2013 Chevrolet Cruze Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 212about this part
- Share
- 36%of 587 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,733miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 212 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, 36% of the 587 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,733 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have had an issue with the valve cover gasket needing to be replace due to oil leakage twice within a year. I will start noticing burt oil smell only on the inside of the car through the air vents. There havnt been any leakage on the ground as far as I see. This can't possibly be normal. I currently have to put my car in the shop for this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11388119, filed 2021-01, 65,000 miles“Vihicle was on freeway and heated up so bad quickly and had to pull over. . Looses coolant constantly. Part needs to be changed every couple of months. It is hard to get the part in my area and neighbor cities because it happens to a lot to different people with the same car. I am constantly fixing lines and replacing coolant every week.”
NHTSA complaint #11243267, filed 2019-08, 99,000 miles“Traction control needs servicing light came on while I was driving at 45 miles per hour, then car not running well, then engine light, engine knocking, and hardly running. Vehicle has just over 72000 miles. I have read in consumer reports that this year model has faulty pistons. This should have been a recall if they knew this engine was not built well.”
NHTSA complaint #11089682, filed 2018-04, 72,000 miles“The vehicle has been going to anti theft mode and took it in they found coolant reservoir leaking thermostat leaking along with the drive belt has coolant on it causing it to squeak according to Chevrolet car seems like when I'm driving it it feels like its moving fwd on it's on when I have my foot on brake at a complete stop. My car is at 143,000 miles on it”
NHTSA complaint #11091627, filed 2018-05, 143,000 miles“I would like to have GM look over the cooling system for the 2013 chevy cruzes. I have replaced the coolant reservoir , top hose and cap on mine. The problem im having is a leaking hose somewhere and I am smelling coolant coming through the vents when I have the AC on or off and heater the same way. Please put the cruzes on recall GM and see if anyone is having the same thing I am.”
NHTSA complaint #11067157, filed 2018-02, 100,000 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…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 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…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 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.
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 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
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 complaintsEngine cooling
24 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