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