2013 Chevrolet Cruze Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 4%of 587 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,812miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, 4% of the 587 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,812 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Faulty thermostat. Fan starts running shortly after driving, temperature gauge does not register a temperature, coolant good, radiator good, oil good. Short distance later, receive a message A/C off due to high engine temp . Called my dealership and they informed me that they replace thermostats in Cruze vehicles all of the time due to this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10587425, filed 2014-05, 37,623 miles“2013 chevy Cruze 1lt with the 1.4 turbo engine. I have actually owned two of these cars, the first was a 2011. The complaint is about both and I suspect is the same in every one of these cars that have the 1.4 turbo. My complaint is about a possible health hazard with these vehicles. They emit antifreeze fumes constantly and GM is now claiming that this is normal and they will not fix it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10577508, filed 2014-04, 15,000 miles“I have always smelled something strange circulating in my car ever since I first drove it. .my mother (who has a 2012 chevy cruise) was riding in my car and asked me what the smell was and I told her that it has always smelled like that. I realized that it isn't a normal smell and realized that it is most likely a engine coolant smell and my be unhealthy to be breathing. Brother has a 2014 chevy cruise , we are big fans of the cruise and I am disappointed to be reporting this.”
NHTSA complaint #10703723, filed 2015-04, 800 miles“I live in a cold climate. While driving I get a very strong odor of anti-freeze or motor fumes that are inside the cab of the vehicle. It doesn't matter if the heater fan is on or off, the odor still gets inside the car. I have had it to the chevy dealer that I purchased the car from and was first told there was nothing wrong. The second time they replaced the inside cab filter, which isn't covered by the warranty, and it still smells. My commute to work is 1 hour and within 10 miles I have been getting sick to my stomach and headaches. …”
NHTSA complaint #10585189, filed 2014-04, 19,000 miles“I purchased my vehicle in sep 2013, approx nov 2013 I began having a horrible strong odor coming from my vehicle. We searched to see if an animal was in it. I thought maybe it was my son's feet & made him change socks. It got worse & was really strong when defrost, heat & vent were on. I took it in to the dealership & they looked at it, of course that day they couldn't get the smell to occur although it did on the way there. I went a couple more weeks & it got worse. Finally, I took the car in for oil maintenance & advised again that the smell was horrible. …”
NHTSA complaint #10652703, filed 2014-11, 600 milesRelated 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 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
212 complaintsElectrical system
122 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
113 complaintsOther or unknown
78 complaintsSteering
74 complaintsElectronic stability control
62 complaintsBrakes
50 complaintsAir bags
49 complaintsVehicle speed control
39 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
33 complaintsFuel system
32 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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